Written Answers

6 May 2015 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 8, inclusive, answered orally.

06/05/2015WRA00300Social Welfare Appeals Waiting Times

06/05/2015WRA004009. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the timeframe for processing appeals relating to family income supplement and one-parent family payments; the options or bridging payments that will be available to those who find themselves in a situation where they are awaiting an appeal when their payment is stopped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17278/15]

06/05/2015WRA00500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The annual report of the Social Welfare Appeals Office was published last month and shows that the total number of appeals on hands for all schemes at the end of 2014 continued to fall to just over 9,600 or a reduction of 35% year on year.

I am advised by the Appeals Office that the current average time taken to decide family income supplement appeals decided on a summary basis is 20.7 weeks and 25.5 weeks for oral hearing, down from peaks of 30.7 weeks and 41 weeks, respectively, in 2013.

The corresponding current average processing times for one parent family appeals is 27 weeks and 38.5 weeks respectively, down, in the case of oral appeals, from 57.5 weeks in 2011.

Processing times are calculated from the appeal registration date to the date of finalisation. This includes time spent awaiting clarification from the appellant and time in the Department for review and preparation of its appeal submission. The system is flexible and accessible and allows multiple reviews and submissions of fresh evidence at all stages. For logistical reasons the process takes longer when an oral hearing is required.

Significant effort and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeals process to manage the significant increase in its workload since 2009, while, at the same time, ensuring that quality and fairness are not compromised. In addition to the introduction of a new operating model, the appeals officer cadre increased to 41 officers in the last four years.

Any person whose means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting an appeal decision may apply for supplementary welfare allowance. This means-tested payment is the “safety net” within the welfare system providing assistance to eligible people in the State. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance to persons in need who do not qualify for social welfare payments under any other scheme. 1 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA00600Work Placement Programmes

06/05/2015WRA0070010. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons employed on Gateway schemes by local authorities; and if she will provide a breakdown of the number, for each county and city council. [15621/15]

06/05/2015WRA00800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): As the Deputy will be aware, Gateway is a County and City Council work scheme which aims to provide short- term quality and suitable work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than 24 months. Participants benefit by being involved in work. They improve their work readiness and are able to apply their existing skills and learn new ones. The scheme is also intended to assist the personal and social development of participants with the objective of bridging the gap between unemployment and re-entering the workforce.

Funding of the order of €22.4m is being provided in the Department’s Vote in 2015 to cover placements under the scheme.

Gateway was introduced in line with the commitments set out in the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work and the overall aim is to provide 3,000 work placement opportunities. While progress was initially slow, I am delighted to confirm that over 70% of the placements available have now been taken up. As of Friday, 24th April, there were nearly 2,100 participants on the scheme and I want to commend all the local authorities for the work they have done in getting the scheme up and running over the past few months.

The number of participants on the Gateway scheme in each city and county council as of 24th April last is set out in a table.

County/City Council Participants on Gateway for week ended 24/04/15 Carlow Co Co 41 Cavan Co Co 27 Clare Co Co 45 Cork City Co 104 Cork Co Co 158 Donegal Co Co 26 Fingal Co Co 206 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Co 70 Dublin City Co 42 Galway City Co 38 Galway Co Co 57 Kerry Co Co 69 Kildare Co Co 51 Kilkenny Co Co 44 Laois Co Co 29 Leitrim Co Co 45 Limerick Co Co 109 Longford Co Co 5 Louth Co Co 73 Meath Co Co 110 Monaghan Co Co 46 2 6 May 2015 County/City Council Participants on Gateway for week ended 24/04/15 Mayo Co Co 92 Offaly Co Co 48 Roscommon Co Co 52 Sligo Co Co 35 South Dublin Co Co 153 Tipperary Co Co 56 Waterford 80 Westmeath Co Co 78 Wexford Co Co 28 Wicklow Co Co 76 Total 2,093

06/05/2015WRA00900One-Parent Family Payment Payments

06/05/2015WRA0100011. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the options available to lone parents facing transition into jobseeker’s benefit this year, who, if they are unable to afford child care, must drop their children to school and collect them, and cannot leave them to attend training or other supports due to expensive child care costs; if she will introduce increased access to online training and education supports for persons exiting the one- parent family payment, in view of the fact that many are still the primary carers of their children and are unable to afford child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17345/15]

06/05/2015WRA01100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): It is expected that in July the majority of lone parents who make the transition from the one-parent family payment to a jobseeker’s payment will be eligible for the jobseeker’s transitional payment as their youngest child will be under 14 years of age.

The jobseeker’s transitional payment exempts lone parents from the normal jobseeker’s conditionality of having to be available for and genuinely seeking full time employment. The jobseeker’s transitional payment also enables a lone parent to work part time without restriction, provided they satisfy the means test and to participate in education while receiving this payment. This allows these customers to balance their caring responsibilities while supporting them to engage in employment or education should they wish to participate.

Recipients of the jobseeker’s transitional payment can also apply for the SUSI grant and, if eligible, this grant is not assessed as means by the department providing the maximum benefit to customers from that financial support which may help towards childcare costs.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs provides subsidised childcare for customers on Solas or education and training boards courses under the childcare education and training support programme.

The Department of Education and Skills provide a wide range of flexible education and training options including online options. Online courses delivered by Solas are designed to give a flexible response to the specific skills needs of individuals who require training interventions with certification to assist them to re-enter the labour market. Courses are available free of charge to unemployed clients.

3 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA01200Anti-Poverty Strategy

06/05/2015WRA0130012. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that Ireland is behind on European Union poverty reduction targets, the measures her Department will take to close this gap by the end of the term of this Government. [17320/15]

06/05/2015WRA01400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Irish contribution to Europe 2020 poverty target is to reduce by a minimum of 200,000 the population in ‘combined poverty’ (i.e. either consistent poverty, at-risk-of-poverty or basic deprivation) between 2010 and 2020.

In 2013, the at-risk-of-poverty rate fell from 16.5% to 15.2%, the first reduction in three years. In comparative terms, Ireland is below the EU average and ranks 8th lowest of the 28 EU member states.

A key reason for Ireland’s low rate of income poverty is the redistributive impact of social transfers. In 2013, social transfers lifted almost a quarter of the population out of at-risk-of- poverty. Ireland is among the best performing EU member states in its policy efforts to alleviate poverty according to Eurostat data.

In Budget 2015, the Government provided an additional €160 million for welfare measures to support families and the most vulnerable. A social impact assessment of the Budget, including the water charges, found that for the first time since the economic crisis, welfare and income tax policy will result in an increase in average household incomes of 0.7% (equivalent of almost €6 per week).

Growing employment and providing the supports needed through activation to get people back to work will have a direct impact on poverty. Through Pathways to Work and the Action Plan on Jobs, the Government is putting people into real jobs. I am confident that Government policies, as set out in the Spring Economic Statement, will continue to improve income and living standards.

06/05/2015WRA01500Disability Activation Projects

06/05/2015WRA0160013. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures her Department has taken in helping persons on support schemes such as illness benefit or disability allowance to re-enter the workforce; if supports will take into account the trial and error nature of returning to a different role or a different job; her views on the genuine concerns that people will not be able to access social welfare supports, should initial efforts to return to employment fail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17280/15]

06/05/2015WRA01700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Department is committed to providing a range of supports and measures to encourage and facilitate people with disabilities to avail of employment opportunities.

For people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or illness benefit for a minimum of six months, the partial capacity benefit scheme, which was introduced in 2012, provides an opportunity to take up employment and continue to receive an ongoing portion of the weekly social welfare payment, including any increase being paid in respect of a qualified adult or qualified children. There are currently over 1,400 participants on the scheme with a budget of over €11.5 million for 2015.

4 6 May 2015 The partial capacity benefit explicitly recognises and responds to the reality that some people with disabilities will have a capacity to engage in open market employment while continuing to require some income support from the State. The objective of the scheme is to incentivise such people to return to the workplace without fear of loss of their disability related social welfare benefits. If a person becomes unable to continue in employment, s/he may at any time revert to the full rate of illness benefit/invalidity pension, provided the qualifying conditions for that scheme continue to be satisfied.

Moreover, some people with a disability in receipt of social welfare income supports can work and retain a portion of their payment. For example, if a person’s doctor recommends that the work is of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature, recipients of disability allowance (DA) can work and earn €120 per week without affecting the rate of DA being paid, while if the weekly earnings are between €120 and €350, fifty per cent of the earnings will be disregarded in the DA means test.

While I appreciate concerns expressed on this matter, I can assure the Deputy that while the Department is conscious of the need to facilitate people with disabilities moving into employment where possible, access to social welfare supports will continue to be available should efforts to return to employment not work out.

06/05/2015WRA01800Child Maintenance Payments

06/05/2015WRA0190014. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of determination orders issued by the maintenance recovery unit of her Department that will be invalid after 2 July 2015; the financial loss to her Department; the reason this was not catered for in the legislation for jobseeker’s transitional payment; in view of financial cuts to working lone parents, the reason her Department is now failing to pursue liable relatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17334/15]

06/05/2015WRA02000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The issue of maintenance payments is first and foremost a private matter for the persons concerned, and if they cannot resolve the problem, for the courts through family law provisions.

The liability to maintain family provisions, contained in social welfare legislation, are separate to family law legislation. In every case where a one parent family payment (OFP) is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether he/she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of the OFP.

The issuing of a maintenance contribution assessment under the social welfare legislation does not alter an individual’s obligation to discharge maintenance payments pursuant to an order of the Court.

A liable relative is given the option to commence making payments to the OFP recipient or directly to the Department.

In 2014, the Department issued 2,586 determination orders for maintenance. As a result of the impending transfer of claimants from OFP to jobseekers transitional payments (JST), 134 of those determination orders issued to liable relatives in 2014 will no longer have a liability to the scheme from June 2015. This represents approximately 5% of the determination orders issued in 2014. As indicated at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection on 18th February, where this matter was also raised, my Department is aware of this issue and will be considering an amendment to the JST arrangements in the future to pursue these liable relatives. 5 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA02100Pensions Legislation

06/05/2015WRA0220015. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has undertaken analysis of the impact of changes to section 50 of the Pensions Acts allowing trustees to reduce payments to pensioners. [17327/15]

06/05/2015WRA02300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Section 50 of the Pensions Act was amended in 2009 and again in 2013. These changes were designed to spread the risk of scheme underfunding across all scheme members and beneficiaries in any consideration of an application by the trustees of the scheme to restructure scheme benefits. It is a matter for the trustees of a scheme, who are required under trust law to act in the best interests of all scheme members, to determine how the provisions in section 50 of the Act might be applied.

The most recent analysis was carried out in November 2014 and indicates that over the period since 2009, there were 106 applications made by the trustees of a defined benefit pensions schemes to the Pensions Authority to restructure scheme benefits. 78% of these applications related to an adjustment to post retirement increases in benefits; 8% did not impact on the benefits of existing pensioners; the remaining 14% of applications adjusted the normal pension age or the lump sum at retirement. In one case the core pensioner benefits were reduced.

At end of 2014, there were 778 active defined benefit pension schemes subject to the funding requirements of the Pensions Act. The application of section 50 impacted on less than 14% of these schemes.

While I will continue to monitor the application of section 50 of the Pensions Act on an ongoing basis, I expect that the measures I have put in place will support schemes achieve a sustainable position and decrease the likelihood of recourse to its provisions.

06/05/2015WRA02400Family Income Supplement Data

06/05/2015WRA0250016. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of part-time workers in receipt of family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17325/15]

06/05/2015WRA02600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The family income supplement (FIS) is an in-work income support for employees on low earnings who have families and who otherwise might be at risk of financial poverty. FIS also preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were unemployed and claiming social welfare.

At the end of March 2015, there were 50,452 families including 111,693 children in receipt of FIS. Expenditure on FIS for 2014 was of the order of €297.7 million in respect of some 50,300 families. The estimated expenditure for 2015 is expected to be €349.2million. The number of families in receipt of FIS increased by 13% between the end of 2013 and the end of 2014 – from 44,159 families to 49,860 families.

The Department does not maintain statistics in relation to the number of hours worked by each individual adult who is part of a family in receipt of FIS. To qualify for payment of FIS, a person must be engaged in full-time insurable employment which is expected to last for at least 3 months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria. Furthermore, the average family income must be below a specified amount which varies according to the

6 6 May 2015 number of qualified children in the family.

New claims for FIS and annual renewals continue to be processed without delay. Creating jobs and reducing unemployment are key challenges facing the Government. The tax and social protection systems have a part to play in addressing these issues and in ensuring work pays. In this regard, the department is carrying out a focused policy assessment of FIS examining the role of in-work benefits in supporting people to move from welfare to work.

06/05/2015WRA02700Rent Supplement Scheme Data

06/05/2015WRA0280017. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of her acknowledgement of over 4,000 individually renegotiated rent supplement cases, her views on whether there is a need to examine some sort of rent management to try and combat the current housing crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17284/15]

06/05/2015WRA02900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Fundamentally, the main cause of rising rents is a lack of supply in the market which Government is addressing through the Construction 2020 Strategy and the Social Housing Strategy. The time-lag in terms of ramping up supply to match demand is fuelling an increase in rents, especially in Dublin and the major cities. Policy in relation to rent controls is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, who is considering a number of policy options in relation to achieving greater rent certainty. The Government’s objective is to achieve stability and sustainability in the market for the benefit of tenants, landlords and society as a whole.

In relation to the rent supplement scheme administered by this Department, over 4,700 claims have been awarded to date in 2015. Officers administering the scheme will continue to provide for flexibility in assessing customers’ accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. The Department is also working with Threshold’s Tenancy Sustainment service in the Dublin and Cork city areas where supply is most acute. The primary objective of these initiatives is to ensure a speedy intervention for families at immediate risk of losing their tenancy through rising rents.

I am keeping this matter under review and am satisfied that this flexible approach is the appropriate response at this time which has assisted in excess of 1,500 rent supplement recipients to retain their rented accommodation through increased rent limits.

06/05/2015WRA03000Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

06/05/2015WRA0310018. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on whether self-employed persons are treated equally in terms of claiming for social welfare payments in lieu of businesses not earning enough to survive; and her further views on whether there should be more incentives to grant social welfare payments to the self-employed when they are obliged to liquidate their business. [17283/15]

06/05/2015WRA03200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Self-employed workers may access social welfare supports by establishing eligibility to assistance-based payments such as jobseeker’s allowance and disability allowance. In the case of jobseeker’s allowance they can apply for the means-tested jobseeker’s allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In assessing means from self-employment, income from the previous twelve months is used as an indicator 7 Questions - Written Answers of likely future earnings. Given the variety of self-employment situations, the means assessment procedures are applied in a flexible manner to ensure that any circumstances that would be likely to lead to a significant variation, either upward or downward, in the level of a person’s income from one year to the next are taken into consideration. It is recognised that the downturn in the economy had an impact on many self-employed persons and the consequent reduction in their income and activity levels. This may be reflected in any assessment of their means from self-employment for jobseeker’s allowance purposes. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for jobseeker’s allowance or disability allowance, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment.

In September 2013, I published the report of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare on Extending Social Insurance Coverage for the self-employed. The Group was asked to examine and report on issues involved in extending social insurance coverage for self-employed people in order to establish whether or not such cover is feasible and financially sustainable, with the requirement that any proposals for change must be cost neutral.

The Group found that the current system of means tested jobseeker’s allowance payments adequately provides cover to self-employed people for the risks associated with unemployment. In this context, the Group noted that almost 9 out of every 10 self-employed people who claimed the means tested jobseeker’s allowance during the three-year period from 2009 to 2011 received payment. Consequently, the Group was not convinced that there was a need for the extension of social insurance for the self-employed to provide cover for jobseeker’s benefit.

The Group also found that extending social insurance for the self-employed was warranted in cases related to long term sickness or injuries. To this end, the Group recommended that class S benefits should be extended to provide cover for people who are permanently incapable of work, because of a long-term illness or incapacity, through the invalidity pension and the partial capacity benefit schemes. The Group further recommended that the extension of social insurance in this regard should be on a compulsory basis and that the rate of contribution for class S should be increased by at least 1.5 percentage points.

This recommendation will require further consideration in conjunction with the findings of the most recent Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund which indicated that the self- employed achieve better value for money compared to the employed when the comparison includes both employer and employee contributions in respect of the employed person. The Actuarial Review found that the effective annual rate of contributions needed to provide the core full-rate State pension (contributory), currently available to self-employed contributors, is approximately 15%.

My colleagues in Government and I will continue to reflect on the findings of the Advisory Group on this issue and will consider the recommendations contained in the report taking into account future developments in terms of the budgetary and fiscal situation.

06/05/2015WRA03300Universal Retirement Savings Group

06/05/2015WRA0340019. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will publish the minutes of meetings held between her Department and the Department of Finance pertaining to the universal retirement savings development group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12947/15]

06/05/2015WRA03500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): In line with the Statement of Government Priorities, the Government recently decided to proceed with work to

8 6 May 2015 develop a roadmap for the introduction of a new, universal, supplementary workplace retirement saving scheme. The Universal Retirement Savings Group (URSG) has been established to consider the constituent factors involved in constructing an efficient and effective universal retirement savings system and to bring forward a recommendation in the form of a roadmap and estimated timeline for introduction.

Two meetings of the URSG have taken place to date. As the Group is managing the de- liberative process which will underpin the development of the roadmap, material relating to deliberations will be available after it has been considered by Government.

The URSG consists of senior officials from a range of key Government departments and those public bodies with a particular responsibility and expertise in the area. Membership also includes international representatives from the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions and the OECD who bring significant expertise in designing, delivering and assessing supplementary pension systems.

In undertaking specific or specialised areas of its work programme the Group will consult with, and invite submissions from, pension’s experts external to the Group. This will include establishing reference groups to utilise expertise and facilitate input from various sectorial interests such as those from the pensions industry, representatives of employers, trade unions and consumer/interest groups. The consultation process will also include an open invitation for written submissions from any parties with an interest in this area.

06/05/2015WRA03600Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRA0370020. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if the free travel companion pass for visually impaired children will be widened to include children with other physical or intellectual disabilities; if she will provide some form of concession- ary travel scheme for children with other physical or intellectual disabilities who are under 16 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17250/15]

06/05/2015WRA03800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are currently approximately 800,000 people in Ireland in receipt of free travel at an annual cost of €77 million.

There is a provision for free travel passes for visually impaired children who satisfy the medical conditions for the blind pension. The provision is a long standing one based on supports for the blind, including the blind pension, which predated other supports for people with disabilities.

Children with other disabilities may also qualify for the domiciliary care allowance. This is a monthly payment of €309.50 to the carer of a child with a disability.

Any decision to extend the free travel scheme to persons who are not in receipt of a primary qualifying payment would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.

06/05/2015WRA03900Child Benefit Eligibility 9 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA0400021. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that all recipients of child benefit attend school up to 16 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17238/15]

06/05/2015WRA04100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Child benefit is the main policy instrument for assisting families with the costs of raising children. It is a universal payment paid in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years, or to the age of 18 who are in full-time education or who have a disability. It is paid to over 615,000 families in respect of almost 1.2 million children, at a cost of €1.9 billion.

School attendance up to the age of 16 years is a statutory requirement under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.

Consequently, all recipients of child benefit are legally required to attend school up to this age. There is a national monitoring system for statutory school attendance via the National Educational Welfare Board, which is now part of Tusla, the child and family agency. Policy responsibility for school attendance rests with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

For children over 16 years and less than 18 years, the continued payment of child benefit is dependent on the children attending school for these two years. Parents with children aged 16 and 17 years must return a form confirming school attendance, signed by their school, to the Department of Social Protection on an annual basis.

If the Deputy has specific concerns about school absenteeism, the competent authorities to address these are the National Educational Welfare Board/Child and Family Agency.

I am satisfied with the existing steps that require children in receipt of child benefit to attend school up to 16 and to 18 years of age under both education and social protection policies.

06/05/2015WRA04200Child Care Services Funding

06/05/2015WRA0430022. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her intention is to redirect any savings from cuts to her Department spend, in particular to one- parent family payments, to fund child care provision. [17319/15]

06/05/2015WRA04400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Child care policy, including the delivery and/or expansion of child care services, is the responsibility of the De- partment of Children and Youth Affairs (D/CYA).

The reforms to the OFP scheme have highlighted the need for additional child care supports to be available for lone parents who make the transition into employment. For that reason, the Department in conjunction with the D/CYA, introduced a range of measures in Budgets 2013 and 2014 to assist lone parents to enter or re-join the workforce – namely the after-school child care scheme and the community employment childcare programme. Both of these schemes were funded by my Department from savings from the child benefit scheme and are part of the 25,000 subsidised childcare places which the D/CYA fund for low income parents each year.

In Budget 2015 I introduced increases to the child benefit rate, as well as the new back to work family dividend (BTWFD), both of which are designed to provide some additional financial assistance to parents.

The D/CYA has also established an inter-Departmental group at senior level in order to carry out an economic and cost-benefit analysis of policies and future options for increasing the

10 6 May 2015 supply, accessibility, and affordability of quality child care, including early years and school- age care. This group is led by the D/CYA and includes representatives from a number of De- partments including the Department of Social Protection (D/SP).

The Government’s Spring Economic Statement acknowledges that a successful childcare policy helps people make the transition from welfare to employment. The interdepartmental group’s report will be a key input in determining the future of childcare provision in Ireland. I look forward to reviewing the group’s report and considering it with my Cabinet colleagues.

06/05/2015WRA04500Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

06/05/2015WRA0460023. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has considered increasing rent supplement or taking other measures to remedy the difficulties faced by persons in securing accommodation. [17330/15]

06/05/2015WRA04700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are approximately 70,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for in 2015.

The Department recently published a review of the maximum rent limits, “Maximum Rent Limit Analysis and Findings” on www.welfare.ie. The review finds that increasing rent limits at this time could potentially add to further rental inflation in an already distressed market, affecting not alone rent supplement recipients, but lower-income workers and students. The impact of increasing limits will yield only a very marginal increase in available supply for rent supplement recipients, if at all, with the only certainty that raising limits will increase costs disproportionately for the Exchequer with little or no new housing available.

The Department will instead continue to provide for flexibility in assessing customers’ accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. The Department is also working with Threshold’s Tenancy Sustainment service in the Dublin and Cork city areas where supply is most acute. The primary objective of these initiatives is to ensure a speedy intervention for families at immediate risk of losing their tenancy through rising rents.

I am keeping this matter under review and am satisfied that this approach is the appropriate response at this time which has assisted in excess of 1,500 rent supplement recipients to retain their rented accommodation.

Government is addressing the supply issue through the Construction 2020 Strategy and the Social Housing Strategy. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Govern- ment, is also considering a number of policy options to achieve greater rent certainty.

06/05/2015WRA04800Departmental Schemes

06/05/2015WRA0490024. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an annual review takes place of the JobsPlus scheme and other related schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17243/15]

06/05/2015WRA05000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years - paid in monthly instalments provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed. At 11 Questions - Written Answers the end of March 2014, the Department made payments of just over €1.69 million to 3,279 employers in respect of 4,424 employees.

The Department undertook a review of the pilot phase of JobsPlus covering the period July 2013 to June 2014. The key conclusions of the review was that the aim of putting in place an easily identifiable and user friendly scheme targeted at employers had been achieved. The Department identified that, during the pilot period, some 9,700 jobseekers has checked their eligibility for JobsPlus and that a greater proportion of jobseekers more than 24 months on the live register benefitted in this period, contrary to expectation prior to launch. The initial target of 2,500 supported positions had been exceeded at the end of June 2014 with the number of positions registered by employers exceeding 4,000 during the pilot phase. The review noted that the average level of subsidy paid at the end of June amounted to just over €373.78 per employee per month and that there was a net benefit to the Exchequer from each employee maintained in employment.

The Department is now updating the review to cover the first 18 months of operations of JobsPlus, in line with commitments in Pathways to Work. It is expected that this latest work will be completed by the end of May.

06/05/2015WRA05100Public Services Card Data

06/05/2015WRA0520025. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the introduction of the new public social services card; the number of cards issued since the new system was introduced; and her plans that all persons in receipt of a social welfare support will receive one. [17279/15]

06/05/2015WRA05300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The purpose of the Public Services Card (PSC) is to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible. The PSC is designed to replace other cards within the public sector such as the free travel pass and the social services card of this Department and to make it easy for providers of public services to verify the identity of customers.

Considerable progress has been made in the roll out of the PSC. Approximately 1.4 million cards, including some 420,000 Free Travel Variants, have now been produced.

Face-to-face registration, which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department, is taking place countrywide in 94 offices of the Department. Selected low-risk customers, whose identity is regularly authenticated in a face-to-face process, have also been invited to avail of a ‘postal’ registration process. Registration is required for individual applicants for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number and people applying for or in receipt of social protection payments or benefits.

The PSC project is a key initiative in the Public Service Reform Plan, with the aim to expand its use to cover a greater range of public services, e.g., later this year, the National Driver Licence Service registration process is being extended to include registration for a PSC. This effort is being overseen by an interdepartmental steering committee.

06/05/2015WRA05400Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

12 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRA0550026. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the current level of rent supplement to take account of rent increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17332/15]

06/05/2015WRA05600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are approximately 70,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for in 2015.

06/05/2015WRA05700Disability Activation Projects

06/05/2015WRA0580027. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the way she will ensure that persons with disabilities will not be inappropriately activated under the proposed JobPath measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17333/15]

06/05/2015WRA05900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): JobPath is the Gov- ernment’s new labour market activation service aimed specifically at long-term unemployed jobseekers and those new jobseekers most distant from the labour market, with the primary objective of assisting such persons to secure sustained full-time paid employment. It is not intended that people who are in receipt of a disability related income support payment, e.g. Dis- ability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, will be referred to JobPath.

JobPath will be delivered by third party providers of employment services under contract to the Department. JobPath will augment and complement the Department’s existing employment service capacity as well as that of the Local Employment Service (LES) and Job Clubs, which already operate under contract to the Department, thereby increasing capacity to provide supports to assist jobseekers in obtaining employment.

Some unemployed people in receipt of a jobseeker payment may have a disability that does not inhibit their ability to work or to seek work. Accordingly JobPath companies will have a contractual obligation to ensure that JobPath services are accessible in accordance with the National Disability Authority’s “Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Infor- 13 Questions - Written Answers mation provided by Public Bodies”.

06/05/2015WRA06000Labour Activation Measures

06/05/2015WRA0610028. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the numbers of participants in County Tipperary on the JobBridge scheme, the Gateway scheme, the Tús work placement initiative, the community employment scheme, the JobsPlus scheme, and the work placement programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17239/15]

06/05/2015WRA06200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government’s primary strategy to reduce unemployment has been implemented through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth.

Despite the progress that has been made, the Government acknowledges that both youth unemployment and long-term unemployment remain unacceptably high. Hence, the Government also recognises the need for additional activation measures in the interim while the economy recovers. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee.

Pathways to Work includes a wide range of programmes and services to help jobseekers back to employment. These include programmes such as JobBridge, JobsPlus, Gateway, TÚS, Community Employment and the Work Placement Programme.

JobsPlus is targeted specifically at encouraging employers to recruit people who are long- term unemployed. There are currently 167 people participating on JobsPlus in County Tipper- ary.

Community Employment, TÚS and Gateway provide work experience opportunities for long term unemployed jobseekers mainly within the community and voluntary sector. The numbers of participants on Community Employment (excluding supervisors) in County Tip- perary is currently at 815 while TÚS has 392 participants and Gateway has 56 participants in County Tipperary.

There are 204 participants on the JobBridge scheme in County Tipperary. There are currently no Work Placement Programme participants in County Tipperary.

06/05/2015WRA06300Social Welfare Fraud Data

06/05/2015WRA0640029. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures taken by her Department to crack down on welfare fraud; the amount of revenue saved by her Department by these measures in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17236/15]

06/05/2015WRA06500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The vast majority of people on social welfare are claiming the correct entitlement due to them. However, a small minority is not and a range of measures are employed by the Department to ensure that social welfare fraud and abuse is minimised and that its control activity is appropriately focused.

Since 2011 there has been a number of significant measures undertaken which have enhanced the prevention and detection of social welfare fraud. These measures are being progressed under the Compliance and Anti-Fraud Strategy 2014 – 2018. The Strategy builds on the 14 6 May 2015 approaches that had been successfully rolled out over the past couple of years. These include the continued roll-out of the Public Services Card, enhanced data sharing with other Govern- ment Departments and Agencies and a number of significant legislative measures.

The Department recognises that fraud investigation and control can be assisted through the application of a range of new technologies. In this context, the Department has recently commenced a project utilising analytics technology to predict which claims are more likely to be fraudulent. When this technology is in place, it will enable the Department to target higher risk cases for investigation and to do so faster.

In addition, since early Dec 2014, 20 Gardaí have been seconded to the Department’s Spe- cial Investigation Unit. These officers will ensure a greater presence on the ground and will increase the investigative capacity and expertise of the Department to prevent, detect and deter social welfare fraud.

The emphasis continues to be on preventing fraud and error from entering the system in the first place. However, where fraud is discovered it is important that there are appropriate sanctions in place. In this regard, the Department is proactively targeting persons with overpay- ments to ensure all persons who have a social welfare overpayment are making a contribution towards the repayment of the debt outstanding. A number of legislative provisions have been introduced to strengthen the Department’s capacity to recover debt and, in addition, a new debt management system went live in November 2014. It is also the Department’s policy to consider for prosecution cases of fraud against the social welfare system.

The value of the Department’s control work is measured in terms of control savings. Con- trol savings are used as a performance indicator for year-on-year activities and are an estimate of the value of the various control activities across the schemes in payment. They refer to future expenditure that would have been incurred but for this control work. Without this control work, social welfare expenditure would increase by this amount over time.

The table provides the details of the control savings achieved and the number of control reviews undertaken for the past 5 years:

- Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 €m €m €m €m €m SAVINGS €483.20 €645.57 €669.69 €631.66 €504.62 REVIEWS 929,383 982,580 1,196,184 1,105,197 1,148,354

The outcomes demonstrate that the Department’s more intense control focus in recent years is having a positive impact on the level of fraud and error in the social welfare system.

Fraud detection and control systems have been refined and enhanced in recent years and are subject to continuing review. Overall, I believe that this is resulting in less opportunity to commit fraud and less chance of claims being in payment at an incorrect rate through fraud or error.

06/05/2015WRA06600Pensions Legislation

06/05/2015WRA0670030. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to address the serious impact of changes in pensions legislation which allows trustees to reduce the payments to current pensioners and deferred members. [17328/15]

15 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA06800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Section 50 of the Pensions Act was amended in 2009 and again in 2013 to assist both the employers and the trustees of defined benefit pension schemes respond to the funding difficulties encountered by many defined benefit pension schemes. These changes provide for the sharing of the risk of scheme underfunding across all scheme members.

It is a matter for the trustees of a scheme, who are required under trust law to act in the best interests of all scheme members, to determine how the provisions in section 50 of the Act might be applied.

I do not plan to bring forward amendments to this section of the Pensions Act at this time but I will continue to monitor the application of this section on an ongoing basis.

06/05/2015WRA06900Housing Provision

06/05/2015WRA0700031. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to be in a position to meet the requirements of applicants who are on the local authority housing list, are currently in private rental accommodation and whose rent has increased beyond the extent to which it has been found possible to offer assistance; if she is aware of the increasing number of families who find themselves homeless and are applying for emergency housing; if a review of the situation is required in an effort to streamline the means whereby families, becoming homeless arising from unaffordable rent increases or home repossession, are cared for, to the best possible extent, by her Department or the local authorities, or a combination of both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17286/15]

06/05/2015WRA07100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The primary responsibility for the provision of emergency accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. The Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. Officers in the Department’s Community Welfare Service work closely with those in the local authorities, including the Homeless Action Teams, in the provision of supports for accommodation. There is also close engagement between this Department and the local authorities in the roll out of the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which includes a homeless pilot currently operating in the Dublin area.

In relation to the rent supplement scheme administered by this Department, over 4,700 claims have been awarded to date in 2015. Officers administering the scheme will continue to provide for flexibility in assessing customers’ accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. The Department is also working with Threshold’s Tenancy Sustainment service in the Dublin and Cork city areas where supply shortage is most acute. The primary objective of these initiatives is to ensure a speedy intervention for families at immediate risk of losing their tenancy through rising rents.

06/05/2015WRA07200Disability Activation Projects

06/05/2015WRA0730032. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on whether not extending all Intreo services to persons with disabilities throughout Ire- 16 6 May 2015 land, including all the voluntary activation schemes, for example, the Youth Guarantee scheme and Momentum, regardless of payment type that the disabled person is on, discriminates against persons with disabilities when they seek activation and employment opportunities on a par with their non-disabled peers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17244/15]

06/05/2015WRA07400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government recognises the importance of increasing participation in employment for persons with a disability and provides a wide range of income and work related supports through the Department of Social Protection. These supports play an important role in supporting increased participation in the labour force by people with disabilities.

The Department provides a range of specific employment-related supports for people with disabilities. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme (WSS), the EmployAbility (supported employment) service, the reasonable accommodation fund for the employment of people with disabilities and the disability awareness training scheme. For those who are in receipt of invalidity pension or illness benefit (for at least six months) and who feel they now have some capacity for work, the partial capacity benefit (PCB) scheme allows them to work and retain a portion of their social welfare payment.

In addition, now that the Intreo service is established, the Department is providing full activation support to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service, initially, in ten locations. It is planned to expand the number of locations over time based on operational experience, but any person with a disability is at all times free to contact the Intreo service.

Unlike job-seekers where participation in activation measures through the Intreo service is mandatory, in the case of persons in receipt of disability/illness support payments, engagement with the Intreo service is on a voluntary basis. The Department is also currently considering how people with disabilities might best be included in the Momentum programme.

Therefore, taking account of the above I do not believe that persons with disabilities are discriminated against when they seek activation and employment opportunities on a par with their non-disabled peers.

06/05/2015WRA07500Pension Fund Fees

06/05/2015WRA0760033. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures she is taking to reduce pension costs being charged on members of pension schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17242/15]

06/05/2015WRA07700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The 2012 Report on Pension Charges undertaken by my Department, working with the Central Bank and the Pen- sions Authority, was the first comprehensive Government report on this subject. Since publication, a range of measures have been taken to deliver on the report’s recommendations and work is ongoing in this regard. For example, in line with the recommendation that the implementation of the Consumer Protection Code should be monitored, the Central Bank has undertaken a number of themed reviews aimed at ensuring this is the case. This includes a recently published review of annual pension statements which found the vast majority of firms were in compliance with the code. Where the Bank identified a small number of firms where the format of annual statements were not as required, those concerned were required to submit implementation timelines for full compliance.

In parallel, my Department is involved in complementary EU negotiations on a revision of the IORPs (Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision) Directive which lays down ba- 17 Questions - Written Answers sic requirements for occupational pensions. It is anticipated that the final provisions will result in improvements in the areas of transparency, trustee competencies and scheme governance and which will promote competitiveness in charging structures.

Under the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 the Pensions Board was restructured into the Pensions Authority and the Pensions Council. The purpose of the Pensions Council is to provide advice on pensions and to give a much stronger prominence to consumer concerns. I have previously highlighted that there a number of specific matters which I want the Council to focus on and this includes the area of pension charges which, following its recent establishment, the Council has now begun to consider.

06/05/2015WRA07800Work Placement Programmes

06/05/2015WRA0790034. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to the further roll-out of schemes, such as Gateway and community employment schemes, in a non-random selection process to allow more persons who are unemployed to avail of part-time work by presenting themselves voluntarily to their local Intreo office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17235/15]

06/05/2015WRA08000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Work placement and training schemes such as community employment, Tús and Gateway provide useful measures in supporting jobseekers back into work. In total, these measures currently provide around 35,000 work placements supporting jobseekers and service provision nationally.

Both Tús and Gateway use a random selection from the live register as part of the recruitment process. Random selection is not part of the process for community employment and interested jobseekers can establish their eligibility at the Department’s Intreo offices. Gateway also offers interested jobseekers who meet the criteria the opportunity to apply to and be considered for recruitment via their own county or city council or with an Intreo Centre. A similar facility for Tús is also being finalised and will be rolled out in the near future.

06/05/2015WRA08100Money Advice and Budgeting Service

06/05/2015WRA0820035. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost- benefit analysis undertaken regarding proposed changes in the Money Advice and Budgeting Service structures; her views on whether the proposed changes will mean that the value of the local voluntary input on the local boards, which has been the cornerstone on which the service has been built and developed into the most respected and valued independent service for 23 years, is lost forever; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17248/15]

06/05/2015WRA08300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is totally committed to maintaining and strengthening MABS and its local delivery of services. While work is underway exploring how to optimise resources and governance arrangements to the greatest extent possible, I can also assure the Deputy that there will be no diminution of locally-provided services to the public, no closure of service locations, and no staff redundancies. In fact, the aim of this exploration is to ensure that any efficiencies and savings achieved in governance arrangements can be used to expand and enhance local service delivery.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for providing information, advice (including money and budgeting advice service) and advocacy services on 18 6 May 2015 a wide range of public and social services. CIB delivers on this remit through a network of delivery partners which includes 51 local Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) and 42 local Citizens Information Services (CIS). In 2015 the CIB has been allocated a budget of €46m of which some €17.9 million is allocated to the MABS network of companies.

There are over 600 permanent staff, approximately 200 scheme workers and an estimated 2,000 volunteers working for the 93 independent companies in the network (51 MABS and 42 CISs). Each of these companies has a separate voluntary Board of Management, comprising an average of over 9 members per Board resulting in a governance structure of over 800 people. The maintenance of such an unwieldy company and Board structure is no longer sustainable from an organisational or governance perspective and the resource effort required could otherwise be directed towards improved service delivery to citizens. Therefore, as part of the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2012-2015, CIB commissioned a feasibility study to identify options for dealing with this issue through greater organisational consolidation and/or integration of its delivery partners. This work was carried out by a company called Pathfinder and overseen by a Steering Group, comprising national representatives from MABS staff and Boards, Citizens Information Services staff and Boards, and staff from the Citizens Information Board. The work included extensive and comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders, including representatives of CIB’s delivery partner services (MABS and CIS) at local level. It identified a number of options for consideration. Following on from this, the Board of CIB agreed to the establishment of a Design Group tasked with outlining and recommending possible new structural models. The Design Group includes members of the voluntary boards and staff of a number of the MABS and CIS services, together with representation from CIB management. Submissions were sought by CIB from the representatives of Boards and staff of MABS and CIS, to inform the deliberations of the Design Group.

The Design Group recently furnished a progress report on its deliberations to the CIB executive, which in turn communicated an update to its network of service delivery partners. The Design Group has identified, as an option for consideration by the Board of CIB in due course, that the 51 Boards of MABS companies and the 42 Boards of CIS companies could be consoli- dated across six (6) regions, resulting in six (6) independent MABS companies and Boards, and six (6) independent CIS companies and Boards, all reporting to the board of CIB. However, it is important to note that any such consolidation would be at the Board level only. All existing MABS offices would remain unaffected. Local service delivery and personnel would not be impacted and would continue as before. The proposed option could provide a structure to ensure that advice and input in relation to local issues continues and for networking to maintain local connections.

The Design Group’s recently proposed option will require further development, to include estimates of costs that may arise and potential savings that may accrue from moving to a reduced company and Board structure, together with a risk assessment. At this early stage, indicative high level savings arising from a reduced governance structure, from 93 companies and Boards to 12, suggest there may be savings achievable in the amount of €340,000 per annum. It may be possible to take any savings that arise and use them for enhancing local service delivery or indeed offering additional services.

It is important to note that neither this option nor any alternative has yet been considered by the Board of CIB. Accordingly, no decisions have been made by the Board and no proposal has been formally made by it to my Department for consideration.

06/05/2015WRA08400Rent Supplement Scheme Administration

19 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA0850036. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the delays in processing applications for rent allowance, in particular for residents of Dublin South Central; and the reason that requests for additional information from her Department automatically result in an application being put to the bottom of the processing pile. [17344/15]

06/05/2015WRA08600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The rent supplement scheme provides support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 70,200 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015.

The timescale for determining applications for rent supplement can vary and is dependent amongst other things, on the completeness of the application at time of receipt and the availability of required information such as details of the applicant’s income, bank statements, information in respect of landlords, etc. The Rents Unit which is responsible for South Dublin City deals with high volumes of work, and some aspects of processing rent supplement applications can be complex and time consuming and delays can unfortunately occur where additional information is required.

Where all the necessary information is available claims are processed in a timely manner in order to award payment of rent supplement. Such cases are not delayed for processing and every effort is made to ensure that all applications for rent supplement are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If the Deputy has received information to the contrary in relation to a particular case officials can investigate further if details are provided.

06/05/2015WRA08700One-Parent Family Payment Payments

06/05/2015WRA0880037. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the Government is now claiming that there is a return to recovery, if she is planning to reverse cuts that have affected lone parents during her time as Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17338/15]

06/05/2015WRA08900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Expenditure on the One Parent Family Payment (OFP) scheme is estimated to be €607million in 2015 with almost 70,000 recipients.

However, despite considerable investment, the scheme has not succeeded in preventing lone parents from being significantly more at risk of consistent poverty than the population as a whole.

In 2004, at the height of the economic boom, lone parents were more than four and a half times at risk of consistent poverty than the population as a whole. Before the reforms to the scheme, lone parents could have been on the scheme until their youngest child turned 18, or 22 if they were in full-time education.

This is why I believe that the reforms I have introduced are much needed as they are moving us away from providing passive income support over a long period towards an active, engagement approach.

The reforms seek to address the long-term social welfare dependency and poverty experienced by many lone parents by providing them with improved access to the Department’s

20 6 May 2015 range of education, training, and employment supports. Access to these services and supports is imperative for lone parents, in order to ensure that their prospects of securing employment and financial independence are improved.

Any reversal of these reforms would delay this critical interaction between lone parents and the Department’s Intreo services and would potentially increase the barriers they face to entering employment in the future.

I therefore have no plans to reverse the forthcoming changes to the one parent family payment.

06/05/2015WRA09000Exceptional Needs Payments

06/05/2015WRA0910038. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which exceptional needs payments continued to meet the needs of various applicants over the past 12 months as was previously the case, with particular reference to applications from bereaved families, in view of the fact that the bereavement grant no longer exists; if she is satisfied that exceptional needs payments continue to be made in line with the need arising from families’ circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17285/15]

06/05/2015WRA09200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Government has provided €29 million for the ENP scheme in 2015. The scheme is demand led and is available to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise.

An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses. In 2014, the Department supported approximately 3,000 applicants with financial assistance towards these costs, at a provisional cost of some €4.6 million.

In determining an entitlement to an ENP for funeral expenses the Department official will take into account the circumstances of the individual applicant and of the deceased person, including any savings, property, insurance policies etc., and the ability of other members of the family to meet, or contribute to, the cost involved. The Department official will also consider if a bereavement grant is available from any other source including former employer, credit union, trade union etc.

In addition to the ENP scheme, the Department provides other supports to customers and their families following bereavement, including the continuation of some scheme payments for 6 weeks after a death. The Department also provides the widowed or surviving civil partner’s grant which is a once-off payment of €6,000.

Any person who considers that they have an entitlement to any of the supports available should contact the Department.

06/05/2015WRA09300One-Parent Family Payment Eligibility

06/05/2015WRA0940039. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of families that will be impacted by the change in the one-parent family payment, due to take place fully this summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17331/15]

21 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRA09500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Almost 70,000 lone parents are currently supported by the one-parent family payment (OFP) scheme at an estimated cost of approximately €607 million in 2015. Yet despite significant levels of investment lone parents are still significantly more at risk of consistent poverty compared to the population as a whole.

The purpose of the phased OFP scheme age change reforms that were introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2012, is to reduce long-term social welfare dependency and poverty among lone parents and to ensure that they have improved access to the Department’s range of education, training, and employment support programmes to assist them in securing employment.

The final phase of the OFP scheme age change reforms will take place on 2 July, 2015, when the maximum age limit of the youngest child at which an OFP recipient’s payment ceases will be reduced to 7 years for all recipients.

Approximately 29,400 OFP recipients will transition from the scheme on that day. These customers will be supported by the Department to transition to an alternative income support payment – as appropriate. It is estimated that 19,800 customers will move to the Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) transitional arrangement, 4,100 to the JA scheme, and 5,500 to the Family In- come Supplement (FIS) scheme. Those moving to FIS will also qualify for the Back to Work Family Dividend.

06/05/2015WRB00100Disability Activation Projects

06/05/2015WRB0020040. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the way her Department proposes to calculate the capacity to work of persons on disability payments, and to decide on who should be activated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17326/15]

06/05/2015WRB00300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government recognises the importance of increasing participation in employment for persons with a disability and provides a wide range of income and employment-related supports through the Depart- ment of Social Protection.

Employment-related supports include the Wage Subsidy Scheme, which is targeted at employers to encourage employment of people with disabilities, and the EmployAbility service, which supports people with disabilities who wish to work through the provision of a job coach.

Moreover, people with a disability in receipt of social welfare income supports who work can retain a portion of their payment. For example, if a person’s doctor recommends that the work is of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature, recipients of disability allowance (DA) can work and earn €120 per week without affecting the rate of DA being paid, while if the weekly earnings are between €120 and €350, fifty per cent of the earnings will be disregarded in the DA means test.

For people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months, the partial capacity benefit scheme which I introduced in 2012 provides an opportunity for persons to take up employment and continue to receive an ongoing portion of their weekly social welfare payment, including any increase being paid in respect of a qualified adult or qualified children.

It is important to point out that the supports and measures outlined above are available to 22 6 May 2015 people with disabilities who wish to participate in employment. The Department is keeping the area of working age under review in the light of experience and reviews of the existing arrangements.

06/05/2015WRB00400Community Employment Schemes Operation

06/05/2015WRB0050041. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on changes to the community employment scheme; her assessment of the impact this will have on community child care service providers from September 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17247/15]

06/05/2015WRB00600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Community Employment (CE) programme is a valuable resource in the provision of a range of services to communities, including childcare services. The Department introduced a new CE Child- care Strand at the beginning of 2013 under which there is a dedicated childcare educational programme at FETAC Level 5 for CE participants who work directly with children. This programme has led to the re-structuring of CE childcare provision which will improve the career path for participants who wish to pursue a career in childcare. These improvements provide a more tailored and valuable support to the provision of community childcare. The FETAC Ma- jor 5 Award is the entry level requirement to work as a basic practitioner in childcare.

Due to legislative changes regarding childcare provision, due to come into effect from Sep- tember 2015, the Department is currently seeking clarification from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on the status of CE participants in these settings. From the Department’s perspective, the status of a CE participant attached to a community childcare centre is, in the first instance, that of a jobseeker seeking a qualification in early childhood education. CE participants are not deemed to be qualified staff but learners in childcare settings. When clarification is received on this matter, the Department will inform all relevant CE sponsors.

06/05/2015WRB00700National Internship Scheme Administration

06/05/2015WRB0080042. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the criticisms in the IMPACT report, JobBridge - Time to Start Again?, and her plans to deal with its recommendations. [17317/15]

06/05/2015WRB00900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Department welcomes the report and its contribution to the wider debate around labour market and activation policy in a changing economic environment. I am also happy that the report, while making a number of recommendations for change, acknowledges that JobBridge “has been of benefit to many”.

As the report acknowledges, the scheme was introduced in 2011 when the country was in the middle of the worst recession in living memory: a Live Register of nearly 460,000 and trending towards 500,000; unacceptably high levels of emigration; and negative economic growth.

In this context the purpose of JobBridge was twofold – to help jobseekers break the vicious cycle where they cannot get a job without experience but they cannot get experience without a job, and to encourage and support employers to take on staff from the live register in a situation where access to working capital was very constrained.

Since its launch JobBridge has provided over 38,500 unemployed people with the oppor-

23 Questions - Written Answers tunity to gain valuable work experience and over 16,000 host organisations – mainly SMEs to expand capacity. It is not surprising therefore that Dr Murphy’s report acknowledges that “the programme has been of benefit to many” and that the largest independent evaluation of the scheme (by Indecon) indicated that 6 out of 10 participants progressed into employment.

The Impact report, which is based on a small number of interviews with interested parties together with a review of relevant literature, makes a number of recommendations with regard to the future development of State supported internships. Many of these recommendations are already incorporated into the terms of the existing scheme (e.g. relating to written agreements, duration of internships, non-compulsion, monitoring). Other recommendations relate to the introduction of different versions of state-supported internships to cater for different types of Jobseekers, payment rates for internships, social insurance status of interns and evaluation/ value for money assessment of the scheme.

With regard to this latter recommendation the Department will during 2015 commission a second independent evaluation of JobBridge using econometric techniques to provide evidence based insights into the effectiveness or otherwise of the scheme. The other observations and recommendations of the Impact report will be considered in the context of the findings of this evaluation.

06/05/2015WRB01000One-Parent Family Payment Payments

06/05/2015WRB0110043. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of one-parent family payments who are subjected to low-hour contracts and are therefore not in a position to increase their hours to avail of family income supplement; the average income loss to workers in this category from transferring to the jobseeker’s allowance transitional payment; the number of lone parents who will be forced to give up employment to get a full jobseeker’s allowance payment, as they will not be able to work on low-hour contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17335/15]

06/05/2015WRB01200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): My Department does not capture details of the employment contracts for recipients of social welfare payments, including one-parent family payment (OFP) recipients, and as such I am unable to provide the Deputy with the data requested for OFP recipients who are in low hour contracts.

For customers working less than 19 hours per week who are affected by the OFP reforms, the best option available financially is to increase their working hours to 19 per week and apply for the family income supplement (FIS). The additional hours worked can be from more than one employer. These customers will then also be eligible for the back to work family dividend (BTWFD) which is worth €1,550 per child in the first year and €775 per child in the second year.

While it is not possible to anticipate the numbers of OFP recipients who will be unable to increase their hours to avail of FIS, there has been an increase in new applicants for FIS since 2013 when the OFP reforms commenced. This indicates that lone parents currently working less than 19 hours per week are increasing their hours and becoming new FIS recipients.

Where a customer cannot increase their hours to claim FIS, they have access to the jobseeker’s allowance transitional arrangement until their youngest child reaches 14 years of age. This arrangement allows these customers to work part-time without restriction and receive an income support payment – subject to the means test. If the customer’s youngest child is 14 or over they may still qualify for a jobseeker’s allowance payment.

24 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRB01300Housing Assistance Payments Implementation

06/05/2015WRB0140044. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the amount of her Department’s budget in 2015, 2016 and 2017 that it is planned to move to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of the housing assistance payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17337/15]

06/05/2015WRB01500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Under the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long-term housing need will transfer from this Department to housing authorities. The Government has provided over €298 million for rent supplement in 2015 which reflects a transfer of funding in excess of €20 million to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to support HAP.

HAP is currently being rolled out in seven local authority areas in which there are over 1,600 HAP tenancies in place. There is a target to achieve 8,400 HAP cases in 2015 as set out in the ‘Social Housing Strategy 2020: Support, Supply and Reform’. Funding arrangements from this Department to facilitate HAP over the next 2 year period will be kept under close review in line with the numbers of customers in receipt of rent supplement and the progress of the roll out of HAP.

Officials in the Department continue to work closely with those in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and housing authorities to ensure the success of the HAP scheme.

06/05/2015WRB01600State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0170045. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider addressing the unfairness of the situation where a woman worked in the 1960s, before she had a family, left to raise her family, subsequently returned to work and now, when she comes to pension age, her reckonable contributions are taken as from the 1960s up to the present, which means her average contributions work out at very little per year, when spread over that period, and this results in her getting less of a State pension - contributory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17241/15]

06/05/2015WRB01800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The State pension contributory is a very valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. There- fore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. To ensure that the individual can maximise their entitlement to a State pension, all contributions paid over their working life from when they first enter insurable employment until pension age are taken into account when assessing their entitlement and the level of that entitlement.

Since 1961, when contributory pensions were first introduced, the average contributions test has been used in calculating pension entitlement. Once over 16 years of age, the date a person enters into insurable employment is the date used for averaging purposes.

To qualify for a state pension (contributory) a person must -

- have at least 520 paid contributions, and

- satisfy a yearly average condition (a yearly average of 48 contributions paid or credited is required for a full rate State pension (contributory), and reduced rates of payment may be pay- 25 Questions - Written Answers able for pensioners with lower averages).

The homemaker’s scheme was introduced in 1994 to make qualification for State pension contributory (SPC) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age, or incapacitated people, to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being calculated for pension purposes. The effect of this is to reduce the number of years by which the person’s contributions are divided, thereby increasing their yearly average, making it easier for them to qualify for a maximum rate SPC. However, it is important to note that the homemaker’s scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a SPC. The standard qualifying conditions for the SPC must also be satisfied. These require a person to enter insurable employment at least ten years before pension age, pay a minimum of 520 contributions at the correct rate (credited contributions do not satisfy this condition) and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions paid or credited on their record.

The Government has no plans to backdate this scheme prior to 1994 as it was previously estimated that this could cost up to approximately €160 million annually. In any event, under the current rules, the costs of the scheme are expected to increase in the coming years due to the increase in female employment rates since 1994.

For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), the State pension system provides alternative methods of support. If someone has been a carer for nearly all of their adult life and has paid little or no PRSI, they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €219, which amounts to just over 95% of the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse or civil partner is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) they may instead qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult of up to €206.30, which is just under 90% of the maximum personal rate of the State pension (contributory).

06/05/2015WRB01900One-Parent Family Payment Payments

06/05/2015WRB0200046. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of stark evidence from the European Union’s Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2013, which showed that consistent poverty rates for one-parent family households increased by 32%, from 17.7% to 23%, while there was no statistically significant increase in the general population, if she will suspend any further reform, until a proper impact assessment is undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17336/15]

06/05/2015WRB02100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): While Government policies are restoring economic growth, this recovery is not yet reflected in the 2013 SILC data on household living standards. The Government is committed to delivering improved living standards to ensure that this recovery is felt by all families. These recent measures taken should be reflected in future poverty statistics.

Social transfers have provided a hugely important buffer in reducing poverty. Expenditure on the scheme is estimated at €607million in 2015 with almost 70,000 recipients. However, despite significant investment in the past, lone parents remain particularly at risk of poverty.

The one parent family payment (OFP) was a passive scheme with limited engagement by the State with recipients. For many lone parents this has meant long-term social welfare dependency and associated poverty for them and their families.

In 2004, OFP was payable until the youngest child turned 18 or 22 if they were in full time 26 6 May 2015 education. Yet despite this support lone parents were over four-and-a-half times more at risk of consistent poverty than the general population. This is why we need to reform the scheme.

The reforms provide lone parents with improved access to the Department’s range of Intreo services, which will allow them to create a personal development plan. Access to these supports is imperative for lone parents, to ensure that their prospects of securing employment and financial independence are improved. Any reversal of these reforms would delay this critical interaction and would potentially increase lone parent’s distance from the labour market.

I therefore have no plans to reverse the OFP reforms.

06/05/2015WRB02200School Meals Programme

06/05/2015WRB0230047. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of schools availing of funding from her Department for the provision of school lunches which have run out of funding for this academic year and have had to stop providing school lunches to children as a result; if her Department will provide these schools with funding in order that school lunches can be provided to the children for the remainder of this school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17339/15]

06/05/2015WRB02400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations which benefits over 205,000 children. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement by children especially those from the most disadvantaged background. Government has provided €39 million for the scheme in 2015 which includes an additional €2 million over that provided last year.

The Department is aware of a primary school in Donegal that has a shortfall in funding for this school year. Officials have engaged with the school principal and arrangements are being made to provide additional funding of some €7,500 to the school to provide school lunches for the remainder of this school year.

06/05/2015WRB02500School Meals Programme

06/05/2015WRB0260048. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 31 March 2015, the name of the school to which she refers; the engagements her Department has had with this school to resolve the issue; the level of funding her Department will provide to this school in order that it can resume the provision of school lunches for its pupils for the remainder of this school year; if sufficient funding will be made available to this school for the next school year in order that this issue does not arise again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17340/15]

06/05/2015WRB02700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations which benefits over 205,000 children. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement by children especially those from the most disadvantaged background. Government has provided €39 million for the scheme in 2015 which includes an additional €2 million over that provided last year.

The school referred to by the Deputy is a primary school in County Donegal. I can confirm that officials have engaged with the school principal both in writing and by telephone in recent

27 Questions - Written Answers weeks. Having reviewed the matter, arrangements are being made to provide additional funding of some €7,500 to the school to provide school lunches for the remainder of this school year. Applications for funding for the 2015-16 academic year will be considered when the school make their application which is generally made at the end of the school year in June.

06/05/2015WRB02800Community Services Programme

06/05/2015WRB0290049. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 71 of 14 January 2015 and 15 of 5 February 2015, the number of new applications for the community services programme which have been processed each year since 2008, when the last new open calls for proposals occurred; the number of new participants who have been added to the scheme as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17342/15]

06/05/2015WRB03000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The community services programme (CSP) is designed to address gaps in the delivery of key local services, to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that community facilities are utilised. Approximately 400 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives are being supported under the programme with some 2,800 workers being supported in these organisations. Funding of €46m has been provided for the programme in 2015 which will maintain the current level of activity but does not allow the Department to make an open call for new applications.

The last call for proposals was made in 2008 under each of the three strands of the programme. Only proposals under Strand 1 – Community Facilities - were considered due to reductions in the level of funding made available from 2009 and 60 were recommended for funding. Proposals received under the other strands were not processed due to funding constraints. Additionally, two contracts were concluded with Vocational Education Committees in Dublin for the community use of further education centres and four contracts transferred from the Community Employment programme.

Based on expressions of interest received and considered eligible, the Department processed nine applications in 2014. Only six of these applications were approved to join the programme from 2015. In addition, one project transferred to the programme in 2015 following termination of its contract with the Local and Community Development Programme, operated under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

As indicated in my earlier reply, any not-for-profit company wishing to express an interest to be considered for the programme can send an expression of interest to the Department by email to cspinfo @welfare.ie.

06/05/2015WRB03100Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0320050. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the anomaly whereby the spouse of a person who dies while on a community employment scheme does not receive six weeks’ payment, but the spouse of someone who dies while on other payments does. [17343/15]

06/05/2015WRB03300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): When a person in receipt of certain social welfare payments dies, their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may get 6 weeks of this payment after their death. This will be paid at the same rate that the late spouse, civil partner or cohabitant was receiving. 28 6 May 2015 The person may get the 6-week payment if their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant was receiving one of the following payments and it included a payment for them (i.e. an increase for a qualified adult):

- State Pension (Transition);

- State Pension (Non-Contributory) or State Pension (Contributory);

- Pre-Retirement Allowance;

- Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance;

- Supplementary Welfare Allowance;

- Illness Benefit;

- Disability Allowance;

- Invalidity Pension;

- Blind Pension;

- Farm Assist;

- Injury Benefit or Incapacity Supplement.

Participants on the Community Employment scheme are in insurable employment and are not considered to be in receipt of a social welfare payment. Accordingly, the 6 weeks payment is not payable.

06/05/2015WRB03400Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0350051. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on resolving an anomaly where parents of certain children with disabilities may qualify for free travel if they are in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance and qualify for carer’s allowance, but the child for whom the allowance is granted is not eligible for free travel. [17249/15]

06/05/2015WRB03600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): There are currently approximately 800,000 people in Ireland in receipt of free travel at an annual cost of €77 million per annum.

The free travel scheme is available to all people aged over 66 living permanently in the State. Applicants who are under age 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment in order to qualify for the scheme. The qualifying payments for those aged under 66 are invalidity pension, blind pension, disability allowance, carer’s allowance or an equivalent social security payment from a country covered by EC Regulations or one with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.

Free travel is provided for people in receipt of carer’s allowance to facilitate their caring role and support their social inclusion.

Children with disabilities may qualify for the domiciliary care allowance. This is a monthly payment of €309.50 to the carer of a child with a disability.

Any decision to extend the free travel scheme to persons who are not in receipt of a primary 29 Questions - Written Answers qualifying payment would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.

06/05/2015WRB03700Supplementary Welfare Allowance Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0380052. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the difficulties cohabiting couples face when their claims are up for review and are suspended until a decision is made by the social welfare office; if she is aware that under these circumstances, if one person in the cohabiting couple is working, even only a small number of hours a week, then the couple are not entitled to the supplementary welfare assistance payment, leaving families waiting for a decision and unable to pay their bills, expenses and so on; if she views a partial suspension as more appropriate during a claim review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17346/15]

06/05/2015WRB03900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I understand that this question relates to cases of seasonal workers where entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit ceases and the person then makes a claim for jobseeker’s allowance. I wish to advise the Deputy that jobseekers claims are on average awarded within two weeks of the date of application, however, delays can arise where there is a difficulty in obtaining information in relation to specific claims.

In order to minimise any delays in the case of individuals transferring from jobseeker’s benefit to jobseeker’s allowance it is the practice that the customer is issued with an application form for jobseeker’s allowance six weeks before their claim to jobseeker’s benefit expires.

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the “safety net” within the overall welfare system and provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. SWA may be payable to customers awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment subject to satisfying the conditions of the scheme including a means test. Income received by a spouse or partner from employment is taken into account when assessing entitlement to SWA.

If the Deputy has concerns regarding a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.

06/05/2015WRB04000Youth Guarantee

06/05/2015WRB0410053. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to assess the long-term benefits to the participants of the Ballymun Youth Guarantee pilot scheme; and, in view of the dearth of private sector jobs arising from the scheme, if she will ensure that these will be long-term jobs, and not just a temporary strategy to massage live register figures. [17318/15]

06/05/2015WRB04200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. However, the Government recognises that as the recovery takes hold, there is a need for additional measures to ensure that as many as possible of the jobs created are taken up by jobseekers and young jobseekers in particular. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee.

30 6 May 2015 The purpose of the Ballymun Youth Guarantee (BYG) pilot project was to test key elements to inform the national roll-out of the Youth Guarantee. It built upon recent broader reforms, such as enhanced employer engagement and earlier and more intensive engagement with young jobseekers through Intreo.

The project officially finished on the 31st December 2014. It will take time to see whether the opportunities taken up by young people through the BYG project have had a positive impact in terms of improved employment and other outcomes. The local Intreo office continues to work with participants (through the Ballymun Job Centre Guidance Counsellors) to progress them towards employment opportunities that continue to emerge as the economy recovers. It is recognised that the shortage of private sector job opportunities for young people (and older people) in Ballymun was a significant issue during the course of the project.

It is clear that the project has been highly successful in building the participants’ confidence and ability to move towards employment. From the perspectives of both the participants and the staff involved in the delivery of the service, the BYG approach has contributed towards the development of career identities, improved self-esteem and human and social capital.

06/05/2015WRB04300Illness Benefit Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0440054. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason those on the widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pensions are not entitled to illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17323/15]

06/05/2015WRB04500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The social welfare system is primarily a contingency-based system, with entitlement based on a number of defined contingencies such as sickness, unemployment, old age or widowhood.

There are two basic principles which underpin the Irish social insurance system. Firstly there is the contributory principle. Under this principle there is a direct link between the PRSI contributions that a person has paid and entitlement to a varying range of benefits and pensions. Where a person has sufficient PRSI contributions, then benefits and pensions may be paid as of right, where a particular contingency arises and without a means test.

Secondly there is the solidarity principle. Under this principle the benefits and pensions that are paid are not directly related to the amount of PRSI contributions paid by insured persons. PRSI contribution income is instead redistributed to support contributors who are more vulnerable. In this regard, it should be noted that some PRSI contributors do not experience all of the contingencies during their life, or may not be in a position to benefit from one or more such payment. For example, one contributor may never require access to Invalidity Pension whereas it may be a crucial support for another. Similarly, there will be many contributors who would not require coverage for Maternity Benefit, but who nevertheless continue to be levied PRSI at the full rate during their working years.

In addition, there is a general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the whole of the social welfare system. Given the contingency-based nature of this system, it can happen that a person may experience more than one contingency at the same time. For example, an unemployed person may become sick. As a consequence, if a person experiences more than one of these contingencies at the same time, he or she can receive only one of those payments. This principle is common to social security systems across the world.

There were a limited number of exceptions in the social insurance system to the general principle of one person, one payment. These exceptions usually applied in the context of short- 31 Questions - Written Answers term benefits. For instance, recipients of One-Parent Family Payment, Widows and Widowers Pensioners etc. could, until recent years, also receive short-term social insurance benefits, such as Illness Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit at half-rate at the same time.

These overlapping payment arrangements were introduced in the early 1950s when the social insurance system was first established, at a time when there were only 10 individual social welfare payments and when rates were significantly lower in real terms than they are now.

The social welfare system has been significantly developed over the intervening period, with the result that the number of possible combinations of concurrent contingencies has increased greatly.

In the context of the difficult fiscal environment in recent years and the Government’s commitment to maintain existing core rates of primary payments for social welfare recipients, the concurrent payment of half-rate Illness Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit in addition to One- Parent Family Payment, Widows and Widowers Pensions etc. was discontinued from January 2012.

It is realistic and prudent to maintain the underlying principle of entitlement to only one payment at any one time, that is, one person, one payment. To do otherwise could potentially involve very significant and unsustainable additional expenditure in the long-term.

Finally, it should be noted that the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, published in 2012 found that Fund has a strong redistributive nature. This is demonstrated by the fact that those on lower incomes fare considerably better than those on higher incomes and the Fund provides better value to female rather than male contributors.

06/05/2015WRB04600Carer’s Allowance Eligibility

06/05/2015WRB0470055. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow for the full payment of carer’s allowance, along with the full widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pensions in cases where a spouse dies while their partner is already in receipt of a carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17282/15]

06/05/2015WRB04800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Currently, where a person in receipt of widow(er)’s pension is providing full-time care and attention to a care recipient, s/he can also receive a half-rate carer’s allowance. However, when the care recipient dies, title to carer’s allowance ceases.

I have no plans to change the current provisions to allow for a full-rate carer’s allowance payment to be made in addition to another social welfare payment.

06/05/2015WRB04900Farm Assist Scheme Administration

06/05/2015WRB0500056. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views regarding the falling number of farmers receiving farm assist payments; and if she is aware that the cutting of that payment is resulting in hardship to the most disadvantaged members of the farming community. [12811/15]

06/05/2015WRB05100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseeker’s allowance. Farm assist recipients retain the advantages of the jobseeker’s allowance scheme such as reten- 32 6 May 2015 tion of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes. The 2015 Revised Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the farm assist scheme of almost €89 million in respect of an estimated 9,440 recipients, down from 9,809 for 2014.

All recipients of farm assist have benefitted from the Christmas Bonus in December, 2014 and all recipients with children are benefiting from the increase in child benefit announced in Budget 2015.

Changes introduced in Budgets 2012 and 2013 have brought farm assist into closer alignment with the jobseeker’s allowance scheme’s treatment of self-employed persons.

The assessment of means for the purpose of qualifying for farm assist is designed to reflect the actual net income from farming. Income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. However, account is taken of any exceptional circumstances so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation. Also any farmer experiencing lower levels of income can ask for a review of the means applying to their claim.

06/05/2015WRB05200Disability Activation Projects

06/05/2015WRB0530057. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the proposals she will bring forward to ensure that persons with disabilities will not be worse off if they take up employment opportunities; the way she proposes to make work pay for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17245/15]

06/05/2015WRB05400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government recognises the importance of increasing participation in employment for persons with a disability and is committed to removing barriers which prevent those persons from availing of employment opportunities.

To this end, the department manages a number of specific supports and measures to support people with disabilities in moving into employment.

Employment-related supports include the Wage Subsidy Scheme, which is targeted at employers to encourage employment of people with disabilities and the EmployAbility service, which supports people with disabilities who wish to work through the provision of a job coach.

For people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months, the partial capacity benefit scheme,which I introduced in 2012, provides an opportunity for persons to take up employment and continue to receive an ongoing portion of their weekly social welfare payment, including any increase being paid in respect of a qualified adult or qualified children.

06/05/2015WRB05500Respite Care Grant Payments

33 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRB0560058. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the latest Health Service Executive performance report shows that the number of respite overnights for persons with a disability is well below the expected target, if she will reinstate the respite care grant to family carers. [17316/15]

06/05/2015WRB05700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The respite care grant (RCG) is available and paid automatically to people in receipt of carer’s allowance, carer’s benefit, domiciliary care allowance or prescribed relative’s allowance. Other people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attentions are also eligible and can apply for the grant. In 2014 RCG was paid to some 86,000 people at a cost of some €119 million.

Any change to the rate of RCG can only be considered in the context of Budget prepara- tions.

06/05/2015WRB05800Superannuation Schemes

06/05/2015WRB0590059. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on measures she is taking to address the cuts to deferred Irish aviation superannuation scheme pensions; if she will meet with the group representing affected persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17246/15]

06/05/2015WRB06000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am very aware of the issues and negative consequences arising from the funding difficulties in this scheme. Indeed, many defined benefit pension schemes have encountered funding difficulties in recent years and are working with the Pensions Authority to respond to the difficulties in a manner which will secure the sustainability of pension provision for scheme members.

A number of legislative changes have been put in place in recent years to assist employers and the trustees of pension scheme respond to the funding difficulties encountered by some schemes. You will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment on matters arising in a particular scheme as these are primarily a matter for the Trustees of the scheme, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.

I did meet with the deferred IASS Committee to discuss the matters raised by the Commit- tee and specifically the proposals that more funding be made available for the longer serving deferred members. I subsequently met with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I understand that the Minister engaged further with the employers on the matter.

06/05/2015WRB06100Fuel Allowance Payments

06/05/2015WRB0620060. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the efforts her Department is making to address fuel poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17240/15]

06/05/2015WRB06300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government will continue to ensure that those on low incomes and those who are more vulnerable to energy poverty are supported through the fuel allowance and the household benefits package.

The fuel allowance is a payment of €20 per week for 26 weeks from October to April, to 415,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €208 million in 2015. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a 34 6 May 2015 contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.

My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance as part of the household benefits package to 415,000 customers, at an estimated cost of €227 million in 2015.

This compares favourably with the winter fuel payment for the elderly in Northern Ireland which ranges from £100 (€126) to £300 (€379) per year depending on age and household composition. There is no equivalent in Northern Ireland to the free electricity allowance.

The Government’s affordable energy strategy “Warmer Homes” indicated that the best measure to address energy poverty is to continue to improve the thermal efficiency of people’s homes. The “better energy warmer homes” scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households that are vulnerable to energy poverty at no charge to the house- holder. Since 2000, when the scheme began, over 105,000 homes around the country have received energy efficiency measures under the warmer homes scheme, with a total spend of over €116 million.

06/05/2015WRB06400Community Services Programme

06/05/2015WRB0650061. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 71 of 14 January 2015 and 15 of 5 February 2015, if she envisages being in a position to open a new call for proposals for the community services programme in the coming year, in view of the benefits to participants and communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17341/15]

06/05/2015WRB06600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The community services programme (CSP) is designed to address gaps in the delivery of key local services, to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that community facilities are utilised. Approximately 400 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives are being supported under the CSP in the provision of services with some 2,800 workers being supported in these organisations. Funding of €46m has been provided for the programme in 2015 which will maintain the current level of activity but does not allow for the Department to manage an open call for new applications. However, the Department will accept expressions of interest from any organisation that wishes to be considered for the programme, as resources allow. To be eligible, service providers must operate on the basis of a community business or social enterprise, deliver tangible services not otherwise provided and have a record or capacity of generating non-public revenues from their operations.

The Deputy should note that the programme does not provide full funding for any operation and, therefore, is not suitable for all community activity.

Any not-for-profit company wishing to express an interest to be considered for the programme can send an expression of interest and its proposals to the Department by email to [email protected].

06/05/2015WRB06700Farm Assist Scheme Applications

06/05/2015WRB0680062. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received a reply to an application for farm assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17203/15]

35 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRB06900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): This Department registered an application for Farm Assist, submitted by the person concerned, from 23 March 2015. The Farm Assist scheme is subject to a means test and in order to assess means in this case, a Social Welfare Inspector will be inviting the person concerned for interview next week. An invitation will issue to the person concerned in the coming days.

If the person concerned is in need of financial assistance while their application is being processed they should contact the Designated Officer (formerly titled Community Welfare Officer) in their area to see if they qualify for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment.

06/05/2015WRB07000Gender Recognition

06/05/2015WRB0710063. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on transgender rights; if she supports the full implementation of the principles in that resolution into Irish law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17367/15]

06/05/2015WRB07200Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in relation to transgender rights covers a range of policy areas that are the responsibility of a number of different Government Departments. The resolution is grounded in the key principles that transgender people should be protected from discrimination and enabled to have their preferred gender formally recognised under law. The approach being taken in Ireland is, in my view, consistent with those key principles.

The Equality Acts prohibit discrimination in the areas of employment and the provision of goods and services on nine grounds including gender. The Equality Tribunal has found that discrimination on the basis of transgender status amounts to a breach of rights under the legislation as it is encompassed by the ground of gender.

The Gender Recognition Bill 2014, once it is enacted, will provide that transgender people will be enabled to have their preferred gender recognised by the State for all purposes. If the referendum on marriage equality is approved by the electorate, the Government has already stated its intention to remove the requirement from the Gender Recognition Bill that a person seeking a gender recognition certificate be single.

It is my intention and that of the Tánaiste that this important legislation will be passed this year.

06/05/2015WRC00150School Meals Programme

06/05/2015WRC0020064. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of breakfast clubs operating in primary and post-primary schools each year for the past five years; the cost of providing such a service annually for the past five years; the number of the schools concerned that are DEIS schools; the facilities required for a school to commence a breakfast club; the benefits of a breakfast club; if all pupils in the school can avail of the breakfast club or if it is for junior classes only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17560/15]

06/05/2015WRC00300Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some

36 6 May 2015 1,600 schools and organisations which benefits almost 207,000 children through two schemes. The first is the statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part- financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects. There are currently some 2,600 food clubs in operation under the scheme of which approximately 650 are breakfast clubs. Details of the breakfast clubs and associated costs for each of the last five years are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The school meals programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement by children especially those from the most disadvantaged background. Funding the provision of food services in schools guarantees on-going positive returns on a public investment in the health and educational performance of future gen- erations. There is a particular focus on the provision of breakfast clubs within the programme which provide very positive outcomes for vulnerable children in terms of their school attendance, punctuality and energy levels.

Priority for funding under the scheme is given to DEIS schools for identified disadvantaged pupils and is not restricted to those in junior classes. In recognition of the benefits that the scheme provides and despite severe pressure on the social protection budget, the Government allocated an additional €2 million for the school meals programme in 2015, providing a total allocation of €39 million. It should be noted that the provision for the scheme was also increased by €2 million as part of Budget 2013 which was used to extend the scheme to some 100 additional DEIS and special schools benefitting over 9,800 additional children.

Facilities required for the provision of a breakfast club are primarily determined by the type of service provided by an individual school. The type of service provided is a matter for each individual school.

06/05/2015WRC00350Social Insurance Rates

06/05/2015WRC0040065. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the revenue that would be generated by an increase of 1%, 2% and 3%, respectively, in employers pay-related social insurance. [17746/15]

06/05/2015WRC0050066. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the revenue that would be generated by an increase of 1%, 2% and 3% in employees pay-related social insurance. [17747/15]

06/05/2015WRC00600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled in my Department and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

06/05/2015WRC00650Social Welfare Fraud Cost

06/05/2015WRC0070067. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the use of press releases to provide an unclear picture of the levels of actual fraud in her Department. [17541/15]

06/05/2015WRC00800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Department 37 Questions - Written Answers is acutely conscious that the vast majority of people on social welfare are claiming the correct entitlement due to them. Nevertheless, it has to be recognised that fraud within the welfare system does occur.

In order to protect the integrity of the system and to ensure that we continue to target our scarce resources at those who most need them, a range of measures are employed by the De- partment to ensure that social welfare fraud is minimised and that its control activity is appropriately focused.

The Department fully recognises that it is important that any discussion or messaging on social welfare fraud should ensure that recipients of social welfare are not stigmatised and por- trayed in a negative light. In terms of any press communications and releases, the Department ensures that these are carefully presented and factually correct.

The Department’s overall approach to tackling social welfare fraud is set out in the Compli- ance and Anti-Fraud Strategy 2014-2018. A Progress Report on key outcomes from 2014 will be finalised shortly.

06/05/2015WRC00850Disability Allowance Eligibility

06/05/2015WRC0090068. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person’s disability allowance (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17185/15]

06/05/2015WRC01000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. In summary any income, with some exceptions, belonging to the person and his/her spouse, partner or cohabitant is assessable as means for disability allowance purposes. It is the nature of means tested schemes that there is no entitlement to a payment once means exceed a given amount. There is no discretion allowed as deciding officers are obliged to follow the legislation when assessing means.

DA scheme rules allow for a disregard of the first €50,000 of a person’s means from capital, which is the most generous capital disregard of the Department’s working age schemes. The next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per week per 000; the next €10,000 at €2 per week per 000 and the remainder of capital (in excess of €70,000) is assessed at €4 per week per 000.

06/05/2015WRC01050Carer’s Allowance Appeals

06/05/2015WRC0110069. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when payment of carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17199/15]

06/05/2015WRC01200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The appeal has been allowed and the application was awarded on the 30th of April 2015. The first payment is due to issue to the post office on the 7th of May 2015. The arrears of allowance due from 2nd of October 2014 to the 6th of May 2015 were issued by cheque on the 30th April 2015. The person in question was notified on the 30th of April 2015 of this decision.

06/05/2015WRC01250Disability Allowance Applications

38 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRC0130070. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will approve and expedite a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17200/15]

06/05/2015WRC01400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 30 March 2015. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

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

06/05/2015WRC01450Carer’s Allowance Delays

06/05/2015WRC0150071. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in approving a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17201/15]

06/05/2015WRC01600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 10th of December 2014. The application is currently with a social welfare investigative officer for assessment of means and confirmation that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the investigative officer has completed and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a decision on entitlement. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

In the meantime, if the means of the person in question are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.

06/05/2015WRC01650Disability Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRC0170072. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received a response to an application for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17231/15]

06/05/2015WRC01800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 2 April 2015. 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.

06/05/2015WRC01850Carer’s Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRC0190073. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details sup-

39 Questions - Written Answers plied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17232/15]

06/05/2015WRC02000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person in question on the 14th October 2014. The person concerned was refused CA on the grounds that the medical conditions were not satisfied. She was notified on the 11th of March 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of the application. As a result of this review, the application was awarded on 30th of April 2015 and the first payment is due to issue to the post office on 14th of May 2015. Any arrears of allowance due (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on the 30th of April 2015.

06/05/2015WRC02050Disability Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRC0210074. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17266/15]

06/05/2015WRC02200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 13 April 2015. 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.

06/05/2015WRC02250Departmental Communications

06/05/2015WRC0230075. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to facilitate the sharing of information with the Departments of Education and Skills and Children and Youth Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17289/15]

06/05/2015WRC02400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Client data is transferred from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to the Department of Education and Skills (DES) in order to meet with EU regulations governing the programmes under the Euro- pean Globalisation Fund (EGF), for which DES is the Management Authority.

DSP carries out data matching exercises for the purpose of validating PPS Numbers requested by DES for third level college registration purposes.

Information on the enrolment of students is sent from DES to DSP for the purpose of the control of social welfare schemes and for the purpose of confirming eligibility to social welfare schemes.

Periodically DSP provides statistical information to facilitate DES in their future school planning process. 40 6 May 2015 DSP has data sharing arrangements in place with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) for the provision of parent and child details to confirm eligibility for, and to support that Department in the financial management of the after-school childcare scheme and to monitor the take-up of available places. DSP also provides summary information to DCYA on the national and divisional take-up of community employment childcare places.

06/05/2015WRC02450Family Income Supplement

06/05/2015WRC0250076. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to maximise the uptake of family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17290/15]

06/05/2015WRC02600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Family income supplement (FIS) is an employee incentive scheme for low-income working families, including one-parent families, aimed at supporting them through supplementing their income while they remain in work. There has been a steady growth both in the number of families supported by FIS over recent years and associated expenditure as set out in the table.

Expenditure in 2014 on the FIS scheme was €297.7 million (provisional), an increase of €36 million on 2013. Estimated expenditure on FIS in 2015 is approx. €349 million.

Year Recipients Families Recipients Children Expenditure (€ Millions) 2011 28,875 65,281 204.5 2012 32,310 73,238 223.6 2013 44,160 97,858 261.5 2014 50,306 111,583 297.7* *provisional

The Department avails of every opportunity in its engagement with employers and jobseekers to build awareness of the availability of FIS and how this payment may benefit potential employees with children. The increasing numbers of families in receipt of FIS is testament to the effectiveness of the Department’s information strategy for the scheme and the significant improvements in customer service and processing times for FIS customers.

The Department’s web site www.welfare.ie has full information on the FIS scheme and provides typical family scenarios to aid understanding and provide comparisons. This information is also available in all the Department local offices, citizens information centres and information offices.

In addition a series of road-shows were held around the country designed to inform employers about the wide range of employment support services provided by the Department, including FIS. Case officers in each locality use FIS as an incentive to move people from the live register to employment.

Furthermore, the Department’s Benefit of Work ready reckoner gives an indication of the difference between a person’s potential in-work payment, including FIS, and current out-of- work payments.

The Department has also launched a poster campaign in its Intreo centres and local offices in Mid-Leinster and North Dublin to further promote FIS. This campaign will be rolled out to all offices nationwide during 2015.

41 Questions - Written Answers The Department has also recently been in touch with Trade Unions representing in excess of 260,000 employees (in both the Public and Private Sector) and provided them with an article on FIS for inclusion in their upcoming publications for members. This article explains in detail the qualification conditions for the scheme and gives relevant supporting examples of families that could qualify.

In conclusion, I am satisfied that the FIS scheme is being promoted and evidence shows that it is fulfilling its role in assisting employees to take up employment opportunities and to remain at work.

06/05/2015WRC02650Mortgage Arrears Proposals

06/05/2015WRC0270077. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she or her Department officials are concerned regarding the announcement made by Ulster Bank on 27 April 2015 regarding persons in long-term mortgage arrears; if she has made an assessment of the impact this will have on her Department’s budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17386/15]

06/05/2015WRC02800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I presume that the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement made by Ulster Bank whereby if a home is sold and the borrower qualifies for social housing, the Bank will not chase them for the residual debt.

The rent supplement scheme administered by this Department provides support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. A person may qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out and the person is deemed by a housing authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support. The housing need criteria, as prescribed in the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, include a household that has a mortgage that is deemed to be unsustainable under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. In addition to the housing need requirement there are a number of other conditions that a person must satisfy in order to be eligible for rent supplement. I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to ensure that the necessary funding for the scheme is in place.

It should be noted that where the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is in operation, administered by the housing authorities, customers requiring social housing support would be accommodated under HAP rather than rent supplement. HAP is currently being administered in seven local authority areas and will be rolled out to further local authority areas during the year.

06/05/2015WRC02850Carer’s Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRC0290078. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry as all documentation has been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17389/15]

06/05/2015WRC03000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Ap- peals Officer on 8 April 2015, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

42 6 May 2015 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.

06/05/2015WRC03050Supplementary Welfare Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRC0310079. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the delay in issuing a payment to a person (details supplied), as the person currently has no income and no way of supporting himself. [17399/15]

06/05/2015WRC03200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned is a Lithuanian national and made an application for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) on 23 March 2015. He advised the Designated Person investigating his claim that he had come to Ireland after a period being resident in Denmark and that he had previously lived in Ireland. As the most recent payment made to him from this Department was in July 2013, he was asked to provide evidence of how he has supported himself or provided for his accommodation since then and to provide details of his time spent living in Denmark and how he had supported himself while there.

He has failed to provide the requested information to date. Consequently his claim for SWA was disallowed on the grounds that he is not habitually resident in the State, that he failed to provide the requested documentation regarding his means, and that he failed to apply for a statutory payment.

The person concerned was sent written notification of this decision, the grounds for it and advised of his right to submit an appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. Of course, should he now be in a position to provide the required documentation, he should contact the Designated Person again and request a review of the decision.

06/05/2015WRC03250Rent Supplement Scheme Data

06/05/2015WRC0330080. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, the numbers of recipients of rent supplement in arrears in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 to date; the amount of arrears in this period; the number of arrears which relate to recalculation of recipients’ needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17439/15]

06/05/2015WRC0340081. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the appeal process in place for recipients of rent supplement who are deemed to have been overpaid following a recalculation of their means; the collaboration between her Department and the local authorities’ housing departments when a change in means is communicated to the local authority; the accountability in respect of housing officers being required to communicate these changes to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17440/15]

06/05/2015WRC03500120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of rent support in lieu of local authority housing at present; the number in County Kildare; the extent to which she expects progressive housing policies to make a positive impact on the position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17853/15]

06/05/2015WRC03600Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 81 and 120 together.

43 Questions - Written Answers The rent supplement scheme provides support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 70,000 rent supplement recipients, of which over 3,600 are in Kildare, for which the Government has provided a total of over €298 million for in 2015. Statistics in relation to persons in receipt of rent supplement in lieu of local authority housing are not available.

Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is generally made to the tenant to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct contractual relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme. The information requested in relation to arrears is not available. It is open to any landlord to bring to the attention of the Department any instance where they suspect that a tenant is receiving rent supplement and is not paying their rent. Where the Department becomes aware that a person is not using rent supplement to meet the accommodation costs, payment of the supplement may be suspended and the matter investigated.

Any person who is dissatisfied with a decision on their rent supplement claim, including the decision regarding an overpayment, may appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The appeal must be in writing and within 21 days of the date they were notified of the decision on their claim. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The primary responsibility for a disclosure of a change of means rests with the social welfare recipient. Notwithstanding this, there is ongoing dialogue between staff in the community welfare service and the housing authorities to ensure that a person’s accommodation needs are appropriately addressed and, where necessary, the provision of relevant information.

The Department’s strategic policy direction is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short term income support by transferring responsibility for persons with long term housing needs to the local authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP is being designed so as to bring all of the social housing services provided by the State together under the local authority system which will provide for a number of positive improvements. New applicants with long term housing needs will be considered under HAP in these local authority areas rather than rent supplement. As part of the implementation of HAP, the Depart- ment is working closely with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), on behalf of the local authorities, to agree data sharing protocols and to develop a new technical platform.

06/05/2015WRC03625Community Employment Schemes Operation

06/05/2015WRC0365082. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the flexibility to be allowed for community employment schemes for community employment workers to remain in employment for at least three years where they are successfully addressing addiction issues and preparing to move on to further education and training; if she will confirm that community employment schemes for those with addiction will have greater flexibility regarding the length of their placement, as was the custom and practice under earlier Ministers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17441/15]

06/05/2015WRC03675Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): There has been no change in the entry requirements and operating procedures for CE Drug Rehabilitation schemes. These places are available to service users who are in drugs rehabilita- 44 6 May 2015 tion and referred to a place by an addiction service practitioner. Referral practitioners are key workers or case managers, counsellors, GPs, treatment centre practitioners, and health service practitioners.

Nine special conditions to support the delivery of drug rehabilitation places on Community Employment were agreed by FÁS in 2004 and revised in 2010 in consultation with statutory, community and voluntary sector representatives. These conditions cover participant eligibility, referral, programme delivery and expected outcomes. Participants on CE Drug Rehabilitation schemes are eligible for up to 3 years duration on the programme. In exceptional circumstances, there is also provision for an extension of one year additional time on a mainstream CE project, subject to DSP agreement.

Question No. 83 withdrawn.

06/05/2015WRC03750Disability Allowance Payments

06/05/2015WRC0380084. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been reduced; if the full payment will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17473/15]

06/05/2015WRC03900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Following a review of the entitlement of the person in question and based on the information provided, the person concerned was deemed to have an increase in means. This decision was based on her spouse’s earnings as stated on his P60 for 2014.

The person in question was notified of this decision on 9 March 2015 and was also given the option to submit further documentation/evidence if she felt this decision was incorrect. To date, no further documentation has been received.

06/05/2015WRC03950After-School Support Services

06/05/2015WRC0400085. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection regarding the after-school child care scheme, if there are proposals to allow participants (details supplied) of the Tús work placement initiative to avail of this service and to include children under five years of age who have not yet attained school-going age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17491/15]

06/05/2015WRC04100Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The after-school child care scheme (ASCC) supports low-income unemployed people to return to the workforce. The scheme provides subsidised after-school childcare places to people with children of primary school age who find employment, increase the number of days they work or take up a place on an employment support scheme (with the exception of a community employment scheme).

The after-school childcare scheme is currently available to customers who take up a place on a Tús scheme and has been available to these customers since July 2014. The community employment (CE) scheme is excluded from the after-school scheme as the CE childcare programme is available for these customers and provides subsidised childcare for CE participants.

The provision of subsidised childcare is a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (D/CYA). 45 Questions - Written Answers The D/CYA has established an inter-Departmental group at senior level in order to carry out an analysis of policies and future options for increasing the supply, accessibility, and affordability of quality child care, including early years and school-age care. This group is led by the D/CYA and includes representatives from a number of Departments including the Department of Social Protection.

The Government’s Spring Economic Statement also acknowledges that a successful childcare policy helps people make the transition from welfare to employment. The interdepartmental group’s report will be a key input in determining the future of childcare provision in Ireland.

06/05/2015WRC04150Universal Retirement Savings Group

06/05/2015WRC0420086. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the universal retirement savings group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17494/15]

06/05/2015WRC04300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): In line with the Statement of Government Priorities, the Government recently decided to proceed with work to develop a roadmap for the introduction of a new, universal, supplementary workplace retirement saving scheme. The Universal Retirement Savings Group (URSG) has been established to consider the constituent factors involved in constructing an efficient and effective universal retirement savings system and to bring forward a recommendation in the form of a roadmap and estimated timeline for introduction.

Membership of the URSG does not include industry/employer representatives with a commercial interest. Rather it consists of senior officials from a range of key Government departments and those public bodies with a particular policy responsibility and expertise in the area. Membership also includes international representatives from the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions and the OECD who bring significant expertise in designing, delivering and assessing supplementary pension systems.

Development of a universal supplementary pension scheme would be the fundamental reform of pensions policy in a generation. As such, it is appropriate that the URSG consult with all parties with an interest and expertise in this area. In undertaking specific or specialised areas of its work programme the Group may engage with, and invite submissions from, pension’s experts external to the Group. This will include a diverse range of interests including representatives of employers, trade unions, consumer/interest groups and those from the pensions industry.

06/05/2015WRD00150Disability Allowance Appeals

06/05/2015WRD0020087. Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a disability allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17500/15]

06/05/2015WRD00300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I confirm that the department was notified by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 14 April 2015 that the appeal for the person in question was upheld and was deemed to be medically suitable for the scheme.

His file has been passed to a deciding officer to implement the appeals officers’ decision

46 6 May 2015 and the person concerned will be notified in writing once full entitlement has been established.

06/05/2015WRD00350Community Services Programme

06/05/2015WRD0040088. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to reopening the community service programme, in view of its positive impact; the other options that are available for groups providing an essential service which cannot access community employment scheme places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17549/15]

06/05/2015WRD00500Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The community services programme (CSP) is designed to address gaps in the delivery of key local services, to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that community facilities are utilised. Ap- proximately 400 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives are being supported under the CSP with some 2,800 workers being supported in these organisations.

Funding of €46m has been provided for the programme in 2015. This will maintain the current level of activity but does not allow the Department to make an open call for new applications. However, the Department will accept expressions of interest from any organisation that wishes to be considered for the programme, as resources allow. To be eligible, service providers must operate on the basis of a community business or social enterprise, deliver tangible services not otherwise provided and have a record or capacity of generating non-public revenues from their operations.

The Deputy should note that the programme does not provide full funding for any operation and, therefore, is not suitable for all community activity.

Any not-for-profit company wishing to express an interest to be considered for the programme can send an expression of interest and its proposals to the Department by email to [email protected].

06/05/2015WRD00550Community Employment Schemes Places

06/05/2015WRD0060089. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the total number of community employment places, by county, and in the case of Dublin, on a local authority basis, in each year since 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17550/15]

06/05/2015WRD00700Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The following tables detail the breakdown by county (Dublin breakdown by postcode) of the Community Employment (CE) programme at year-end since 2010. The figure for 2015 reflects the number of CE places as at the end of April. The Department does not use the Dublin Local Authority boundaries to categorise CE projects.

- 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 County Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Kildare 586 36 278 11 285 11 Meath 416 22 627 37 579 36 Wicklow 649 39 449 23 391 20 Cavan 214 13 684 42 593 36

47 Questions - Written Answers - 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 County Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Louth 755 43 212 13 205 11 Monaghan 346 22 772 45 735 41 Carlow 299 24 322 19 320 20 Kilkenny 383 23 311 24 297 23 Waterford 580 38 977 70 879 61 Wexford 791 48 247 16 264 17 Laois 291 17 804 47 812 47 Longford 286 17 290 17 279 17 Offaly 356 21 287 17 274 17 Roscom- 328 22 350 22 335 22 mon Westmeath 511 32 327 22 335 21 Cork 2006 114 1684 97 1528 96 Kerry 915 55 902 45 995 47 Clare 532 35 914 52 921 52 Limerick 1277 80 1250 81 1111 78 Tipperary 978 74 955 60 875 58 Galway 1389 86 732 46 668 47 Mayo 685 48 1084 65 1086 66 Donegal 1085 67 744 50 718 49 Leitrim 161 10 1090 67 1059 65 Sligo 375 27 160 10 172 10

- 2013 2013 2014 2014 Apr-15 Apr-15 County Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Kildare 777 40 316 11 798 42 Meath 464 24 841 45 473 25 Wicklow 591 31 513 26 616 32 Cavan 271 13 634 34 283 16 Louth 803 42 322 17 791 38 Monaghan 338 20 814 43 376 21 Carlow 376 23 401 20 384 23 Kilkenny 419 24 377 24 405 24 Waterford 719 47 982 67 775 48 Wexford 885 48 369 22 890 49 Laois 266 16 901 52 284 16 Longford 290 15 291 17 294 18 Offaly 351 21 314 18 373 20 Roscom- 302 18 363 22 313 19 mon Westmeath 556 34 329 20 582 34 Cork 2091 107 1668 96 2098 107 Kerry 961 53 966 43 964 52

48 6 May 2015 - 2013 2013 2014 2014 Apr-15 Apr-15 County Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Clare 570 35 966 51 559 35 Limerick 1125 71 1200 76 1141 71 Tipperary 923 69 921 58 925 68 Galway 1447 91 770 49 1469 89 Mayo 745 51 1094 65 757 51 Donegal 1108 61 742 49 1143 61 Leitrim 163 9 1124 61 175 9 Sligo 416 26 146 8 427 26

- 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 Dublin Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor Participant Supervisor (Postcode) Dublin 1 464 42 462 38 526 53 Dublin 2 381 24 394 23 377 24 Dublin 3 188 14 187 14 158 13 Dublin 4 58 3 102 7 46 4 Dublin 5 234 16 248 16 174 12 Dublin 6 10 1 33 2 11 1 Dublin 7 185 15 172 11 147 12 Dublin 8 675 58 741 61 549 42 Dublin 9 157 9 127 7 222 14 Dublin 10 212 22 232 19 227 21 Dublin 11 478 28 507 30 356 22 Dublin 12 348 32 342 33 288 27 Dublin 13 66 4 106 5 47 3 Dublin 15 331 21 30 1 0 0 Dublin 16 31 2 344 20 315 21 Dublin 17 436 23 58 3 51 3 Dublin 18 50 2 462 22 369 20 Dublin 20 55 4 72 5 14 1 Dublin 22 289 24 65 4 31 3 Dublin 24 467 37 279 21 279 24 Dublin West 18 1 480 35 434 32 Dun 182 11 31 3 0 0 Laoghaire/ Rathdown Dublin 268 11 258 9 370 19 North Coun- ty/Fingal

49 Questions - Written Answers - 2013 2013 2014 2014 Apr-15 Apr-15 Dublin Participant Supervisor Participant Supervi- Participant Supervisor (Postcode) sor Dublin 1 434 37 405 34 405 30 Dublin 2 394 23 287 15 296 17 Dublin 3 193 15 215 17 215 17 Dublin 4 71 5 82 5 78 5 Dublin 5 219 13 224 14 233 13 Dublin 6 35 2 37 2 41 1 Dublin 7 138 8 198 14 173 11 Dublin 8 693 57 776 61 764 59 Dublin 9 193 11 288 14 226 12 Dublin 10 221 20 214 21 199 20 Dublin 11 411 25 349 22 387 24 Dublin 12 294 29 266 29 288 29 Dublin 13 50 2 61 3 59 3 Dublin 15 339 20 49 2 353 20 Dublin 16 58 3 363 21 58 3 Dublin 17 410 21 62 3 419 22 Dublin 18 18 1 409 22 17 1 Dublin 20 36 4 20 1 39 4 Dublin 22 249 22 46 4 246 22 Dublin 24 474 33 293 21 475 33 Dublin West 120 4 486 34 117 6 Dun 256 13 20 2 264 14 Laoghaire/ Rathdown Dublin 312 11 265 14 314 11 North Coun- ty/Fingal

06/05/2015WRD00750Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRD0080090. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding social protection pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17557/15]

06/05/2015WRD00900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): State pensions account for the single largest block of social welfare expenditure, and while expenditure on pensions is increasing because of demographic pressures, this is being managed within the overall welfare budget. This year, the Department of Social Protection will spend an estimated €6.675 billion on pensions, i.e., 34.4% of all welfare expenditure, and an increase of €168 million over 2014. The overall concern of the Government in recent budgets has been to protect the primary weekly social welfare rates where possible. Maintaining the rate of the State pension and other core payments is critical in protecting people from poverty.

The most recent change in the core rate of State pensions was in Budget 2009, when the State pension contributory was increased by 3.1% to €230.30, and the non-contributory pension

50 6 May 2015 by 3.3% to €219.00. Both of these are the maximum personal rates, and there are increases for dependant adults which attracted similar increases at that time.

Core pension rates were not reduced in the period since then, despite significant pressures on Exchequer spending, and a period of significant deflation which has protected those increases in real terms from erosion by inflation. This has had the effect of protecting older people from poverty, and all CSO figures show that those over 65 are significantly less likely to be at risk of poverty or deprivation than those aged under 65.

The recovery has also allowed some leeway to increase spending in targeted areas, which is why I was able to restore a partial Christmas bonus last month, benefitting over 575,000 pensioners and 1.23 million welfare recipients in total. I also increased payments for certain pensioners by increasing the rate of the Living Alone Allowance in Budget 2015 to €9.00. This increases the maximum personal rate of the State non-contributory pension for a qualified person living alone to €228 per week, and the maximum rate for the State contributory pension to €239.30, when both the basic pension and the allowance are taken into account.

I have no plans at this time to increase the rate of pensions. Any decision to increase the rates would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.

06/05/2015WRD00950Occupational Injuries Benefit Applications

06/05/2015WRD0100091. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the exceptional circumstances that would be considered appropriate grounds for considering an application for occupational injuries benefit by a person who applied for the benefit more than six months from the date of the injury. [17599/15]

06/05/2015WRD01100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The exceptional circumstances that would be considered appropriate grounds for considering an application for occupational injuries benefit by a person who applied more than six months from the date of the injury are set out in regulations - where it is shown to the satisfaction of a deciding officer or an appeals officer that the delay was due to information provided by an officer of the Minister or that the delay was due to a person being so incapacitated that he or she was unable to make a claim or appoint a person to act on his or her behalf.

06/05/2015WRD01150Mortgage Repayments

06/05/2015WRD0120092. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the difficulty created for borrowers (details supplied) in County Kildare when their mortgage support was suspended while they were awaiting information from the bank which was never supplied; that, as a result, they now find themselves in an increasingly serious position in regard to mortgage arrears, but nevertheless continue to make payments to the best of their ability; if consideration will be given to restoration in the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17619/15]

06/05/2015WRD01300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): As detailed to the Deputy in reply to Parliamentary Question 3255-14 of 23 January 2014 and Question 37562-14 of 2 October 2014 certain documents were outstanding in relation to the application for mortgage interest supplement from this client and the claim was closed as it could not be processed. The claim was closed in April 2014 following a final reminder, as despite numerous written 51 Questions - Written Answers requests from the Department over a sustained period, which were also followed up with phone calls to the client, none of the requested documentation was submitted. Subsequent to the closure of the claim, some correspondence but not all requested documents was received in May 2014. There has been no further contact from the client and the claim remains closed.

06/05/2015WRD01350Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

06/05/2015WRD0140093. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17642/15]

06/05/2015WRD01500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of her child on the 20th January 2015. The application was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to the customer on the 29th April 2015 advising of the decision.

In the case of an application which is refused the applicant may submit additional information and ask for the decision to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned has been advised of the options available to her in the decision letter.

06/05/2015WRD01550Jobseeker’s Allowance Data

06/05/2015WRD0160094. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age in receipt of a reduced jobseeker’s allowance social welfare payment in each year 2012, 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17660/15]

06/05/2015WRD01700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): At the end of De- cember in each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 there were 33,476, 38,174 and 32,691 while at the end of April there were 31,067 persons under 25 years of age in receipt of a reduced Job- seeker’s Allowance social welfare payment.

These figures do not include persons under the age of 25 to whom penalty rates were applied to their rate of payment at these dates.

06/05/2015WRD01750Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRD0180095. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17667/15]

06/05/2015WRD01900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The issue of engagement with the industrial relations machinery of the State falls within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. It is acknowledged that the industrial relations system in Ireland is voluntary in nature both as regards access to the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Any change to that principle which would put in place a mandated right to be part of the process would alter fundamentally the conduct of industrial relations.

52 6 May 2015 Earlier this year, I approved measures to facilitate engagement between the trustees of a pension scheme and groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members. I signed the Occupational Pensions Schemes (Section 50 and 50B) (Amendments) Regu- lations, 2015 and approved Pensions Authority guidance to facilitate this change.

The change to regulations will require the Pensions Authority to notify groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members in situations where the Pensions Authority is proposing to issue a unilateral direction under section 50 of the Pensions Act to restructure scheme benefits or to wind up a pension scheme under section 50B. This requirement will afford the representative group an opportunity to make a submission to the Pensions Authority in relation to such proposals. The Regulations also give the representative group the right to appeal such a direction by the Pensions Authority to the High Court on a point of law.

I also approved an amendment to guidance issued by the Pensions Authority on this matter. This change to guidance will require the trustees of a pension scheme to notify groups representing the interest of scheme members of proposals by the trustees of a defined benefit pension scheme to issue a direction under section 50 of the Pensions Act to restructure scheme benefits. This requirement will afford the representative group an opportunity to make a submission to the trustees of a pension scheme in relation to proposals to restructure scheme benefits.

These changes will facilitate engagement between groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members and the Pension Authority and the trustees of a pension scheme.

I would expect that any group that is recognised for the purposes of collective representation with the trustees of a pension scheme could seek to engage voluntarily with the enterprise involved in talks or trade dispute with employees.

06/05/2015WRD01950Widow’s Pension Eligibility

06/05/2015WRD0200096. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress, to date, in determining an application for a widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension, in conjunction with an established entitlement to payment from the United Kingdom, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17672/15]

06/05/2015WRD02100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): An application for widow’s contributory pension was received from the person concerned on the 10th of April 2015. A Deciding Officer has noted that there is no record of the person’s marriage held by the General Register Office and has requested the person concerned to furnish a copy of their marriage certificate. On receipt, a Deciding Officer will make a decision on the person’s entitlement to widow’s contributory pension and the person will be notified of the outcome without delay.

06/05/2015WRD02150Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRD0220097. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a EUP65 form has no post office payment option on it (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17678/15]

06/05/2015WRD02300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): EU social security

53 Questions - Written Answers legislation provides that a resident of Ireland who has been insurably employed in another EU Member State(s) or a European Economic Area State (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liech- tenstein), and who is approaching state pension age in that country(ies), should make their application for pension through the Department of Social Protection. The Department will set out the claim details and the necessary supporting information in the required EU format, and will convey the pension claim to the pensions authority of the other country (ies), liaising as necessary with that authority, on the applicant’s behalf.

The EUP65 form is an application form designed specifically for the above purpose. It is not an application form for an Irish state pension. It is only for use by residents of Ireland who have not yet reached state pension age in Ireland, but who have attained the lower state pension age in another country they have worked in. If the person is awarded a pension by that country, the method of payment is a matter for that authority. Generally, foreign institution pension payments are not facilitated through the Irish Post Office network.

06/05/2015WRD02350Social Welfare Benefits Data

06/05/2015WRD0240098. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of social welfare payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the dependent family members the person is receiving payment for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17701/15]

06/05/2015WRD02500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person in question is in receipt of the half-rate carer’s allowance in respect of one care recipient. The weekly carer’s allowance payment he receives is €102.00 per week. In addition, his spouse is in receipt of a DSP payment in her own right including an increase for a qualified adult in respect of the person concerned amounting to €124.80 per week plus increases for their qualified children.

The person in question is also in receipt of annual respite care grant and household benefits package.

The person in question should contact his local Intreo Office or the Citizens Information Centre if they believe they may qualify for additional payments.

06/05/2015WRD02550Personal Public Service Data

06/05/2015WRD0260099. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason European Union citizens are refused personal public service numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17706/15]

06/05/2015WRD02700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is an individual’s unique reference number for all dealings with Gov- ernment Departments and public bodies. Before a PPS Number can be allocated, the person making the application must provide evidence of identity and demonstrate a valid reason for the application. PPS Numbers are issued by the Department following checks on an individual’s identity. In addition, acceptable evidence of address must be provided. The process of allocating a PPS Number includes the capture of a photograph and signature. Photographs captured are compared with other photographs previously captured in order to detect any possible duplicates. The requirements are the same for all persons regardless of nationality, i.e., whether EU citizens or not.

54 6 May 2015 When a person is refused the allocation of a PPS Number, it is because s/he failed to provide acceptable evidence of identity or address, and/or to demonstrate a valid reason for seeking the Number.

I understand the Department has contacted the Deputy’s office and requested details of the specific cases that have led to this question. These can then be investigated and the Deputy advised directly of the outcome in each instance.

06/05/2015WRD02750Invalidity Pension Payments

06/05/2015WRD02800100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17720/15]

06/05/2015WRD02900Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The person concerned was awarded IP from 11th August 2011 at the maximum weekly personal rate of €193.50. If there has been a change in circumstances and the person concerned wishes to apply for additional allowances, e.g. an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) or fuel allowance, entitlement can be determined on receipt of the completed claim forms. Claim forms for both allowances have issued to the person concerned today.

06/05/2015WRD02950Supplementary Welfare Allowance Payments

06/05/2015WRD03000101. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider restoring the diet supplement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17751/15]

06/05/2015WRD03100Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): Diet supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, is payable to qualifying persons, in receipt of the supplement prior to February 2014, who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition.

During 2013, the Department commissioned the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) to update their previous research published in 2006 and updated in 2007 on the costs of healthy eating and specialised diets. Pricing for a selection of foods based on branded and own label foods was surveyed in a sample of retail outlets for each diet. These outlets included large stores, large low cost stores, medium sized stores and convenience stores.

The research showed that the average costs across all of the retail outlets of the diets supple- mented under the scheme can be met from within one third of the minimum personal rate of social welfare payment, i.e. the SWA rate of €186 per week. The scheme was discontinued on the basis of this evidence and I have no plans to reverse this decision.

Payment of the supplement will continue to be made to the existing 4,600 recipients for as long as they continue to be entitled to the payment. In cases of particular hardship that may present, officials have the legislative power to award a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in cases of exceptional need.

55 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRD03150Rent Supplement Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRD03200102. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason the rent allowance and one-parent family payment was suspended for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [17764/15]

06/05/2015WRD03300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned was claiming one parent family payment from October 2007 until October 2013, when her claim was disallowed following an investigation which determined that her means were in excess of the statutory limit for receipt of the payment. This decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO); however her appeal was disallowed by that office in April 2014.

A subsequent jobseeker’s allowance claim was also disallowed on the same basis in October 2014; this was also appealed to the SWAO and again her appeal was disallowed by that office.

In November 2014 she made a claim for supplementary welfare allowance which was also disallowed because her means were also in excess of the statutory limit for that scheme. There was no subsequent appeal in respect of this decision.

The person concerned has been receiving rent allowance for her current accommodation since October 2013. She is receiving the correct entitlement rate in line with current legislation as it relates to means assessments for that scheme. Any arrears due have been paid to her and her claim has been paid up to date.

06/05/2015WRD03350Social Welfare Code

06/05/2015WRD03400103. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a trust fund for a child, that can only be accessed when the child reaches 18 years of age, has to be declared by the parent, when the parent is applying for a social welfare payment. [17765/15]

06/05/2015WRD03500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The means test for social assistance schemes takes account of all cash income which income the claimant has as well as the yearly value of property (other than the home) and capital which a claimant owns.

The key issue, for means testing purposes, in the case of trust funds is the ownership of such funds. Trust funds which are owned by a child of a claimant are not assessable in order to determine the means of any parent who is a welfare claimant. In this regard, it sometimes may not be clear as to who is the actual owner of a trust fund is and such funds should be declared by the parent in order to enable the Department to determine whether it is assessable or otherwise.

06/05/2015WRD03550National Internship Scheme Administration

06/05/2015WRD03600104. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the money and resources spent promoting the JobBridge scheme, including events, advertising and materials. [17770/15]

06/05/2015WRD03700Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): I include a table showing expenditure on the promotion of JobBridge from 2012 to 2014 inclusive. I have included expenditure on software maintenance as the website has a promotional aspect within its broader role.

56 6 May 2015 There was no expenditure on promotion of the scheme in 2011 or 2015.

Expenditure on the promotion of JobBridge from 2012 to 2014

Item 2012 2013 2014 Advertising - Magazine Ad - - 2,761.35 Advertising - Other 344.40 1,476.00 Job Bridge Conference - - 1,968.00 Printed Forms 22,591.34 47.97 4,473.44 Website Software Maintenance 81,610.93 - - Total 104,546.67 47.97 10,678.79

06/05/2015WRD03750Departmental Expenditure

06/05/2015WRD03800105. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, by month, a breakdown indicating the 2015 Revised Estimate for total expenditure by her Department; and the actual total expenditure to date. [17771/15]

06/05/2015WRD03900106. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, by month, a breakdown indicating the 2015 Revised Estimate for expenditure on jobseeker’s benefit and on jobseeker’s allowance; and the actual expenditure on those schemes to date. [17772/15]

06/05/2015WRD04000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table:

- - Actual expen- Actual expen- Actual expen- Actual expenditure diture diture diture - 2015 Revised Jan 2015 Feb 2015 Mar 2015 Year to date Estimate end of Mar 2015 - €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 Overall Department 19,378,333 1,751,868 1,502,532 1,557,525 4,811,925 of Social Protection expenditure Jobseekers Jobseekers Allowance 2,607,900 227,453 212,021 236,963 676,437 Jobseekers Benefit 406,600 35,859 33,079 31,583 100,521 Total expenditure on 3,014,500 263,312 245,100 268,546 776,958 jobseekers

Expenditure data for April is still being finalised. It should be noted that expenditure can and does vary considerably from month to month as a consequence of varying numbers of payment days by scheme. For example, most pensions are paid on a Friday and, accordingly, expenditure in a month with five Fridays will be greater than a month with 4.

06/05/2015WRD04050Social Welfare Appeals

06/05/2015WRD04100107. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent

57 Questions - Written Answers to which her Department continues to monitor the timeframe to process appeals for various means-tested payments or claims based on medical entitlement; the timeframe currently in place for dealing with appeals; and the average processing time currently for appeals. [17821/15]

06/05/2015WRD04200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Average appeal processing times for 2014 and 2015 broken down by all social welfare scheme types are outlined in the tables.

Appeal processing times peaked in 2011 when the average time for an oral hearing was 52.5 weeks and for a summary decision was 25.1 weeks. In 2012 the average processing time for an oral hearing dropped to 39.5 weeks and the time for a summary decision increased slightly to 27.8 weeks. Further improvements were achieved in 2013, when the average appeal processing time reduced to 33.9 weeks for an oral hearing and 25.8 weeks for a summary decision. In 2014 the average appeal processing time reduced to 28.6 weeks for an oral hearing and 21.1 weeks for a summary decision. Processing times continue to improve in 2015 as the current average processing time for an oral hearing is now 25.6 weeks and 18.2 weeks for a summary decision.

The reduction in processing times reflects the significant resources which have been -in vested in the Social Welfare Appeals Office over the last number of years.

In addition the Department has undertaken a process of reform in many of its scheme areas aimed at reducing the time taken to respond to requests for submissions in relation to appeals. Appeal processing times are kept under continual review in the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

In addition to the improvement in processing times, these measures have also led to a significant reduction in the number of appeals on hand from 20,414 at 1 January 2013 to 9,537 at 1st May 2015.

Appeal processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period including time spent awaiting any clarification from the appellant, time in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department’s Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. The system is flexible and accessible and allows multiple reviews and submissions of fresh evidence at all stages. For logistical reasons the process takes longer when an oral hearing is required.

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.

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2014 – 31/12/14

- Average processing times Average processing times (weeks) (weeks) Summary Decisions Oral Hearings Adoptive Benefit 17.1 - Blind Pension 20.5 24.9 Carers Allowance 30.1 34.4 Carers Benefit 22.9 23.1 Child Benefit 23.8 32.9 Disability Allowance 20.8 26.7 Illness Benefit 29.5 34.8 Domiciliary Care Allowance 22.6 29.1

58 6 May 2015

- Average processing times Average processing times (weeks) (weeks) Summary Decisions Oral Hearings Deserted Wives Benefit - 64.7 Deserted Wives Allowance - 41.8 Farm Assist 23.2 28.3 Bereavement Grant 25.6 31.9 Family Income Supplement 26.0 32.6 Invalidity Pension 25.9 31.2 Liable Relatives 21.5 33.2 One Parent Family Payment 24.4 33.5 Maternity Benefit 22.4 44.7 Partial Capacity Benefit 48.5 48.5 State Pension (Contributory) 25.2 41.9 State Pension (Non-Cont) 20.3 29.4 State Pension (Transition) 27.0 35.1 Occupational Injury Benefit 33.6 33.7 Disablement Pension 23.6 30.6 Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical) - 53.9 Incapacity Supplement 21.5 59.6 Guardian’s Payment (Con) 25.9 24.9 Guardian’s Payment (Non-con) 19.7 30.3 Pre Retirement Allowance 17.3 - Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means) 18.1 27.5 Jobseeker’s Allowance 16.2 21.1 JA/JB Fraud Control 12.1 - Jobseeker’s Benefit 16.7 21.1 Treatment Benefit 20.8 - Respite Care Grant 24.9 27.1 Insurability of Employment 45.0 62.3 Supplementary Welfare Allowance 14.4 22.1 Survivor’s Pension (Con) 20.2 32.5 Survivor’s Pension (Non-Con) 24.7 24.6 Widowed Parent Grant 22.2 - All Appeals 21.1 28.6

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2015 – 30/04/2015 Average processing times Average processing times (weeks) (weeks) Summary Decisions Oral Hearings Blind Pension 10.3 34.5 Carers Allowance 22.1 28.0 Carers Benefit 24.0 25.4 Child Benefit 21.3 34.4 Disability Allowance 15.9 21.7 Illness Benefit 22.4 31.7 Domiciliary Care Allowance 19.6 24.4 Deserted Wives Benefit - 25.1 Deserted Wives Allowance - 16.2 Farm Assist 15.9 21.8 59 Questions - Written Answers

Average processing times Average processing times (weeks) (weeks) Summary Decisions Oral Hearings Bereavement Grant 61.1 26.0 Family Income Supplement 19.9 24.0 Invalidity Pension 25.4 31.1 Liable Relatives 15.9 - One Parent Family Payment 25.4 37.1 Maternity Benefit 25.3 16.8 Partial Capacity Benefit 23.5 16.6 State Pension (Contributory) 20.4 43.6 State Pension (Non-Cont) 20.0 29.7 State Pension (Transition) 50.4 41.6 Occupational Injury Benefit 36.6 36.3 Disablement Pension 22.6 30.7 Incapacity Supplement - 59.1 Guardian’s Payment (Con) 21.7 29.5 Guardian’s Payment (Non-con) 15.2 21.8 Pre Retirement Allowance 15.0 - Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means) 15.7 25.9 Jobseeker’s Allowance 14.5 20.3 Jobseeker’s Benefit 14.0 15.3 Recoverable Benefits and Assistance 8.0 - Respite Care Grant 19.4 21.7 Insurability of Employment 27.3 69.9 Supplementary Welfare Allowance 15.1 22.9 Survivor’s Pension (Con) 22.5 33.8 Survivor’s Pension (Non-Con) 59.0 43.7 Widowed Parent Grant 13.2 - All Appeals 18.2 25.6

06/05/2015WRD04250Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRD04300108. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding State pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17829/15]

06/05/2015WRD04400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The State pension (contributory) is a very valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. There- fore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. This is particularly important given the challenge that increased longevity is posing for the future sustainability of the State pension. Con- sequently, when assessing whether an individual is entitled to a State pension, and to ensure that they can maximise such entitlement, all contributions (paid or credited) from when they first enter insurable employment until pension age are taken into account.

The State assists those with caring roles to qualify for a State pension (contributory). The homemaker’s scheme makes qualification for State pension (contributory) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme, which was introduced in 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age or incapacitated people to

60 6 May 2015 be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. Given the valuable nature of the State pension (contributory), those who qualify under the homemaker’s scheme still need to fulfil the eligibility requirements for that scheme, and have at least 520 paid contributions over the course of their working lives.

However, for those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), the State pension system provides alternative methods of support. If someone has been a carer for nearly all of their adult life and has paid little or no PRSI, they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €219, which amounts to just over 95% of the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse or civil partner is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) they may instead qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult of up to €206.30, which is just under 90% of the maximum personal rate of the State pension (contributory).

06/05/2015WRD04450Exceptional Needs Payment Data

06/05/2015WRD04500109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for exceptional needs payments received by her Department in each of the past 12 months, to date; the number approved; the number refused, those pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17842/15]

06/05/2015WRD04600Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Gov- ernment has provided €27.9 million for the ENP scheme in 2015.

There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

Statistics are maintained relating to payments under the ENP scheme, however they are not maintained on the number of applications or the outcome of those applications. The number of ENP payments made in each of the past 12 months is contained in the tabular statement.

Number of ENP Payments in each of the past 12 months:

Month Number of Payments April 2014 8,176 May 2014 8,995 June 2014 7,907 July 2014 8,819 August 2014 7,965 September 2014 8,882 October 2014 9,664 November 2014 9,578 December 2014 10,506 January 2015 8,281 February 2015 8,533

61 Questions - Written Answers Month Number of Payments March 2015 8,896 Total 106,202

06/05/2015WRE00200State Pension (Contributory) Applications

06/05/2015WRE00300110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the State pension (contributory) received by her Department in the course of the past 12 months, to date; the number approved and rejected; the number of cases in respect of which the application were automatically tested for the State pension (non- contributory); the number of cases in respect of which a whole new application was required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17843/15]

06/05/2015WRE00400Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The table shows the total number of state pension (contributory) applications received from January 2014 to April 2015, together with a breakdown of decision outcomes during that period as follows:

Period Claims received Claims awarded Claims disallowed Jan– Dec 2014 40,212 27,591 8,205 Jan – April 2015 10,795 6,299 2,572

State pension (contributory) is an insurance based payment, paid to people from the age of 66 who satisfy a number of qualifying conditions. It is not a means-tested payment. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who do not qualify for a state pension (contributory), or who qualify for a reduced contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

The notification of a decision by a Deciding Officer to disallow a claim for state pension (contributory), where the qualifying conditions are not met, provides the claimant with the option to appeal the decision and advises them of the option to apply for the alternative means tested state pension (non-contributory) pension. Where the claimant wishes to apply for state pension (non-contributory) pension they are required to complete and return a SPNC1 form, which captures details of the income and assets the claimant holds and, where applicable, the income and assets of their dependent spouse, civil-partner or cohabitant.

This information is required to allow a Deciding Officer to consider their entitlement for pension and the applicant will be notified of the Deciding Officer’s decision without delay.

06/05/2015WRE00500Social Welfare Appeals

06/05/2015WRE00600111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of oral hearings that have taken place in the past twelve months, in respect of the various payments made by her Department to social welfare recipients; the number of cases where the original decision was overturned, arising from the hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17844/15]

06/05/2015WRE00700Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that legislation provides that where an Appeals Officer is of the opinion that an appeal can be properly determined without an oral hearing, he or she may determine the appeal summarily on the basis of the documentary evidence provided. 62 6 May 2015 If an appellant requests an oral hearing, that request will generally be granted unless the Ap- peals Officer considers that a positive decision, based on the documentary evidence presented, can be given without recourse to an oral hearing. However, in some cases, where there is clearly nothing to be gained from an oral hearing, for example when a decision relates to a question of social insurance contributions or means which is not disputed, the Appeals Officer may decide the appeal on a summary basis.

As reported in the 2014 Annual Report of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, 24,081 appeals were finalised by appeals officers in 2014, and of these 7,523 (31.2%) appeals were decided following an oral hearing. Of these 4,868 (64.7%) had a successful outcome for the appellant while 2,655 (35.3%) were disallowed. 16,558 (68.8%) appeals were decided by summary decision and of these 7,462 (45.1%) had a successful outcome for the appellant.

Of the 6,456 appeals decided by appeals officers to date in 2015, 2,316 (35.87%) appeals were decided following an oral hearing. Of these 1,464 (63.22%) had a successful outcome for the appellant while 852 (36.78%) were disallowed. 4,140 (64.13%) appeals were decided by summary decision and of these 1,829 (44.18%) had a successful outcome for the appellant.

While it appears that there is a proportionately higher rate of success following oral hearing this is not surprising given that the Appeals Officer who convenes the hearing is the same Ap- peals Officer who decided that the case could not be decided fairly on a summary basis. The reasons for this will include the level of complexity of the issues, conflicts in the evidence, or the need for elaboration by the appellant on the grounds of appeal.

06/05/2015WRE00800Social Welfare Benefits

06/05/2015WRE00900112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she remains satisfied that one parent families receive a combination of payments amounting to at least as much as they previously qualified for under the One Parent Family Allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17845/15]

06/05/2015WRE01000Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Almost 70,000 lone parents are currently supported by the one-parent family payment (OFP) scheme at an estimated cost to the Department of approximately €607 million in 2015. However, despite considerable investment, the scheme has not succeeded in preventing lone parents from being significantly more at risk of consistent poverty than the population as a whole.

The purpose of the phased OFP scheme age change reforms that were introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2012, is to reduce long-term social welfare dependency and poverty among lone parents, and to ensure that they have improved access to the Department’s range of education, training, and employment support programmes, in order to assist them in securing employment and financial independence.

Approximately 20,000 affected lone parents will experience no income changes or will gain after the transition. The gain for individuals in this instance will be in the range of €10 to €150 63 Questions - Written Answers per week, depending on their level of earnings and, also, on the number of children that they have.

The remaining lone parents are in employment. Approximately 6,000 of these will have an immediate incentive to increase the number of hours that they work to 19 in order to claim the family income supplement (FIS) payment and the new back to work family (BTWFD) dividend. These individuals will then be financially better off than their current position.

06/05/2015WRE01100Disability Allowance Data

06/05/2015WRE01200113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension received in her Depart- ment, in each of the past five years to date; the numbers approved, rejected or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17846/15]

06/05/2015WRE01300Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statements.

Disability Allowance

Year Registered Awarded Rejected Pending at period end 2010 21,409 8,306 10,316 6,880 2011 24,264 9,246 14,116 6,999 2012 25,887 10,400 14,519 7,775 2013 20538 12497 14,691 5,022 2014 21,071 13,876 12,621 6,058 31 March 2015 5,252 4,112 4,925 4,489

Invalidity Pension

Year Registered Awarded Rejected Pending at period end 2010 8,774 3,597 3,677 2,701 2011 14,621 2,657 5,945 6,814 2012 11,510 6,352 10,721 3,662 2013 9,640 9,494 8,546 2,013 2014 9,240 7,018 5,496 2,034 31 March 2015 2,272 1,904 1,439 1,680

06/05/2015WRE01400Deserted Wife’s Benefit Data

06/05/2015WRE01500114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of Deserted Wives Benefit eligible for receipt of payment in the past five years, to date; the extent to which their entitlement has changed in the period in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17847/15]

06/05/2015WRE01600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Deserted Wife’s Benefit scheme has been closed since 1997. The number of recipients eligible for receipt of 64 6 May 2015 payment in the past five years is set out in the table. There has been no change in the eligibility criteria for the scheme in that time.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 8,372 8,071 7,753 7,457 7,228

06/05/2015WRE01700Social Welfare Schemes

06/05/2015WRE01800115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the various schemes available to her Department are making positive and beneficial impact on the numbers of young persons who are unemployed; her future expectations in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17848/15]

06/05/2015WRE01900Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): The Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth and the availability of productive employment for young people.

However, the Government recognises that as the recovery takes hold, there is a need for additional measures to ensure that as many as possible of the jobs created are taken up by jobseekers and young jobseekers in particular. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee.

The Youth Guarantee sets a medium-term objective of ensuring that young people receive an offer of employment within four months of becoming unemployed. The main plank of the guarantee is assistance to young people in finding and securing sustainable jobs. For those who do not find employment, additional offers are provided for. Most such offers (over 70%) are in further education or training. Others are in community-based employment programmes such as CE, Gateway and Tús, or through the JobsPlus employment subsidy for private employment.

Reflecting the impact of government policy, and the overall improvement in the labour market, youth unemployment continues to fall (with a rate of 21.1% in March 2015 estimated by Eurostat, as compared to 25.9% in March 2014 and a peak of over 30% in 2012).

Pathways to Work 2014 targets with respect to the Youth Guarantee have largely been achieved. In addition it the following targets in Pathways to Work 2015 have been or are expected to be met:

- Roll out the First Steps developmental internships programme for 1500 – 2000 young people.

- Introduce JobsPlus for Youth

- Allocate 1,000 places on the Tús scheme to young people.

- Introduce a pilot programme to support young unemployed people to take up opportunities under schemes such as Your First EURES Job.

- Ring-fence a minimum of 2,000 training places for under-25s by the Department of Educa- tion and Skills, under a follow-up to the Momentum programme.

I am satisfied these measures, together with the continuing economic recovery, are having a positive and beneficial impact on young people, and will enable the young unemployed to avail

65 Questions - Written Answers of employment opportunities now and into the future.

06/05/2015WRE02000Back to Work Allowance

06/05/2015WRE02100116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for Back to Work Allowance received in her Department in the past four years, to date; the numbers approved and rejected in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17849/15]

06/05/2015WRE02200Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): Schemes such as the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) and the Short Term Enter- prise Allowance (STEA) assist those on certain social welfare payments who wish to become self-employed.

The BTWEA is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are dependent on certain social welfare payments to develop a business, while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years from time of approval (100% in year one and 75% in year two). The STEA provides immediate access to those who have lost their jobs and qualify for jobseeker’s benefit and wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit.

Information on the number of applications approved for payment under the two schemes for the years 2011 to end of March 2015 is set out in the table. The Department does not collect information on the number of applications received or rejected.

Number of Applicants in Payment 2011-2015

Description of 2011 (end 2012 (end 2013 (end 2014 (end 2015 (end Scheme Dec) Dec) Dec) Dec) Mar) Back To Work Enter- 10,751 10,811 10,098 11,167 11,372 prise Allowance Short Term Enter- 1,294 1,066 583 479 465 prise Allowance Total 12,045 11,877 10,681 11,646 11,837

06/05/2015WRE02300Unemployment Benefits Payments

06/05/2015WRE02400117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit in County Kildare; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated in the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17850/15]

06/05/2015WRE02500Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The information requested by the Deputy at the end of December in each of the years 2011 to 2013 and at the end of March 2015 is detailed in the tabular statement.

It should be noted that the county level statistics indicate the number of people signing-on for payment at an office located in the county indicated. As the catchment area of many local offices cross county borders this data is not equivalent to the number of people residing in each county who are signing-on.

66 6 May 2015 Recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit in County Kildare at the end of December 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and at 31 March 2015

Jobseek- Year on Jobseek- Year on Total Year on Year er’s Allow- Year Vari- er’s Benefit Year Vari- Variance ance ance ance 2011 10,983 4,041 15,024 2012 11,823 7.6% 3,560 -11.9% 15,383 2.4% 2013 12,210 3.3% 2,515 -29.4% 14,725 -4.3% 2014 11,219 -8.1% 2,141 -14.9% 13,360 -9.3% 31 March 10,462 -6.7% 2,215 3.5% 12,677 -5.1% 2015

06/05/2015WRE02600Community Welfare Services Provision

06/05/2015WRE02700118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which community welfare offices are located throughout County Kildare, in such a manner as to ensure convenience of access for the general public, within reasonable travelling distance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17851/15]

06/05/2015WRE02800Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Community Welfare Services in the South Kildare are rationalised to three main centres; Naas, Newbridge and Athy. The service is accessible by telephone call, followed up by appointments and home visits as required. Telephone lines are open at all times and all clients will have their call returned within one working day. This eliminates the need to travel to offices/health centres and wait in lengthy queues. Emergencies are prioritised and dealt with in a timely manner.

In North Kildare Community Welfare Services are based in Maynooth and Celbridge Health Centres with an outreach service available in Kilcock Health Centre. In Maynooth two-hour clinics are held on three mornings per week, in Celbridge two-hour clinics are held two mornings per week and an outreach clinic is held in Kilcock one morning per week. If a person is unable to travel to one of the clinics, for example due to illness, a phone service is available for the client to contact the Community Welfare Service and if required, a member of staff can arrange to visit the client’s home.

Contact details for the service in South Kildare are as follows:

Area Phone Number Athy – Castledermot 045 – 887831 Dunlavin – Ballitore – Baltinglass 045 – 887829 Monasterevin – Rathangan – Kildare 045 – 887830 Newbridge – Curragh – Suncroft 045 – 887821 Clane – Kilmeague – Prosperous – Robertstown - Al- 045 – 887823 lenwood Naas – Caragh – Sallins – Johnstown – Kill - Kilcullen 1800 - 383800 Fax Number for Referrals 045 - 887845 Postal Address for all Referrals P.O. Box 700 Naas Co. Kildare

Current Service Availability: North Kildare

67 Questions - Written Answers Clinic location Opening times Maynooth Health Centre Tuesday 10.00 – 12.00pm Wednesday 10.00 -12.00 pm Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 pm Celbridge Health Centre Monday 10:00 – 12:00pm Thursday 10:00 – 12:00pm Kilcock Health Centre (Outreach Clinic) Tuesday 10:00- 12:00pm

06/05/2015WRE02900Youth Unemployment Measures

06/05/2015WRE03000119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to be in the position to avail of European Union support to alleviate youth unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17852/15]

06/05/2015WRE03100Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth and the availability of productive employment for young people.

In addition, there is a wide range of employment services, along with programmes of training and education, work experience, and recruitments supports that address the particular labour market issues facing young people. These are set out in detail in Ireland’s implementation plan for the EU Recommendation on a Youth Guarantee, and involve other Departments – most no- tably the Department of Education and Skills – as well as the Department of Social Protection.

In support of the recommendation for a Youth Guarantee, the EU council agreed that a total of €6bn would be earmarked within EU funds to support approved Youth Employment Initia- tive projects over the course of the seven year Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014- 2020. This €6bn comprises €3bn from within the existing European Social Fund (ESF) and an additional €3bn in the form of Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funding.

The EU Institutions have now agreed that YEI funding should be reserved for use in those regions where youth unemployment levels exceeded 25% during the reference year of 2012 (since extended to include regions where youth unemployment was over 20% in 2012 in Mem- ber States where youth unemployment had risen by more than 30% over the previous year). Both regions within Ireland satisfy the original 25% threshold. Ireland’s allocation is €68.14 million.

The YEI fund is to be allocated to approved projects on a proportional basis. Expenditure on ESF actions will have to be matched by national funds, in accordance with normal structural funds rules. Member States can then access a share of the additional €3 billion. Where ESF- supported projects are eligible for YEI as well, the YEI funding will be equal to and additional to the ESF support.

In 2014 alone, the costs for implementing the programmes for the young unemployed in Ireland’s Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan were €336 million, or €528 million if the costs of PLC courses and the apprenticeship system are included. Similar costs are likely be incurred, on an annual basis. These costs, in the first instance, are borne by the Irish Exchequer. It is anticipated that a sufficient share of this expenditure will meet the relevant eligibility criteria, to allow a full draw-down of Ireland’s YEI allocation and the related ESF funding.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 80. 68 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRE03400Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

06/05/2015WRE03500121. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if it is the policy of her Department to withhold social welfare payments, such as JobSeeker’s Allowance, to non-Irish born residents until they have completed English language courses; if it is the policy of her Department to make attending English language courses a condition of receiving a JobSeeker’s Allowance; and if so, the legislative and / or policy basis for such decisions. [17856/15]

06/05/2015WRE03600Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Jobseeker’s Allow- ance is payable to persons who are aged over 18 and under 66 years of age and who are:

- Unemployed; - Capable of work; - Available and genuinely seeking work; - Satisfy a means test; and - Meet the Habitual Residence Condition.

It is not conditional for a person to have English language proficiency in order to receive Jobseekers Allowance. However, in some instances as part of the completion of an agreed personal progression plan (PPP) with a Departmental case officer, it may be appropriate for a jobseeker to undertake English language training in order to enhance their prospects of securing employment.

06/05/2015WRE03700JobsPlus Scheme

06/05/2015WRE03800122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person, who is a participant on a JobBridge scheme in a voluntary secondary school, may subsequently participate on the JobsPlus scheme in the same school; if the JobsPlus scheme is confined to fee-paying schools only; if State-funded schools are excluded from this particular scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17869/15]

06/05/2015WRE03900Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys): JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years – paid in monthly instalments provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed. In April, the Department disbursed some €1.79 million to 3,437 employers in respect of 4,670 employees being supported by JobsPlus.

Persons pursuing internships under JobBridge - who were in receipt of a qualifying payment prior to their internship - may be employed directly from the scheme once the required qualifying period and conditions are satisfied. An employer and employee should apply online as normal in these circumstances.

An employer deemed as a public service body is not eligible for the Incentive. A person or body funded by the Oireachtas or by the Central Fund and in respect of which a public service pension scheme exists or may be made is defined as a public service body. This includes schools, boards of management and education providers wholly or partly funded by the Depart- ment of Education and Skills.

69 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRE04000Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRE04100123. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of her Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18256/15]

06/05/2015WRE04200Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The information requested by the Deputy in relation to recruitment since the partial lifting of the embargo into the Department of Social Protection and the Agencies under the remit of the Department is outlined in the table.

The Agencies that operate under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Authority, the Citizens Information Boards (CIB) and the Pensions Ombudsman.

Department/Agency Grade Number Recruited Department of Social Pro- Permanent Clerical Officer 23 tection *Temporary Clerical Officer 168 Medical Assessor 4 Citizens Information Board Permanent Chief Executive 1 Temporary Grade III Accounts As- 1 sistant Temporary Grade IV Senior Manag- 1 ers Administrator Temporary Grade III ICT Adminis- 1 trator Pensions Authority Nil Recruitment Nil Pensions Ombudsman Nil Recruitment Nil *Since 14th October 2014, 168 Temporary Clerical Officers were recruited. The majority are of the contracts are of a short duration. There are 152 Temporary Clerical Officers currently serving in the Department.

06/05/2015WRE04300Mortgage Repayments

06/05/2015WRE04400124. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount in legal costs that Allied Irish Banks spent in 2013 and in 2014, in pursuing persons who had defaulted on their house loans; the top five highest amounts paid out to legal firms for that work in 2014 only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17186/15]

06/05/2015WRE04500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been informed by AIB that for commercial confidentiality reasons the bank does not publicly disclose the details of contracts with individual external service providers. The bank manages legal fees within its commercial business requirements and operating costs.

06/05/2015WRE04600Fuel Laundering

06/05/2015WRE04700125. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a new dye for agricultural diesel, in the effort to combat diesel laundering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/15] 70 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRE04800Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that, following a joint process, Revenue and HM Revenue and Customs identified a new and more effective product to mark rebated fuels in Ireland and the UK. The new marker was introduced in each jurisdiction at the end of March this year, following consultation with the oil industry, and is used to mark all gas oil and kerosene to which a reduced rate of mineral oil tax applies. The introduction of the new marker, which is used in addition to existing dyes, provides a significant boost in the fight against illegal fuel laundering in both jurisdictions.

06/05/2015WRE04900IBRC Operations

06/05/2015WRE05000126. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance prior to the appointment of a person (details supplied) to investigate the Siteserv sale and report to him and the Houses of the Oireachtas, if he requested information on the number of liquidations, receiverships and examinerships that were carried out by that person that Arthur Cox Solicitors had acted on for KPMG in the period 2007 to 2015; if so, the liquidations, examinerships and receiverships that Arthur Cox acted on for KPMG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17205/15]

06/05/2015WRE05100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Officials from my Department spoke with the Special Liquidators of IBRC to discuss the scope of the transaction review, however, matters surrounding Arthur Cox Solicitors role in acting on liquidations, receiverships and examinerships for KPMG in the period 2007 to 2015 were not discussed.

06/05/2015WRE05200Tax Code

06/05/2015WRE05300127. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure that the 4,000 Standard Life shareholders, who opted to receive their money from the sale of the business as a capital payment, will not suffer a financial loss or be subject to tax as a result of significant postal delays, through no fault of their own; if he will liaise with the Rev- enue Commissioners, and introduce a measure similar to that undertaken in 2014, in a similar incident with Vodafone shareholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17216/15]

06/05/2015WRE05400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I understand that the UK company, Standard Life plc, has offered its shareholders the option of having “return of value” payments due to them treated as income or capital, with treatment as income being the default position in the absence of shareholders choosing an option within a specified time which has now elapsed. From an Irish tax perspective, the position is that if the Standard Life return of value payment is received as income by an Irish resident taxpayer it will be taxed under Income Tax rules. If it is received as capital it will be taxed under the Capital Gains Tax rules.

In last year’s Finance Act, I included provisions allowing for a measure of tax relief to the many thousands of Irish shareholders with a small shareholding in Vodafone plc who inadvertently found themselves subject to an unintended liability to income tax, PRSI and USC rather than a nil capital gains tax liability arising from a return of value payment from that company. I did this because the shareholding of very many of those individuals arose originally from their investment in Eircom plc and, as a result of which investment, they continue to carry capital losses. I considered, given the particular background in this case, that to leave those shareholders with income tax and other liabilities on foot of a decision they inadvertently made or did not make at all would have been inequitable. This particular background is not a feature of the Standard Life return of value case.

The fact that notifications of the options made by individuals in the Vodafone case last year 71 Questions - Written Answers were delayed in the post beyond the deadline date in that case or were otherwise not dealt with by the company as shareholders would have wished were not factors in my decision to provide the relief, the reason for which I have outlined above.

I will continue to be advised by my officials, in liaison with the Revenue Commissioners, in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy in the case of the Standard Life return of value. How- ever I am not convinced of the appropriateness of the State, as a matter of practice, addressing by way of legislation the difficulties of shareholders in commercial public companies arising from a failure either to make decisions in relation to their commercial investments, the timely communication of decisions or arising from problems caused by the administrative arrangements put in place by those commercial companies.

06/05/2015WRE05500Banking Sector

06/05/2015WRE05600128. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the role Deutsche Bank is playing in advising Permanent TSB on the sale of assets. [17268/15]

06/05/2015WRE05700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been informed by Permanent TSB that it has not engaged or retained Deutsche Bank to act as its advisor in relation to either of its recently announced or pipeline deleveraging transactions. For completeness Permanent TSB has informed me that Morgan Stanley were appointed as advisor in relation to the sale of Springboard Mortgages, UK loan assets and Irish CRE assets.

The Deputy may be aware that Deutsche Bank are an advisor to Permanent TSB on its recent successful capital raise. Details of their role are outlined in the recently published prospectus which can be accessed via the link for “Equity Prospectus - April 2015” on this page: http://www.permanenttsbgroup.ie/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations/other-documents/2015.aspx

06/05/2015WRE05800State Banking Sector

06/05/2015WRE05900129. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the safeguards in place to prevent a conflict of interest arising in State owned banks, where a company is hired to provide advice on the management and disposal of assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17269/15]

06/05/2015WRE06000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Officials in my Department have received the following confirmation from the banks in response to the Deputy’s question.

AIB:

AIB has a policy in place with regards to appointment of advisors. Advisors are selected based on their knowledge and experience in relation to the type of disposal. As part of the appointment process advisors are required to declare upfront any conflict of interest to AIB to ensure none exists.

ptsb:

The Group Procurement Team oversee the appointment of all 3rd party service providers. If there is a need for ptsb Group to seek external assistance, the Procurement Team will work with the business area to understand the skill requirement and identify potential service providers. A Request for a Proposal (RFP) is then issued to the 3rd parties and they are invited to respond 72 6 May 2015 with a comprehensive proposal that outlines how they will address the needs of the Group. All RFPs include the Group s Conflict of Interest Policy and requires all third parties to abide by the conditions outlined within.

As part of the RFP process, the Group defines a set of criteria against which each respondent is assessed; this ensures an unbiased evaluation of all proposals received.

Group Procurement maintain a full list of service providers and a Conflict of Interest Log, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis.

06/05/2015WRE06100Tax Code

06/05/2015WRE06200130. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form, the full details of tax reliefs and incentives available specifically to the aircraft leasing industry; when each measure was introduced; the cost to the Exchequer of each provision; and the total cost. [17312/15]

06/05/2015WRE06300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that there are no specific tax reliefs for the aircraft leasing industry. However, information is available on tax payments from the industry for 2005 to 2014. (See table).

The following tax treatment applies to the industry:

Corporation Tax

A company carrying on a trade of aircraft leasing would, similarly to any other company carrying on a trade, be charged to corporation tax in respect of its trading income at a rate of 12.5%. When computing its profits for an accounting period, any company is entitled to claim capital allowances in respect of the wear and tear on plant and machinery owned by it and in use for the purposes of its trade at the end of that accounting period. In the case of an aircraft leasing company, this means that the company could claim a capital allowance in respect of the cost of acquiring the aircraft. The allowance is granted over a period of 8 years at a rate of 12.5% per annum.

Stamp Duty

The sale, transfer or other disposition of an aircraft is exempt from Stamp Duty as is the issue, transfer or redemption of an “Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate”. These certificates are a mechanism by which leasing companies raise the necessary finance to acquire aircraft for their leasing fleet.

VAT

Irish VAT is not charged on lease payments in respect of an aircraft where the aircraft is effectively used wholly outside the EU. The leasing of aircraft to qualifying international airlines is subject to VAT at the zero rate.

Cost to the Exchequer

There is no overall costing of the value of the Stamp Duty exemption referred to above. The sector is in a net repayment position in respect of VAT as a result of the zero rating of services.

Tax Payments from the aircraft leasing sector 2005 to 2014

73 Questions - Written Answers VAT* Employ- Income Corpora- Capital Total er’s PAYE Tax tion Tax Gains Tax €m €m €m €m €m €m 2005 -6 9 0 4 0 7 2006 -10 12 0 8 0 10 2007 -13 16 1 27 1 32 2008 -11 24 0 22 0 35 2009 -19 21 0 19 0 21 2010 -16 25 0 16 0 25 2011 -19 32 0 20 0 33 2012 -22 37 0 36 0 51 2013 -16 51 0 29 0 64 2014 (pro- -15 55 0 23 0 63 visional) *The Aircraft Leasing Sector was in a net repayment position in respect of VAT for each year.

06/05/2015WRE06400IBRC Operations

06/05/2015WRE06500131. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the payment, in cents per share, made to shareholders in Siteserv, as a result of the €5m distribution as part of the write- off of €10 million by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17371/15]

06/05/2015WRE06600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Neither I nor officials in my Department hold a record of the list of shareholders in Siteserv at the time of the transaction (other than the partial summary of the top 10 shareholders of Siteserv as at December 9, 2011, already released under Freedom of Information and available on the Department of Finance website) nor the details of the payment made to shareholders in cents per share.

However, I understand the Special Liquidator is coordinating access to the share register, which is available to view at the offices of Computershare, who provided share registration services to Siteserv. I would suggest that the Deputy contact the Special Liquidator directly to access this information.

06/05/2015WRE06700Universal Social Charge Application

06/05/2015WRE06800132. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost of reducing the current universal social charge rates to 1%, 3% and 6%, respectively, for pay-as-you-earn and self-employed earners, while maintaining the current bands and the 8% rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17415/15]

06/05/2015WRE06900170. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost of reducing the current 7% rate of Universal Social Charge by 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17757/15]

06/05/2015WRE07000171. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current number of income earners who are exempt from paying Universal Social Charge; the level to which the threshold would need to be raised to exempt a total of 400,000 and 500,000 persons respective- 74 6 May 2015 ly from the Universal Social Charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17758/15]

06/05/2015WRE07100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 170 and 171 together.

In relation to the first and second questions, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have published a post-Budget 2015 Ready Reckoner on the their statistics website at:-http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/index.html. The Ready Reckoner, accessible at:- http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/ready-reckoners.pdf, provides indicative costings in respect of certain changes to Income Tax and Universal Social Charge (USC) rates in the “In- come Tax and Universal Social Charge” section.

While the Ready Reckoner does not show all of the specific costings requested by the Depu- ty, other changes can be estimated broadly on a pro-rata basis with those displayed in the Ready Reckoner. For example, the Ready Reckoner shows the impact of reducing the lowest USC rate from 1.5% to 0.5% as having an estimated cost of €235 million in a full year. The impact of reducing the rate from 1.5% to 1.0% as suggested by the Deputy is around half of this, approximately €118 million.

These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using latest actual data for the year 2012, adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment and employment trends in the interim. They are estimated by reference to 2015 incomes and are provisional and may be revised.

In relation to the third question, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of income earners currently exempt from paying the Universal Social Charge is estimated to be in the order of 648,700, already in excess of the numbers noted by the Deputy.

06/05/2015WRF00150Tax Code

06/05/2015WRF00200133. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase the tax-free amount which may be withdrawn from annuity-tied and restricted pension funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/15]

06/05/2015WRF00300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am informed by the Revenue Com- missioners that the retirement benefits that may be provided by Revenue approved retirement arrangements cannot exceed certain maximum levels as set out in Part 30 of the Taxes Consoli- dation Act 1997 and in the Revenue Pensions Manual.

In the case of retirement lump sums, the maximum amount that may be taken depends on both the nature of the pension arrangement and the benefit options chosen by the member of the arrangement at the point of retirement.

In general, where the pension arrangement is an occupational pension scheme, the amount that may be taken in cash form at retirement in lieu of pension benefits cannot exceed a maximum of 1.5 times final remuneration where the member has at least 20 years of service with the employer, or a lower proportion where the member has completed less than 20 years of service.

However, where the occupational pension scheme is a defined contribution (as opposed to a defined benefit) arrangement, the member has the option of taking a retirement lump sum based on final remuneration and service as outlined above, with the remainder of the fund being available to purchase an annuity or, alternatively, providing the scheme rules allow and subject to conditions, to take a retirement lump sum of up to 25% of the accumulated value of the fund

75 Questions - Written Answers with the balance transferred to an Approved Retirement Fund or taken as a taxable cash sum. This is generally known as the “ARF Option” and the conditions that must be met are that the scheme member is in receipt of guaranteed pension or annuity income for life of €12,700 per annum at the point of retirement or, in the absence of that, that he or she invests up to €63,500 of the balance of the pension fund (or the whole of the remainder of the fund after taking the retirement lump sum, if less than that amount) in an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund or an annuity.

In the case of personal pension arrangements such as Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), in general a lump sum of up to 25% of the value of the fund can be taken from age 60, with the remainder of the fund used to either purchase an annuity or avail of the ARF Options described above.

I am further advised by the Commissioners, that the maximum cumulative tax-free total of all retirement lump sums that an individual can take from all pension arrangements since 7 December 2005 is €200,000. Any lump sums taken in excess of this cumulative life-time limit are subject to taxation at a ring-fenced rate of 20% on the next €300,000 and at the individual’s marginal income tax rate plus USC on any balance.

I have no plans to change the current retirement lump sum rules or the life-time tax-free limit.

06/05/2015WRF00350Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Management

06/05/2015WRF00400134. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund; the current funds and/or projects that are being supported by the fund; the way such organisations apply to the fund for support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17452/15]

06/05/2015WRF00500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (the “ISIF”) was commenced on 22 December 2014 and the NTMA is required to report each year on the ISIF. Subject to preserving confidentiality in regard to commercially sensitive information, this report is required to include the following information: investment strategy, investment return, assets valuation, detailed listing of assets, investment management and custody arrangements, an assessment on a regional basis of the ISIF’s investments on economic activity and employment and of the distribution of investments made by the ISIF.

The first formal report on the ISIF will be in respect of the calendar year 2015. It is expected that the ISIF investment strategy and an initial economic impact report will be published in Quarter 2 2015.

Current Investments

The NTMA provides a Performance and Portfolio update on a quarterly basis available on the NTMA website (http://www.ntma.ie/business-areas/ireland-strategic-investment-fund/).

An update on current ISIF and Third party commitments as at 31 March 2015 is set out as follows.

76 6 May 2015

Investment 31/03/2015 ISIF Committed 3rd Party Com- Total Project Multiple of Category Capital mitted Capital in Size in Ireland Total Project (€m) Ireland (€m) Size in Ireland (€m) to ISIF Commit- ment Water Irish Water 300 - 300 1.0x PPP PPP N111 18 165 165 9.1x Infrastructure Irish Infrastructure 250 67 317 1.3x Fund Energy Covanta Poolbeg 44 456 500 11.4x Project SME Equity SME Equity Fund - 125 167 292 2.3x Carlyle Cardinal SME Credit SME Credit Fund - 200 250 450 2.3x BlueBay Food and Agri Forestry 30 187 217 7.2x Real Estate WLR Cardinal CRE 75 195 270 3.6x Mezzanine Fund Venture Capital Yet To Be Announced2 40 35 40 1.0x Venture Capital Innovation Fund 114 125 239 2.1x Ireland Venture Capital Local Venture Capital 116 460 576 5.0x Funds Venture Capital West Summit “China 73 36 73 1.0x Ireland” Funds3 Direct Private Public Irish Assets 50 252 302 6.0x Equity (Malin) Committed to Date 1,474 2,474 3,819 2.6x 1 The ISIF provided stand-by facilities for Bank of Ireland in this project. The ISIF Commit- ment is calculated as 25% of total stand-by facility.

2Global Fund, total Irish project size is €40m

3€36m of the ISIF commitments related to a global VC fund, total Irish project size is €73m

Process for Engaging with ISIF.

The ISIF is seeking investment opportunities across a broad range of industries. Oppor- tunities will be originated from a wide variety of sources. In addition to proactive targeting of investment in priority areas by the ISIF team, the NTMA’s door is open for companies and project sponsors to approach the ISIF at any stage. There is no “application form” and there are no specific criteria, other than Investment opportunities must fit within ISIF’s mandate of achieving both a commercial risk adjusted return and economic impact in Ireland.

ISIF Team contact details are available on the NTMA website (http://www.ntma.ie/business-areas/ireland-strategic-investment-fund/ ).

06/05/2015WRF00550Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Investments

06/05/2015WRF00600135. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if the current success of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund will be used to reimburse citizens whose pensions were affected negatively such as the deferred Irish aviation superannuation service pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17453/15]

77 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRF00700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The position is that the assets of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund will be invested on a commercial basis in a manner designed to support economic activity and employment in the State. All returns on investments are to be paid into the fund. Once the returns are paid into the fund they become part of the assets of the fund and are accordingly available for investment by the Agency in accordance with the Fund s investment policy. Under the recently enacted legislation, payments may not be made to the Exchequer from the Fund before 2025 (an exception is provided for the proceeds of the directed investments).

06/05/2015WRF00750Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Management

06/05/2015WRF00800136. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund; the person regulating the investments and returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17454/15]

06/05/2015WRF00900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): An Investment Committee, appointed by the NTMA, will decide on the investments of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, within the parameters of the investment strategy set by the new Board of the National Treasury Man- agement Agency (NTMA). This investment strategy is subject to my consent and the consent of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It is expected that the Invest- ment Strategy will be approved shortly following the closure of the relevant consultations.

06/05/2015WRF00950Mortgage Arrears Proposals

06/05/2015WRF01000137. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is examining the possibility of releasing funds for distressed mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17455/15]

06/05/2015WRF01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As the Deputy is aware, the Govern- ment has put in place a broad strategy to address the problem of mortgage arrears and family home repossessions.

This has included an extensive suite of interventions designed to address the problem including specific Central Bank targets for the banks through the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Targets (MART), the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, extensive recasting of the personal insolvency legislation, the provision of advice through Department of Social Protection-led initiatives and the mortgage to rent scheme which is designed to assist borrowers in an unsustainable mortgage position to remain in their homes through the involvement of social housing agencies.

The effective management of the mortgage arrears issue is, however, an area that remains under continuous review. More and concerted action can be undertaken by the banks to assist customers in arrears and, as the Taoiseach has previously announced, the Government is considering a range of options to support the existing framework and to improve the uptake of personal insolvency solutions.

06/05/2015WRF01150Mortgage Arrears Proposals

06/05/2015WRF01200138. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the regulation that is taking place of mortgage providers transferring mortgages in arrears and distress; if terms and 78 6 May 2015 conditions agreed with mortgage providers, such as the mortgage-to-rent scheme, must be transferred to a new mortgage provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17458/15]

06/05/2015WRF01300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2015 will require entities dealing with the consumer to be authorised by the Central Bank and subject to its Codes of Conduct. Dealing with the consumer is credit servicing and the definition of credit servicing is broad. Owners of loan books who deal directly with consumers, that is, who are servicing their own loan books, will be regulated. Otherwise they can have the loan book serviced by a regulated credit servicing firm.

The Bill was published in January and second stage of the Bill was taken in the Dáil on 4 February. Since then, my officials have been in contact with the Central Bank and with the Office of the Attorney General to further progress the legislation. The Bill will continue its progress through the legislative process and I look forward to further discussion of the Bill at Committee Stage.

The Mortgage to Rent Scheme comes under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Environment, Communications and Local Government. I understand that there is no criterion under the Mortgage to Rent Scheme that would prevent a household remaining in the scheme even if mortgage provider changes. However it is a matter for the mortgage provider to agree that a property is suitable for inclusion in the scheme in the first place. There are then other eligibility criteria, in respect of household income, property size, household need and value of the property, which are applied independent of the mortgage provider. The purchase of properties under the Mortgage to Rent Scheme are financed by an Approved Housing Body (AHB) using a combination of State funding and the Ahab’s own private finance arrangements. This financing remains in place independently of the household’s mortgage provider.

06/05/2015WRF01350Irish Water Administration

06/05/2015WRF01400139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if there have been communications between Irish Water and the Revenue Commissioners over the past 14 months; if so, if he will provide information as to the nature of such communications; in particular, if the names and addresses of private individuals have been passed to Irish Water by the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17460/15]

06/05/2015WRF01500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that section 26 of the Water Services Act 2013 provides that Irish Water may request information from relevant persons, including the Revenue Commissioners, in order to allow it perform its functions.

Section 851A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 enshrines the concept of taxpayer confidentiality in the law. However, subsection 8 permits a Revenue officer to disclose taxpayer information, where this is expressly authorised by another enactment.

I am also advised that an electronic exchange of name and address data with Irish Water took place on 7 August 2014, with some additional records provided on 23 January and 17 February this year.

I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that these data exchanges are covered by a formal Data Exchange Agreement signed between the Revenue Commissioners and Irish Water and they are in conformance with Data Protection legislation.

79 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRF01550Mortgage Interest Rates

06/05/2015WRF01600140. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the review of accounts by Permanent TSB whose owners may be affected by the recent Supreme Court case pertaining to customers on a fixed-rate mortgage product which included a right to move to a tracker rate at the end of the agreed fixed-rate term; if he will specify the number of customer accounts that are potentially affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17505/15]

06/05/2015WRF01700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been informed by Permanent TSB that this relates to the situation of certain mortgage customers of the bank and their right to avail of a mortgage tracker product from the bank in circumstances where they broke early from a fixed rate tracker period.

Earlier this year the bank confirmed that it would be withdrawing appeals it had submitted to the Supreme Court in respect of High Court decisions involving specific customers who pursued and had their complaints on this matter upheld by the Financial Services Ombudsman.

Permanent TSB is now implementing the decisions of the Financial Services Ombudsman and is in correspondence with the affected parties. The bank has also confirmed that it is under an Enforcement Investigation by the Central Bank of Ireland in respect of this matter.

I understand that the bank is now undertaking a comprehensive programme to identify all customers in similar positions (i.e. mortgage customers who had a fixed rate product which included a right to move to a tracker rate at the end of the agreed fixed rate term but who lost that right because they broke from the fixed rate early) with a view to ensuring that impacted customers are informed in writing and offered redress including the offer to move to a tracker mortgage, where appropriate.

As this is subject to an ongoing Enforcement Investigation it is not appropriate to comment further at this time.

06/05/2015WRF01750Departmental Meetings

06/05/2015WRF01800141. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance If it was normal procedure for no minutes to be taken of meetings between the Secretary General of his Department and the board of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; if minutes were taken for the meeting between persons on 1 and 2 August 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/15]

06/05/2015WRF01900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As per the then Secretary General of the Department of Finance’s diary for August 2012, he was scheduled to meet the former CEO of IBRC on 1 August 2012 and 2 August 2012. From the records of the meetings, it appears that it was only the two individuals mentioned that were present and there was no other official from my Department present to take minutes of the meetings.

While no formal minutes of the meetings were recorded, the former Secretary General of my department spoke with another former official of my department about the key outcomes of the meetings and these were formally recorded by the official via an email. One of the key outcomes recorded was discussions around the Market Solutions role in IBRC which ultimately led to the appointment of a senior Department of Finance official into this role to explore opportunities for deleveraging with a view to maximising the recovery for the taxpayer. This had the additional benefit of providing greater oversight while supporting the management team.

80 6 May 2015 The briefing note ahead of the meetings and the email containing the key outcomes of the meetings have been released under FOI and are available on the Department of Finance website at http://www.finance.gov.ie/news-centre/press-releases/ibrc-foi-documents.

06/05/2015WRF01950European Council Meetings

06/05/2015WRF02000142. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the upcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting with particular reference to the Government’s position on the indepth review of the macroeconomic imbalances procedure and the implementation of structural reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17584/15]

06/05/2015WRF02100143. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the upcoming Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting with particular reference to the Government’s position on the aging report 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17585/15]

06/05/2015WRF02200Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

In terms of my on-going engagement with the Oireachtas on EU related matters, I submit a report for every formal Ecofin Council to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and Pub- lic Expenditure on the respective agenda items of each Council. As is customary, and in respect to the Joint Committee, I will provide the Committee, in advance of the 12 May Council, with the relevant report as is normal practice, containing material on the three agenda items listed in the Deputy’s questions.

06/05/2015WRF02250Banking Sector Staff

06/05/2015WRF02300144. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance in view of the recently announced loss of 1,500 jobs in AIB’s Financial Solutions Group and the answers provided to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform where the bank stated that outsourcing is key to reducing its cost base, his views regarding the erosion of job security and working conditions in the banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17586/15]

06/05/2015WRF02400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been informed that AIB has not announced 1,500 job losses in its Financial Solutions Group (FSG) nor has it announced any outsourcing of work being done in FSG.

AIB has recently opened up applications for participation in a voluntary severance scheme in FSG for those staff who have expressed an interest. However, FSG will continue to ensure it has sufficient skilled resources to help restructure and resolve the debt of customers in financial difficulty, which is a key priority for the bank.

AIB manages outsourcing within its commercial business requirements and enters into arrangements with service providers to deliver a range of services not conducted by the bank. Outsourcing is part of AIB’s overall strategy to reduce costs and focus on core banking functions. Outsourcing to date has been conducted in full consultation with the relevant unions and has not involved compulsory redundancies.

06/05/2015WRF02450Banking Sector

81 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRF02500145. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if the decision in budget 2014 to grant banks the ability to fully offset losses against all profits each year against corporation tax has been approved by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/15]

06/05/2015WRF02600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I can confirm for the Deputy that the decision to remove Section 396c of the NAMA Act 2009 did not require the approval of the European Commission. Removal of the provision served to place the Covered Banks back in the same position as other Irish corporates.

06/05/2015WRF02650Banking Sector Remuneration

06/05/2015WRF02700146. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance in view of the €1.67 million remuneration package to the chief executive officer of Ulster Bank, if he will introduce caps on the remuneration of chief executive officers of all banks or other such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17588/15]

06/05/2015WRF02800Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As the Deputy will be aware Ulster Bank was never part of the State’s bank guarantee schemes (CIFS and ELG) and never received any recapitalisation funds from the Irish taxpayer. As such I have no control over the remuneration package awarded to the CEO of Ulster Bank or indeed any other foreign owned bank operating in the State.

Remuneration of the remaining three Irish domestic banks - Bank of Ireland, PTSB and AIB - is restricted by Government policy with the maximum payment permitted amounting to €500,000 excluding a standard pension contribution.

06/05/2015WRF02850Job Losses

06/05/2015WRF02900147. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he has estimated the number of jobs lost as a result of cuts to public spending from 2009 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17589/15]

06/05/2015WRF03000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Total gross voted expenditure has been reduced from €63.1 billion in 2009 to €54 billion in 2014, with the contraction in current spending accounting for nearly 60 per cent of this fall. As a result of the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotion introduced in 2009 as an emergency policy response to the crisis in the public finances, public service numbers have been reduced by over 30,000 amounting to a fall of 10 per cent.

Whilst the second-round effects of lower volumes of public spending on economy-wide employment are difficult to quantify in aggregate, it is clear that the expenditure-based component of the consolidation strategy pursued over the period 2009-2014 has supported the recovery in employment growth evidenced to date. Indeed, if public spending had not been reduced, the impact on the labour market would have been even larger, with enormous consequences for the living standards of the Irish people.

Putting the public finances back on a sustainable footing has laid the foundation for economic recovery and is yielding positive dividends in the labour market. Some 95,000 jobs have now been created since the low-point of the crisis, and the targets set out in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs will be achieved earlier than originally envisaged.

82 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRF03050Mortgage Interest Rates

06/05/2015WRF03100148. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce incentives for banks to lower their interest rates for variable mortgages to bring them more in line with European Central Bank interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/15]

06/05/2015WRF03200151. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to increasing the bank levy on financial institutions that do not reduce standard variable mortgage rates. [17596/15]

06/05/2015WRF03300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 151 together.

At the outset I would like to confirm that the lending institutions in Ireland - including those in which the State has a significant shareholding - are independent commercial entities. I, as Minister for Finance, have no statutory role in relation to regulated financial institutions setting interest rates. The mortgage interest rates that financial institutions operating in Ireland charge to customers are determined as a result of a commercial decision by the institutions concerned.

Equally, the Central Bank has no statutory role in the setting of interest rates by regulated entities, apart from the interest rate cap imposed on the credit union sector in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Union Act, 1997 and the requirement to be notified of penalty or surcharge interest imposed in respect of arrears.

Nonetheless, the issue of regulation of interest rates remains a policy area under active review. The current position is that the Central Bank does not have new proposals for the additional regulation of interest rates. However, a former Deputy Governor indicated that, within its existing powers and through the use of persuasion, the Central Bank would continue to engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds and this is a course of action I expect the Central Bank to continually appraise.

I meet regularly with the Governor of the Central Bank. The latest of these meetings took place on 2 April where we discussed the issue of mortgage interest rates. We noted that the SVRs charged in Ireland are higher than other euro area countries and have not fallen in line with ECB wholesale rates.

As a result of this meeting the Governor of the Central Bank is currently reviewing the cost of mortgages to banks. The Governor should be in a position to present this analysis to me in the next 10 days or so. I will then meet the six principal mortgage lenders in order to discuss this issue.

I think that we need to bear in mind that the Financial Institutions Levy announced as part of Budget 2014 is a revenue raising measure which allows for a contribution from the banking sector to Ireland’s economic recovery. The levy will be in place for three years with an anticipated annual yield of €150 million. The imposition of the levy is a proportionate measure on a domestic banking sector. The entire banking system has been underpinned by the strong Government support provided both here and abroad and it is appropriate that the banking sector should make a contribution to the State’s economic recovery.

It should also be noted that there have been moves on interest rates. As the Deputy will be aware, on 1 May AIB Group announced a number of reductions to its mortgage interest rates for owner occupier and buy-to-let mortgages. These included a cut of 0.25% for AIB Standard Variable Rate (SVR) customers and 0.38% for EBS and Haven SVR customers. The Bank also announced reductions in Loan to Value (LTV) and Fixed Rate mortgages across AIB, EBS and

83 Questions - Written Answers Haven. These rate reductions will apply to both new and existing customers.

This is the second time in the past six months that AIB Group has reduced its mortgage rates for new and existing customers. The latest move significantly benefits approx. 158,000 mortgage account holders. Individual SVR Customers will be advised of the changes in writing by AIB group.

06/05/2015WRF03350Energy Efficiency

06/05/2015WRF03400149. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that the €5 billion originally ring-fenced in the €315 billion Juncker investment plan for energy efficiency projects is not going ahead, his plans to secure or ring-fence similar funding for the same purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/15]

06/05/2015WRF03500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Ireland’s national approach on Energy efficiency policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The EFSI regulation is still under negotiation with Trilogues ongoing with the European Parliament at present. While development of the energy sector is mentioned as one of the areas to be supported by EFSI, ring fencing of funds for energy efficiency or any other sector was not part of the original Commission proposal nor has it been part of the position agreed by Council before the start of negotiations with the European Parliament. EFSI is proposed to operate on the basis of supporting projects through investments rather than grants and the provision of guarantees.

06/05/2015WRF03550Mortgage Arrears Rate

06/05/2015WRF03600150. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance the number of households in mortgage arrears in County Wexford; the number of these in arrears for over two years; over three months; since the beginning of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17593/15]

06/05/2015WRF03700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am informed by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) that the CBI’s Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossession Statistics are published quarterly. The last publication was for end-Q4 2014 and is available here: http://www. centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/mortgagearrears/Pages/releases.aspx.

The Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions Statistics are collected from a large number of reporting institutions and are designed to capture all mortgage loans secured on properties located in the Republic of Ireland. The data are provided on a national level only, no regional breakdown is available. It is not, therefore, possible to determine the requested data on mortgage arrears levels in County Wexford.

The Deputy will be aware that the effective management of the mortgage arrears issue is, however, an area that remains under continuous review. More and concerted action can be undertaken by the banks to assist customers in arrears and, as the Taoiseach has previously announced, the Government is considering a range of options to support the existing framework and to improve the uptake of personal insolvency solutions.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 148.

84 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRF03850Tax Avoidance

06/05/2015WRF03900152. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the applicable offences under the Revenue Commissioners’ Acts in respect of employers and employees in connection with bogus self-employment claims; the arrangements in place for the prevention, detection and prosecution of such offences; the number of prosecutions and convictions in each of the past 15 years; the new initiatives planned or under way in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/15]

06/05/2015WRF04000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The phrase ‘bogus self-employment’ is used to describe a scenario where an individual who is an employee is described erroneously as being self-employed. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the question as to whether an individual is engaged under either a contract of service [i.e. an employee] or a contract for service [i.e. self-employed] is a question of fact and of general law. Regardless of how the parties may describe themselves, all the possible factors (including written, oral and implied details) that bear on the relationship between the parties must be examined in order to determine whether the relationship is one of employment or self-employment.

The Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individu- als was compiled in 2007 with the assistance of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Business Employers Confederation, the Construction Industry Federation, the Small Firms As- sociation, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Social Protec- tion, the Department of Finance, the National Employment Rights Authority and the Revenue Commissioners to provide some guidance as to whether an individual is engaged under either a contract of service or a contract for service

There is no offence in tax law relating specifically to an incorrect determination by an employer of the status employed or self-employed of an individual. As a consequence, the information sought by the Deputy relating to prosecutions and convictions does not arise.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in appropriate cases, when carrying out compliance interventions, they are mindful of the possibility of ‘bogus self-employment’ in any engagement between two parties. Where this is discovered, Revenue will seek to recover unpaid tax (including PAYE tax from employers who failed to operate the PAYE system on payments made) and interest on late payment and will pursue penalties, where warranted.

The yield (including PAYE/PRSI/USC, interest and penalties) for the period 2010 to date from interventions on all aspects of non-compliance by employers with the requirements of the PAYE system is set out in the Table. These figures do not include amounts sent to enforcement which are not separately identifiable.

Year Amount € 2010 42m 2011 84m 2012 36m 2013 48m 2014 70m 2015 (to May 5th) 24m

06/05/2015WRF04050Fuel Laundering

85 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRF04100153. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown by county of the 134 filling stations closed down by the Revenue Commissioners in the past four years as part of the investigation into fuel laundering; if these closures are permanent or temporary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/15]

06/05/2015WRF04200Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that filling stations are obliged to hold an auto fuel trader’s licence and/or a marked fuel trader’s licence in order to trade in fuel. Traders must apply for a new licence annually and Revenue may refuse to issue a licence or may revoke an existing licence. Revenue began taking action from mid- 2011 against service stations that were unlicensed and also against stations that had failed to adhere to the conditions of their licences. Unlicensed service stations closed down as a result of the seizure of fuel by Revenue or the threat of such seizure. In addition, service stations that had their licences revoked for breaches of licensing conditions were similarly closed as a result of the seizure of fuel or the threat of seizure.

The breakdown, by county, of the number of filling stations closed down in the years 2012 to 2014 is as set out in the following table.

Revenue Region County 2012 2013 2014 Dublin Dublin 8 3 1 Border Midlands West Cavan 2 0 1 - Donegal 5 2 0 - Galway 3 0 1 - Longford 2 0 0 - Louth 13 3 3 - Mayo 2 1 0 - Monaghan 0 2 0 - Roscommon 3 0 0 - Sligo 1 1 0 - Westmeath 2 0 0 East South East Kildare 3 4 1 - Kilkenny 2 1 1 - Laois 1 0 2 - Meath 2 9 0 - Tipperary 1 0 1 - Waterford 0 3 1 - Wexford 0 0 3 South West Cork 4 1 0 - Limerick 3 0 0 TOTAL - 57 30 15

The county breakdown of the 32 closures in 2011 is not readily available.

Filling stations which were closed may have opened again subsequently, in circumstances such as the premises being brought into conformity with licensing requirements, or where the premises changed hands and a new owner applied for a licence or licences.

The Revenue Commissioners maintain registers of auto fuel and marked fuel traders’ licences on the Revenue website, which are updated monthly. A licence is removed from the register where it is no longer in effect, where it has been revoked, or where it has expired and has not been replaced by a new licence. The lists of current valid licences can be accessed through the following links:

86 6 May 2015 http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/excise/mineral-oil-traders/licensed-auto-fuel-traders.xls

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/excise/mineral-oil-traders/licensed-marked-fuel-traders.xls

I made provision for the publication of details of revoked licences in the Finance Act 2013 and have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they will shortly publish a list of persons whose licences have been revoked since enactment of the provision and details of the premises concerned.

06/05/2015WRF04250Appointments to State Boards

06/05/2015WRF04300154. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the State boards, bodies or committees on which vacancies currently exist or on which vacancies are anticipated to arise up to and including 1 January 2016; the number of vacancies in each case; when the vacancy arose or will arise; if the vacancy relates to a chair or a member; the details of the appointment process in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17602/15]

06/05/2015WRF04400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): In answer to the Deputy’s question the information sought on vacancies on State Boards, bodies or committees under the aegis of the Department of Finance is contained in the table. I, and my Department are cognisant of the need to adhere to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.

Organisation Number of Vacan- Date of Vacancies Vacant Position Details of Appoint- cies up to 1st ment Process January 2016

Central Bank of 1 The Governor has Governor. A process of appoint- Ireland announced his inten- ment will be com- Section 18CA(1) tion to retire. Details menced shortly. (b) of the Central of date of retirement Bank Act 1942, to be confirmed. as amended, provides that the Central Bank Commission comprises of at least 6, but no more than 8, members appointed by the Minister. The Commission currently comprises of 6 members appointed by the Minister. The Minister has the discretion to appoint 2 additional members

87 Questions - Written Answers

Organisation Number of Vacan- Date of Vacancies Vacant Position Details of Appoint- cies up to 1st ment Process January 2016

Financial Ser- The vacancies Term of all board To be deter- The vacancies may vices Ombudsman may be impacted members expires on mined. be impacted by the Council by the amalga- the 28th of October amalgamation of the mation of the 2015 Financial Services Financial Services Ombudsman and Pen- Ombudsman and sion Ombudsman. Pension Ombuds- man therefore, the number is not currently available. Currently there are 7 board members Investor Compen- 8 28th April 2015 Chair As per Section 18 sation Company (Chair) (6) of the Investor Limited Compensation Act 4th September 2015 Deputy Chair/ 1998, The Governor (Deputy Chair/Chair Chair Funding of the Central Bank of Funding Committee) Committee Ireland shall nominate and appoint the chairperson of the Board. 31st July 2015 (6 Board Members) Board Members As per Section 18 (4) of the Investor Com- pensation Act 1998, the Minister may prescribe natural persons, who represent the interests of the clients of investment firms, to the board. The Department intends to fill this vacancy via a public expressions of interest process. Irish Financial 1 21st March 2015 Chairperson In line with legisla- Services Appeals tion. Tribunal Irish Fiscal Advi- 2 31st December 2015 Council Members If the Minister decides sory Council not to re-appoint these members, an open selection process will be undertaken in accordance with the “Guidelines for appointments to State boards”. NAMA 2 December 2013 Board Members Will be filled in accordance with “Guide- January 2014 lines for appointments to State boards”. The Appeals Com- 2 June 2015 Appeals Commis- An open competition missioners sioner to recruit new Appeals October 2015 Commissioners is expected to commence shortly.

88 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRF04450Tax Exemptions

06/05/2015WRF04500155. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners’ reviews of organisations which receive tax exempt status under the heading, the advancement of religion, take into account that the very right-wing political views advanced by many of these organisations run totally counter to the views of the majority of the members of these Christian religions; and if the Revenue Commissioners do not currently take these issues into consideration, if he will introduce amending legislation to ensure that the Revenue Commissioners will do so in the future in order that these organisations do not abuse their tax exempt status by solely representing and advancing their own right wing beliefs. [17647/15]

06/05/2015WRF04600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): When determining if a Body or Trust is entitled to a charitable tax exemption the Revenue Commissioners rely on the definitions of charitable purposes as provided for by the Charities Act 2009. One of the definitions in the Act in this regard is the advancement of religion.

When reviewing the compliance of relevant Bodies/Trusts with the terms of an exemption all relevant matters are taken into consideration. This particularly includes scrutiny of the application of funds and assets to ensure that all resources are being applied for the advancement of the charitable purposes contained in the governing instrument.

In this regard the Revenue Commissioners has assured me that the current tax legislation facilitates the examination of all appropriate matters regarding compliance by the Body/Trust with the terms of the governing instrument and in the circumstances I have no plans to amend the provisions at this time.

Finally, I confirmed in previous replies to Questions on this issue that the Charities Act also provided for the creation of a Charities Regulator. The role of the Regulator is to oversee compliance by Charities with their legal obligations and to ensure proper governance in respect of registration, the preparation of statements of account and the submission of annual activity reports. Some of the issues raised by the Deputy may be more relevant to that office rather than to the Revenue Commissioners.

06/05/2015WRG00150IBRC Loans

06/05/2015WRG00200156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, up to the time of its liquidation, was recovering 100% of loans repaid by a person (details supplied); whether this person had any outstanding loan balances after the corporation went into liquidation; if the special liquidator received a 100% repayment of these loans, of if the special liquidator allowed this person to purchase the loans back, at a discount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/15]

06/05/2015WRG00300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Neither I nor the Special Liquidators of IBRC are in a position to comment on individual borrowers. The requested information is confidential and it would not be appropriate for the Special Liquidators to release such information.

06/05/2015WRG00350Banking Sector Remuneration

06/05/2015WRG00400157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the report of a person’s departure from Allied Irish Banks (details supplied), if he will provide full details of all forms of remuneration, including all benefits, temporary or otherwise, housing allowances, 89 Questions - Written Answers travel, or any type of payment, provided to the person on an annual basis, during that person’s time at the bank; if that person will remain a member of the bank’s defined benefit pension plan, and if that person will, at a certain point, be entitled to receive a pension; if so, when calculated by an actuarial pension specialist, the amount this equates to in net present value terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17659/15]

06/05/2015WRG00500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): As the Deputy will be aware details of the individual’s remuneration including pension is reported annually in the bank’s annual report and accounts. I can confirm that the individual is not a member of the bank’s defined benefit pension scheme. Details of the individual’s remuneration for 2014 and 2013 can be found on pages 180-182 of the 2014 report and for 2012 and 2011 can be found on pages 316-317 of the 2012 annual report.

06/05/2015WRG00550Mortgage Arrears Proposals

06/05/2015WRG00600158. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/15]

06/05/2015WRG00700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I thank the Deputy for bringing the Irish Home Assist Mortgage Scheme to my attention. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has put in place a broad strategy to address the problem of mortgage arrears and family home repossessions. The primary focus of this strategy is to support those homeowners in difficulty with their mortgage repayments and, in so far as possible, to avoid repossession of the family home.

The Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) sets out requirements for mortgage lenders dealing with borrowers facing or in mortgage arrears on their primary residence. The CCMA provides a strong consumer protection framework to ensure that borrowers struggling to keep up mortgage repayments are treated in a fair and transparent manner by their lender, and that long-term resolution is sought by lenders with each of their borrowers.

I am strongly of the view that where a borrower engages with his lender with a view to putting in place a restructure arrangement to address his/her mortgage arrears situation, repossession of the family home should only be considered as a last resort. The Central Bank’s most recent quarterly release on Residential Mortgage arrears and Repossessions (Q4 2014) indicates that almost 115,000 restructure arrangements have been put in place.

Where a mortgage in arrears is deemed to be unsustainable by the lender the mortgage to rent scheme, administered by my colleague, Alan Kelly, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, may be a viable alternative which will keep the borrower in the family home.

06/05/2015WRG00750Property Tax Collection

06/05/2015WRG00800159. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

90 6 May 2015 [17670/15]

06/05/2015WRG00900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The statutory date for payment of Local Property Tax (LPT) is 1 January in the due year, for example 1 January 2015 for the 2015 tax year. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that specifically in regard to 2015, Revenue extended the payment due date from 1 January 2015 to 7 January 2015 to take account of the holiday period. This date was again extended to 9 January 2015 in light of the high volume of payments being received at that time. Revenue has confirmed to me that the payment compliance rate in respect of 2015 exceeded 75% by 9 January, which is an outstanding achievement for a relatively new tax. As of April 2015, the LPT 2015 compliance rate is estimated to be 94%.

As part of the 2015 campaign Revenue wrote to all property owners in October 2014 who either paid their 2014 LPT liability in a single transaction or by way of regular cash payments through one of the approved Payment Service Providers advising them of their 2015 LPT liability. Revenue did not write to property owners who availed of the various phased payment options in 2014 such as Direct Debit and Deduction at Source from salary or pension because these methods automatically carried on into 2015.

The letters confirmed that any property owners choosing to meet their 2015 liabilities in a single payment were obliged to do so no later than 7 January 2015. 7 January was also confirmed as the latest date to inform Revenue of the intention to opt for the Single Debit Authority payment method even though it would not be debited until 21 March 2015 unless an earlier date was specified by the property owner.

In regard to property owners who paid their 2014 LPT in full by a single transaction but wished to change to a phased payment option for 2015 (Direct Debit or Deduction at Source) the letter requested that they inform Revenue of their preferred choice no later than 25 Novem- ber 2014. This lead in period was necessary to allow Revenue time to put the various debit arrangements in place before the start of the calendar year.

In February 2015 warning notice letters issued to the minority of property owners who did not meet their LPT obligations by the extended due date. I am aware that these notices were clearly worded so that there could be no doubt as to the possible consequences of continued non-compliance. However the letters were balanced in that they also allowed a further 14 day grace period before any debt collection/enforcement action was started so that property owners who might have inadvertently forgotten to pay the outstanding liabilities by the due date were afforded ample time to get their affairs up to date. This was a proper approach for Revenue to adopt in fairness to the vast majority of people who met their LPT obligations on time and is one that I fully endorse.

In regard to Revenue’s customer service provision for LPT, the online system is the simplest and most efficient way to access records and submit returns or payments as required. The system is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed using the secure PIN and Property ID codes that are provided to property owners. The system can also be used at any time to check balances due, change payment methods or submit queries to Revenue by secure email. I am assured that where the online system is used to its maximum potential there should be very little requirement for property owners to make any direct personal contact with Revenue.

Where direct contact with Revenue is required, the LPT Helpline should be the first point of contact. Revenue assures me that the Helpline is fully resourced to meet demand but has also acknowledged that on occasion the service did temporarily fall below normal Revenue customer service standards due to unusually high levels of demand. This mainly occurred in the earlier phases of the tax as Revenue tried to gauge the level of service required. However, these 91 Questions - Written Answers shortcomings were always quickly rectified through additional deployments, extended opening hours and call back services as required.

Revenue has assured me that the officials operating both the external and internal elements of the LPT Helpline are fully trained to the same customer service standard that applies to all other taxes and that the individual performance of each operator is fully monitored to ensure the high level of service is maintained.

06/05/2015WRG00950Property Tax Exemptions

06/05/2015WRG01000160. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if an application for exemption from local property tax in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17676/15]

06/05/2015WRG01100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by Revenue that Section 10B of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for a full exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT) for properties occupied by individuals who are permanently and totally incapacitated to such an extent that they are unable to maintain themselves.

The Deputy may be aware that following a review of the exemption in May 2014 I extended the scope of reliefs from LPT to certain disabled and/or incapacitated individuals to correct anomalies and inequities where there is no award from a court or the Injuries Board or where no public trust fund was established or where no grant was received from a local authority.

Revenue has confirmed to me that it has published detailed guidelines on its website at www.revenue.ie describing the revised qualifying criteria under the new arrangements, including information on the application process.

In regard to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, Revenue has advised me that the person in question only recently lodged a claim for full exemption as provided for by Section 10B of the Act. However, the application form (Form LPT 7) was only partially completed and the LPT team was obliged to return it to him requesting additional supporting information, including a request that he file the statutory LPT Return confirming the correct Property Valu- ation Band for his property

I am assured that as soon as the revised application form and statutory LPT Return are returned to Revenue, the LPT team will review his entitlement to the exemption as a priority.

Finally, Revenue has confirmed that if the exemption is granted, it will apply to all years from 2013 to 2016 inclusive.

06/05/2015WRG01150VAT Rate Reductions

06/05/2015WRG01200161. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a proposal to rejuvenate e-commerce in rural areas, that is, that all Irish online businesses in communities under 1,000 persons have a reduced value-added tax rate of 10% applied to their online sales; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17683/15]

06/05/2015WRG01300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): VAT is governed by the EU VAT Direc- tive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT Directive provides that the supply of goods and services by taxable persons is subject to VAT at rates specified in the VAT Directive.

92 6 May 2015 Member States must apply a standard VAT rate of between 15% and 25% to the majority of economic activity. In Ireland the standard rate is 23%, and under the VAT Directive any reduction in this rate would necessarily apply to all activity at that rate. It is also possible for Member States to apply up to two reduced rates of between 5% and 15% on goods and services as specified in the VAT Directive. Ireland applies two such reduced rates of 9% and 13.5%, however most of the activity at the 13.5% rate applies under a derogation of the VAT Directive that states they must apply at a rate of 12% or more.

There is no provision under the VAT Directive to apply a reduced rate of 10% to online sales for businesses in communities under 1,000 persons as proposed by the Deputy.

06/05/2015WRG01350VAT Rate Application

06/05/2015WRG01400162. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the reason value-added tax is charged on the repair of artificial limbs while no value-added tax is applicable on new artificial limbs; if he will remove the value-added tax; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17697/15]

06/05/2015WRG01500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that EU VAT Directive (Council Directive 2006/112/EC), with which Irish VAT legislation must comply, generally provides that supplies of goods and services be chargeable to VAT at the standard rate but that lower rates are permitted in very limited circumstances. Ireland has applied a zero rate of VAT to the supply of artificial limbs since 1981 and was permitted to retain the zero rate by Article 110 of the EU VAT Directive. The zero rate also applies to parts or accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the artificial limb. Ireland has applied the reduced rate to the repair of movable goods, including artificial limbs, since 1986 and was permitted to retain that reduced rate by Article 113 of the EU VAT Directive. The EU VAT Directive does not allow Irish VAT legislation to apply the zero rate of VAT to the repair of movable goods.

06/05/2015WRG01550IBRC Operations

06/05/2015WRG01600163. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation engaged a company (details supplied) to do work, without going through normal procurement procedures; if there were reasons given for this; and if any action was taken by his Department. [17709/15]

06/05/2015WRG01700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): Officials in my Department are aware that IBRC proceeded with the appointment of the company referred to in the question without following a standard procurement process. The CEO of IBRC at the time used his authority under bank policy to waive the requirement of Board approval for the engagement. IBRC felt that given the sensitivities around the piece of work which the company referred to in the question was engaged to undertake, they decided that a targeted selection process for this limited piece of work was the best approach to take.

My Department took the opportunity to address the matter of advisers in the revised relationship framework dated 29 March 2012, paragraph 27 of this details the role IBRC had in respect of advisers, it states that:

“In respect of advisers, the Bank shall:

93 Questions - Written Answers 27.1 notify the Minister in writing in advance of the proposed appointment or engagement by the Bank of any Key Adviser;

27.2 if requested to do so by the Minister, provide the Minister with any substantive written instructions to and substantive advice by any Key Adviser (including drafts of same) either on a non-reliance basis or, subject to agreement with the Key Adviser, on a reliance basis;

27.3 cooperate with the Minister and provide such information as the Minister may reasonably require from time to time and ensure that all Key Advisers shall agree to do the same;

27.4 allow the Minister full and direct access without restriction to any Key Adviser and their work product at all times, which may include separate meetings or discussions between the Minister and the Key Adviser; and

27.5 be responsible for the appropriate procurement of advisers (including Key Advisers) in a manner which ensures value for money and minimises cost to the Bank and, indirectly, the Exchequer and the taxpayer.

If Minister is of the opinion that an adviser is a Key Adviser within the meaning of this paragraph and notifies the Bank accordingly, that adviser shall be deemed to be Key Adviser for the purposes of this paragraph.”

06/05/2015WRG01725Property Tax Data

06/05/2015WRG01800164. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the distribution of the local property tax collected in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/15]

06/05/2015WRG01900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners, that approximately €242 million was collected in respect of Local Property Tax (LPT) for 2013. The table sets out the amount collected under each Local Authority for 2013.

Local Authority LPT collected €million* Carlow 2.0 Cavan 2.3 Clare 5.1 Cork City 5.6 Cork Co 20.4 Donegal 5.6 Dublin City 39.7 DLR 25.9 Fingal 18.4 Galway City 4.1 Galway Co 7.4 Kerry 7.3 Kildare 10.5 Kilkenny 3.8 Laois 2.4 Leitrim 1.1 Limerick City 2.2

94 6 May 2015 Local Authority LPT collected €million* Limerick Co 5.7 Longford 1.1 Louth 4.7 Mayo 5.4 Meath 8.5 Monaghan 2.0 North Tipperary 2.8 Offaly 2.5 Roscommon 2.1 Sligo 2.7 South Dublin 15.3 South Tipperary 3.3 Waterford City 1.6 Waterford Co 3.0 Westmeath 3.2 Wexford 6.1 Wicklow 8.4 Total 242.0 *This includes amounts paid by Local Authorities in respect to properties they own and payments collected through mandatory deduction at source.

In addition, further details regarding the collection and compliance of LPT can be obtained on the Revenue Commissioners website at the following link:

http://www.revenue.ie/en/about/statistics/index.html.

06/05/2015WRG01950Financial Services Regulation

06/05/2015WRG02000165. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons working in international financial services in County Cork; if he has considered supporting the development of an international financial services cluster in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17739/15]

06/05/2015WRG02100Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): There are no reliable statistics on the specific number of individuals working in the financial services sector in County Cork. Howev- er, there is an estimated 12,000 individuals working in financial services related activity outside the greater Dublin area which includes Cork. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government launched its strategy for the development of the financial services sector - IFS 2020 - in March of this year. In terms of employment the aim is to increase the number of net new jobs in the sector by 10,000 at the end date for the current strategy. It is expected that a significant proportion of these jobs will be located across the country outside the greater Dublin region without any clustering in a specific location.

06/05/2015WRG02150State Banking Sector

06/05/2015WRG02200166. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current value of the State’s investments in Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB; and if he will 95 Questions - Written Answers make a statement on the matter. [17743/15]

06/05/2015WRG02300Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The current valuation of the State’s remaining investments in the banks are:

Bank Investment type Valuation Source Allied Irish Banks Equity and prefer- €11.7bn ISIF end 2014 pre- ence shares liminary valuation- Contingent capital €1.6bn Par redemption value (CoCo) Bank of Ireland Equity €1.6bn Irish Stock Exchange closing price 1st May 2015 Permanent TSB Equity €1.5bn At €4.50 per share see as follows

The Permanent TSB capital raise was completed by close of business 5th May. As part of the capital raise, the bank asked the Minister for Finance to sell some of the State’s shares to allow it meet the 25% minimum free float requirements of the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. The Minister agreed to this request and the shares were sold at a price of €4.50 generating total proceeds of €97.2 million. This price of €4.50 was used in calculating the value of the State’s residual equity stake included in the table above.

As part of the capital raise, the bank agreed to repurchase the Contingent Capital (“CoCo”) from the State at a price equivalent to 102.6% of the par value of €400 million. Including ac- crued interest, the total proceeds agreed in relation to the CoCo are €442 million. This transaction is due to complete by close of business 7th May.

In summary, the combined proceeds for the State from the share sale and CoCo repurchase are expected to total €539m.

06/05/2015WRG02350Tax Yield

06/05/2015WRG02400167. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be generated by the introduction of a 1% income levy on all gross income. [17750/15]

06/05/2015WRG02500Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commis- sioners that a 1% income levy on all gross income would generate an estimated revenue of €925 million.

06/05/2015WRG02550Banking Sector Regulation

06/05/2015WRG02600168. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the safeguards in place to prevent loan books at Irish banks that are sold being bought by those who may have, through previous work, knowledge of the loan books or a conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17753/15] 96 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRG02700Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): It is the responsibility of the Directors of banks operating in Ireland to ensure that they have governance and control arrangements in place that comply with, inter alia, the Central Bank of Ireland’s Corporate Governance Code and the European Banking Authority’s Governance Guidelines (GL44). These governance and control arrangements are expected to include strong controls in their front-line businesses, in their risk management and compliance functions and finally an effective internal audit capability, such that conflicts of interest in all matters, including the sale of loan books, are managed appropriately and the associated risks are mitigated.

These arrangements should be assessed through, for example, independent external audits, and are also subject to ongoing supervisory engagement by the Central Bank of Ireland, including through regular inspections.

In addition, the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime requires credit institutions to assess the suitability of members of the management body and requires high standards of behaviour of those individuals on an ongoing basis.

More generally, Directors of any Irish company including banks incorporated under the Companies Act 1963 or the Companies Act 1990, are required to comply with their fiduciary duties to that company, which include:

- acting in good faith and in the interests of the company as a whole;

- avoiding conflicts of interest;

- a prohibition on making undisclosed profits from their position as directors and must account for any profit which they secretly derive from their position as a director; and,

- an obligation to carry out their functions with due care, skill and diligence.

06/05/2015WRG02750Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRG02800169. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 57 of 7 November 2012, if he will confirm the arm’s length and market value basis for the transaction involving the transfer of €1.1 billion of par value loan assets from the company’s balance sheet to the pension fund; if he will specify the amount the bank was actually paid for the loan assets by the pension fund; if he will confirm the person who approved the transaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17756/15]

06/05/2015WRG02900Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I have been informed by AIB that, this transaction was made using arm’s length valuations, based on discounted expected cash flows, by two independent external parties and was agreed by both the Pension fund Trustees and the Bank.

As this was a contribution to the Scheme, there was no payment due to the Bank. Further details of the transaction can be found on page 240 of the bank’s 2012 Annual Financial Report.

This transaction was approved by the Board and the Bank’s deleveraging committee at the time which included non-voting observers from the Department of Finance and the Central Bank. The bank also consulted with the Pensions Board as part of the process.

Questions Nos. 170 and 171 answered with Question No. 132.

97 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRG03050Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

06/05/2015WRG03100172. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17807/15]

06/05/2015WRG03200Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The legislation governing the Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities Scheme is contained in Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 (as amended), Section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) and the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 353 of 1994). Full details of the scheme, including the criteria which must be met, are set out in Information Leaflet VRT 7 which is available from the Revenue website www.revenue.ie

The Regulations specify that tax relief under the scheme is restricted to a vehicle purchased from an authorised person. An authorised person means a person authorised under Section 136 of the Finance Act 1992 such as a car dealership. A vehicle which is purchased privately in the State rather than from an authorised person does not qualify for any relief under the scheme.

All the reliefs and grants are available under the Scheme, including receipt of the fuel grant and exemption from motor tax, if the vehicle is purchased from an authorised person and the applicant meets all of the other qualifying criteria.

06/05/2015WRG03250Fiscal Policy

06/05/2015WRG03300173. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the reason table 10 in the stability programme update of April 2015 does not include a line showing the underlying general government primary balance, as has been provided in previous years; and if he will provide that information. [17885/15]

06/05/2015WRG03400Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The recommendation of the Council of the European Union dated 7th of December 2010 provided a ceiling for the general government deficit for the years 2011 to 2015. This ceiling excluded any potential bank support measures that may be required in the context of the Government’s financial sector strategy. As such, fiscal projections produced by my Department contained a forecast of the underlying general government (which excluded any support to the financial sector) to allow a comparison to be made between the ceiling allowed by the Council’s recommendation and the forecast deficit.

The forecast for the underlying general government deficit is still published in Table A1 of the Supplementary Data in the SPU. However, as the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is on course to reduce the general government deficit to below 3% of GDP in 2015 and exit the excessive deficit procedure thereafter. Once out of the excessive deficit procedure, the underlying deficit is no longer relevant. In any event, the difference between the headline and underlying deficit is now relatively small (c. €120 million related to the credit union sector in 2015) and is expected to reduce to zero by 2017.

Separately, the achievement of a primary surplus is an important metric is terms of debt sustainability in the medium to long term. A primary surplus means that, excluding debt service costs, revenues are sufficient to meet expenditures.

The underlying general government primary balance is calculated by deducting interest expenditure from the underlying general government balance. Tables consistent with the SPU are set out in the table.

98 6 May 2015 Underlying general government primary balance

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Primary Balance -115 2,365 3,290 4,830 6,665 8,535 10,750 €m Primary Balance -0.1 1.2 1.6 2.2 2.9 3.6 4.4 % GDP

06/05/2015WRG03450Consumer Protection

06/05/2015WRG03500174. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Consumer Credit Act 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17893/15]

06/05/2015WRG03600Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Central Bank of Ireland that it considers the circumstances of each case on its own merits in deciding an appropriate course of action such as exercising its discretion to proceed under the Administrative Sanctions Procedure or issue a summary prosecution. It also advises that all investigations are considered on their own specific facts as to whether or not investigation is merited into the actions of one or more entities or individuals.

It is not possible for the Central Bank to make decisions in relation to potential responsibility without being aware of all of the facts and circumstances of a particular issue or complaint. If a person has any complaint or information regarding an alleged contravention of this particular section of the Consumer Credit Act, this can be provided directly to the Central Bank which is the appropriate and independent authority on this matter.

06/05/2015WRG03650Carbon Tax Implementation

06/05/2015WRG03700175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious concern of fuel merchants in the Border counties following the imposition of carbon tax on household fuel products; that the viability of many of these businesses is under threat; and that revenue is being lost to the State; his proposals to reduce the level of carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/15]

06/05/2015WRG03800Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): The introduction of Carbon Tax was about sending a price signal that there is a cost associated with the consumption of fossil fuels to the detriment of the environment. It should also be noted that solid fuels have the highest carbon content of all fossil fuels. As a result they are considered the dirtiest fuels and given the environmental impact it is important that they are taxed.

Carbon Tax was introduced in Budget 2010 but its application to solid fuels was delayed to allow for the development of a robust mechanism to counter the large scale sourcing of coal from Northern Ireland where lower sulphur standards apply. Such a mechanism is in place since June 2011.

The carbon tax on solid fuels was introduced in two phases i.e. €10 per tonne of CO2 from 1st May 2013 and a further €10 per tonne of CO2 from 1st May 2014 thus bringing the carbon tax on solid fuels in line with that on all other fossil fuels i.e. at €20 per tonne of CO2. In 2014 the overall carbon tax yield was €385.36m of which the carbon tax on solid fuels accounted for €17.2m.

99 Questions - Written Answers While tax increases are unpopular, it makes sense to increase taxes in areas where some benefits can arise, in this instance a carbon tax promotes energy efficiency, reduces emissions and reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

As a matter of principle the reliefs from the carbon tax are limited to ensure as wide an application as possible. Placing a carbon tax on solid fuels also offers an opportunity to develop cleaner more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative fuels.

Accordingly I have no plans to reduce the level of carbon tax on solid fuels.

06/05/2015WRG03850Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRG03900176. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18252/15]

06/05/2015WRG04000Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I wish to inform the Deputy that in respect of my Department the following recruitment took place from 1st December 2014 to 30th April 2015.

1st Dec. - 31st Dec. 2014 - 2 staff were recruited, 1 at Higher Executive Officer level and 1 at Statistician level, from the Central Statistics Office.

1st Jan. 2015 - 30th April 2015 - 29 staff were recruited, 1 at Assistant Principal level, 11 at Administrative Officer level, 5 at Clerical Officer level, 1 at Service Officer level, 1 Specialist from KPMG and 10 temporary Clerical Officers recruited for the Banking Inquiry. In addition 4 staff have accepted offers of employment and are due to start in the coming weeks.

The filling of all senior posts in my Department are advertised and conduced by the Public Appointments Service.

In addition to the recruitment within my own Department I have been advised of the following recruitment in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department, since the lifting of the embargo:

Comptroller and Auditor General: Two trainee auditors have been hired in 2015. This is the CandAG’s entry grade.

Central Bank of Ireland: The Central Bank was not subject to the recruitment embargo. Since 1 December 2014, the Bank has recruited 113 external candidates to fill vacancies. In some cases, it is still awaiting the person to start but offers have been accepted.

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council: Dr. Íde Kearney was appointed as a Member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on 12 March 2015. The IFAC has advertised to fill the role of Re- search Assistant and expects an appointment will be will be made shortly.

NTMA: The recruitment embargo does not apply to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). The NTMA also assigns staff to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). All NAMA and SBCI staff are employees of the NTMA. NAMA and the SBCI reimburse the NTMA in respect of the costs of these staff. Staff assigned to NAMA are employed on the basis of specified purpose contracts - their employment lasts for as long as their role is required by NAMA - or fixed term contracts. Net recruitment by the NTMA from 1 January to 30 April 2015 is as follows: NTMA (ex NAMA and SBCI), 24; NAMA, -1; and SBCI, 5. 100 6 May 2015 Revenue Commissioners: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under a delegated sanction received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the Revenue Commissioners have started recruiting staff from Public Appointments Service panels and from existing Revenue open recruitment panels. Using its recruitment licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments, Revenue is also recruiting specialist staff at Principal, Assis- tant Principal, Administrative Officer and Executive Officer levels.

Revenue recently held open competitions at Assistant Principal Level for a panel of tax professionals and Information and Communications Technology specialists. Recruitment competitions for two Principal Officers (Chief Analytics Officer and District Manager Sligo), Ad- ministrative Officers (Compliance and ICT) and Executive Officers (Compliance) are in train for 2015. The number of posts to be filled will depend on critical vacancies arising, projected business needs and the number of posts that can be filled through redeployment and from internal promotion panels. Overall Revenue expects to fill around 400 posts from open competitions advertised in 2014 and 2015. All Revenue’s open competitions will be advertised nationally and on the PAS website.

In addition two Revenue vacancies at Assistant Secretary level will be filled through the TLAC process.

In total there have been 109 positions filled through recruitment up to end ofApril 2015.

06/05/2015WRG04050Office of Public Works Projects

06/05/2015WRG04100177. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the proposal by a former Minister (details supplied), whereby the Office of Public Works would take charge of the Bolton Library, Cashel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/15]

06/05/2015WRG04200Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Si- mon Harris): I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that in May 2010 the then Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Martin Mansergh TD, announced that the OPW would take the Bolton Library in Cashel in its charge and would work with the Church of Ireland, who are the owners, and the University of Limerick, to secure the future of the collection and facilitate its future storage, conservation, exhibition and research.

In the period immediately following this announcement, it became clear that the very considerable resources necessary to undertake this project were not available owing to the difficult Exchequer position at the time and the consequent significant restriction on funding to the Of- fice of Public Works. Throughout this period however, it was also clear that the Bolton Library collection continued to be under direct threat of damage arising from its being housed in very unsuitable accommodation in a building next to the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Cashel and that a viable solution to its future care needed to be found urgently.

Following further consideration of the position in 2012 and 2013, the Office of Public Works advised the Church of Ireland that it was not in a position to proceed with the proposal outlined by the previous Minister and indicated that it would be withdrawing from direct participation in it. However, understanding that the Church was proposing to return to an earlier proposal of its own to secure the future of the collection with the direct assistance of the University of Limerick, the OPW also agreed to assist practically in any way possible and to work with the owners of the collection, once it had been safeguarded, to facilitate the exhibition of parts of the

101 Questions - Written Answers Library and allow the public to access it.

I understand that at this stage, the owners of the Bolton Library are in discussions with the University of Limerick in relation to the future conservation of the Library. The Office of Pub- lic Works is not directly involved therefore at this point.

06/05/2015WRG04250Departmental Contracts Data

06/05/2015WRG04300178. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department. [17217/15]

06/05/2015WRG04400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): In response to the Deputy’s question I can confirm that my Department has not awarded any contracts to Roankabin.

06/05/2015WRH00100Public Procurement Regulations

06/05/2015WRH00200179. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review current procurement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17394/15]

06/05/2015WRH00300180. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of the current procurement procedures for goods and services that are applicable to small and medium businesses; his plans to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17395/15]

06/05/2015WRH00400Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.

The reform of the procurement system across the public service is a key element of the reform programme for the public service. The fragmented procurement arrangements across the public service have enabled suppliers to charge different public service bodies different prices for the same goods and services. Public Procurement savings are necessary to enable public service organisations deliver much needed services within the tighter budgets that they must now operate.

However, I would point out that reforms in this area are being carried out in a manner that recognises the importance of SMEs. The Government acknowledges the significant role that SMEs play in the Irish economy and is committed to ensuring that SMEs are fully engaged with public sector procurement and the opportunities presenting. Circular 10/14 issued in 2014 by my Department is aimed at opening up opportunities for small businesses that want to tender for public contracts and also to ensure that engaging with government procurement is easy and low cost. This guidance set out positive measures that contracting authorities are to take to promote the involvement of smaller enterprises as well as highlighting practices that are to be avoided because they can hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.

In terms of revising the procedures that govern public procurement, the Office of Govern- ment Procurement is in the process of transposing three Directives into Irish Law. A public consultation process in respect of the three new EU public procurement Directives was initiated at the end of October 2014 and 43 submissions were received by end January 2015. The issues raised in these submissions are undergoing consideration at present. The transposition process is on track to meet the deadline of April 2016. 102 6 May 2015 I would add that the OGP supports the work of Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade Ireland in building awareness of public procurement and supporting training for small suppliers in bidding for public contracts. For example, last year the Office of Government Procurement supported two “Meet the Buyer” events in Belfast and Dublin which were attended by over 1,100 suppliers. The Office of Government Procurement also supported the ‘Go 2 Tender’ programme run by InterTrade Ireland which was attended by approximately 400 SME’s. This year InterTrade Ireland also delivered a programme on consortia building to assist SME’s to jointly bid for state contracts.

The OGP will continue to work with suppliers and business representatives to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that Government procurement policies are business friendly.

06/05/2015WRH00500Public Sector Staff

06/05/2015WRH00600181. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding public sector contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/15]

06/05/2015WRH00700Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): My Depart- ment has overall responsibility for policy on both recruitment and the management of performance of appointees to the Civil Service. Appointments to the wider Public Service are a matter for each individual sector. The management of performance, including identifying and fostering high performers and dealing with underperformance, is a major priority under the actions included in the Civil Service Renewal Plan. Civil servants may be recruited on a permanent or temporary basis. In the case of an appointment to a permanent established position, section 5(A) of the Civil Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005 provides for completion of a one-year probationary contract. During this period, performance is subject to review by the local management to determine whether or not the officer(i) has performed in a satisfactory manner,(ii) has been satisfactory in general conduct, and(iii) is suitable from the point of view of health with particular regard to sick leave. Prior to completion of the probationary contract, a decision is made as to whether or not the officer will be retained for permanent appointment. This decision is based on the performance as assessed against the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. In the event that the officer is not considered suitable, notification in writing of the -ac tion to be taken will be issued to the officer prior to the expiry of the contract. Civil servants may also be employed on a temporary unestablished basis on fixed-term contracts. Fixed-term contracts are issued for a number of reasons including to meet seasonal peaks of demand and to provide cover arising from family friendly policies across the Civil and Public Service. A fixed- term contract, in the normal course, may be terminated for a number of reasons such as the arrival at a specific date, the completion of a specific task or the occurrence of a specific event. The employing Department or Office reserves the right to terminate the employment prior to the date of cessation on giving the appropriate notice set down in the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005. The employing Department or Office also reserves the right to terminate the employment for stated reasons. In the event of serious misconduct, the appointment may be terminated without notice and no remuneration or compensation is payable other than that applicable to work carried out. Also, the person appointed may terminate the appointment by giving appropriate notice.

06/05/2015WRH00800Appointments to State Boards

103 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRH00900182. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the State boards, bodies or committees on which vacancies currently exist, or on which vacancies are anticipated to arise, up to and including 1 January 2016; the number of vacancies in each case; when the vacancy arose or will arise; if the vacancy relates to a chair or a member; the details of the appointment process in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17603/15]

06/05/2015WRH01000Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): In response to the Deputy’s question I can confirm that there are currently two vacancies on State Boards under my remit.

These two vacancies are on the board of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) due to the resignations of the nominees of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice. A further vacancy will arise on 14 July 2015 when the term of office of one other board member will be completed. The appointment process for filling these vacancies will be conducted by PAS.

The Institute of Public Administration will have one vacancy arising on 1 October 2015 and the process of recruiting a new Director General will be conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

The appointment process for new members of the PAS board is outlined in the Public Ser- vice Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. The act states that I as the Min- ister for Public Expenditure and Reform (in consultation with Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice) should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service. The Board is meant to be representative of the Public Appoint- ments Service client base. The Act also specifies that in appointing persons as members of the Board I shall ensure that:

- at least 2 of them have either or both civil service and other public service experience and knowledge which I consider relevant, and

- at least 2 of them have expertise in human resource management, customer service and recruitment outside the public service which I consider relevant.

06/05/2015WRH01100Public Procurement Contracts

06/05/2015WRH01200183. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware that, in spite of his Department’s Circular 10/14: Initiatives to assist small and medium enterprises in public procurement, many local authorities are still not applying the principles of the circular in their procurement, and as a result, Irish small and medium-sized enterprises are still largely excluded from Government tenders, with a very high percentage of our procurement going outside the country; the steps he and the Office of Government Procurement are taking to ensure that the above circular is implemented, in order that Irish small and medium enterprises, which find it impossible to compete with foreign multinationals, are not precluded from, or disadvantaged by, tendering for Government contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17803/15]

06/05/2015WRH01300Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): Public Pro- curement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds such as nationality, geographic location or organisational size, and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.

104 6 May 2015 I would point out that the reform of public procurement in Ireland is being carried out in a manner that recognises the clear importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in this country’s economic recovery. The recently published report by the Office of Government Pro- curement (OGP) “Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis for 2013” showed that 93% of public service procurement expenditure was with businesses in the Republic of Ireland. This was based on an analysis of €2.742 billion expenditure across 64 large public service bodies involving over 35,000 suppliers.

The OGP is working with industry representative bodies to promote the engagement of Irish business in public procurement (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) as well as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, InterTrade Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland. Last year, for example, the OGP supported two ‘Meet the Buyer’ events - one in Belfast and the other in Dublin attended by over 1,100 businesses. In addition, the OGP proactively launched a campaign to get more businesses to register with e-tenders (the national tendering portal) which resulted in 12,300 new supplier registrations in 2014.

It is also important to realise that open tendering is a two way street and provides Irish companies with opportunities to compete in an EU market estimated to be valued in excess of €2.4 trillion per annum. The open market regime offers opportunities for Irish companies to win business abroad and many Irish businesses are successful in this regard.

The OGP will continue to work with industry to ensure that winning government business is done in a fair, transparent and accessible way and to ensure that Government procurement policies are business friendly.

06/05/2015WRH01400Public Procurement Contracts

06/05/2015WRH01500184. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the total number of Government tenders for the years 2011 to 2014 and 2015 to date; and the number of contracts in each year that were awarded to Irish small and medium-sized enterprises. [17804/15]

06/05/2015WRH01600185. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to public procurement, the requirements regarding the publication of awards; the reason only 18% of awards were published in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17805/15]

06/05/2015WRH01700Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.

It is the responsibility of individual contracting authorities to publish award notices following the signing of a contract. This process is facilitated through the national eProcurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie. This portal is the Irish Government’s public platform for advertising public sector procurement tenders. All tender notices entered into eTenders are advertised on this national system but notices greater than a certain threshold value must also be advertised in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU). Under EU Directives on public procurement, public works, utilities, supplies and service contracts above certain thresholds must be advertised (tender notice) and details of the contracts awarded also published (contract award notices) in the OJEU.

The OJEU is an electronic publication where all public procurement tenders above the EU Thresholds, from across all member states must be published. Non-OJEU refers to the tender notices that are below the OJEU public procurement thresholds. The eTenders system facili- 105 Questions - Written Answers tates the entry and publication of tender notices and contract award details for both national and EU procurement opportunities. eTenders is set up and approved to automatically send notices of tender notices above threshold estimated values to be published in the OJEU. This allows Contracting Authorities to meet national and EU guidelines for publishing notices and awards in a single system. The current EU thresholds are:

Works - Contract Notice €5,186,000 Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices, Local and Regional Authorities and public bodies Supplies and Services Contract Notice €134,000 Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices Contract Notice €207,000 Threshold applies to Local and Regional Au- thorities and public bodies outside the Utilities sector Utilities Works Contracts/Prior Indicative Notice For entities in Utilities sector covered by GPA €5,186,000 Supplies and Services €414,000 For entities in Utilities sector covered by GPA

While the EU Directives require publication of tender and contract award notices for above threshold activity, below threshold notices are governed only by national rules. Following the introduction of Circular 10/14: ‘Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement’, the entry of contract award details for all contracts above €25k became mandatory since August 2014, however prior to this date it was not mandatory.

The OGP recently published a report titled “Public Service Spend and Tendering Analy- sis for 2013”. It reported that eTenders contained details of 627 contracts awarded by Public Sector Bodies in 2013 for tender notices published in 2013. This is approximately 18% of the 3,518 tender notices published during 2013. However, a contract may take up to 9 months or more to complete from the date of tender notice advertisement to signing of a contract. There- fore, award data might not be available until the following year. The next report on this to be published by the OGP will report on 2014 spend and tendering activity. This information is not yet available.

The eTenders system incorporates a supplier register that holds company information as entered by each supplier. Historically, many suppliers have registered their company multiple times and/or with incomplete business profiles. Significant progress was made during 2014 to clean up supplier data and this work is still on-going.

The information requested by the Deputy relating to tender notices for the years 2011 to date, as entered by contracting authorities on eTenders, is being collated and will be issued directly to the Deputy.

06/05/2015WRH01800Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRH01900186. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment; if he will compare current figures across each sector of the public sector with the figures before the embargo was introduced; and, in 106 6 May 2015 view of the recent spring statement, if he will lift the embargo altogether, and allow staff to be replaced. [17859/15]

06/05/2015WRH02000Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): As I announced in the Budget, the Moratorium is being replaced in 2015 with a framework which will delegate to Government Departments sanction for management of staff numbers, subject to remaining within binding overall pay ceilings, and other controls. Sanction has already been delegated to a number of Departments, including my own, and negotiations are ongoing with others, with a view to having the agreements in place as soon as practicable.

Tables 1 and 2 set out the recruitment to my Department and those bodies under my aegis since the sanction was issued.

Table 3 sets out the Public Service staffing levels, by sector, at the end of 2014 (which are the latest fully reconciled figures) and the comparable figures at the end of the first quarter of 2009, when the Moratorium was introduced. The end 2014 figures will not reflect the recruitment under the new delegated arrangements.

Further details on Public Service numbers is available on my Department’s Databank website at http://databank.per.gov.ie/ .

Table 1 - Recruitment figures for 2015 for Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Post/Grade Number of Vote Area Posts Administrative Officer Generalist 12 Public Expenditure and Reform Administrative Officer Graduate 1 Public Expenditure and Reform Economist Head of OGCIO 1 Public Expenditure and Reform Assistant Principal - OGCIO 3 Public Expenditure and Reform Assistant Principal Payroll Shared 3 Shared Services Services Assistant Principal National Shared 1 Shared Services Services Office Clerical Officer National Shared 1 Shared Services Services Office Clerical Officer PeoplePoint 127 Shared Services Category Manager 5 Office of Government Procure- ment Category Specialist Higher 18 Office of Government Procure- ment Category Specialist 10 Office of Government Procure- ment Technical Adviser 1 Office of Government Procure- ment Clerical Officer 13 Office of Government Procure- ment

Table 2 - Recruitment figures for 2015 for bodies under the aegis of the Department of Pub- lic Expenditure and Reform

107 Questions - Written Answers Offices Grade Number Office of the Ombudsman Principal Officer 1 Assistant Principal 6 Administrative Officer 1 Clerical Officer 7 State Lab Chemist Grade 3 5 Public Appointments Service Clerical Officers 24 Temporary Clerical Officers 2 OPW Clerical Officer 1

Table 3 Public Service Numbers 2009 and 2014

SECTOR Civil Defence Education Health Justice Local Au- NCSAs Total Service thorities Quarter 1, 39,129 11,169 95,253 111,770 15,664 34,179 12,981 320,145 2009 Quarter 4, 36,172 9,785 94,045 97,791 12,787 26,786 12,276 289,643 2014 Change: 2,957 1,384 1,208 13,979 2,877 7,393 705 30,502 Percent- 7.56% 12.39% 1.27% 12.51% 18.37% 21.63% 5.43% 9.53% age change:

06/05/2015WRH02100Public Sector Staff

06/05/2015WRH02200187. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a non-established long-serving civil servant in the Office of Public Works is eligible for a transfer to another Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17868/15]

06/05/2015WRH02300Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Si- mon Harris): The terms and conditions of employment for non-established (State Industrial) employees precludes their transfer to other Government Departments except through open recruitment competitions. The Public Service Management Act was amended in December 2013 to extend the options for redeployment of staff within the public sector. However, this did not include non-established civil servants.

06/05/2015WRH02400Departmental Properties

06/05/2015WRH02500188. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to provide permanent office accommodation for staff who located in Portlaoise in County Laois as part of decentralisation, in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in the Department of Social Protection. [17880/15]

06/05/2015WRH02600Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Si- mon Harris): A space audit of the State owned Government Offices on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise is currently being undertaken. When complete, it will be evaluated to establish the potential to increase the occupancy of the building through the re-configuration of the space with a more modern open plan layout and furniture.

The provision of an extension to this State owned property will also be reviewed following

108 6 May 2015 completion of the space audit.

The Department of Social Protection opened an additional control office in Portlaoise in 2014 as part of their normal regional structure. This was not part of the Decentralisation Pro- gramme.

06/05/2015WRH02700Appointments to State Boards

06/05/2015WRH02800189. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State boards and agencies where he has the power of appointment but where there is currently no active board or where the board is inquorate, awaiting appointments to be made by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17897/15]

06/05/2015WRH02900Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin): In response to the Deputy’s question I can confirm that currently the state boards and agencies under my remit have quorate and active boards.

06/05/2015WRH03000Low Pay

06/05/2015WRH03100190. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to introduce the living wage of €11.45 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17456/15]

06/05/2015WRH03200Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Ger- ald Nash): The Living Wage concept is grounded in the idea that a person’s wage should be sufficient to maintain a safe, decent standard of living. At an individual level the resources required to achieve a minimum essential standard of living is very dependent on family circumstances and thus the interaction of individual earnings with household income and supports such as Child Benefit, Family Income Supplement and housing, education and health supports all contribute to an individual’s standard of living. In the UK, it is a voluntary code that some employers, who pay in excess of the UK national minimum wage, are keen to be associated with. However, the UK does not have the Joint Labour Committee framework or Sectoral Em- ployment Order framework that in the former case has been re-introduced and, in the latter case, is due to be put on a statutory footing very shortly.

Both frameworks provide or will provide for the setting of wages above the NMW.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in Ireland is relatively high by international standards. The most recent figures published by Eurostat show that Ireland’s rate is the fifth highest among the 22 EU Member States that have a Na- tional Minimum Wage. When the cost of living is taken into account, Ireland’s rate is the sixth highest.

The Government’s decision to restore the NMW to €8.65 per hour with effect from 1 July 2011, together with the decision to put the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) on a more secure legal and Constitutional footing represents a significant commitment by this Government to protect the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers.

The establishment of a Low Pay Commission is one of the key commitments in the State- ment of Government Priorities agreed in July 2014. The Commission was officially launched on 26th February 2015 to operate on an interim administrative basis. Legislation to provide for the establishment of the LPC on a statutory basis will be published shortly with a view to its 109 Questions - Written Answers enactment by mid-2015.

The principal function of the Low Pay Commission will be, on an annual basis, to examine and make recommendations to the Minister of the day on the national minimum wage, with a view to securing that the national minimum wage, where adjusted, is adjusted incrementally over time having had regard to changes in earnings, productivity, overall competitiveness and the likely impact any adjustment will have on employment and unemployment levels.

I am conscious of the need to balance a basic statutory minimum pay rate that is fair, with one that is sustainable and which allows employers to continue to create quality jobs.

Alongside examining the National Minimum Wage, the Low Pay Commission will also be tasked with examining matters related generally to the functions of the Commission under the Act. This work programme will be agreed by Government and presented to the Commission in February of each year.

The Commission has already commenced its work: submissions were sought recently and I expect that the Commission will submit its first report by the middle of July.

A key focus of the Government’s strategy is to protect the most vulnerable workers and to assist those on low and middle-incomes. In this context, 410,000 low paid workers have been removed from the USC charge over successive budgets. The Government is firmly committed to continuing this policy of targeted tax reductions for workers in the next budget.

At the same time, the Government has introduced targeted welfare supports for people returning to work, and particularly for the low-paid. The Government will pay €30 a week to mothers or fathers returning to work from long-term unemployment for each child for the first year, and €15 per week per child for the second year. The scheme was open to applications from 5 January 2015.

For those trapped on rent supplement that cannot go back to work because they will lose their housing support, a new Housing Assistance Payment is being rolled out. The assistance from the State will be based on how much you earn and not by your employment status.

The Department of Social Protection also supports low-income families in work by means of Family Income Supplement (FIS). That Department avails of every opportunity in its engagement with employers and jobseekers to build awareness of the availability of FIS and how this payment may benefit potential employees with children.

I have a deep interest in the Living Wage initiative, and as I have previously stated, I will host a Forum on the Living Wage later this year, where I will invite employers, trade unions, civil society actors, academics and key organisations involved in this voluntary initiative to examine the concept from an Irish perspective.

06/05/2015WRH03300Company Returns

06/05/2015WRH03400191. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the liquidator for Siteserv has not lodged the E5 and E6 forms with the Companies Registration Office within the seven days permissible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17292/15]

06/05/2015WRH03500Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): I have made enquiries with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and can confirm that the liquidator

110 6 May 2015 filed the Form E6 - Return of Final Winding Up Meeting (Section 263 of the Companies Act 1963) and the Form E5 - Liquidator’s Statement of Account (Section 263 of the Companies Act 1963) on 6 May 2015.

06/05/2015WRH03600Employment Rights

06/05/2015WRH03700192. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the requirements that currently exist with respect to employers providing insurance for workers on their premises; if these requirements are legally binding or voluntary; and the legal or policy basis of these requirements. [17315/15]

06/05/2015WRH03800Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Ger- ald Nash): Ireland has a robust body of employment law, encompassing a comprehensive range of employment rights together with both civil and criminal remedies to ensure that individuals can vindicate their rights. This body of law is underpinned by a proactive labour inspectorate. Further, the Workplace Relations Bill 2014, when enacted, will deliver a significantly streamlined workplace relations service which will provide for more effective and efficient means of redress and enforcement within a reasonable period for all users of the service.

There is no provision under employment law that requires employers to provide insurance for workers on their premises. However, employers are required to make social insurance contributions on behalf of employees under the social welfare system. I do not have policy responsibility for public liability insurance.

As regards occupational health and safety legislation, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to ensure that working conditions are such as will protect the safety, health and welfare at work of employees. It also requires employers to manage their business in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that individuals at the place of work who are not employees, are not exposed to risks to their safety, health or welfare.

06/05/2015WRH03900Media Mergers

06/05/2015WRH04000193. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the date on which he was notified by the Competition Authority of the proposed transaction whereby a person (details supplied) would, through that person’s company, acquire Siteserv PLC. [17495/15]

06/05/2015WRH04100Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): After the acquisition was agreed by the parties involved, the Competition Authority was notified. Follow- ing this, notification of the proposed transaction was sent to me, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in accordance with Section 23(1)(a) of the Competition Act 2002 on the 20th March 2012 as the Competition Authority considered it to be a media merger within the meaning of Section 23(10) of that Act.

I understand this merger notification (M/12/002) was placed on the Competition Authority’s website at the time. The Competition Authority determined that the acquisition should not be prevented from proceeding as, in its opinion, it would not result in a substantial lessening of competition in markets for goods or services in the State.

06/05/2015WRH04200Firearms and Ammunition Security 111 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRH04300194. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innova- tion his views on establishing a proof house in Ireland, in view of the fact that, currently, any standard of non-military gun can be imported into the Irish market without sufficient quality control; that such a facility would be used for testing unproofed guns to make sure they are safe to enter the public domain; that it would also provide a central place for destroying and decom- missioning old and worn out non-military guns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17527/15]

06/05/2015WRH04400195. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be given to opening a proof house if there was a credible business person willing to manufacture non-military firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17528/15]

06/05/2015WRH04500196. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the fact that the Firearms (Proofing) Act 1968 was introduced by the then Department of Industry and Commerce to set up a proof house, specifically for shotguns manufactured by an indigenous firearms company, if consideration will be given to setting up such a facility, if a suitable business proposal were submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17529/15]

06/05/2015WRH04600Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 196, inclusive, together.

I am not aware of any proposals being submitted to my Department to establish a Proof House for firearms in Ireland. I understand that Proof Houses are normally only established in States where firearms are manufactured. In that context, I understand that Ireland does not have any firearms’ manufacturers.

Such Proof Houses have been set up in a number of EU Member States which have firearms’ manufacturers. These Member States are signatories to the Commission Internationale Perma- nente pour l’epreuve des armes feu portatives (“Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms” – commonly abbreviated as C.I.P.) which is an international organisation which sets standards for safety testing of firearms. I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and In- novation, have no proposals for Ireland to join the C.I.P.

The establishment of any such Proof House in Ireland would have security implications which would be a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. Overall responsibility for firearms importation into Ireland, and the licensing thereof, are also the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. In this context, I note that the Department of Justice and Equality application form for importation of firearms by a registered firearms’ dealer into Ireland includes a requirement to declare if the firearm has a C.I.P. proof status or not. I would remind the Deputy that the Department of Justice and Equality undertook a public consultation earlier this year in relation to the licensing of firearms in Ireland.

06/05/2015WRH04700Construction Contracts

06/05/2015WRH04800197. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects a chairperson for the panel of adjudicators to be appointed under the Construc- tion Contracts Act 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17776/15]

06/05/2015WRH04900Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The Govern- ment approved the delegation of responsibility for implementation of the Construction Con- tracts Act 2013 to my colleague, the Minister of State for Business and Employment, Mr. Ger- 112 6 May 2015 ald Nash T.D., last November.

I am informed that Minister Nash intends to appoint a Chairperson of the Ministerial Panel of Adjudicators, which is to be established under the Act, as soon as is practicable, having regard to procedural and contractual considerations.

06/05/2015WRH05000Regional Development Initiatives

06/05/2015WRH05100198. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress made with the identification of the nine advance sites-factories in the different regions, since the announcement some time ago, with particular reference to the County Carlow area; if the vacant Braun site in the town of Carlow will be considered for future use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/15]

06/05/2015WRH05200Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): At the launch of the Regional Action plan for Jobs in February this year, the Government announced that an additional €150m over 5 years would be made available to IDA Ireland for a capital investment programme to help attract more multinational investment and jobs into each region.

The programme will build on the recent investment by IDA Ireland in facilities in Athlone and Waterford and will include investments over the coming years in construction of advance manufacturing and office facilities in Sligo, Tralee, Castlebar, Galway, Dundalk, Limerick, Athlone, Carlow and Waterford. Sligo, Tralee and Castlebar are to the forefront of the 2015 investment programme with others scheduled to follow in subsequent years. Galway, Dundalk and Limerick are earmarked for 2016, while Athlone, Carlow and Waterford are earmarked for 2017. I am informed by IDA Ireland that the Agency has not yet identified a site for the future construction of the facility in Carlow but site options are under consideration.

I am informed that the Braun facility in Carlow was purchased by a private developer in early 2015. IDA Ireland has visited the facility with the developer to assess the plans for the future development of the site and has provided inputs on the marketability of the site for future FDI to Carlow. I understand that IDA will be in a position to actively market the site once minor upgrade works are completed. It is anticipated that these works will be completed by mid-year. In the meantime IDA Ireland has provided information on the facility to a number of potential clients, who are currently assessing Ireland as an investment location.

As the Deputy is aware, officials of my Department and its agencies are actively engaged with regional stakeholders in the development of individual Action Plans for each of the regions, including the South East Region, which will be published in the near future.

06/05/2015WRH05300Forestry Management

06/05/2015WRH05400199. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person and-or body responsible for placing dog littering bins in Balrath Forest Park (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17422/15]

06/05/2015WRH05500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Balrath For- est is a forest property owned by Coillte. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their forest properties, are the responsibility of the company. Coillte has advised, however, that the company applies the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles in its forests and,

113 Questions - Written Answers on this basis, litter bins of any sort are not provided in any of the company’s forests as visitors are expected to take home all or any waste they generate while in the forests.

06/05/2015WRH05600Land Parcel Identification System

06/05/2015WRH05700200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17221/15]

06/05/2015WRH05800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): A review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that a number of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following a request for a review from the person named, a visit by a Department official to verify the position was necessary to progress the matter. The finding of the ground verification check was that the person named had an area over-declaration of 22.99 % in the case of both the Single Farm Payment and the Disadvantaged Area Schemes. As the level of the over-declaration was greater than 20% of the established eligible area in respect of both Schemes, regretfully, no payment was due to the person named under the 2013 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes. In view of these findings, the payments already made under the 2013 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Schemes are deemed overpaid and will be offset against future payments made to the applicant by my Department.

The person named was notified of this decision on the 3rd March 2015 and was advised that in the event that they are dissatisfied with the outcome of the verification check, the decision can be appealed to the independent LPIS Appeals Committee, within three months of the date of this letter.

06/05/2015WRH05900Agriculture Scheme Administration

06/05/2015WRH06000201. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if entitlements for a deceased person (details supplied) are to be transferred to that person’s nephew; and the procedure or information required in the absence of a will being declared by the deceased. [17223/15]

06/05/2015WRH06100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Depart- ment has been in correspondence with the above named person to advise and assist in relation to the requirements for transferring of schemes in which the deceased herd owner participated and also transferring entitlements held by the deceased person. In order to transfer entitlements from the deceased herd owner to the rightful beneficiary, it is necessary for the rightful beneficiary and the Estate of the deceased person to submit a 2015 Transfer of Entitlement Allocation Right and Reference Value form to my Department. This form is available on the Departments website www.agriculture.gov.ie.

My Department would also require a letter from the solicitor acting on behalf of the Estate indicating all beneficiaries. In the absence of a will, Letters of Administration should also be submitted. My Department can be contacted directly at lo call 0761 064430 if any further information is required.

06/05/2015WRJ00200Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility

114 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRJ00300202. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the new areas of natural constraint scheme, the terms and conditions in place with regard to those persons who were precluded from the disadvantaged areas scheme in 2012, 2013 and 2014. because of stocking rate issues in 2011; if they will be accepted into the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17233/15]

06/05/2015WRJ00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The proposed new Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme introduced under the provisions of Rural Develop- ment Regulation (EU 1305/2013), requires applicants to maintain 0.15 Livestock units per forage hectare of the holding calculated over the twelve months of the calendar year 2015. The eligibility requirement under the former Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to meet 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 no longer applies from the 2015 scheme year.

06/05/2015WRJ00500Afforestation Programme

06/05/2015WRJ00600203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding forestry payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17234/15]

06/05/2015WRJ00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): It is a condition of payment of grant and premiums under the Afforestation Scheme that the applicant must, inter alia, be the registered owner of the lands the subject of the application. In the case of the person named, a portion of the site the subject of his application is not registered in his name and as a consequence payment of the application cannot be made. A check by my Department of the Property Registration Authority’s records indicates that the portion of land remains registered in the name of a third party. My Department has been liaising with the applicant’s registered forester about the options open to him, including the removal of this portion of land from the application, and is awaiting further instructions from them in the matter.

06/05/2015WRJ00800Aquaculture Development

06/05/2015WRJ00900204. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new national strategic plan for aquaculture will include proposals to support and develop the oyster production industry, in view of the current multifaceted difficulties facing the sector; when he expects this strategy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17262/15]

06/05/2015WRJ01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Depart- ment is presently finalising a draft National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture. I expect to publish the draft Plan for public consultation in the coming weeks. The draft Plan will examine all issues affecting the aquaculture industry, including the oyster farming sector, and make policy proposals to address those issues.

Any financial assistance for the development of the aquaculture industry will be provided through the new Seafood Development Programme (SDP), co-funded by the Exchequer and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. A public consultation on a draft SDP closed on 1 May 2015. The draft SDP published for consultation proposed investment of €30 million in a number of measures specifically intended to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector. My Department is now working to finalise that SDP, having regard to the issues raised during the course of the consultation, with a view to bringing the SDP to Government for approval as soon as possible. The SDP is likely to be adopted later in 2015 by the European 115 Questions - Written Answers Commission.

06/05/2015WRJ01100Aquaculture Licence Applications

06/05/2015WRJ01200205. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his De- partment will allocate resources to expedite the processing of long-standing aquaculture licence applications within the Waterford Estuary once the appropriate assessment phase is completed as such licences are required to access vital capital grant assistance. [17263/15]

06/05/2015WRJ01300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Depart- ment is working with the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to achieve full compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives through a multiannual work programme. This programme requires the gathering of the necessary base- line data appropriate to the Conservation Objectives of aquaculture sites located within designated Natura areas. This data collection programme, which is substantially complete, together with the setting of Conservation Objectives, will enable all new and renewal aquaculture applications to be assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

An Appropriate Assessment has to be carried out before any aquaculture licensing determination may be made in respect of aquaculture applications for sites in designated Natura areas. The Appropriate Assessment process in respect of the Waterford Estuary, which is located within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is expected to be completed by the Marine Institute in mid/late summer 2015.

When completed, my Department will examine the outcomes of the Appropriate Assess- ment with a view to formulating policy recommendations in respect of individual licences held by operators in the Estuary. Such policy recommendations will reflect full engineering, scientific, environmental, legal and public policy aspects of each licence application.

The Appropriate Assessment process represents a significant financial, administrative and scientific investment by the State in resolving this issue. My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all aquaculture applications having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

06/05/2015WRJ01400Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

06/05/2015WRJ01500206. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he envisages that the IT system will be established, in order to allow processing of the agri- environment options scheme payments that have incurred penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17265/15]

06/05/2015WRJ01600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Additional modifications to the AEOS IT System to allow payments in a number of cases where penalties have been incurred are currently being tested. The procedure in question is required to ensure full compatibility with all EU regulations and to provide an enhanced audit trail. Following successful testing, the processing of remaining payments will be made.

06/05/2015WRJ01700Community Development Projects

116 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRJ01800207. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to facilitate a proposal from a community development group (details supplied) in County Donegal to establish a social enterprise project and innovation centre in Killybegs in Coun- ty Donegal on lands currently in the possession of his Department; his further plans, which would see this land being utilised by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17365/15]

06/05/2015WRJ01900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Depart- ment has met with the Community Development group on two occasions in relation to this issue, which by and large is a Tourism centred initiative.

I have indicated my support for the overall objective of the proposal, which would, if successful facilitate increased tourism, economic activity and job creation in the South Donegal area.

With regard to the availability of a site for this proposal within Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre, I would inform the Deputy that properties located in the Fishery Harbour Centres are, when appropriate, offered for tenancy under lease agreement by means of an open competitive tendering process in accordance with good practice and public procurement guidelines.

My Department is preparing and committed to shortly make sites in Killybegs Fishery Har- bour Centre available by means of a Public Tender Process, including the site of interest to the group. These tenders will be publicly advertised and are open to all interested parties including this community development group to respond once the tender is published.

06/05/2015WRJ02000Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRJ02100208. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if delegated sanction can be provided to replace staff in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17370/15]

06/05/2015WRJ02200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The announcement by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in Budget 2014 in relation to delegated sanction for staffing arrangements will provide greater discretion to Government De- partments and state agencies over staffing levels, but strictly within an overall pay framework. In this regard my Department has submitted a Pay and Staff Numbers Strategy to the Depart- ment of Public Expenditure and Reform for consideration in respect of the non-commercial state bodies that operate under the aegis of the Department including Teagasc. It is expected that the delegated sanction arrangements, if approved, may provide some flexibility to fill critical posts within agreed pay ceilings. The allocation of resources to particular advisory locations is an operational matter for Teagasc management.

06/05/2015WRJ02300Felling Licences Applications

06/05/2015WRJ02400209. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine if he will provide a review of the utilisation of felling licences Nos. 15843 and 15842, with specific reference to the loss of growing stock as a result of windblow adjacent to wind turbine felling sites, focusing in particular on felling operations in Doughall Forest, Sliabh Bán, having regard to the Code of Best Forest Practice - Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17387/15]

117 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRJ02500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Two Limited Felling Licences (FL15842 and FL15843) issued to Coillte on 8 August 2014 for various townlands in Co. Roscommon in connection with Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm. Both licences are valid for 2 years from the date of issue. FL15842 carries an obligation to replant alternative specified sites in counties Limerick, Leitrim, Galway and Mayo, while FL15842 carries an obligation to replant the area felled under that licence. There are 7 other General Felling Licences clearfell licences as listed below. These all carry a compulsory replanting condition. There are 2 thinning licences currently in effect for this property, viz. GFL9544 for 0.42 hectares in respect of a forest road, which expires 30 October 2015; and GFLRN09 which is a 5-year licence for the entire Coillte forest RN09, which expires on 31 December 2015. While GFL9544 will result in minor loss of growing stock, this is part of normal forestry operations. The thinning operations under GFLRN09 are to improve growing stock yield.

In relation to all of these licences, the authorised utilisation of these licences is as specified in the licences, with conditions also specified in relation to replanting of the land felled and planting of alternative land (except for the 2 thinning licences); utilisation is therefore governed and limited by the authority granted in the licence and no felling beyond that authority is allowed. Due to the planting conditions, there will be no net loss of growing stock as it will be replaced at the Doughall Forest site and the alternative planting sites.

06/05/2015WRJ02600GLAS Administration

06/05/2015WRJ02700210. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the adjustments that are being made to allow the many farmers with joint herd numbers, to complete their applications for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, which have been delayed due to the inability of his Department’s software to accommodate same; the way such farmers are to be placed on the scheme’s planners’ schedules in the quickest possible time frame; the further steps that are required to enable this; the extension that will be made to the deadline for farmers whose applications have thereby been delayed through no fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17471/15]

06/05/2015WRJ02800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The GLAS online system is a very powerful computer system which provides advisors with the tools to prepare detailed and accurate farm-plans for their clients. The system has no difficulty in accommodating applications from farmers with joint herd numbers.

However, all farmers intending to join the GLAS scheme, including those with joint herd numbers, must first be linked to a GLAS advisor to allow access to their information on relevant Department databases. To enable linking to take place the joint herd owners must first complete and submit a form (DAFM Auth 1) in which both parties authorise the Department to create the necessary link. Once this link has been established there is no difficulty in preparing a GLAS application on their behalf.

I have already extended the closing date from the 30 April 2015 to the 22 May 2015 and I do not envisage any further extension to that. I have also indicated that the scheme will open for a second Tranche of applications in the Autumn.

06/05/2015WRJ02900Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

06/05/2015WRJ03000211. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an agri-environment options scheme 3 118 6 May 2015 payment. [17472/15]

06/05/2015WRJ03100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): A Depart- ment review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants under AEOS, was undertaken in 2014. This review identified irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these claims. A full Department investigation was then initiated, which in turn led to the matter being referred to the Garda. Payments to applicants under review have been deferred pending the outcome of the investigation.

The application of the person named is one of those being reviewed in the context of this wider investigation.

My Department plans to write to all participants with payments held shortly seeking further evidence to support their claim for payment, in the amounts declared. Where satisfactory proofs are provided payments will then be processed.

06/05/2015WRJ03200Agriculture Schemes

06/05/2015WRJ03300212. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes, supports, or strategies that are in place to assist tillage producers, in view of the pressure on margins arising from the sharp reduction in crop prices, rising input costs and land rental values, and compliance with new European Union environmental regulations. [17486/15]

06/05/2015WRJ03400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The tillage sector makes a key contribution to the agri-food industry directly through provision of high quality, native grown ingredients to support the development of the livestock, food and drinks sector. Indigenous production of cereals is of course, an important part of primary agriculture production. In addition to generating an income for our tillage farmers, the cereals sector is a key source of seed production, grain for the milling and malting industry and feeding stuffs for the livestock sector. The long-term average cereal production in Ireland is in the region of 2.2 million tonnes per annum and it is desirable to sustain this level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported cereals.

The 2014 harvest was estimated in the region of 2.5 million tonnes, well above the long- term average production of 2.2 million tonnes. Since Ireland is a deficit market for cereals, prices here are greatly affected by world prices and supplies. Cereal prices are highly sensitive to global supply and demand, and volatility in prices is likely to become a constant feature of Irish cereal prices in future and grain producers should factor such fluctuations into their planning and marketing strategies.

Fertilisers may constitute up to 50% of input costs for tillage farms, and despite the decrease in the cost of fuel, prices are expected to remain high due to tight world supplies and the falling fertiliser manufacturing capacity in Europe over the past 10 years. World fertiliser supply is tightly matched to demand for 2015 and for the foreseeable future and it is anticipated that world demand will continue to increase into the future, maintaining upward pressure on prices to the final consumer in Ireland.

The fall in the value of the euro against the dollar is also exerting upward pressure on prices. Teagasc estimates that fertiliser costs for Irish farmers will be similar for 2015 to 2014.

Food Harvest 2020 outlined a number of challenges facing the cereal sector in the coming years including price volatility, climatic and disease issues, high input prices, small and fragmented holdings and the cost of rented land. However, the report also pointed to positive 119 Questions - Written Answers projections for cereal prices as markets are relatively well-balanced and world cereal prices are projected to be higher than in the last decade. It is known that global grain production is struggling to meet the increasing demand for food, feed and industrial uses. In addition to a rising global population creating a bigger demand for cereals, an increasing demand for meat is disproportionately increasing grain demand even further.

The primary growth in requirement for Irish cereals in the years ahead is likely to be for animal feed, given the targets for increased livestock output proposed in Food Harvest 2020 and the recent lifting of milk quotas which is expected to give rise to a considerable expansion in the dairy herd, as well as an increased level of feeding and production per livestock unit. However, considerable potential also exists in grains for the drink industry such as malting barley and recent significant investments by the large brewing and distilling companies here in Ireland are proof of such potential. Further, it is envisaged that there will be increased demand for Irish oats milled for human food for the home and export markets and in this context, the success of the Agribusiness sector in securing, long-term contracts with US-based Foods companies to supply milled Irish oats to a premium Irish oatmeal brand in the US market, is particularly welcome.

A consistent supply of protein, grown in Ireland, would give Irish livestock farmers the opportunity to use more natively produced protein feed and to access higher valued markets. Accordingly, I am pleased to confirm that from this year I have introduced a protein coupled aid scheme to expand production of protein crops. The rate of payment per hectare will be €250 / ha with a ceiling of €3 million for any scheme year. The protein crops eligible for aid are peas, beans and sweet lupins. Protein crops will also qualify under the Cap Reform Agreement as Ecological Focus Areas to meet environmental sustainability requirements.

Further support for tillage farmers will be available through the provision of a Knowledge Transfer measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. I anticipate that the formation and administration of knowledge transfer groups a cross the Beef, Dairy and Equine sectors in 2015 will extend to cover the Poultry, Sheep and Tillage sectors in 2016. The innovative scheme design of this measure will focus on key issues that affect profitability and sustainability of the farm enterprise. Other important issues such as farm safety and farm progression will also be covered by the measure.

My Department also operates a range of services aimed at improving the level of production, quality and viability of the Irish cereal sector. These services include seed certification, seed testing, variety testing and the publication of recommended lists of varieties, research funding through the ‘Stimulus’ competitive research programme and funding for the quality assurance scheme. In addition, Teagasc provides research, training and advisory services for cereal producers.

06/05/2015WRJ03500Agrifood Sector

06/05/2015WRJ03600213. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist barley growers to develop their production, as a local raw material source for existing and future micro-breweries and distilleries within Ireland; and if he will provide an overview of the current size and potential of this segment. [17487/15]

06/05/2015WRJ03700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Malting barley production is a valuable and important sector within the agri-food industry. Current production of malt in Ireland is in the region of 120,000 tonnes from 160,000 tonnes plus of contracted malting barley. Future prospects are very positive, primarily due to the growth of Irish Whiskey exports and interest in craft beers which is driving growth in micro-breweries. The Tillage Sec- 120 6 May 2015 tor Development Plan published in 2012 identified the potential for growth of the malting sector and an opportunity to expand production of native malting barley by upwards of 100,000 tonnes over time. The extent of any increase will depend on the sustainability of the supply chain and on building strong relationships with customers and markets.

Work is underway on developing an industry-led agri-food development strategy to succeed Food Harvest 2020 and this includes assessing the prospects for individual sectors and which measures would best promote sustained growth and a strong supply chain.

06/05/2015WRJ03800Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRJ03900214. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied Teagasc is and will be sufficiently resourced to deliver adequate research and advisory services for the tillage sector, considering the demands placed on it by the new European Union greening requirements; and if he will provide details of the number of Teagasc’s staff currently dedicated to tillage farming, by advisory region. [17488/15]

06/05/2015WRJ04000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Whilst the moratorium impacted on staff levels, Teagasc retain a complement of over 1,150 staff who deliver research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food sectors. The distribution of staff is an operational matter for Teagasc.

In light of the constraints on recruitment, Teagasc is re-configuring the way in which it delivers services to farmers through greater use of discussion groups and by leveraging more external resources through sub contracting certain activities to private providers. For example, they recently engaged an external strategic partner (FRS) to deliver GLAS planning services to Teagasc clients.

My Department continues to work closely with Teagasc to evaluate requests for mission critical appointments. Over 50 permanent appointments were authorised outside the moratorium since 2009. A further exception to the moratorium permits Teagasc to recruit ‘non grant in aid’ funded contractors. They currently employ 190 contractors working predominately in research and advisory services. Priority has also been accorded to the recruitment of 20 temporary teachers to meet the exceptional demand for Green Cert courses from young farmers.

It is anticipated that the new Delegated Sanction arrangements may provide greater discretion to Government Departments and state agencies over staffing levels, but strictly within an overall pay framework. Those arrangements are currently being considered in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Within the parameters of that over arching policy, the question of where posts are filled remains an operational matter forTeagasc.

06/05/2015WRJ04100Fishing Industry

06/05/2015WRJ04200215. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department has taken to deal with the very serious outbreak of sea lice on salmon farms identified in the latest report issued by the Marine Institute. [17611/15]

06/05/2015WRJ04300Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Spring testing period by the Marine Institute, in accordance with the Control Protocols for the management of sea lice, indicated elevated lice levels at salmon cultivation sites in Mannin Bay, Inver Bay, Kilkieran Bay and Killary Harbour.

121 Questions - Written Answers In all instances appropriate action has been taken by the operators on foot of Management Cell interventions as provided for by the Control Protocols.

These actions include:

- Full or partial accelerated harvests

- Enhanced treatment strategies with due regard for animal health and fish welfare

The site in Mannin Bay is now fallow and lice levels on other affected sites are currently below trigger levels.

Control Protocols for the management of sea lice in Ireland are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry

- data obtained as a result of inspections is published

- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level

My Department keeps the Control Protocols under continuous review to ensure their continued effectiveness.

06/05/2015WRJ04400Fisheries Protection

06/05/2015WRJ04500216. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 15 April 2015, if he will indicate the unexpected health challenge to the stocks in 2012, and the technologies and techniques he stated the salmon industry has developed to deal with the health challenges. [17612/15]

06/05/2015WRJ04600Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The unexpected health challenge to the stock in 2012 was caused by a bloom of a naturally occurring single celled marine amoeba organism. This organism which is not a pathogen as such caused severe irritation to the gills of the farmed fish concerned. There were severe stock losses of the smaller sized fish as a result. This phenomenon had been observed previously in 1999 in Ireland but had not been seen in the interim.

This phenomenon has also been evident in other jurisdictions and, in Australia, a treatment technique was developed which involved immersing the affected stock in freshwater for a short period. The fresh water kills and removes the amoeba by osmoregulatory stress on the organism but the salmon remain unaffected and are effectively ‘cured’ by the treatment.

This treatment is now being used by Irish operators to deal successfully with the problem. It should be noted that this condition, known as Amoebic Gill Disease or AGD has no implications whatsoever for human health or for the health status of any wild stocks of fish.

06/05/2015WRJ04700EU Directives

06/05/2015WRJ04800217. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 15 April 2015, the way he can legitimately claim that the fishing industry alone will be directly impacted by the implementation of the landing obligation, when the impact on the environment is clear and urgent, and if therefore he will include 122 6 May 2015 environment non-governmental organisations in the discard implementation group, in recognition of this fact. [17613/15]

06/05/2015WRJ04900Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): I agree with the Deputy that the implementation of the landing obligation will have an impact on the environment through the ending of the wasteful practice of discarding carried out by all EU fleets fishing on stocks of interest to the Irish fishing industry. The new landing obligation will greatly help over time to underpin the sustainability of the Irish fishing industry and the coastal communities’ dependent upon it and lead to greater conservation of fish stocks to the benefit of all.

However, it is the fishing industry alone which will have to adapt its behaviour and practices in response to the implementation of the discard ban. It is the individual vessel operators who will have to abide by the new rules as they are phased in and who will ensure that the landing obligation is operated successfully. It is for that reason that the Discards Implementation Group, chaired by Dr Noel Cawley, is made up of fishing industry representatives and those who can provide expert advice such as the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

The key policy decisions with regard to the landing obligation e.g. what species are covered and when - have been and will continue to be made in the Regional Groups of Member States. Under the new Common Fisheries Policy the Regional Group must consult with the Advisory Councils (which include environmental NGO’s). I fully support this and Ireland, as current Chair of the North Western Waters Regional Group has ensured that representatives of the Advisory Council have attended every meeting of the Group and their views have been fully considered.

The purpose of the Discards Implementation Group is fundamentally different to that of the Regional Group of Member States. Primarily, it is to consider the potential impact of the decisions already made at the Regional level and to consider what practical changes will be required to fully implement them.

Consequently, I do not consider it necessary that environmental non-governmental organisations, which will not have any direct role in implementing the landing obligation, become part of the DIG. As I have said previously, I have ensured that such organisations are kept updated on the Group’s deliberations and this will remain the case.

06/05/2015WRJ05000Departmental Bodies

06/05/2015WRJ05100218. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is appropriate for his Department to control the operating and staffing resources of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute, when both the authority and the institute have responsibility for the regulatory functions that conflict with his Department’s development role for the wild fishing and aquaculture industries. [17614/15]

06/05/2015WRJ05200Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The financial resources to cover the operating expenses of the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protec- tion Authority are made available to those agencies by the Oireachtas through my Department’s Vote. The function of my Department in relation to this matter is to ensure funds voted by the Oireachtas are used for the intended purpose and in accordance with the functions of those agencies set down in statute.

Overall staffing resources for the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Author- ity and human resources policies for the public sector generally are determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The function of my Department is to ensure that those 123 Questions - Written Answers agencies manage their staffing resources within the limits and in accordance with the policies set by Minister Howlin.

In relation to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, section 42 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions. Section 46 of the Act provides that I may give such general policy directions in writing to the Authority in relation to its functions as I consider appropriate, but that I may not exercise any power or control in relation to individual cases, or groups of cases, with which the Authority is concerned, or in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by the Authority of its functions.

06/05/2015WRJ05300Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

06/05/2015WRJ05400219. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the 2014 disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/15]

06/05/2015WRJ05500Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): An application under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2014. Payment has not issued to the person named as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements. The person named was informed of this decision in writing on 4 February 2015 and advised of the option to appeal the decision to the Agricultural Appeals Office should she so wish.

06/05/2015WRJ05600Fishing Industry

06/05/2015WRJ05700220. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 15 April 2015 and his recent statement on RTE radio that he was cautious about the salmon farming industry, if he will acknowledge the public’s legitimate concerns regarding salmon farming and commission an independent review of all aspects of this industry; that this review should include the ongoing contracts between his Department and the industry representatives despite his Department’s role as licensing authority; the inadequacy of his Department’s sea lice control measures, as evidenced by the latest Marine Institute reports; the continued allocations of public funds to an industry that, based on his own Depart- ment’s figures, has failed to develop in comparison with our tourist and angling industries and is an environmental threat to these industries. [17677/15]

06/05/2015WRJ05800Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): As the Dep- uty has been advised previously my officials and I, in the normal course of official business meet with representatives of the aquaculture industry and individual companies on an ongoing basis to discuss licensing and industry development issues. There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of licence applications and my Min- isterial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is strictly observed. These interactions with industry do not conflict with my role or the role of my Department in relation to licensing, which is set out in legislation.

The control protocols for the management of sea lice are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

124 6 May 2015 - the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry

- data obtained as a result of inspections is published

- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level

These control protocols have been the subject of detailed investigation and testing by the EU Commission which has confirmed that it regards the sea lice protocols operated in Ireland as representing best practice internationally.

The potential for growth and job creation in the aquaculture sector has been widely recognised internationally over a number of years. On 27 March 2015, I announced plans for a new €241 million development programme for the seafood sector for the period up to 2020, co- funded by the EU through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The draft Seafood De- velopment Programme 2014-2020 proposes investment of €30 million in a number of measures specifically intended to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector. Those investment plans will be supported by a new National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture, which I will publish for public consultation shortly. Through that National Strategic Plan and targeted investment under the Seafood Development Programme I will be seeking to identify all of the issues affecting the sustainable growth of the sector and the policy actions and supporting investment needed to address those issues.

06/05/2015WRJ05900GLAS Administration

06/05/2015WRJ06000221. Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the submit facility will be activated on the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme online system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17715/15]

06/05/2015WRJ06100Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): Following successful negotiations with the European Commission, I opened the GLAS online application system on 23 February, 2015 for the preparation of applications, with the intention of activating the submit-facility once formal approval of the Rural Development Programme as a whole was notified. This has now been received, in the form of a ‘letter of comfort’ from the EU Commis- sion. As additional functionality requested by users was being built into the online system, I decided not to activate the submit facility immediately, in order to give applicants and advisers as much time as possible to familiarise themselves with the scheme before finalising their applications. In addition, I also secured approval to extend the closing date for applications to 22 May, 2015.

At this point in time, I believe the facility to formally submit applications can be activated, and it is my intention to do so this week. However, once an application has been submitted it cannot be recalled and no further changes can be made to it. Farmers and advisors should therefore satisfy themselves fully that applications are ready and complete before submitting same.

06/05/2015WRJ06200Rural Development Programme

06/05/2015WRJ06300222. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the funding model assessing credit from the European Investment Bank for rural businesses will be initiated; if he will utilise the expertise of the local development partnership companies to administer the scheme; the type of projects that will be acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17723/15]

125 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRJ06400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The recent announcement by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank refers to financial instruments programmed through rural development programmes and funded accordingly through programme budgets. Our draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 states, ‘Ire- land will keep the possible use of financial instruments under review during the programming period’.

My Department and I have been active in exploring new and more competitive sources of funding and will continue to do so in the context of evolving market requirements. The recent announcement by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland of a new product, ‘Agriculture Investment Loans’, is a welcome addition to the sources of funding currently in the market. This credit is available, subject to qualifying criteria, at favourable terms (i.e. longer term and lower interest rate) for investments by agricultural SMEs involved in primary agricultural production, the processing of agricultural products or the marketing of agricultural products.

In relation to accessing finance and credit terms generally, I have recently been in contact with the main banks. I emphasised that this is a critical phase in Ireland’s dairy expansion and that the increased investment and output from production and processing will have significant downstream benefits across the economy generally, including for the banking sector. In order to support the on-going development of the dairy sector and to mitigate the current difficulties caused by milk price volatility, I asked them to explore the full range of potential measures that could serve to alleviate the loan repayment burden facing farmers and offer maximum flexibility for dairy farmers in what will be a difficult year ahead. I believe that it is essential that short term cash flow difficulties are not allowed to undermine prudent investment plans or the longer term competitiveness of their operations. I will continue to communicate with the main banks on issues affecting the sector.

06/05/2015WRJ06500Agriculture Scheme Data

06/05/2015WRJ06600223. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, for counties Cavan and Monaghan, over the period 2010 to 2014, the total number of participants in the rural environment protection scheme and in the agri-environment options scheme; the total grant payments made in each county on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17724/15]

06/05/2015WRJ06700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): The details of REPS and AEOS payments for 2010 – 2014 in Cavan and Monaghan are set out in the following tables.

AEOS Payments

Year - Cavan - Monaghan Number of Par- Amount Number of Par- Amount ticipants ticipants 2010 239 221,323.14 238 231,273.17 2011 410 922,492.94 334 763,140.04 2012 395 1,243,821.32 325 917,605.66 2013 519 1,501,668.99 386 1,021,798.48 2014 461 1,458,451.88 349 957,074.33

126 6 May 2015 REPS Payments

Year Number of Par- County REPS3 Amount REPS4 Amount ticipants 2010 2,354 Cavan €6,689,456.76 €5,849,072.06 1,957 Monaghan €4,935,011.64 €4,330,672.63 2011 1,947 Cavan €4,400,821.56 €5,999,351.12 1,592 Monaghan €3,125,473.40 €4,380,828.33 2012 1,118 Cavan €33,090.22 €5,501,914.76 921 Monaghan €28,407.83 €3,978,425.56 2013 1,066 Cavan €0.00 €5,287,265.52 880 Monaghan €0.00 €3,828,581.26 2014 673 Cavan €0.00 €3,433,597.59 523 Monaghan €0.00 €2,336,855.08

06/05/2015WRJ06800Harbours and Piers Expenditure

06/05/2015WRJ06900224. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of works carried out on piers, harbours and coastal infrastructure, for which his Department is responsible, following the storms and high tides in 2013 and 2014; the number of works carried out in each county; the cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/15]

06/05/2015WRJ07000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): My Depart- ment owns, manages and maintains the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at, Howth, Dun- more East, Castletownbere, An Daingean, Ros An Mhil and Killybegs. It also has responsibility for North Harbour Cape Clear, and a limited number of piers, lights and beacons in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.

No significant damage was caused to the six fishery harbour centres during the course of the extreme weather in late 2013 and early months of 2014. Table 1 outlines the storm damage spending in 2014 on other pieces of infrastructure owned by the Dept. A further €900,000 has been allocated for 2015, to complete the works to repair the storm damage on Cape Clear.

As part of the Government’s overall response to the damage caused by the storms of 2013 and 2014 my Department funded coastal Local Authorities in 2014 to the tune of €5.316m to repair piers and harbours and eligible marine infrastructure, owned by them which were damaged by the storms. Table 2 provides details.

I have also allocated €1.4m in 2015 to enable Local Authorities complete storm damage projects approved in 2014, which were unfinished in 2014, due to time and other constraints.

Table 1.

Storm Damage Programme –Non Fishery Expenditure 2014 Harbour Centres Cape Clear North Harbour €97,682 SD Dooagh Pier Replace Seawall and Re- €115,000 pair Rd Westcove Beacon,Co. Kerry €81,703 Gun Rock,Co. Galway €6,947 127 Questions - Written Answers Storm Damage Programme –Non Fishery Expenditure 2014 Harbour Centres Department owned programme €301,332

Table 2.

Storm Damage Programme –Local Authorities Expenditure 2014 Clare County Council Seafield Repairs to Wall, Ladders, Dredging €18,000 Ballyvaughan Repairs to Pier & Side Walls, Deck €65,700 Kilbaha Repairs to Pier Wall & Wave Wall €17,810 Liscannor Repair to Seawall, Harbour Wall, Deck €130,880 Cork County Council Baltimore Pier replace Cush Buoy €29,590 Cleanderry Repairs to Slipway €20,777 Courtmacsherry Hbr AtoN Installation €4,096 Deelish Access Improvements, Construct Slip €27,000 Dursey Repair and Reconstruct Pier Wall €7,233 Glandore Refurbish Pier, Repairs & Grouting €180,000 Letter Repairs to Pier €27,000 McDonald’s Quay Repair Works €46,666 Pallas Reconstruction of sea/quayside wall €34,300 Barleycove Beach Pontoon Replacement €31,638 Travarra Pier Repairs to Access €12,131 Donegal County Council Bundoran Pier Handrail Repairs €5,798 Arranmore Stackamore Slipway €6,750 Bunaniver Repairs to Pier & Slipway €28,107 Bunagee Pier Point and Grout Wall & Rock Armour €3,556 Ballysaggart Pier widening of slipway €13,500 Buncrana Harbour Dredging €45,000 Ballyshannon Harbour Markings €29,674 Bruckless Pier Replacement of Decking €9,019 Arranmore - Rannagh Damaged Slipway €26,926 Cladnageeragh Pier Pile Driving €22,500 Doonalt Pier Replacement of Decking €6,457 Leabgarrow Harbour Arranmore €45,000 Donegal Town Pier Railing Repairs €2,098 Cassan Sound Pier New Deck €8,287 Inis Caoriagh Slipway €18,000 Cruit Island Slipway €5,549 Curransport Slipway Repairs €6,661 Rathmullen Pier Repairs to Upstand & Steps €12,246 Owey Island Redeck Pier and Construct steps €27,000 Port Salon underpinning of Pier & Sea Wall €22,500 Magheroarty Harbour Dredging €42,200 Port Inver Repairs to Concrete Wall €13,987 Malinbeg Ballyederlan Gortalia Tawney Repairs €10,251 Wyon Point and Rinnalea Replace Navigation Lights €9,000

128 6 May 2015

Storm Damage Programme –Local Authorities Expenditure 2014 Malimore Pier Construction old Decking €3,174 Galway County Council Annaghavann Realign existing slipway €180,000 Cora Point Repair slip and replace safety railing €134,429 Inis Óirr reconstruct slipway €107,983 An Mace reconstruct wave wall & new deck slap €90,000 Seán Céibh breakwater and quay walls repair €135,000 Sruthan Pier Construct quay walls and decks €216,000 Trá Ban Reconstruct Breakwater and construct ladders €198,000 Cé Caladh Thaidh repair hardstand area €108,000 Cé Finnis safety improvement works €108,000 Cé Pointe repair slipway and pier €180,000 Cé Rossadilisk safety and maintenance works €108,000 Cé Sruthan Bui repair to existing stone pier €135,000 Inis Oírr repair deck and replace railing and light €22,473 Spideál Na Strengthening existing breakwater €89,962 Dolan repair existing stone pier €108,000 Kerry County Council Fenit Pier Surface Repairs €7,740 Local Aids to Navigation KY €17,395 Cuan Pier pier wall repairs €2,700 Brandon Pier - pier wall repairs €2,796 Dunquin Pier - Repairs to pier wall and Steps €27,000 Bunnavalla Pier - slip access repairs €4,430 Tahilla Pier - Wall Repairs €5,412 Blackwater Pier - pier wall repairs €613 Coonanna Pier - seawall and handrail repairs €1,125 Knightstown Pier - seawall repairs €6,750 Kilmakilogue Pier and slip repairs €18,675 Cooscrome Pier - seawall repairs €7,606 Dromatoor Pier - basin dredging €7,650 Louth County Council Carlingford Harbour Repairs to Revetment €4,500 Mayo County Council Old Head Pier repairs €12,600 Carramore Pier repairs €47,700 Blacksod Repair Work €72,000 Faulmore Repair Slipway and Access Rd €44,999 Roonagh Repairs €18,000 Rathlacken Pier Repairs to Pier Slip and Rd €134,918 Killerduff Harbour Repairs €134,167 Lecanvey Revetment to Pier and Remove Shingles €10,800 Frenchport Pier Repair Pier and Surrounding Area €18,000 Inishkea Island Pier Repair Pier €45,000 Belderrigh Pier Repair to Pier Wall, ladders etc €90,000 Bunlough Repair to slipway and seawall €9,000 Saleen Repairs to Pier Slip and Surrounding Area €90,000 Mulranny Pier Repairs to Pier Wall & Deck €67,500

129 Questions - Written Answers

Storm Damage Programme –Local Authorities Expenditure 2014 Islandmore Pontoon €13,608 Clare Island Piers and Slipway Repairs €76,500 Inishbiggle Pontoon €27,000 Killala Repair Access and Harbour Deck €63,000 Kilcummin Repairs and Remove Stone Pier & Slip €63,000 Purtoon Replace Slipway and Seawall €27,000 Porturlin Repair Pier Wall, Deck and Lights €135,000 Sligo County Council Enniscrone Pier Storm Damage Repairs €61,021 Mullaghmore Hbr Storm Damage Repairs €89,100 Wexford County Council Ballyhack pier repairs, HandS and Access works €45,000 Courtown 1 Pier Assessment and Repairs €7,526 Fethard Hbr Pier Repair, HandS and Access Works €9,000 Slade Hbr Rock Armour Replacement, HandS works €54,000 Cahore Pier, Mooring and Rock Armour Repair €49,500 Courtown 2 Repairs to North and South Pier €306 Wexford Harbour Repair damaged harbour buoyage €9,000 St Helen Hbr repairs, Health and Safety and Access Works €45,900 Carne Repairs, HandS and Access Works €13,500 Kilmore Quay Retrapod Enhancement to East Pier €180,000 Waterford County Council Dunmore East Sormwall Repair €6,333 Tramore Seawall Repairs €134,420 Boatstrand Repair West Slip and Seawall €295,293 Wicklow County Council Arklow - South Pier Navigation Lights €5,078 Total Local Authority Storm Damage Programme Subtotal €5,316,065

06/05/2015WRK00200Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRK00300225. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is eligible under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17733/15]

06/05/2015WRK00400Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): All farmers who declared their lands in 2014 are eligible to submit an application for GLAS. Approval into the scheme, however, is based on predetermined criteria which are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. For example, farmers with a Tier One priority environmental asset, such as commonage, Natura, one of the endangered bird species, high status water or who keep rare breeds or farm organically, receive priority access into the scheme. Farmers may also choose actions which increase their likelihood of approval. Full details are available on my Department’s website.

All applications need to be prepared by an approved GLAS advisor and if the person-named is interested in the scheme, he should contact his advisor who will be able access the online system for him and review his possibilities.

130 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRK00500Ministerial Responsibilities

06/05/2015WRK00600226. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the duties and/or responsibilities that have been delegated to the Minister of State (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17833/15]

06/05/2015WRK00700Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): On 15 July 2014 Minister Phelan was appointed to be Minister of State at the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for rural economic development, rural transport and, in particular, the implementation of the Commis- sion for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) Report. In December 2014, in addition to her existing responsibilities, the Government assigned Minister Phelan to the De- partment of the Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for Local/Community/Rural Economic Development issues, including implementation of the CEDRA report.

The thirty four CEDRA recommendations are very wide ranging and cover issues that fall within the remit of a number of Government Departments. The recommendations cover areas as diverse as investment and finance, local enterprise support, community capability building, social enterprise, broadband, roads, water, rural transport, artisan foods, creative industries, tourism and recreation, marine and renewable energy. Minister Phelan has established and chairs an Inter-Departmental Group to coordinate and oversee action on all these issues. This does not necessarily involve specific delegated functions. Insofar as my Department is concerned there are no legislative acts to be formally delegated to Minister Phelan.

06/05/2015WRK00800Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRK00900227. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Ma- rine if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18247/15]

06/05/2015WRK01000Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney): To date in 2015, my Department has recruited 21 new staff following competitive processes conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Information in respect of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Bodies themselves.

06/05/2015WRK01100Defence Forces

06/05/2015WRK01200228. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Defence the number of external and/ or outsourced practices that are used by the Defence Forces for physiotherapy at present. [17407/15]

06/05/2015WRK01300Minister for Defence (Deputy Simon Coveney): The table sets out the number of physiotherapy practices that currently provide services to the Defence Forces:

Defence Forces Formation Physiotherapy practices providing services Defence Forces Training Centre 22 1 Brigade 9 2 Brigade 15 131 Questions - Written Answers

Defence Forces Formation Physiotherapy practices providing services Naval Service 3 Air Corps 1 TOTAL 50 I am informed by the military authorities that, following an internal review of the provision of physiotherapy services to members of the Defence Forces, it has been decided to in-source this service. The Defence Forces is currently recruiting a head physiotherapist and will, thereafter, recruit 4.5 whole time-equivalent physiotherapists.

06/05/2015WRK01400Defence Forces Recruitment

06/05/2015WRK01500229. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence the reason it is considered appropriate to impose an 18 to 28 years of age limit when advertising for musicians in the public press for his Department; and if this imposition can be lifted. [17828/15]

06/05/2015WRK01600Minister for Defence (Deputy Simon Coveney): A competition for the enlistment of in- strumentalists in the Defence Forces School of Music is currently underway. The closing date for receipt of applications was 22 April 2015.

The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan both identified the requirement to address the age profile in the Defence Forces.

A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.

The age requirement applicable to this competition is that candidates must be not less than 18 years of age and must be under 28 years of age on the closing for receipt of applications. These limits are determined on the basis that the essential functions of the Permanent Defence Force requires that its members be composed of able-bodied personnel of an age which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation as a whole. The Military Authorities have advised that these upper age limits have proven suitable for the requirements for a modern Defence Force which is actively involved in operations at home and on Peace Support Operations overseas. Agreement was also reached with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on this matter.

I am satisfied that the existing upper age requirements for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force are appropriate.

06/05/2015WRK01700Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRK01800230. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18249/15]

06/05/2015WRK01900Minister for Defence (Deputy Simon Coveney): The Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel, and civilian employees attached to military installations. There has been no recruitment of Military Personnel or Civilian Employees since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent body established under the Pub- 132 6 May 2015 lic Service Management Act 2004 for the purpose of providing recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Civil Service. PAS was engaged by my Department in order to facilitate the recruitment of 2 Administrative Officers and 1 Temporary Clerical Officer, all of whom took up duty between 1 January and 30 April 2015.

06/05/2015WRK02000Commercial Leases Database

06/05/2015WRK02100231. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce a register of leases in line with practice in other EU states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17443/15]

06/05/2015WRK02200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a Commercial Leases Database is maintained by the Property Services Regula- tory Authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 87 of the Property Services (Regu- lation) Act 2011. The Act provides for the establishment of the commercial leases database. The legislation applies to all commercial property leases entered into on or after 3 April 2012, the date the legislation became operational. The Act also provides that certain limited information may be published by the Authority in respect of leases entered into before that date. As a result, the Authority has made available certain information in respect of all commercial leases entered into since 1 January 2010. The Commercial Leases Database is available on the Property Ser- vices Regulatory Authority’s website, www.psr.ie.

The Database includes the following information in respect of all commercial leases entered into since 1 January 2010:

- the address of the leased commercial property;

- the date of the lease of the property;

- the term of years of the lease; and

- the rent payable in respect of the property.

With regard to commercial leases entered into on or after 3 April 2012, the Act imposes an obligation, on tenants of such properties, to furnish the following additional information to the PSRA:

- the commencement date of the terms of the lease;

- the capital consideration (if any) to be paid by the tenant or landlord in respect of the commercial property the subject of the lease;

- the frequency of the rent review in respect of the property;

- the particulars relating to who is liable in respect of the rates, insurance, service charges and repairs in respect of the property;

- the net floor area, per each floor, of the property;

- the particulars (if any) relating to rent-free periods, fitting out time allowed, fit out allowances and capital contributions in respect of the property;

- the particulars relating to any break-in clause in the lease; and

- the certificate identification number (within the meaning of Regulation 2 of the Stamp 133 Questions - Written Answers Duty (e-Stamping of Instruments) Regulations 2009).

06/05/2015WRK02300Personal Debt

06/05/2015WRK02400232. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on measures being put in place to deal with bankruptcy for those in mortgage arrears; if the proposed change of the discharge period, from one year to three years, will take place; the options available to those facing eviction; the urgent action the Government is taking on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17457/15]

06/05/2015WRK02500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy will re- call, a very substantial change to Ireland’s bankruptcy regime was made by the Personal Insol- vency Act 2012, which reduced automatic discharge from bankruptcy from 12 years to 3 years. This Government has also greatly reduced the costs of bankruptcy - from around €1400 in total in 2012, to just €270 euro from 1 January 2015. While bankruptcy used to be predominantly sought by creditors, since late 2013 almost all bankruptcies are sought by the debtor.

Work is currently under way across Government Departments to develop a comprehensive and effective package of measures to help those trapped in unsustainable mortgage debt on their homes to arrive at sustainable solutions. This is a priority for me and for the Government. That work is now being completed, with specific attention to the personal insolvency legislation, and the Government’s action plan in this area will be announced shortly.

I am anxious to ensure that the immediate steps which are to be taken now will be ones which will directly assist those in extreme debt and mortgage difficulty, and which will service the very fundamental principle that loss of ownership of a family home through repossession should be a last resort.

This is basic to our consideration and evaluation of all options which are available to us, legislative and otherwise, and including the reduction of the bankruptcy discharge period proposed by Deputy Penrose’s Private Member’s Bill.

06/05/2015WRK02600National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan

06/05/2015WRK02700233. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in implementing the national disability strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17608/15]

06/05/2015WRK02800Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin): At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government continues to prioritise the needs of people with disabilities. Responsibility for coordinating policy on disability lies with my Department. However, the implementation of sectoral policy is a matter for a number of Government Departments, with responsibility for provision of services resting mainly with the Department of Health.

The Programme for Government committed to publishing, “following wide consultation, a realistic implementation plan for the National Disability Strategy, including sectoral plans with achievable time scales and targets within available resources and ensuring whole-of-government involvement and monitoring of the Strategy, in partnership with the disability sector”.

The Implementation Plan was submitted to Government on 23 July 2013 and was published following Government Decision of that date. Considerable discussion was undertaken between 134 6 May 2015 the disability stakeholders and Government Departments to reach agreement on the suite of actions contained in the Plan and there are no outstanding inputs from Departments or agencies. The Plan sets out the practical measures across all relevant Government Departments to be taken to advance the National Disability Strategy over the period 2013 to 2015 and ensures that available resources are used to best effect to meet the needs of all people with disabilities. The Implementation Plan covers the period up to end-2015 and my Department will shortly commence a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders with a view to putting a revised Disability Inclusion Strategy in place as from January 2016.

The focus in the follow-on Implementation Plan will be on the key themes that impact on the lives of people with disabilities, on identifying agreed objectives within each theme and on developing specific actions to be undertaken to achieve each of the agreed objectives, together with timelines and key performance indicators.

The National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, which I chair, and which comprises representatives from across Government Departments, representatives from the City and County Managers Association, the National Disability Authority, a broad range of disability organisations, and a number of individuals appointed in their personal capacity to bring their lived experience to the table, will have a central role in shaping the new Implementation Plan.

06/05/2015WRK02900Upward Only Rent Reviews

06/05/2015WRK03000234. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to re-examine and abolish upward-only rent reviews for commercial properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17442/15]

06/05/2015WRK03100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy will be aware, in December 2011 the Government took the difficult decision not to proceed with the commitment in the Programme for Government to abolish upward only rent reviews in so called “legacy leases”, i.e., those entered into before 28 February 2010. For leases entered into on or after that date, section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 has the effect of providing that, in practice, upward only rent review clauses are no longer possible.

In relation to so called “legacy leases”, there was a substantial concern that any legislative scheme involving interference in the contractual relationships of private parties would find it extremely difficult to survive a Constitutional challenge. In addition, the Government was advised that any model proposed would require the payment of compensation to landlords whose rights were infringed in order to ensure that the proposal would be compatible with the Consti- tution and with the European Convention on Human Rights. As I have indicated in my replies to previous Parliamentary Questions on the subject of upward only rent review clauses, there are no plans to re-examine the decision taken in 2011.

06/05/2015WRK03200Policing Authority Establishment

06/05/2015WRK03300235. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of submissions that were received during the public consultation, on proposals for the new policing authority; and her plans to publish these submissions. [17204/15]

06/05/2015WRK03400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): In total, 33 written submissions were received in the course of the public consultation process undertaken by the Gov- ernment during May 2014. With the Government approval I will very shortly publish a Bill to 135 Questions - Written Answers provide for the establishment of the Independent Policing Authority and the submissions have been taken into account in the preparation of this legislation.

I look forward to the introduction of the new Bill at an early stage and I will consider the question of publishing the submissions provided during the consultation process.

06/05/2015WRK03500Public Order Offences

06/05/2015WRK03600236. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the call by the west Galway coroner (details supplied) for the amendment of the public order Acts to allow gardaí to detain persons for their own safety, and for the provision of defibrillators in all stations, following a recent death; and her plans to amend the Act. [17212/15]

06/05/2015WRK03700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Legislation in relation to public order and detention powers of the Garda Síochána is kept under continual review in my Department. The question of the Garda Síochána detaining persons for their own safety, such as due to intoxication, is currently being examined in that context.

In relation to defibrillators, I understand that a policy on the deployment and use of this equipment is currently being developed by the Garda Síochána as part of an overall First Aid Policy for the organisation.

06/05/2015WRK03800Prisoner Data

06/05/2015WRK03900237. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in Portlaoise Prison in County Laois on 14 January 2015 between 21 and 24 years of age, inclusive; the numbers required to slop out or to use normal toilet facilities in the presence of others; the number who are sole occupants of a cell that has a normal flush toilet installed, or who have access at all times to normal toilet facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17224/15]

06/05/2015WRK04000238. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in Portlaoise Prison in County Laois on 14 January 2015 between 18 and 20 years of age, inclusive; the number required to slop out or to use normal toilet facilities in the presence of others; the number who are sole occupants of a cell that has a normal flush toilet installed, or have access at all times to normal toilet facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17225/15]

06/05/2015WRK04100239. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in Portlaoise Prison in County Laois on 14 January 2015; the number required to slop out or to use normal toilet facilities in the presence of others; the number who are sole occupants of a cell that has a normal flush toilet installed, or have access at all times to normal toilet facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17226/15]

06/05/2015WRK04200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 237 to 239, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a breakdown of access to in-cell sanitation, including the number required to slop out, the number required to use toilet facilities in the presence of others and the number that are the sole occupants of a cell that has a normal flush toilet or have access to normal toilet facilities is included in a Quarterly Census Report which 136 6 May 2015 is published on the Irish Prison Service website, (www.irishprisons.ie).

I am advised that the report does not breakdown each institution by age category as this would require a manual examination of each record. However, I can advise the Deputy that on 5th May 2015, there were 4 prisoners aged 18-20 in custody in Portlaoise Prison and none of these prisoners were required to slop out.

In addition, 30 prisoners aged 21-24 were also accommodated in Portlaoise Prison. Of this, 3 were accommodated in the E Wing of Portlaoise Prison and therefore would be required to slop out.

Quarterly Census Reports for January 2015 and April 2015 have been published so far this year.

06/05/2015WRK04300Prisoner Data

06/05/2015WRK04400240. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of persons in prison and in each institution who are serving a sentence for the first time, diagnosed with a mental health problem, dependent on drugs, and on remand; the number of recorded attacks on prison officers and prisoners by other prisoners in each prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17227/15]

06/05/2015WRK04500241. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons between 18 and 20 years of age, inclusive, in Wheatfield Place of Detention being held under sentence or remand under existing legislation; the number in each prison serving a sentence for the first time diagnosed with a mental health problem, dependent on drugs or on remand among this age cohort; the number of recorded attacks on prison officers and prisoners by other prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17228/15]

06/05/2015WRK04600242. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons between 21 and 24 years of age, inclusive, in prison; the number in each institution; the number of prisoners of this age cohort in each institution serving a sentence for the first time, diagnosed with a mental health problem, dependent on drug misuse, or on remand; the number of recorded attacks on prison officers and prisoners by other prisoners in this age cohort in each institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17229/15]

06/05/2015WRK04700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 240 to 242, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that some of the information requested by the Deputy cannot be answered in the way the Deputy has asked. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort that could not be justified where there are other significant demands on resources. However I can advise the Deputy that the number of sentenced and remand prisoner in custody in each prison is set out in Table 1. I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that on the 5th May 2015 there were 61 sentenced prisoners aged 18 to 20 in custody in Wheatfield Place of Detention. There were no prisoners in this age category on remand. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the number of persons aged 21 to 24 in each prison is set out in the table 2.

The Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of services to meet the therapeutic needs of persons in custody who require mental health services, or access to drug treatment services.

In relation to drug dependency the Irish Prison Service continues to seek to construct a

137 Questions - Written Answers range of programmes, support services and through-care options for prisoners demonstrating a commitment to addressing their substance misuse. In line with Action 43 of the National Drug Strategy the Irish Prison Service has an agreed protocol with the HSE for the seamless transition of prisoners established on drug treatment into community drug treatment settings. As well as this drug free units are operational in all closed prisons. These units accommodate and cater for the needs of both drug free prisoners and illicit drug free prisoners including those prisoners stable on methadone. All prisoners engaged in drug treatment have the support of healthcare staff and in reach services as required. Merchants Quay Ireland currently has a contract with the Irish Prison Service for the provision of addiction counselling services in all prisons with the exception of Arbour Hill. The expansion of treatment and other health and social services in prisons continues. Drug treatment services are now in place all closed prisons.

In-reach mental health services are available in all Dublin prisons and in the Portlaoise Campus and Castlerea Prison by way of collaboration with the National Forensic Mental Health Services. The Central Mental Hospital provides forensic mental health sessions weekly in these prisons, and provides an assessment and liaison service for all other prisons. Specialist in-reach services are also in place in Cork Prison and Limerick Prison. The Irish Prison Service has access to a limited number of places in the Central Mental Hospital for prisoners who require residential mental health treatment. The IPS Psychology Service also provides mental health services to prisoners, and helps offenders address factors that put them at risk of re-offending. As well as this a Psychiatric In-reach and Court Liaison Service is available at Cloverhill Prison.

With regards to the Deputy’s request for a breakdown of assaults among certain categories of prisoner, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that assault statistics are also not catego- rised by prisoner age profile. However, figures for assaults in our prisons for 2013 are set out in Table 3.

The Irish Prison Service has successfully introduced a number of measures across the prison estate such as, hand-held metal detectors, netting over prison yards, boss chairs and security screening machines to detect and prevent weapons from entering the prison to limit the scope of acts of violence. In addition, new prisoner programmes have been introduced such as the In- centivised Regimes policy which provides for a differentiation of privileges between prisoners according to their level of engagement with services and quality of behaviour. The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure.

Table 1

Institution Number in custody Number on Trial/Remand Mountjoy (Male) 542 3 Mountjoy (Female) 96 17 Training Unit 93 0 St. Patrick’s 1 1 Cloverhill 347 228 Wheatfield 480 1 Midlands 795 46 Portlaoise 222 11 Cork 234 38 Limerick (Male) 229 53 Limerick (Female) 26 4 Castlerea 309 49

138 6 May 2015 Institution Number in custody Number on Trial/Remand Arbour Hill 135 0 Loughan House 131 0 Shelton Abbey 97 0 Total 3,737 451

Table 2

Institution Aged 21 to 24 Number on remand (aged 21 to 24) Mountjoy (Male) 92 0 Mountjoy (Female) 7 2 Training Unit 8 0 Cloverhill 64 44 Wheatfield 66 0 Midlands 106 6 Portlaoise 30 0 Cork 39 6 Limerick (Male) 54 12 Limerick (Female) 4 0 Castlerea 46 7 Arbour Hill 8 0 Loughan House 15 0 Shelton Abbey 5 0 Total 544 77

Table 3

Prison/Place of Detention Number of Prisoner on Pris- Number of Prisoner Assaults oner Assaults by prison 2014 on Staff by prison 2014 Arbour Hill 6 1 Castlerea 95 9 Cloverhill 90 20 Cork 51 13 Dóchas Centre 16 8 Limerick (F) 0 0 Limerick (M) 37 3 Loughan House 0 0 Midlands 77 13 Mountjoy (Male) 96 30 St. Patrick’s Institution 9 13 Portlaoise 11 2 Shelton Abbey 0 0 Training Unit 0 0 Wheatfield 74 26 PSEC 2 6

139 Questions - Written Answers Prison/Place of Detention Number of Prisoner on Pris- Number of Prisoner Assaults oner Assaults by prison 2014 on Staff by prison 2014 Total 564 144

06/05/2015WRK04800Prisoner Data

06/05/2015WRK04900243. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average number of prisoners in custody for each month from May 2013 to December 2013; if she will provide, in tabular form, the average number of prisoners per month, broken down by prison; the capacity of each prison; and the Inspector of Prisons’ recommended capacity for each prison for each of these months. [17256/15]

06/05/2015WRK05000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I can inform the Deputy a full breakdown to include monthly average number of prisoners in custody per institution, bed capacity and Inspector of Prison’s bed capacity is set out in the following table.

May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Bed Bed Ca- Capac- pacity per ity Inspector of Prisons Institution Mountjoy (Male) 545 543 550 525 515 518 526 539 575 540 Mountjoy (Fe- 129 133 132 130 125 126 120 118 105 105 male) Training Unit 111 106 103 106 104 99 99 89 106 96 St. Patrick’s 160 136 100 84 86 89 88 82 115 191 Cloverhill 416 387 382 377 412 418 409 387 431 414 Wheatfield 709 679 610 589 540 540 544 498 540 642 Midlands 722 776 831 820 817 830 844 852 870 777 Portlaoise 259 262 266 261 259 257 253 257 291 291 Cork 225 223 238 211 220 229 230 231 210 173 Limerick (Male) 223 220 227 224 224 227 223 216 220 185 Limerick (Female) 25 29 30 31 29 32 30 33 28 24 Castlerea 350 355 353 345 352 355 353 354 340 300 Arbour Hill 143 141 138 140 140 139 141 141 142 131 Loughan House 124 122 122 130 127 129 127 115 140 140 Shelton Abbey 108 107 105 106 106 104 101 89 115 115 Totals 4,249 4,219 4,187 4,079 4,056 4,092 4,088 4,001 4,228 4,124

As outlined in the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015, it is intended to align the bed capacity of our prisons with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Pris- ons, in so far as this is compatible with public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. This has been completed for 9 out of the 14 prisons in the State. The number in custody on 5th May (3,737) represented 94% of the Inspector of Prisons recommended total of 3,982.

The Deputy will be aware that the average number of prisoners in custody in Ireland rose from 3,321 during 2007 to 4,318 during 2012, an increase of over 30%. Likewise the total number of committals to prison also rose sharply during the same period, from 11,934 in 2007 to 17,026 in 2012 – an increase of over 43%.

140 6 May 2015 2013 saw the first significant decrease in prison numbers since 2007. There were 15,735 committals to prison in 2013 which was a decrease of 7.6% on the 2012 figure. The overall daily average number of prisoners in custody has also dropped in recent years. The average number in custody for 2014 was 3,916 a reduction of 10.8% on the 2011 average of 4,390.

The Deputy may wish to note that the number in custody reached a peak of 4,621 on 23rd February 2011. Today there are 884 less prisoners in custody which represents a decrease of 18%.

06/05/2015WRK05100Prison Building Programme

06/05/2015WRK05200244. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the development of Cloverhill, County Dublin, and Loughan House, County Cavan; the expected date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17257/15]

06/05/2015WRK05300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that there are no plans at present for the further development of the facilities at either Cloverhill, Dublin or Loughan House, County Cavan.

06/05/2015WRK05400Prisoner Transfers

06/05/2015WRK05500245. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for Harris- town House, Castlerea, County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17258/15]

06/05/2015WRK05600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that there are no plans to alter the current use of Harristown House. The Deputy will be aware that Harristown House, on the grounds of Castlerea Prison, opened in 2013 for use as a step-down facility for prisoners coming towards the end of lengthy sentences as a means of assisting them in re-integrating into society upon release.

I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that the Parole Board has been requested to consider recommending the transfer of prisoners, particularly life-sentenced prisoners coming towards the end of their sentences to the facility. Recommendations can be considered by the board in circumstances where the board is of the view that such prisoners would benefit from such a transfer with a view to successfully re-integrating them into society and to assist them in leading law-abiding lives upon eventual release. Any such prisoners recommended for transfer to Harristown House will be subject to the normal risk assessments conducted by the Irish Prison Service.

06/05/2015WRK05700Prison Building Programme

06/05/2015WRK05800246. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the development of Limerick Prison, A and B wings; the final specifications regarding the number and size of cells; the expected date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17259/15]

06/05/2015WRK05900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a business case for the modernisation of facilities in Limerick Prison has recently been approved in principle by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform 141 Questions - Written Answers – meaning that the proposed development can now proceed to detailed design & tender stage. Consequently, the Irish Prison Service is now preparing the statutory planning procedure under Part IX of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 - 2013 and is simultaneously preparing tender documentation for the works.

The development as currently envisaged includes the replacement of the out-dated A and B wings by the construction of a new block of 150 cells as well as the provision of high quality accommodation for female prisoners in a stand-alone unit with capacity for approximately 50 individual cells and 8 custodial apartments. The cells will be approximately 12 square meters each which is in excess of the Inspector of Prisons recommendations for double occupancy.

Subject to the completion of the tender process and final sanction being obtained it is expected that the project will commence in mid-2016 with a completion date of late 2018.

However, that timescale is dependent on further approval with respect to the signing of a contract and to sufficient resources being available to the Irish Prison Service.

06/05/2015WRK06000Prison Building Programme

06/05/2015WRK06100247. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the development of an aged prisoner facility in Shelton Abbey Prison, County Wicklow; the expected date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17260/15]

06/05/2015WRK06200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that their Strategic Plan 2012-2015 includes a commitment that the Irish Prison Service will, in conjunction with other key stakeholders, devise specific strategies for older prisoners. The main reason for this is because there has been a significant increase in the number of older prisoners in the prison system. Information collated from the end of month snapshot taken by the Irish Prison Service on Saturday 31st January 2015, indicated there were 223 prisoners in custody aged 55 and over, 26 of whom were on remand.

Work on the development and implementation of this strategy is underway and will be implemented over the lifetime of the Strategic Plan. In line with this commitment the Irish Prison Service is currently finalising a policy document for older prisoners. The Policy will seek to ensure that older adults in prison are identified as specific groups of individuals who have particular needs within the prison population. Central to the development of tailored services for older prisoners, is the development of a specific facility to better cater for the needs of older persons. The Irish Prison Service is considering a number of options, and I understand that the publication of the Older Persons Policy and an announcement of proposals to develop a dedicated facility for older prisoners will be made later in the year.

06/05/2015WRL00200Garda Station Closures

06/05/2015WRL00300248. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects Carbury Garda station, County Kildare, to reopen in view of the fact that the district Garda station is 40 km away in Leixlip, County Kildare, the measures that have been put in place to ensure adequate Garda coverage in the area in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17264/15]

06/05/2015WRL00400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy

142 6 May 2015 when this information is to hand.

06/05/2015WRL00500Deportation Orders Data

06/05/2015WRL00600249. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportation orders signed between 1 October 2014 and April 2015; if she will provide a breakdown of the nationalities they were issued to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17356/15]

06/05/2015WRL00700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): A total of 452 Depor- tation Orders were signed during the period referred to by the Deputy. The top five nationalities were China (76), Sudan (37), Pakistan (34), Nigeria (28) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (17).

In order to provide a more complete picture of the situation regarding the expulsion of non- Irish nationals from the State during the period in question, it should be noted that during the same period, 51 Removal Orders were signed in respect of EU nationals, 17 Transfer Orders were signed under the Dublin Regulation and 2,438 persons were refused leave to land in the State.

06/05/2015WRL00800Legislative Process

06/05/2015WRL00900250. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Spent Convictions Bill 2012 will be brought through to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17398/15]

06/05/2015WRL01000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The current position is that before the Act could be commenced, a 2013 UK Court of Appeal judgment necessitated a review of the disclosure provisions in both the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulner- able Persons) Act 2012 and the Spent Convictions Bill. That review has been completed and amendments to the Vetting Act and consequential amendments to the Spent Convictions Bill are currently being drafted. I intend to bring the amendments to the Bill before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with a view to commencing the Act in the summer. Pending the amendment of the Bill, an Administrative Filter for Garda Vetting Disclosures has been introduced, which provides that certain minor offences that are over 7 years old are no longer disclosed. This Administrative Filter already gives effect to the main provisions likely to be contained in the amended Act.

A copy of this Administrative Filter is set out.

Garda Vetting Procedures

Administrative Filter

In anticipation of the amendment and commencement of the National Vetting Bureau Act 2012, an administrative filter in respect of Garda Vetting Unit Disclosures will operate in accordance with the following procedural guidelines.

A. Criminal Convictions to be disclosed in all cases:

1) Offences Against the Person.

143 Questions - Written Answers 2) Sexual Offences

3) Convictions on indictment.

B. District Court Convictions which will not be disclosed:

1) Motoring Offences:

District Court convictions for motoring offences will not be disclosed after 7 years even where more recent offences have been committed. This is because it is considered that old mi- nor motoring offences would not be relevant due to the passage of time.

2) Minor Public Order Offences:

The following convictions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 will not be disclosed if the offence is over 7 years old even where more recent offences have been committed:

- Section 4 (Intoxication),

- Section 5 (Disorderly conduct),

- Section 6 (Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour),

- Section 7 (Distribution or display of material which is offensive),

- Section 8 (Failure to comply with direction of Garda),

- Section 9 (Wilful obstruction).

3) Other minor offences - 1 Only:

District Court convictions for any other minor offence will not be disclosed after 7 years where the person has one such offence only (excluding motoring or public order offences over 7 years old). This provision does not apply to offences against the person or to sexual offences.

C. Probation Act Provisions

Where persons have been dealt with by a district court in accordance with the provisions of section 1(1) (i) or 1 (1) (ii) of the Probation Act 1907, the offences will not be disclosed except in cases where the circumstances of the offence gives rise to a bona fide concern that the person concerned may harm a child or vulnerable person.

Where persons have been dealt with by a court in accordance with section 1 (2) of the Probation Act, these will be disclosed in all cases. (Section 1 (2) relates solely to persons “convicted on indictment”.)

D. Offences in respect of which a person is charged but subsequently not prosecuted or acquitted.

Non convictions will be considered for disclosure where the circumstances of an offence gives rise to a bona fide concern that the person concerned may harm a child or vulnerable person. This information will only be disclosed if the information is of such a nature that its disclosure is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of children or vulnerable persons, or both, as the case may be.

The Garda Central Vetting Unit will make such decision in the context of:

144 6 May 2015 - The information concerned

- The relevance of the information to the type of work/activity

- The source and reliability of the information

- The rights of the vetting applicant and any submissions made by them.

Where the GCVU makes a determination to disclose information under this section the GCVU will:

- Notify the person who is the subject of the application for the vetting disclosure concerned, in writing, of its determination and of the reasons for it,

- Provide to the person a copy of the information to be disclosed,

- Notify the person of the intention to disclose the information to an Authorised Signatory for the registered organisation concerned after the expiry of 14 days from the date of notification, and

- Allow the applicant the opportunity to make a written submission.

- There will also be an appeals process in respect of a decision to disclose the information.

The GCVU will not issue a vetting disclosure in respect of a person until this process has been completed.

06/05/2015WRL01100Garda Resources

06/05/2015WRL01200251. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding resources in Garda Síochána headquarters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17411/15]

06/05/2015WRL01300252. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Garda Síochána headquarters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17412/15]

06/05/2015WRL01400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

An Garda Síochána is committed to obtaining value for money in relation to contracts for goods and services that are common across the public sector including Garda Headquarters’ requirements.

An Garda Síochána is working with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to ensure that contracts are placed in accordance with best procurement practice.

An Garda Síochána purchases a range of services including, stationary, janitorial, electricity, gas, waste management, vehicle fuels, office equipment and supplies for example. These goods and services are procured under OGP contracts designed to maximise value to the State

145 Questions - Written Answers by bundling Garda requirements with that of other public sector bodies.

With regard to civilians in An Garda Síochána, there have been significant increases in their numbers in recent years from 1,688 at the end of 2007 to approximately 2,041 (whole time equivalents) as of the 30 March 2015. Civilians are employed in a wide range of management, administrative, technical and operational duties covering such positions as Chief Administra- tion Officer, Executive Director of Finance, Executive Director of Human Resources and Per- sonnel Development, Crime Analysts, Head of Legal Affairs, clerical officers, photographers etc.

Apart from the above posts and the administrative support duties in Garda stations and offices, civilianisation has also enabled the establishment or expansion of some vital services which are wholly or largely provided by civilian staff – including the Garda National Immigra- tion Bureau, the Garda Information Service Centre, the Garda Central Vetting Unit, the Fixed Charge Processing Office, and the civilianisation of the Call Taking function in the Command and Control Centre. The Deputy may also be aware of the ongoing process to civilianise border control functions at Dublin airport and the transfer of these responsibilities from An Garda Sío- chána to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department.

We will continue to maximise the number of civilian support staff in An Garda Síochána so that highly trained Gardaí can be released from administrative tasks to frontline operational policing.

06/05/2015WRL01500Garda Equipment

06/05/2015WRL01600253. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the reinstatement of the Uzi submachine gun for armed Garda units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17418/15]

06/05/2015WRL01700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy will be aware, the specific arrangements made by An Garda Síochána in relation to firearms are, as operational matters, dealt with by the Garda Commissioner. In that area the Commissioner determines the appropriate measures to be put in place, including the specific firearms to be deployed, without reference to either myself or my Department.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the Uzi sub-machine gun was withdrawn from general service in An Garda Síochána in 2012. This was done in the light of overall operational arrangements made in respect of the armed capability of the Force and I am advised there are currently no plans to reinstate the UZI sub machine gun for armed Garda Units where it has been withdrawn.

In view of the nature of the functions involved, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the deployment of Garda resources in this area. However, the Garda authorities are satisfied that the current arrangements in place meet their operational requirements.

06/05/2015WRL01800Garda Deployment

06/05/2015WRL01900254. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new gardaí who will be dispatched to the J and R districts, following the recent graduation ceremo- ny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17419/15]

06/05/2015WRL02000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy will ap- 146 6 May 2015 preciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) North, Raheny (J) and Coolock (R) Districts including Garda Reserves and civilians on 31 March 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in a table.

There are no new attested Garda members assigned to the ‘J’ and ‘R’ Districts. However, five were posted to the Divisional Headquarters in Ballymun.

D.M.R. North ‘J’ & ‘R’ Districts

District/Station Strength Reserve Civilian Coolock 108 8 11 Malahide 30 2 1 Swords 67 10 2 Raheny 60 6 6 Clontarf 66 4 1 Howth 31 2 1

06/05/2015WRL02100Garda Forms

06/05/2015WRL02200255. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda CT68 form has been updated on the Garda PULSE computer system following the enactment of section 12 of the Road Traffic Act 2014; if not, when is this due to be done; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17446/15]

06/05/2015WRL02300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am having inquiries made with the Garda authorities regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy and will contact him again in the near future.

06/05/2015WRL02400Garda Equipment

06/05/2015WRL02500256. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the next PULSE system update is due to take place, as the last shut down for update was 7 Decem- ber 2014. [17447/15]

06/05/2015WRL02600Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am informed by the Garda authorities that the PULSE system is upgraded periodically to support the introduction of new offences and changes to existing offences. These technical upgrades require a very short period of downtime and are carried out using well-proven processes designed to avoid impact- ing upon Garda operations. The last upgrade was deployed on 1st February, 2015 and there are other maintenance releases planned during quarter 2 and quarter 3 this year.

06/05/2015WRL02700Road Traffic Offences

06/05/2015WRL02800257. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to 147 Questions - Written Answers Parliamentary Question No. 399 of 21 April 2015, the number of drivers who were convicted of penalty point offences in court in 2013, 2014 and in 2015 to date, by District Court area. [17449/15]

06/05/2015WRL02900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested is being collated and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.

06/05/2015WRL03000Direct Provision Data

06/05/2015WRL03100258. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision centres who have been granted leave to remain or have been issued with a stamp 4, but who have been unable to leave due to difficulties such as finding -ac commodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17459/15]

06/05/2015WRL03200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): There are approximately 450 persons in Direct Provision accommodation who have been granted some form of permission to remain in the State. As a matter of long standing public policy, immigrants who have permission to remain in the State would not normally be allowed to remain in State provided facilities. However, the persons in question who are being dealt with on a case by case basis are being facilitated by being allowed to remain in Direct Provision accommodation on a humanitarian basis. This is one of many issues currently being considered by the Independent Working Group on the Protection Process established in October 2014 to recommend to Government what improvements should be made to the protection process, including direct provision and supports to asylum seekers. The Working Group is due to finalise its report to Government by the end of the month.

It should be said that the difficulty for these persons in sourcing accommodation is indicative of wider issues relating to the availability of housing in the State. Addressing these issues is outside the remit of my Department or the immigration authorities.

06/05/2015WRL03300Data Protection

06/05/2015WRL03400259. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality given that the Data Protection Act 1988 and amendment Act of 2003 outline eight rules of data protection that include data being obtained and processed fairly, keeping data for specified, explicit and lawful purposes, and disclosing data only in ways compatible with these purposes, and given that the statutory instrument signed into law on 10 March 2015 enables Irish Water to request and obtain data from third parties and, indeed, compels housing bodies to disregard the requirements of data protection law, her views that this statutory instrument compromises the fundamental right to privacy of the data subjects concerned as outlined in data protection law and compromises Ireland’s compliance with and commitment to the European Union data protection directive 95/46/EC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17461/15]

06/05/2015WRL03500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The position is that while section 2 of the Data Protection Act 1988, as amended, gives effect to the data protection principles set out in Article 6 of Directive 95/46/EC, sections 2A and 8 of the 1988 Act permit the processing of personal data for the performance of a function conferred on a person by or under an enactment. This is provided for under Article 7 of the 1995 Directive.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, the processing of personal data concerned is provided 148 6 May 2015 for in the Water Services Act 2013 (Prescribed Persons) Order 2015 (S.I. No 84 of 2015) which has been made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under section 25 of the Water Services Act 2013.

06/05/2015WRL03600Pension Provisions

06/05/2015WRL03700260. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to change the timing of pensions for retired members of An Garda Síochána from a system of advance payment to one of arrears; if so, the rationale for this change; the timing of the proposed change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17534/15]

06/05/2015WRL03800269. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding pension payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17892/15]

06/05/2015WRL03900Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 260 and 269 together.

To date no proposals have been agreed to change the process by which retired members of An Garda Síochána are paid their pension from the current method of payment in advance. I can, however, state that consideration of this matter is at an exploratory stage.

06/05/2015WRL04000Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

06/05/2015WRL04100261. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the administrative cost of running the Insolvency Service of Ireland in 2014; the total fees received by the service in 2014; the total number of cases completed across each category of insolvency arrangement; the budget allocated to the service for 2015; the total staff currently employed by the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17536/15]

06/05/2015WRL04200Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I can advise the Deputy that the administrative running costs (excluding capital expenditure) of the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) for 2014 were €6.488 million.

The total fees received by the ISI in 2014 were €531,539. This is primarily made up of application fee income and bankruptcy realisation fees. It should be noted that the ISI waived application fees for the three alternatives to bankruptcy with effect from October 2014.

The budget allocation for the ISI for 2015 is €7.308 million.

With regard to staffing there are currently 81 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) in the ISI.

The number of successful applications since the Insolvency Service of Ireland began accepting applications is set out by category in a table.

Successful applications up to 31 March 2015

Debt Relief Notices Debt Settlement Ar- Personal Insolvency Total (DRN) rangements (DSA) Arrangements (PIA) 352 141 328 821

There were also 448 bankruptcies in 2014 and 162 by the end of Quarter 1 of 2015. 149 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRL04300Underage Drinking

06/05/2015WRL04400262. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding underage drinking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17554/15]

06/05/2015WRL04500Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The position is that there are robust statutory provisions in place relating to the sale to and the consumption of intoxicating liquor by persons under the age of 18 years. The law in this area was most recently amended by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 which amended the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004 and the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 with the aim of reducing access to alcohol and at the same time strengthening measures to tackle public disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended), it is an offence for a licence holder to sell or deliver, or permit another person to sell or deliver, intoxicating liquor to a person under 18 years of age.

Under the 1988 Act it is also illegal for a person under 18 years to buy intoxicating liquor or to consume it in any place outside their home (or in another person’s home where they are present by right or with permission). Where a Garda suspects that a person is under 18 years and that that person, or anyone accompanying that person, is in possession of intoxicating liquor for the purpose of consuming it in a place other than a private dwelling, the Garda may seek an explanation and if not satisfied with the reply, he or she may seize the intoxicating liquor if it is not handed over voluntarily.

The Garda National Age Card scheme is an important mechanism to help verify age in relation to the sale of intoxicating liquor. The scheme is administered by An Garda Síochána and has facilitated Gardaí, in cooperation with the licensed trade, in addressing and combating the problem of underage drinking. The 1988 Act, as amended, also makes provision for the test purchasing of intoxicating liquor. The primary objective of the scheme is to enable the Gardaí to target licensed premises which are suspected of engaging in illegal sales of intoxicating liquor to persons under 18 years of age.

The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (as amended) also permits An Garda Sío- chána to seize bottles or containers containing intoxicating liquor where there is a reasonable apprehension of public disorder or damage to property and require a person to leave the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner. Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour arising from the abuse of intoxicating liquor reported to the Gardaí are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or commencement of criminal proceedings.

The Children Act 2001, as amended, also provides for a number of measures in relation to parental responsibility in the case of children involved in anti-social behaviour and children found guilty of offences. These include parental supervision and compensation orders. These measures are fully operational and available to the courts. It should be noted, however, that the imposition of any particular sanction on the parents or guardians of an offending child is a matter for the courts.

06/05/2015WRL04600Private Rented Accommodation Evictions

06/05/2015WRL04700263. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of recent accounts of an ordeal in County Kildare, if she will consider introducing a code of conduct in

150 6 May 2015 respect of the repossession of properties by receivers or other parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17590/15]

06/05/2015WRL04800Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The position is that the appointment of a receiver over mortgaged property is one of the remedies available to a lending institution in cases of mortgage default. It is important to note, however, that this is a remedy which applies in the main to commercial property, which may include ‘buy-to-let’ residential property. It does not, therefore, apply to the principal dwellings of defaulting borrowers.

The appointment of a receiver is normally an alternative to the lender seeking actual repossession of the mortgaged property. Instead of taking possession, a receiver is appointed to manage the property; in the case of commercial premises, the goal may be to achieve more efficient management and operation of a viable business; in the case of ‘buy-to-let’ residential property, the intention is more often to collect rental income produced by the property and to divert it towards servicing the mortgage.

I am of course conscious that the appointment of a receiver over mortgaged property is likely to be both traumatic and stressful for the borrowers involved or, indeed, for any tenants involved. I would therefore urge receivers to act with tact and consideration; above all, they must act within the laws governing their appointment and the law of the land.

While I am aware from media reports of the incident referred to by the Deputy, it appears to be an isolated exception to the general rule. I am aware that the Banking and Payments Federa- tion has published a “Residential Tenant’s Guide to Receivership” which provides tenants of residential property to which a receiver has been appointed with useful guidance and information on the receiver’s role and powers (available on www.bpfi.ie). I intend writing to the Fed- eration to suggest preparation of a separate Guide to deal with the role and powers of receivers appointed to other categories of commercial property. I have also asked my Department to keep this issue under review.

06/05/2015WRL04900Deportation Orders Data

06/05/2015WRL05000264. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deportations of Liberian nationals carried out each year since 2005. [17604/15]

06/05/2015WRL05100Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I wish to inform the Deputy that a Deportation Order requires a person 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. The process leading to deportation is extensive with many avenues of appeal, including judicial review in the High Court, open to persons subject to Deportation Orders.

In determining whether to make a Deportation Order, the Minister must have regard to the factors set out in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 (Pro- hibition of Refoulement) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended.

This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a Deportation Order i.e. that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Depart- 151 Questions - Written Answers ment that there were three persons who initially claimed asylum as Liberian nationals deported in 2011 and one deported in 2013.

06/05/2015WRL05200Garda Investigations

06/05/2015WRL05300265. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality , further to Parliamen- tary Question No. 120 of 29 January 2015 in reply to which she stated that she has raised the issue with the Garda authorities and will contact this Deputy with a response, when a reply will issue in relation to this matter. [17627/15]

06/05/2015WRL05400Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am, of course, conscious of the distress and continuing impact on family and friends when a person goes missing but the Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the management of such investigations, which are a matter for An Garda Síochána.

I am, however, assured by the Garda authorities that all incidents where persons have been reported missing, including the one referred to, remain under investigation until such time as the person is located and that An Garda Síochána reviews missing persons cases on a regular basis. In this regard, I am advised that the footage referred to by the Deputy has been reviewed by the Gardaí.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the most recent media appeal in relation to the case referred to was made in conjunction with the family concerned in February of this year, to coincide with the anniversary of the last sighting of their missing relative, and that Garda liaison is being maintained on ongoing basis with the family.

06/05/2015WRL05500Proposed Legislation

06/05/2015WRL05600266. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a timeframe for her Department to finalise proposals to establish a new family court structure, as promised in the programme for Government; when these proposals will be brought to Govern- ment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17680/15]

06/05/2015WRL05700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. The position is that my Department is currently finalising proposals for future legislation based on submissions which have been received in relation to the Family Court and ongoing consultations with interested parties. I intend to bring proposals to establish the new Family Court to Government as soon as they are finalised. The draft General Scheme of the Bill will then be subject to the usual pre-legislative scrutiny by the Justice Committee.

06/05/2015WRL05800Garda Deployment

06/05/2015WRL05900267. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason behind the shortage of private sector vehicle Garda inspectors in the Cork area; and the delay in bus and coach operators getting their buses inspected and approved for public service vehicle licences. [17716/15]

06/05/2015WRL06000Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I have requested the in- 152 6 May 2015 formation sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

06/05/2015WRL06100Garda Operations

06/05/2015WRL06200268. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of the charge for those getting their fingerprints taken at Garda stations for purposes of visa applications in other states when charges were introduced; the number of fingerprints taken in the years 2011 to 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17738/15]

06/05/2015WRL06300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am informed by the Garda authorities that fees for the taking of finger prints for purposes other than crime investigation were introduced by An Garda Síochána on 1st February 2005. These fees were revised in October 2011 to their current rates which are as follows: €60 for the first set of fingerprints; and €30 for each subsequent set if taken together

I am further informed that the taking of fingerprints for the purposes of visa applications is a matter which is managed locally and there is no central recording system for the taking of such fingerprints.

Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 260.

06/05/2015WRL06500Proposed Legislation

06/05/2015WRL06600270. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider recommendations made by the study group on pre-nuptial agreements in 2007, which indicated that pre-nuptial agreements could be legalised through amendments to the Family Law Act 1995 and the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996; if these could be introduced so as to give legal recognition to such pre-nuptial agreements, which specify that both parties would be in a position to enter such consensual agreement, by way of making full disclosure of their assets and by obtaining appropriate independent legal advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17891/15]

06/05/2015WRL06700Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The Government has no immediate plans to legislate for the legal enforceability and recognition of pre-nuptial agreements on the lines proposed by the Deputy. While I recognise the concerns that the Study Group on Pre-Nuptial Agreements sought to address in its recommendations on this issue, providing for the recognition or enforceability of pre-nuptial agreements would raise legal, public policy and possibly constitutional considerations which would need to be examined very carefully before considering any further action in this area.

06/05/2015WRM00150Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRM00200271. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of her Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18255/15]

06/05/2015WRM00300Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Recruitment across the justice sector remains subject to specific sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In that context the following recruitment has taken place since January 2015. 153 Questions - Written Answers Department (Including Irish Prison Service) No. Clerical Officers 50 Locum Probation Officers 6 Deputy Secretary 1 Assistant Secretaries 2 Deputy Director, Forensic Science Ireland 2 Prison Administration and Support Officer Grade III 12 Psychologist Grade III 1 Administrative Officer 1 Courts Service Clerical Officers 8 Judicial Assistants 6 Crier 1 Executive Legal Officer 1 County Registrar 1 Legal Aid Board Temporary Solicitor Grade III 8 Director of Legal Aid 1 Clerical Officer 1 Temporary Law Clerk 1 Managing Solicitor Grade II 1 An Garda Síochána Trainee Gardaí 100 Superintendent 1 Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Intelligence Analyst (Higher Executive Officer grade) 1

It should be noted that a number of these posts were existing vacancies which have now been filled.

In respect of the clerical officers recruited it should be noted that 45 of these appointments relate to Immigration Control Officers. These officers have been recruited as part of the civilianisation of immigration controls at Dublin Airport.

In addition to the above a number of staff joined the Department on transfer or through redeployment from other areas of the Civil and Public Service. Furthermore the Department employs a number of temporary clerical officers on short term contracts. These are, by definition, short term contracts designed to meet seasonal peaks and facilitate staff who avail of the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

06/05/2015WRM00350After-School Support Services

06/05/2015WRM00400272. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if persons leaving community employment schemes to take up employment, qualify for the after- school child care scheme; if not, the reason why not; and if consideration will be given to revising the scheme, to allow this category of person to avail of the scheme. [17366/15]

154 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRM00500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The After-school Childcare (ASCC) programme was introduced by the Department of Social Protection and my Department to support low-income and unemployed people who wish to avail of employment opportunities. The Department of Social Protection, who determine eligibility for the programme, has confirmed that parents participating in a Community Employment scheme are not entitled to avail of the ASCC support as there is a separate programme, the Community Employment Childcare programme, which caters for participants in Community Employment schemes. However, the Department also confirmed that parents are entitled to support under the ASCC programme when their participation in the Community Employment scheme ends and they proceed to take up employment, once they satisfy the eligibility criteria for the ASCC programme.

Parents should contact their local Department of Social Protection office if they have queries in relation to their eligibility for the ASCC programme.

06/05/2015WRM00550Adoption Legislation

06/05/2015WRM00600273. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are any constitutional or other barriers to allowing parents who fostered children, but could not adopt them at the time due to lack of consent on behalf of a birth parent, to adopt said foster children now that they are consenting adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17600/15]

06/05/2015WRM00700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The Adoption Act 2010 provides the legal basis for the adoption of children. This Act defines a child as ‘any person who is under the age of 18 years’. I have no plans at present to amend the legislation to provide for the adoption of adults.

06/05/2015WRM00750Adoption Data

06/05/2015WRM00800274. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of adoptions for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17761/15]

06/05/2015WRM00900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): I have asked the Adop- tion Authority to reply directly to the Deputy.

06/05/2015WRM00950Child Care Costs

06/05/2015WRM01000275. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to address the rising cost of child care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17390/15]

06/05/2015WRM01100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): In the region of €260 million is provided annually by my Department to support a number of childcare programmes which assist parents in accessing quality and affordable childcare. More than 100,000 children benefit from this investment each year. These programmes are in addition to the support provided to all parents in the form of Child Benefit.

The childcare programmes include the universal free pre-school year provided under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. In the region of 67,000 children 155 Questions - Written Answers benefit each year from the free pre-school provision. The standard weekly capitation payment for each eligible child enrolled is €62.50 with a higher capitation of €73 paid for eligible children enrolled in services where staff hold higher childcare qualifications.

The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community childcare services to support disadvantaged or low income families. In the case of full day care, parents can have up to €95 per week deducted from the overall charge. In the region of 25,000 children benefit each year from the CCS programme.

Further childcare support is provided under a number of labour activation measures which support parents returning to the work force or availing of education or training opportunities. These include the Childcare Education and Training Supports (CETS) programme providing €145 per week for full day care where parents are availing of training and education courses provided by Solas or the Education Training Board (ETB). An After-School Child Care (ASCC) programme was introduced and provides €40 per week for after-school care, or €80 per week where a pick up service is available, with €105 per week for full day childcare during the holiday period. A Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programme has also been introduced and provides up to €80 a week to support qualifying parents who are participating in Community Employment (CE) schemes.

The funding to support these childcare programmes has been maintained despite the difficult budgetary position that has prevailed in recent years. To ensure that all the benefits of current (and future) investment are fully realised, it must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. Accordingly, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group to develop a coher- ent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare. This Group is considering the needs of children in their early years as well as the needs of school-going children. The Group will submit its final report to Government in June 2015.

06/05/2015WRM01150Inter-Country Adoptions

06/05/2015WRM01200276. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will confirm the status of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia on inter-country adoptions; if he envisages it being completed in the lifetime of this Dáil; the approximate timeframe for the completion of this agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17425/15]

06/05/2015WRM01300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): Efforts are ongoing in my Department in relation to a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption between Ireland and the Russian Federation. It was intended to visit Russia in January of this year. However it has been decided to liaise with officials in the Ministry of Education and Science in Russia to ensure that Irish proposals in regard the provision of post placement reports are acceptable to the Russian Federation.

The Irish Constitution protects the integrity of family life and that once adopted in Ireland the child is treated in the same way as other Irish children. This means that the ability of the State to intervene in a family, when a child’s welfare and protection is not compromised, is limited. The Department has advised the Russian Federation of this Constitutional imperative in instances where families, who had given commitments to the Russian authorities in regard to the provision of post placement reports, fail to adhere to those commitments. In these instances the State has no legislative power to enforce compliance with the commitments given by Irish families, legal or otherwise, to provide post placement reports. It is imperative that this matter is fully addressed so as to ensure that further discussions on other aspects of the bilateral agreement are beneficial. 156 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRM01350Children in Care

06/05/2015WRM01400277. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will consider raising the age of leaving care to 21 years in line with the Scottish model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17451/15]

06/05/2015WRM01500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The primary legislation in Ireland governing child care policy is the Child Care Act 1991 and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Under these Acts, the Child and Family Agency has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The definition of a child contained in both Acts is that of a person under 18 years of age who is not or has not been married. A child may be brought into care in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991 on a voluntary basis or, if necessary, a child may be received into care by Court order.

Young people leaving the care of the State at 18 years of age are entitled to an aftercare service. Aftercare is the term used to describe the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of such young people to assist them in making the transition to independent living. It is essential that all young people leaving care are provided with the type of transitional support that their individual situation requires.

The Child Care Act 1991 provides that the core eligible age range for aftercare is from 18 years up to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education and training in which a young person who has left care, or is leaving care, is engaged, up to the age of 23 years.

Current aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical (including accommodation and financial) support. Advocating on behalf of young people to support their development as fulfilled adults in their community and, when necessary, to link them to targeted adult services, are also crucial elements of an aftercare service.

The provisions of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 are being introduced on a phased basis. The Act provides for a number of supports to those in care and care leavers. These include the introduction of ‘continuing care’, a new legal term to describe care leavers who remain in their ‘looked after’ (care) placement up to the age of 21. Local authorities have a new duty to provide care leavers with a continuation of the kinds of support they received prior to leaving care. In essence, the young person has ceased to be looked after but the local authority continues to provide them with a looked after placement and any necessary support until their 22nd birthday; akin to aftercare services for children leaving care in this State.

Once a young person moves on from continuing care, they do not have the right to return to a continuing care placement. A care leaver who opts for aftercare upon leaving their looked after placement cannot subsequently claim continuing care support.

93% of children in care in Ireland are in foster care. At the end of September 2014, 56% of the 1,698 young people aged 18 to 23 years in receipt of an aftercare service were in full-time education. A significant number of these care leavers are supported financially to remain living with their foster carers, in addition to having access to an aftercare worker.

Young people who do not have family support from a foster carer or family base are assisted in finding accommodation in supported lodgings, sheltered housing or independent accommodation and encouraged and supported financially in furthering their training and education.

As the Deputy is aware, it has been decided to strengthen the legislative provisions regarding aftercare in Ireland. The approach proposed is to impose a statutory duty on the Child and

157 Questions - Written Answers Family Agency to prepare an aftercare plan for an eligible child or eligible young person. The aim is to create an explicit, as opposed to implicit, statement of the Agency’s duty to satisfy itself as to the child’s or young person’s need for assistance by preparing a plan that identifies those needs for aftercare supports.

It is anticipated that the Aftercare Bill will be published shortly.

06/05/2015WRM01550School Completion Programme

06/05/2015WRM01600278. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for the school completion programme; if additional funding will be provided for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17498/15]

06/05/2015WRM01700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The School Comple- tion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Depart- ment of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.

Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015.

The Agency has approved local projects’ school retention plans for the 2014/2015 academic year. The first two instalments of 2014/15 funding have issued to local projects, with a third instalment planned for this month.

The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. Its final report is expected very shortly. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.

I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services.The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.

06/05/2015WRM01750Child and Family Agency

06/05/2015WRM01800279. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will address a matter regarding the case of persons (details supplied) in need of assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17669/15]

06/05/2015WRM01900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): I want to thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment, nor would it be appropriate for me to do so, on the specific matters raised. My Department has, however, referred this to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for attention and 158 6 May 2015 asked that they liaise directly with the person concerned.

06/05/2015WRM01950Departmental Policy Reviews

06/05/2015WRM02000280. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will audit the current spending on universal services, early intervention, and late intervention for children, and allocate a defined level of funding from all department budgets to facilitate early intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17707/15]

06/05/2015WRM02100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The importance of promoting prevention and early intervention for the Government is demonstrated by Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020) which was launched in 2014. The Framework is the first overarching national policy framework for the development and implementation of policies for children and young people. Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures puts the everyday lives of children and young people at its centre and requires Government Departments and State agencies to work together in an integrated way along with non-government organisations to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.

One of the commitments in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures relates to ‘exploring the development of cross-Government estimates for expenditure on children and young people’. My Department is in the process of progressing this work so as to identify expenditure on children across Government departments.

The theme of prevention and early intervention is a core element of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. As part of the process of structuring a work plan for 2015, ‘sponsor’ Depart- ments were each requested to identify a cross-sectoral priority. My Department has identified ‘prevention and early intervention’ as our key cross-sectoral priority and, in collaboration with the Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, is now in the process of operationalising this key cross-sectoral priority to ensure that activities in this domain are focused on ensuring the optimum outcomes for children and young people.

06/05/2015WRM02150Departmental Policy Reviews

06/05/2015WRM02200281. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will co-ordinate local planning for prevention and early intervention programmes with appropriately resourced children’s and young people’s services committees, and other statutory, voluntary and community-based organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17806/15]

06/05/2015WRM02300Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The importance of prevention and early intervention for the Government is demonstrated by Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020) which was launched in 2014. The Framework is the first overarching national policy framework for the development and implementation of policies for children and young people. Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures puts the everyday lives of children and young people at its centre and requires Government Departments and State agencies to work together in an integrated way along with non-government organisations to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.

The theme of prevention and early intervention is a core element of Better Outcomes, Bright- 159 Questions - Written Answers er Futures. It is identified as one of the key transformational goals which, with concerted effort, will lead to better outcomes for children and young people. As part of the process of structuring a work plan for 2015, ‘sponsor’ Departments were each requested to identify a cross-sectoral priority. My Department has identified ‘prevention and early intervention’ as our key cross- sectoral priority and, in collaboration with the Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, is now in the process of operationalising this key cross-sectoral priority to ensure that activities in this domain are focused on ensuring the optimum outcomes for children and young people.

Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) which were put in place to develop and implement a local planning model for interagency working to improve outcomes for children and young people, are a key element of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures implementation structures. The CYPSC cover 0-24 years and are aimed at aligning local services with Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures to ensure a more connected and coordinated response to the needs and aspirations of children and young people. In recognition of the key role of the community and voluntary sector in such provision, this sector will now be involved as a matter of course in all committees.

At present there are 22 CYPSC established in Ireland across 22 counties and 25 local authority areas. Three CYPSC are yet to be established in Clare, Laois Offaly and Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown. It is anticipated that by the end of 2015, all Children and Young People’s Services Committees will be in place and there will be full coverage across the State.

In supporting this process, staff within my Department are engaging with stakeholders to establish a sustainable funding arrangement for CYPSC in accordance with DCYA’s commitment (G48) in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: ‘put in place an agreed resourcing framework for CYPSC drawing on existing financial support from Tusla, Local Government and DCYA’.

06/05/2015WRM02350Child and Family Agency Services

06/05/2015WRM02400282. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will commit to prevention and early intervention for childhood issues (details supplied); if he will provide details regarding the tested programmes that will strengthen childhood matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/15]

06/05/2015WRM02500Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The Child and Fam- ily Agency’s extensive programme of early intervention and preventative work, i.e. the Pre- vention, Participation and Family Support (PPFS) programme, which builds on the change of emphasis in the development of child welfare and protection services over recent years, was formally launched on 13th April, 2015. The programme constitutes a potentially significant step in achieving the policy objective of moving closer to a position where an enhanced focus of services is on prevention and early intervention rather than crisis management. This was a key rationale for the Government’s establishment of the Child and Family Agency at the beginning of 2014 and is clearly reflected in the statutory responsibilities theAgency has been assigned.

On that same date I published the national High Level Policy Statement on Supporting Par- ents and Families (Parenting and Family Support). This is the first of a number of strategies to flow from Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The national policy framework for children and young people 2014 – 2020; others to follow will relate to Early Years; Youth; and Children’s & Young Persons’ Participation in Decision-making.

The Statement, which is available on my Departments website (www.dcya.ie) promotes 29

160 6 May 2015 high-level policy messages intended to shape and guide ongoing change and future developments in the area. The policy orientation is very much geared towards developing the prevention and early intervention capability at the services level.

In relation to the request for information about particular programmes, I would direct the Deputy to the Agency’s website (www.Tusla.ie ) where there is a range and variety of resource materials available in that regard. The documentation provided under the publications section of the website includes “What Works in Family Support” which provides an extensive overview of evidence based family support practices and programmes for children and families.

06/05/2015WRM02550HSE Staff Remuneration

06/05/2015WRM02600283. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Par- liamentary Question No. 255 of 12 June 2014 and the reply dated 30 September 2014, if he will provide, in detail, the expenses claimed by members of staff attending Health Service Executive child care conferences; his views on the number of staff attending these conferences; and the section of the Executive to which they are affiliated. [17855/15]

06/05/2015WRM02700Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): Child Protection Con- ferences are inter-agency and inter-professional meetings, convened by a designated person within Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. These conferences are convened to facilitate the sharing of information between professionals and parents/carers (where appropriate) when the child is considered at high risk. Such professionals that attend may include the Social Worker, the Principal Social Worker, School Principal, Public Health Nurse, family Doctor, Gardaí and any other professional who knows the child and/or has been involved with the child. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the parents will be invited to attend. If deemed necessary during the meeting, a Child Protection Plan is drawn up and put in place. Child Protection Re- view Conferences are also held at regular intervals to determine whether the child remains at continuing risk and whether the Child Protection Plan is still required to provide safeguarding.

Tusla has informed me that expenses information is not collected in the format requested by the Deputy and is unable to provide this information to me. The lowest level of analysis of this kind that is available is on the basis of travel expenses per Tusla employee. Tusla has not been able to disaggregate expenses information, in this case, on the basis of attending child protection and child protection review conferences. I have been informed by Tusla that the expenses claimed by staff members who attend conferences are in accordance with the National Financial Regulations, this position is unchanged from the reply I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 12 June 2014. I have requested information from Tusla as to who is eligible to apply for expenses, and I will revert to the Deputy when it is to hand.

06/05/2015WRM02750Unfair Dismissals

06/05/2015WRM02800284. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied) in relation to an unfair dismissal case, in which standard procedure was not adhered to by the family support agency involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17889/15]

06/05/2015WRM02900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): The Centre in question is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centres are independent companies limited by guarantee and are managed by a Voluntary Board of Management representative of the local community. In order to receive funding, the Family Resource Cen- 161 Questions - Written Answers tres are required to have formal policies and procedures in place in relation to a number of areas, including Corporate Governance and Employment.

The decision to dismiss the person in question was made by the Voluntary Board of Man- agement of this particular Resource Centre. Prior to this, Tusla had supported a number of efforts to address issues arising at the Centre over recent years. This included the appointment of an independent investigator in 2013 and, following the completion of the investigation in 2014, the appointment of an independent facilitator to progress matters. However, the Voluntary Board of Management has advised Tusla that over this period there were continuing difficulties.

The Voluntary Board of Management has now advised Tusla, that regrettably, the Centre has closed temporarily due to ongoing difficulties relating to this matter. Tusla is meeting with the Board to discuss the future of the Centre, having regard to Tusla’s priorities in relation to the needs of children and families in the local community.

As I have advised previously, Tusla is committed to the continuation of funding for the Cen- tre, and I hope that these difficulties can be resolved as soon as possible.

06/05/2015WRM02950Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRM03000285. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18264/15]

06/05/2015WRM03100Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy James Reilly): Recruitment to my Department and agencies under its aegis has been ongoing as needs arise, and subject to the existing Moratorium.

The Moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service was introduced in 2009. While the Moratorium was not a blanket ban on recruitment, an Employment Control Framework was put in place which included a ceiling on the numbers of employees in each Department and their agencies. My Department has been implementing the moratorium in respect of itself since the Department’s establishment in June 2011 to date, and likewise in respect of the bodies under its aegis.

Under the terms of the Moratorium, where a Department believes that a post should be filled, in either the case of a civil service post or in relation to a public service post in a body under the aegis of the Department, it requires the sanction of the Minister for Public Expendi- ture and Reform for an exception to the moratorium. Requests for exceptions are not made in respect of every vacancy.

In Budget 2015, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Brendan Howlin, T.D., announced that arrangements would be put in place to replace the Moratorium with a framework whereby management of public service staffing will be delegated to Departments. The Minister has stated that the new framework will be subject to binding overall pay ceilings and commitment to ongoing reform and efficiency objectives.

Officials in my Department are currently finalising the details of the new framework with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No recruitment has therefore taken place yet under revised arrangements.

06/05/2015WRM03150Water Fluoridation 162 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRM03200286. Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to remove fluoride from drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17393/15]

06/05/2015WRM03300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The fluoridation of public water supplies is provided for in the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies Act) 1960. The level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. This level of fluoride is deemed optimal for protecting the oral health of all age groups.

The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. This review is currently being finalised.

06/05/2015WRM03350Drug Treatment Programmes

06/05/2015WRM03400287. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the services currently available for women relating to addiction, recovery, community support and drop-in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17448/15]

06/05/2015WRM03500Minister of State at theDepartment of Health (Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRM03550Medical Card Eligibility

06/05/2015WRM03600288. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason a young person between 18 and 25 years of age is disadvantaged in accessing a medical card due to having an income below the income threshold; his strategy to ensure that young vulnerable persons can access medical care in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/15]

06/05/2015WRM03700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRM03750Medical Card Eligibility

06/05/2015WRM03800289. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a young person between 18 and 25 years of age on a social welfare payment and independently living can be considered more disadvantaged than other citizens of the State due to the fact of having an income threshold that is too low to make that person eligible for a medical card; his views that these persons

163 Questions - Written Answers are considered to be less entitled or in need of medical care; his strategy to ensure that young vulnerable persons can access medical care in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17663/15]

06/05/2015WRM03900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRM03950Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRM04000290. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of staff who have been sanctioned for recruitment to child and adolescent mental health service teams; the number of posts sanctioned which have been filled; and his plans for full recruitment. [17858/15]

06/05/2015WRM04100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRM04150Nursing Education

06/05/2015WRM04200291. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the Royal College of Surgeon’s proposed competency assessment model for non-European Economic Area trained nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17184/15]

06/05/2015WRM04300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I would like to thank the Deputy for the question raised.

As this is an operational matter, I have referred this question to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the NMBI within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRM04350Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRM04400292. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if an early date for a hip replacement operation at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11, will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17187/15]

06/05/2015WRM04500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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

164 6 May 2015 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 Health Service Executive, 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. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRM04550General Medical Services Scheme

06/05/2015WRM04600293. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not facilitated under the general medical services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17198/15]

06/05/2015WRM04700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products 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 attention and direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRN00150Health Services Expenditure

06/05/2015WRN00200294. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the spend per capita in each of the 26 counties in primary care, social care and mental health for each of the past five years. [17214/15]

06/05/2015WRN00300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN00350Departmental Contracts Data

06/05/2015WRN00400295. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department. [17219/15]

06/05/2015WRN00500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): My Department has not awarded contracts to the company (details supplied).

06/05/2015WRN00550Health Services Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRN00600296. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, broken down by Health Service Executive area, the number of paramedics the HSE plans to hire in 2015; the 165 Questions - Written Answers number of positions that have currently been filled; the number that are currently in the recruitment process; if all these positions will be opened to external candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17220/15]

06/05/2015WRN00700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN00750Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

06/05/2015WRN00800297. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be considered for a wheelchair, to assist with that person’s quality of life. [17267/15]

06/05/2015WRN00900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN00950Health Services Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRN01000298. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health posts due, under the budget 2015 allocation of €35 million, to be advertised at the end of quarter 1 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17287/15]

06/05/2015WRN01100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The National Service Plan 2015 provides funding of €792 million for HSE Mental Health Services. This includes additional funding of €35 million held by the Department of Health pending agreement with the HSE on how this will be spent.

Discussions are currently taking place between the Department and the HSE on the final allocation of these funds. In line with the priority areas for development of mental health services, set out in A Vision for Change, I announced in Budget 2015 that the additional funding would be directed to the continued prioritised development and reconfiguration of both General Adult and Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health teams, and also to more specialist areas within the Mental Health Services. I hope to finalise the allocation of the additional 2015 funds with the HSE in the very near future.

06/05/2015WRN01150HSE Staff

06/05/2015WRN01200299. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme, offered to administration staff working in the Health Service Executive, similar to that offered in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17288/15]

06/05/2015WRN01300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): In 2013 my Department introduced a Tar- geted Voluntary Redundancy (VR) Facility for the HSE, and in organisations funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The purpose of this VR Facility is to achieve a permanent reduction in numbers and to facilitate ongoing health sector reform. Voluntary 166 6 May 2015 redundancy will give many managers greater flexibility in implementing the measures needed to remain within budget. It will provide scope to reduce employee numbers in the context of changing health sector structures and health reforms. The VR Facility was made available by the HSE with effect from 1st January 2014.

The VR Facility will be implemented on a rolling basis as appropriate areas and functions are identified. It is important to emphasise that there is no automatic right to voluntary redundancy; staff may be offered voluntary redundancy in the context of current and future business needs and service provision priorities. The HSE will continue to operate the Targeted VR Facility as a key element in the reform of the health service. It will enable the HSE and other service providers to maximise the quantum and quality of services provided within the resources available.

I have no plans to introduce any other redundancy measures at this time.

06/05/2015WRN01350Medical Card Applications

06/05/2015WRN01400300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who is epileptic and reliant on medication, and who has already submitted all the documentation requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/15]

06/05/2015WRN01500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN01550Financial Irregularities

06/05/2015WRN01600301. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he took in relation to correspondence received from a person (details supplied), in relation to financial concerns regarding the running of St. Michael’s House. [17350/15]

06/05/2015WRN01700302. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will organise a meeting with a person (details supplied), in relation to financial irregularities with regard to the running of St. Michael’s House. [17351/15]

06/05/2015WRN01800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.

As the Deputy’s questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

167 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRN01850Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRN01900303. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if dementia is covered under the heading of mental handicap, as qualifying for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17355/15]

06/05/2015WRN02000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Dementia is not covered under the heading of mental handicap as qualifying for the Long Term Illness Scheme.

06/05/2015WRN02050HIQA Inspections

06/05/2015WRN02100304. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the Health Infor- mation and Quality Authority report on St. Anne’s Care Facility in County Tipperary; the measures he will take to ensure there are improvements made in that facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17359/15]

06/05/2015WRN02200305. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that two out of 60 disability care homes passed recent inspections by the Health Information and Qual- ity Authority; and the measures he will take to improve the standards in disability care homes. [17360/15]

06/05/2015WRN02300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

It is always disturbing when incidents of mistreatment are reported.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) commenced regulation of residential services for people with disabilities on 1 November 2013, pursuant to S.I. No. 366 of 2013 and S.I. No. 367 of 2013, which assign responsibility to HIQA for registering and inspecting residential services for children and adults with disabilities, including respite services.

All HIQA findings are detailed in the reports as are the actions that must be taken by the provider or person in charge of a designated centre to ensure compliance with HIQA’s National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

HIQA published more than 550 inspection reports in respect of disability residential services in 2014. The lessons learned from these inspections are continuing to improve the quality of services. Clients and their families can be assured that this regulatory regime is being rolled out across all residential facilities for people with a disability.

By the end of March 2015, HIQA inspectors had inspected 66.5% of designated centres. In general, inspectors have seen examples of very good service provision where the support and care needs of residents have been clearly prioritised and there is evidence of a focus on the needs of service users. However, I am also aware of the serious concerns raised by HIQA regarding the level of care that people with a disability are receiving in a number of disability centres, including St. Anne’s in Tipperary. The HSE is fully engaged with the Daughters of Charity and other service providers, to address the issues raised in the reports.

The purpose of the regulations is to safeguard and support the delivery of person-centred care to vulnerable people of any age who are receiving residential care services and ensure that their health, well-being and quality of life is promoted and protected. Over 670 inspections have taken place to date. Compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service 168 6 May 2015 Level Arrangements between the HSE and voluntary service providers under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Acts.

The HSE is implementing a comprehensive change programme of measures to improve the quality and safety of residential services for people with disabilities. Much work remains to be carried out to ensure all facilities comply with Disability Residential Standards. While this is challenging, we must remember that the objective is to safeguard vulnerable people.

I have asked the National Disability Authority (NDA) to carry out an independent review of the experience of interested stakeholders involved in the registration and inspection system, since it commenced in November 2013. This will capture learning to date in order to ensure any issues emerging can be addressed and to promulgate good practice around the system. The NDA is expected to have completed its final report in June 2015.

06/05/2015WRN02350HSE Reports

06/05/2015WRN02400306. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the implementation of recommendations in the Health Service Executive’s 2011 report Time to Move On from Congregated Settings: a Strategy for Community Inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17361/15]

06/05/2015WRN02500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” (2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community, over a seven year time frame. The plan will be rolled out at a regional and local level and will involve full consultation.

In terms of housing, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are working in collaboration to support the transition of people with a disability from institutions to social housing in the community under the Govern- ment’s National Housing Strategy for People with Disability 2011 to 2016.

As part of the implementation process, in 2013 and 2014 one million euro was transferred from the Department of Health’s Vote to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government’s (DECLG) Vote to provide for the ring-fenced social housing costs of up to 150 people leaving disability or mental health institutions. At the end of December 2014, it is estimated that there were circa 3,000 people with a disability living in congregated settings. The HSE has prioritised the transition of 150 people from congregated settings in 2015. In 2015, one million euro has been allocated to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to continue this process.

As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion”, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN02550Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRN02600307. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway can expect to receive an appointment for a long awaited medical pro-

169 Questions - Written Answers cedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17368/15]

06/05/2015WRN02700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRN02750Health Services Funding

06/05/2015WRN02800308. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide financial assistance to the Irish Children’s Arthritis Network to help support the voluntary work it provides, on a national level, supporting children and their families on a practical, factual and emotional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17391/15]

06/05/2015WRN02900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Dep- uty’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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRN02950Health Services Staff Data

06/05/2015WRN03000309. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the hir- ing of paediatric rheumatologists to ease the workload and combat the current waiting list; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17392/15]

06/05/2015WRN03100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRN03150Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

06/05/2015WRN03200310. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be provided with a shoebrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17401/15]

06/05/2015WRN03300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the par-

170 6 May 2015 ticular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRN03350Infectious Disease Incidence

06/05/2015WRN03400311. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if training on Lyme disease and its effects on children and adults will be offered to general practitioners and public health nurses, as part of their continuing professional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17406/15]

06/05/2015WRN03500312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to appointing a rapporteur to carry out a detailed examination, and report on the situation regarding Lyme disease, and for patient representatives to be consulted as part of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/15]

06/05/2015WRN03600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and debilitating.

Lyme borreliosis is a notifiable infectious disease, the notifiable entity being the more -se vere neurological form, Lyme neuroborreliosis. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects and collates surveillance data on the condition. 20 cases of the condition have been provisionally notified in 2014. This number is likely to fall following validation.

Lyme borreliosis can be asymptomatic or have a range of clinical presentations. Current best advice is that diagnosis should be made only after careful examination of the patient’s clinical history, physical findings, laboratory evidence and exposure risk evaluation. Exposure to ticks prior to disease manifestations is necessary for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Since an awareness or recollection of a tick-bite is not always present, however, this should not ex- clude the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Later stages require the use of antibody detection tests (or advanced DNA detection techniques). Testing for Lyme Disease is undertaken in most of the larger hospitals in Ireland. In undertaking Lyme testing, it is essential that the results are interpreted in the light of the clinical condition of the patient. If the result of this initial screen is equivocal, the patient’s samples are referred to the U.K.’s Public Health England Porton Down facility which uses a two-tier system recommended by American and European authorities. This involves a screening serological test followed by a confirmatory serological test. Because of the general availability of initial screening for Lyme disease in Ireland and the provision of a confirmatory testing service in the UK, there is no need for Irish citizens to travel abroad for testing.

Common antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin are effective at clearing the rash and helping to prevent the development of complications. They are generally given for up to three weeks. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics may need to be used. Anyone who suspects they may have contracted Lyme Disease should consult their GP who will arrange appropriate testing and treatment.

The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub- Committee. The aim of this Sub-Committee is to develop strategies to undertake primary 171 Questions - Written Answers prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. These strategies will be published in a Final Report. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infec- tious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency and an Environmental Health Officer. A representative from the Patients’ Association is also being sought. The Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committee are:

- To raise awareness in Ireland of Lyme Borreliosis amongst clinicians and the general public;

- To identify and highlight best international practice in raising awareness about Lyme Bor- reliosis for the General Public;

- To develop policies of primary prevention of Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland based on best international evidence;

- To explore ways in which to improve surveillance of neuroborreliosis in Ireland;

- To develop strategies to raise awareness among the public particularly in areas of higher tick populations;

- To produce a Final Report covering all the above areas.

The Sub-Committee will hold its inaugural meeting today.

With regard to continuing professional development, the content and composition of professional competence schemes for general practitioners is a matter for the Medical Council and the recognised postgraduate training bodies. In line with the provisions of the Medical Practitio- ners Act, as of May 2011, doctors are legally obliged to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in approved professional competence schemes and following requirements set by the Medical Council. In this context, the Council has established a range of professional competence schemes through formal arrangements with the recognised postgraduate training bodies. Schemes are operated by the postgraduate training bodies and have been developed to drive good professional practice, which is centred on patient safety and quality of patient care.

Should a specific service need for continuing professional development for public health nurses be identified, it would be addressed and delivered utilising a collaborative approach involving the registrant, health service provider/employer and educators. Stakeholders include the HSE-Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, the Centres for Nursing and Mid- wifery Education and School of Nursing and Midwifery within the higher education sector.

06/05/2015WRN03650Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRN03700313. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of persons waiting for colonoscopies in each hospital, for the months of November and December 2014, separately, for less than three months, more than three months and less than six months, more than six months and less than nine months, more than nine months and less than 12 months, and greater than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17409/15]

06/05/2015WRN03800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE

172 6 May 2015 within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRN03850HSE Agency Staff Data

06/05/2015WRN03900314. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Health the conditions and employment contracts of carers employed by carer companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17410/15]

06/05/2015WRN04000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The employees concerned provide services on behalf of the HSE.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the matter. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRN04050Health Services

06/05/2015WRN04100315. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve paediatric cardiologist services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17416/15]

06/05/2015WRN04200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As the provision of paediatric cardiology services is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRN04250Hospital Services

06/05/2015WRN04300316. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the outcome of discussions which he has had with various consultants, regarding the possibility of hosting yearly and twice-yearly clinics in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, for children with rare diseases, which at present take place in both Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12 and in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Dublin 1; when such clinics are expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/15]

06/05/2015WRN04400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): At a meeting on 4th February with Deputy Joe McHugh and parents of children with rare diseases, I expressed my willingness to explore the possibility of Dublin-based consultants travelling to Letterkenny to host clinics for this cohort of patients. My Department has requested that the HSE engage with the appropriate consultants to assess the feasibility of this approach and report on the matter as soon as possible.

I consider that there is a strong case for us to look at the health care needs of patients in West Ulster, given that travelling distances are so far to Galway and Dublin.

06/05/2015WRO00200Mental Health Services Funding

06/05/2015WRO00300317. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of funding for children’s mental health services in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17423/15] 173 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRO00400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO00500Primary Care Centres

06/05/2015WRO00600318. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the range of services that will be available in the Laytown/Bettystown Primary Care Centre, County Meath; the expected staffing for each such service; the expected cost of fitting out the centre; the start date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/15]

06/05/2015WRO00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The HSE has responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres. There- fore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO00800Primary Care Centres Provision

06/05/2015WRO00900319. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed primary care centre for Drogheda north, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17430/15]

06/05/2015WRO01000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The HSE has responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres. There- fore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO01100Autism Support Services

06/05/2015WRO01200320. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if legislation will be introduced to regulate the practice of using toxic bleach (details supplied) to treat persons on the autistic spectrum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17434/15]

06/05/2015WRO01300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Under the Medicinal Products (Control of Placing on the Market) Regulations 2007, as amended, a medicine cannot be placed on the market in Ireland unless it has a marketing authorisation from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) or a community marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Any product which makes a medicinal claim to treat medical conditions such as autism is considered to be a medicine and requires an authorisation under this legislation.

The product referred to as Chlorine Dioxide or CD Protocol, otherwise known as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) is not authorised as a medicine for sale or supply in Ireland. Any manufacture, supply or sale of this product for the purposes of treating a medical condition is illegal.

The HPRA, the competent authority for the implementation of the medicines legislation, 174 6 May 2015 has led a number of investigations into the alleged supply of CD Protocol in various parts of Ireland during the past year. It is pursuing a number of avenues of enquiry in what continues to be an open investigation into the manufacture, supply and sale of this product.

During its investigations to date, the HPRA has carried out searches at a number of premises assisted, where necessary, by An Garda Síochána and has also spoken to a number of individuals. In each case, substances and/or equipment have been detained for further examination.

The HPRA continues to advise consumers not to seek to purchase or take this product.

06/05/2015WRO01400General Practitioner Services Provision

06/05/2015WRO01500321. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on general practitioner charges for blood testing, for management of conditions, when blood testing is available free of charge in hospitals with a general practitioner letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17450/15]

06/05/2015WRO01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Persons covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme should not be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of a patient or to monitor a diagnosed condition.

I have been advised by the HSE that its Local Health Offices will fully investigate any reported incidents of eligible patients being charged for phlebotomy services which form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients’ symptoms or conditions.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed in February commits the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO to substantive negotiations on a new comprehensive GP contract commencing no later than 31 March 2015 with a view to concluding within 12 months. These discussions have commenced and the appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services will be considered in this context.

06/05/2015WRO01700Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage

06/05/2015WRO01800322. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene with the Health Service Executive to ensure that Fampridine, Fampyra, which helps multiple sclerosis patients, is included on the community drugs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17462/15]

06/05/2015WRO01900362. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when the multiple sclerosis drug, Fampyra, will be covered as part of the drugs payment scheme, in view of the fact that multiple sclerosis sufferers continue to pay hundreds of euros every four weeks for this drug. [17682/15]

06/05/2015WRO02000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 362 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Prior to reimbursing any medicine, the HSE considers of a range of statutory criteria including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available to the HSE.

175 Questions - Written Answers The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE on the advice of the National Centre for Pharma- coeconomics. They are not political or Ministerial decisions.

The HSE received an application for the inclusion of Fampridine in the GMS and community drugs schemes. The application was considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare As- sociation for the assessment of new medicines.

In accordance with these procedures, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics conducted a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of Fampridine and concluded that, as the manufacturer was unable to demonstrate sufficient effectiveness and a fair price for Fampridine in the Irish healthcare setting, it was unable to recommend the reimbursement of the product.

On foot of this, the HSE decided that it was not in a position to add the drug to the List of Reimbursable Items supplied under the GMS and other community drug schemes.

It is open to the supplier, at any time, to submit a new application to the HSE for the inclusion of Fampridine on the community drugs schemes incorporating new evidence which demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of the drug, by offering a reduced price or both. A revised application was received by the HSE on 25 July 2014. The HSE has since been engaging with the company seeking an improved commercial offering and these engagements have been completed. It is not possible to say when a decision on the funding of this medication will be made as the HSE is considering the outcome of those commercial engagements as well as the outcome of discussions which the HSE has had with clinical experts regarding this drug.

06/05/2015WRO02100Home Help Service Provision

06/05/2015WRO02200323. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of home help hours for residents in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17469/15]

06/05/2015WRO02300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO02400Home Care Packages Provision

06/05/2015WRO02500324. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of home care packages for residents in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17470/15]

06/05/2015WRO02600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO02700Disability Support Services

176 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRO02800325. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of provision of the pre-school placement special needs assistant resources for children with special needs for the upcoming school year; if there have been any changes to the system of allocation of these resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17475/15]

06/05/2015WRO02900326. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that parents of children with special needs fear that they may be faced with reduced resource special needs assistant hours in the upcoming school year; the assurances he will provide to alleviate such fears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17476/15]

06/05/2015WRO03000327. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason some families have been advised that their children with special needs will be subject to an assessment regarding special needs assistant hours; if there will be an imposed limit of resource hours provided further to such assessments in the upcoming school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/15]

06/05/2015WRO03100328. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if current providers of pre-school placements and associated special needs assistant resource hours will be, or have been, consulted with, in regard to the allocation of resources for the upcoming school year; if the considered opinion of these service providers will be considered, as part of an assessment to allocate resource special needs assistant hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17478/15]

06/05/2015WRO03200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 328, inclusive, together.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, provides for a free pre-school year to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. The objective of this scheme is to support early learning in a formal setting in advance of starting school. I understand that certain flexibilities are built into the scheme in an effort to accommodate children with special needs, such as an overage exemption, or waiver, for children with special needs who do not meet the age criteria and the option to avail of the free pre-school year over two years.

The Health Service Executive has no statutory obligation to provide assistant supports for children with special needs wishing to avail of the free pre-school year. However, the HSE does work at local level and in partnership with the relevant disability service providers to address individual needs as they arise. This is done, for example, by funding special pre-schools that cater specifically for children with disabilities. In some limited cases at local level, disability services have also facilitated children with disabilities to attend mainstream pre-schools by providing assistant supports where possible and where resources are available. The provision of such pre-school assistant supports should not be confused with the Special Needs Assistants who are funded by the Department of Education and Skills to support children with special educational needs in primary and post-primary school settings.

In general terms, the HSE’s role in supporting children with disabilities involves it working in close co-operation with the disability service providers that it funds, with the education sector, with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and with the parents and families of the children in question. At national level, the Departments of Children and Youth Affairs, Educa- tion and Skills and Health are actively looking at the issue of the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream pre-school settings, informed by work undertaken by the Cross Sectoral Team on children’s disability issues.

The particular issues raised by the Deputy are service matters for the Health Services Ex- 177 Questions - Written Answers ecutive. Accordingly I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO03300Patient Transport Expenditure

06/05/2015WRO03400329. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the assistance that is available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who was refused transport for a hospital appointment from the Health Service Executive and had to travel by taxi and return by taxi from a village in County Tipperary to attend an appointment at Kilcreene Hospital in County Kilkenny, who was charged €324.75 for the taxi, and who was only awarded an exceptional needs payment of €33.60 from the Department of Social Protection, as the Department has stated that the responsibility to provide transport to hospital appointments lies with the Health Service Execu- tive; if he will confirm that responsibility for transport to hospital appointments does lie with the Executive; the support that will be provided to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17485/15]

06/05/2015WRO03500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): With regard to the detailed query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Of- fice and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRO03600Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRO03700330. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is waiting three years for a follow-up procedure from a knee replacement operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17493/15]

06/05/2015WRO03800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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 patient query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRO03900Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRO04000331. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if an early date for a hip replacement operation at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin 11, will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [17496/15]

06/05/2015WRO04100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

178 6 May 2015 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 Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

06/05/2015WRO04200Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRO04300332. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment date for an operation on that child’s spine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17499/15]

06/05/2015WRO04400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

06/05/2015WRO04500Mental Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRO04600333. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on recruitment of posts for mental health services for persons with an intellectual disability; if he will provide an update on the development of a model of care for mental health and intellectual disability, committed to in the Health Service Executive’s mental health division operational plan 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17504/15]

06/05/2015WRO04700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As at 17 April 2015, 397.5 or 95.5% of the 416 posts approved in 2012 and 405.5 or 85%, of the 477 posts approved in 2013, have been filled. Of the 250 posts allocated in 2014, 50 have started and a further 71 are at various stages in the recruitment process. The remainder of vacant posts are at various stages of recruitment, with some difficulties in identifying outstanding candidates, primarily for geographic and qualification reasons.

In relation to the recruitment of posts for mental health services for persons with an intellectual disability, and the development of a model of care for mental health and intellectual disability, as these service issues are outlined in the HSE’s Operational Plan for 2015, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO04800Hospital Services

179 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRO04900334. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded incidents at the acute psychiatric unit at Galway University Hospital in each month of 2013, 2014 and 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/15]

06/05/2015WRO05000335. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded incidents at the acute psychiatric unit at Roscommon County Hospital, in each month of 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17511/15]

06/05/2015WRO05100336. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded incidents at the acute psychiatric unit at St. Luke’s, Ballinasloe, County Galway, in each month of 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17512/15]

06/05/2015WRO05200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 to 336, inclusive, together.

As these are service issues this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO05300Water Supply Contamination

06/05/2015WRO05400337. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has failed to issue public notices to homes served by public water supplies containing trihalomethanes, warning them not to give such water to young children, in view of the fact that parents are advised by the Executive to use cool boiled water rather than bottled water for babies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17518/15]

06/05/2015WRO05500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): This is a matter for the HSE, therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO05600Water Supply Contamination

06/05/2015WRO05700338. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has failed to issue public notices to homes served by public water supplies containing trihalomethanes, warning them not to consume the supply, if pregnant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17519/15]

06/05/2015WRO05800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): This is a matter for the HSE, therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRO05900Mobility Allowance Review

06/05/2015WRO06000339. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the ongoing review of the mobility allowance scheme; the options available to those who are not currently in receipt of the payment, but require financial assistance, due to health conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17524/15]

180 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRO06100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government decided that the preparatory work required for a new travel subsidy scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government’s legislative programme for 2015. In the meantime, monthly payments have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme closed, in the interests of preventing hardship.

The Revenue Commissioners operate a scheme - Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Re- lief for Vehicles Purchased for use by People with Disabilities - which provides for a range of tax reliefs in connection with the purchase and use of motor vehicles. Information on the scheme is available at www.revenue.ie.

06/05/2015WRP00200Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

06/05/2015WRP00300340. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health if Alzheimer’s will be included on the long-term illness scheme; the reason it is not currently included; if he will give this proposal due consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17530/15]

06/05/2015WRP00400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemo- philia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

06/05/2015WRP00500Health Services

06/05/2015WRP00600341. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has completed its review of services at St. Hilda’s Services in Athlone, County West- meath and at St. Christopher’s Services in County Longford; if not, when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17531/15] 181 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRP00700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Dep- uty’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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRP00800Professional Qualifications

06/05/2015WRP00900342. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the regulations and qualifications a person must hold in order to practice as a psychologist in private practice [17532/15]

06/05/2015WRP01000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Psychologists working in the public health sector must have minimum qualifications set by the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. There are currently no such statutory restrictions on psychologists working in the private sector.

The profession of psychologist is one of the 14 professions that have been designated for regulation under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Act is being implemented on a phased basis as registration boards and their registers are being established.

The Psychologists Registration Board will be established by way of statutory instrument this year to regulate all psychologists practising in Ireland in the public and private sectors. Expressions of interest in being appointed to the 13-member board will be sought through the Public Appointments service in the near future.

CORU, which is the umbrella name for the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, its disciplinary committees and the professions’ registration boards, is responsible, under the Act, for protecting the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence amongst the designated professions.

The structure of the system of statutory regulation comprises registration boards for the professions, a committee structure to deal with disciplinary matters, and a Health and Social Care Professionals Council with overall responsibility for the regulatory system. Regulation is primarily by way of registration and protection of title. Only registrants can use the protected title(s) of the profession and must comply with the professions code of professional conduct and ethics.

06/05/2015WRP01100Professional Qualifications

06/05/2015WRP01200343. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of concerns held by parents regarding persons, who may not hold appropriate qualifications, providing di- agnoses of autism and other disorders in children and adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17533/15]

06/05/2015WRP01300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Psychologists working in the public health sector must have minimum qualifications set by the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. While there are currently no such statutory restrictions on psychologists working in the private sector all psychologists and other professionals operating in Ireland are subject to consumer and criminal legislation.

The Psychologists Registration Board will be established by way of statutory instrument this year to regulate all psychologists practising in Ireland in the public and private sectors. 182 6 May 2015 Expressions of interest in being appointed to the 13-member board will be sought through the Public Appointments service in the near future.

As the particular issue raised by the Deputy is an operational service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP01400Mental Health Services Report

06/05/2015WRP01500344. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when the sixth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Annual Report 2013-2014, due in early spring 2015, will be published [17537/15]

06/05/2015WRP01600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP01700Hospital Services

06/05/2015WRP01800345. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the numbers of patients requiring provision of primary percutaneous coronary intervention centre in St. Vincent’s Uni- versity Hospital, Dublin 4 and in the two other centres; the evidence upon which this decision and the placement of centres was based; the numbers that are recommended to keep units open; the issue with numbers of adequate staff; if the decision was based on cost or best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17548/15]

06/05/2015WRP01900Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As noted in my reply to the Deputy on 28 April 2015, in November 2014, the Acute Hospitals Division of the HSE requested the National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS Programme) to review the current configuration of PPCI services in Dublin, having regard to the requirement to deliver safe, sustainable services on the designated sites. The model of care produced by the ACS Programme was informed by advice from the principals involved in centres in the UK and other European countries. The Programme was also informed by models of care from the US and Australia. Experience at national and international level highlights the importance of having sustainable rotas of clinical staff to support the 24/7 requirements of this service.

The review looked at the number of centres that should be delivering PPCI in Dublin, where

183 Questions - Written Answers these centres should be located and the feasibility of maintaining 9 to 5 PPCI services on any cardiology intervention site. Following consultation with the National Ambulance Service and with all relevant hospitals, the ACS Programme recommended that there should be two 24/7 PPCI centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St. James’s Hospitals, which would accept all ambulance transfers of patients with STEMI.

The designation of PPCI centres outside Dublin is based on the recommendations of the ACS Programme report of 2012 as follows - Cork University hospital (24/7), University Hos- pital Waterford (9-5) and Galway University hospital (24/7).

Therefore the decision was based on best practice. Best practice that has patient safety and outcome at its centre.

In relation to the Deputy’s specific queries on the numbers of patients requiring PPCI services and staffing levels, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRP02000Ambulance Service Provision

06/05/2015WRP02100346. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the total amount currently owed by the Health Service Executive or National Ambulance Service to fire service authorities, in respect of ambulance assist calls, with a breakdown of this figure according to the locality of the fire service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17582/15]

06/05/2015WRP02200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRP02300Industrial Disputes

06/05/2015WRP02400347. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure a twilight payment (details supplied) from Abilitywest-Health Service Executive and Brothers of Charity to social care workers is made without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/15]

06/05/2015WRP02500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The HSE has advised that following a national engagement with staff representatives, agreement was made by the HSE to pay unsocial hours to designated staff.

This payment commenced on 1 January 2015 and no agreement was made in relation to arrears.

Currently the issue of a backdated claim for arrears is being reviewed by the State’s industrial relations processes and the claim is currently before the Labour Relations Commission.

06/05/2015WRP02600Health Insurance Community Rating

06/05/2015WRP02700348. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the lifetime community rating and medical insurance policies in

184 6 May 2015 other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17597/15]

06/05/2015WRP02800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The new Lifetime Community Rating system, which came into operation on 1 May 2015, is designed to encourage people to join the private health insurance market at an earlier age and thus support the community rated market. Encouraging more people to join the market at younger ages helps spread the costs of older and less healthy people across the market, helping to support affordable premiums for all. Since 1 May, ‘late entry loadings’ will apply for those aged 35 and over who did not purchase health insurance prior to that date. The loadings are set at 2% per year starting at age 35, up to a maximum loading of 70% at age 69 and over. Where an individual is resident in the State, there was a grace period until 30 April 2015 to allow as many people as possible to take out health insurance without incurring loadings.

The Irish public health system provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cardholders) and limited eligibility (all others). Persons with full eligibility are entitled to a range of services including all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultants services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultants services. Persons with limited eligibility are eligible for in-patient and outpatient public hospital services including consultant services, subject to certain charges. Private health insurance in this country is optional. The eligibility of a resident in the Republic, working elsewhere as a cross-border worker and entitled to treatment by the health service where they work, does not impact upon their capacity to purchase voluntary health insurance in this State. All residents in this State during the current grace period, who choose to wait until after 30 April 2015 to purchase private health insurance, will be subject to the provisions of the LCR regulations.

06/05/2015WRP02900Ambulance Service Provision

06/05/2015WRP03000349. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason the Lightfoot Report into the ambulance service has not been published, in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive was in possession of an executive summary of the report in December 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17609/15]

06/05/2015WRP03100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): In relation to the specific query raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRP03200Home Help Service Provision

06/05/2015WRP03300350. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding extra home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17617/15]

06/05/2015WRP03400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP03500Hospital Beds Data 185 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRP03600351. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when the remaining 25 child and adolescent psychiatric beds, of a total of 80 committed to in A Vision for Change, will be made available to prevent further inappropriate admissions of children and young persons, in view of the fact that 89 young persons were admitted to adult psychiatric inpatient units in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17620/15]

06/05/2015WRP03700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP03800National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan

06/05/2015WRP03900352. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that persons with disabilities lost basic and critical income and service supports during the course of the recession, if he will immediately implement the national disability strategy; if he will confirm that persons with disabilities will now be prioritised for funding and services, into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17621/15]

06/05/2015WRP04000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the National Disability Strategy Imple- mentation Plan was published in July 2013 by the Department of Justice and Equality, following significant consultation and consideration between relevant Government Departments, representatives of a broad range of disability organisations and persons with a lived experience of disability. The Plan sets out practical measures to advance the National Disability Strategy over the period 2013 to 2015 and to ensure that available resources are used to best effect to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Progress on the Implementation Plan is reviewed by the National Disability Strategy Im- plementation Group, which is chaired by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality. The Implementation Group brings together representatives of the relevant Govern- ment Departments and representative organisations, including the Disability Federation of Ire- land, and also a number of people with disabilities.

The Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the payment of income supports to people who have a disability. I am informed that all primary welfare payments have been fully maintained for 2015. Future social welfare spending will be considered in the context of next year’s Budget.

The Government is committed to protecting frontline health and personal social services needs for people with disabilities and is providing approximately €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme in 2015.

As set out in its National Service Plan for 2015, the HSE is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and to maintaining a consistent level to that provided in 2014, by providing the following specialist services to people with a disability:

- residential services to around 9,000 people;

- day services to over 22,000 people;

- respite residential support totalling 190,000 overnights;

186 6 May 2015 - 3.9 million Personal Assistant/Home Support hours.

Additional funding of €6 million has been allocated this year (with a full year cost of €12m) to provide day places for an estimated 1,500 young people finishing school and rehabilitative or life-skills training. €4m in additional funding (with a full year cost of €6m) has also been allocated in the Plan to deliver an increase in the services for children with disabilities and reduce waiting lists under the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme.

It is not possible to comment on HSE funding for disability services in 2016 in advance of the completion of the Estimates cycle for 2016.

06/05/2015WRP04100Health Services

06/05/2015WRP04200353. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding a long-term care plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17625/15]

06/05/2015WRP04300Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP04400Medical Card Applications

06/05/2015WRP04500354. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/15]

06/05/2015WRP04600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP04700Home Help Service Provision

06/05/2015WRP04800355. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the way elderly persons will be catered for in their homes, if he allows the Health Service Executive to continue cutting home help hours; if he will provide an assurance that the Government will not proceed with its cuts to home help hours, in view of the hardship this causes to the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17639/15]

06/05/2015WRP04900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and 187 Questions - Written Answers they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP05000Medical Card Appeals

06/05/2015WRP05100356. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/15]

06/05/2015WRP05200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP05300Ambulance Service Provision

06/05/2015WRP05400357. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide clarification in relation to the role of fire services in ambulance assist calls, by publishing national guidelines in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17646/15]

06/05/2015WRP05500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Keeping Communities Safe is the outcome of a fire services review process undertaken in 2011/12, which considered the roles to be performed by fire authorities. It concluded that there are both ‘core’ and ‘discretionary’ fire service roles. The provision of specific assistance by fire service crews at the request of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is regarded as a discretionary role, in so far as it is not a statutory function of fire authorities.

As I recently indicated, I am very supportive of the development of emergency first re- sponder (EFR) capability across all our emergency services, including our fire services. Fire services are well placed geographically and this would be an excellent enhancement of existing emergency medical response capacity and resources in communities across Ireland. In addition, it would very neatly complement the voluntary network of community first response teams which is already in place.

The Deputy will be aware that fire services collaborate closely with other emergency services in the interests of the communities they serve. In a number of areas, there are already local arrangements between the NAS and fire services to provide EFR assistance for 112/999 calls, in particular for cardiac incidents. Given the potential value of such arrangements to get help to people as quickly as possible and the obvious patient benefit, I would very much like to see consideration at national level, between the NAS and fire services, as to how best to approach this issue, particularly in terms of operational interaction and clinical governance. This is being done for community first response and that may be a good model for fire services emergency response.

06/05/2015WRP05600HIQA Reports

188 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRP05700358. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the Health Information and Quality Authority report into Portlaoise Hospital maternity services will be published; and the length of time the executive has to respond to its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17658/15]

06/05/2015WRP05800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The publication date of the HIQA Report into maternity services at Portlaoise Hospital is a matter for the Board of the Authority. When the Report is published I expect the HSE to agree to fully implement all relevant recommendations contained in the Report.

06/05/2015WRP05900State Properties

06/05/2015WRP06000359. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the rat problem at the children’s playground in St. Anne’s Park, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17666/15]

06/05/2015WRP06100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have no remit in this matter as responsibility for keeping land or property rodent free under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 lies with the owner or the occupier of the land, who in this case is Dublin City Council.

06/05/2015WRP06200Medical Card Applications

06/05/2015WRP06300360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/15]

06/05/2015WRP06400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRP06500Medical Card Applications

06/05/2015WRP06600361. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17679/15]

06/05/2015WRP06700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow 189 Questions - Written Answers up the matter with them.

Question No. 362 answered with Question No. 322.

06/05/2015WRQ00200Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRQ00300363. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appointment at Cork University Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17684/15]

06/05/2015WRQ00400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Ser- vice Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider that the patient’s condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRQ00500Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

06/05/2015WRQ00600364. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses who are currently waiting for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland; the current waiting time; the actions being taken to reduce the waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17685/15]

06/05/2015WRQ00700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I would like to thank the Deputy for the question raised.

06/05/2015WRQ00800Nursing Education

06/05/2015WRQ00900365. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the number of college nursing places will be increased to help deal with the pressures on the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17686/15]

06/05/2015WRQ01000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I wish to thank the Deputy for the question raised.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland currently manage the Nursing Careers Centre and approve education programmes and sites where that education occurs. There are no plans to increase the number of college places for nurse education programmes at this time. There are

190 6 May 2015 1570 places offered each year. The education programme requires student nurses to experience clinical placements in a variety of settings. The number of places offered is considered an appropriate number which assures a quality education experience where the required competencies can be achieved by each student.

06/05/2015WRQ01100Nursing Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRQ01200366. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way his Department can help the private and voluntary nursing home sector, which is experiencing difficulties in the recruitment and retention of nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17689/15]

06/05/2015WRQ01300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I understand from the HSE that there are two areas under active review in relation to these recruitment and retention issues. Firstly, there is the issue of recruitment of nurses educated and trained in Ireland. The Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director has been supportive in allowing the nursing home sector meet with graduate students in the universities. The Chief Nursing Office in the Department has been engaged with, the nursing home sector in promoting nursing in the older adult as a career choice. The Office has facilitated discussions, spoken at conferences and engaged with 3rd level universities on seeking solutions to this issue. Discussions have involved exploring career pathways within older people services to encourage staff into this area of nursing practice.

The second area under review, relates to the recruitment of global nurses. There are 3 adaptation courses available this year. One has already taken place in April and two more will be held in June and August. These courses are 6 weeks in duration and facilitate the integration of global nurses to nursing in an Irish context. Of the 195 places available only 60 places have been taken to date. The nursing home sector is aware of these vacancies.

In addition, options are being explored with an Irish university to offer a one-day programme of assessment through an examination format. The pilot of this programme will be complete and results available in the last quarter of 2015.

06/05/2015WRQ01400Health Insurance

06/05/2015WRQ01500367. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/15]

06/05/2015WRQ01600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for all persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility or limited eligibility for health services. Persons with full eligibility (medical card holders) are entitled to a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and maternity and infant care services. People with limited eligibility (non-medical card holders) are entitled, subject to certain charges, to all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services and out-patient public hospital services including consultant services.

Separate to the public health system, my Department oversees the maintenance of a competitive and sustainable private health insurance market, under the provisions of the Health Insurance Acts 1994 to 2014, and monitors developments on an ongoing basis to ensure that 191 Questions - Written Answers the market is regulated appropriately. The policy objective of introducing Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) to the health insurance market is to encourage people to purchase health insurance at a younger age, as community-rated markets depend on a continuing influx of younger people to help spread the costs of older and less healthy people across the market and helping to support affordable community-rated premiums for everyone who wishes to purchase insurance.

It is important to note that the purchase of private health insurance is optional. The regulatory framework governing health insurance, such as late entry loadings under LCR and the application of waiting periods for new health insurance customers, applies to all persons choosing to purchase health insurance and is not related to a person’s eligibility, or previous eligibility, for public health services. I am satisfied that this measure is fully justified for the purposes of maintaining a stable insurance market which provides equity of treatment between young and old.

06/05/2015WRQ01700Home Help Service Eligibility

06/05/2015WRQ01800368. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application for home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17693/15]

06/05/2015WRQ01900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRQ02000Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

06/05/2015WRQ02100369. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a certificate of current professional status, in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17694/15]

06/05/2015WRQ02200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I would like to thank the Deputy for the question raised.

06/05/2015WRQ02300National Positive Ageing Strategy Implementation

06/05/2015WRQ02400370. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when the implementation plan for the national positive ageing strategy will be introduced, in view of the fact that the Govern- ment launched the strategy on 24 April 2013, and he made it a priority in January 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/15]

06/05/2015WRQ02500Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The 2011- 2016 Programme for Government committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS) so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives. In our statement of Health priorities for 2015, the Minister for 192 6 May 2015 Health and I have reiterated our commitment to implementing the Strategy.

The National Positive Ageing Strategy provides a vision for an age-friendly society and includes four National Goals and underpinning Objectives to provide direction on the issues that need to be addressed to promote positive ageing. As Minister of State with responsibility for older people, I am driving implementation at political level. The Strategy is a cross-Depart- mental one and my Department has an overall co-ordinating and collating role and a more direct role for the health-related objectives.

A key objective of this Strategy is to change the mindsets of decision makers across Gov- ernment agencies and to raise the priority that is given to the concerns of older people. The first step in doing this is to establish a system of regular reporting on actions and initiatives that impact on older people, and these reports are regularly sought and collated by my Department. The fact that such reports are already and will continue to be required will in itself increase the focus that is given to older persons’ issues, and these reports will be submitted for the consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Sector Reform chaired by An Taoiseach. Implementation is accordingly an ongoing process.

It is important to point out the many initiatives already in train which contribute to the Strategy’s goals. For example, in the health sector, in the area of older people’s services and supports, the Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme will be completed shortly. The Single Assessment Tool, which will allow for a systematic assessment of need and allocation of services to older people, is being developed by the HSE; measures are being taken to ensure integrated care for older patients, and palliative care services are being improved. The Deputy will also be aware of the recent initiative which saw an additional €25million provided to address the issue of delayed discharges in acute hospitals. The majority of these patients are older people, and these funds are being applied across both long term and short term residential services and at community level. As a result the waiting time for funding of approved patients under the Nursing Home Support scheme has fallen to eleven weeks now from fifteen weeks a short time ago.

A Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) has also been established to implement the research objective of the National Positive Ageing Strategy. It is a joint initiative between the Department of Health, the HSE’s Health and Wellbeing Programme and the Atlantic Philan- thropies and will run from October 2014 to December 2017, with a commitment to Department of Health funding for a further two years. The Initiative will monitor changes in older people’s health and wellbeing linked to the Goals and Objectives of the Positive Ageing Strategy. This will be done primarily through the development of positive ageing indicators to be published every two years. The HSE will also develop a physical activity communications campaign under the Initiative.

06/05/2015WRQ02600Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRQ02700371. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will review the anomaly in the long-term illness scheme, whereby a person with mental illness qualifies for the card up to 16 years of age, and on reaching 17 years of age is then automatically disqualified on age grounds and not on illness grounds; and if he will amend the scheme and extend it to adults with long-term mental illness. [17704/15]

06/05/2015WRQ02800Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered 193 Questions - Written Answers by the LTI Scheme, this includes Mental Illness in a person under 16 years of age. There are no plans at present to amend these regulations.

06/05/2015WRQ02900Health Services

06/05/2015WRQ03000372. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health if a centre (details supplied) in County Cork is due for closure [17713/15]

06/05/2015WRQ03100Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Dep- uty’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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRQ03200Hospital Services

06/05/2015WRQ03300373. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if ambulances travelling to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin 4 with cases for cardiac care have recently been redirected to the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7 as St. Vincent’s Hospital is or was no longer accepting new cases via ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17726/15]

06/05/2015WRQ03400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As of 17 April 2015, there are two 24/7 primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St James’s Hospitals. These centres accept all ambulance transfers of patients with ST Elevation Myo- cardial Infarction (STEMI). The provision of PPCI from three 24/7 centres in Dublin (St Vincent’s, the Mater and St James’s Hospitals) had proved unsustainable and the decision to consolidate the service into two centres was made following a comprehensive review and reflects the international trend towards the consolidation of such specialised services on smaller number of sites, to allow for the concentration of volume and expertise.

In November 2014, the Acute Hospitals Division of the HSE requested the National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS Programme) to review the current configuration of PPCI services in Dublin, having regard to the requirement to deliver safe, sustainable services on the designated sites. The model of care produced by the ACS Programme was informed by advice from the principals involved in centres in the UK and other European countries. The Programme was also informed by models of care from the US and Australia. Experi- ence at national and international level highlights the importance of having sustainable rotas of clinical staff to support the 24/7 requirements of this service.

The review looked at the number of centres that should be delivering PPCI in Dublin, where these centres should be located and the feasibility of maintaining 9 to 5 PPCI services on any cardiology intervention site. Following consultation with the National Ambulance Service and with all relevant hospitals, the ACS Programme recommended that there should be two 24/7 PPCI centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St. James’s Hospitals, which would accept all ambulance transfers of patients with STEMI.

The ACS Programme also recommended that there should be a clear definition of the role of the three other cardiology intervention centres in Dublin (Beaumont Hospital, Tallaght Hos- pital and St Vincent’s University Hospital in the management of Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). NSTEMI forms an increasing proportion of interventional work which will continue and develop in those cardiology intervention centres which will not be designated 194 6 May 2015 24/7 PPCI centres, including St Vincent’s Hospital.

06/05/2015WRQ03500Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRQ03600374. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when funding will be put in place for the promised 24-hour care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17728/15]

06/05/2015WRQ03700Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As the Dep- uty’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. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

06/05/2015WRQ03800Hospital Services

06/05/2015WRQ03900375. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin was refused treatment in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24 [17730/15]

06/05/2015WRQ04000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRQ04100Health Services Staff

06/05/2015WRQ04200376. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the head of the Health Service Executive’s national incident management and learning team stood down from the review of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital in County Galway; if a person has been appointed to replace head of the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17735/15]

06/05/2015WRQ04300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): On 30th March last, Saolta University Health Care Group announced the membership of the independent review team who will conduct the review of the maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe and of a number of perinatal events between 2008 and November 2014.

As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

If no reply has been received from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Pri- vate Office and they will follow up the matter with the Executive.

06/05/2015WRQ04400Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRQ04500377. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 21 January 2015 in relation to Galway University Hospital, if any scoliosis patients have received the surgery they require from that list. [17740/15]

06/05/2015WRQ04600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the

195 Questions - Written Answers HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRQ04700Prescriptions Charges

06/05/2015WRQ04800378. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will revise the prescription charges for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/15]

06/05/2015WRQ04900Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): Prescription charges are part of a set of measures introduced by Government in recent years to reduce pharmaceutical drugs expenditure. Medical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the Health Service Executive or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.

There are no plans to amend the prescription charge, however, I am pleased that the prescription charge is frozen at the level set in 2014 as was announced as part of the packet of health measures in Budget 2015.

06/05/2015WRQ05000Hospital Trusts

06/05/2015WRQ05100379. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health whether the establishment of hospital trusts and the introduction of the relevant legislation will be completed within the lifetime of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17748/15]

06/05/2015WRQ05200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As noted in my response to the Deputy on 28th April last, Phase II of the Health Reform Programme, as set out in Future Health, provides for the dissolution and replacement of the HSE with the introduction of a formal purchaser/provider split, the establishment of a Healthcare Commissioning Agency and a range of provider agencies, including Hospital Trusts. It is essential that the hospital trust legislation is developed as part of the overall reform process and that the appropriate structures are in place in advance of formal establishment of trusts. This is a complex health reform programme and it is expected to take a number of years before hospital trust legislation is introduced.

06/05/2015WRQ05300Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRQ05400380. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17760/15]

06/05/2015WRQ05500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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 196 6 May 2015 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 Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

06/05/2015WRQ05600Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRQ05700381. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will restore the rheumatology outreach clinic in Letterkenny in County Donegal, the absence of which has caused enormous stress to local residents. [17763/15]

06/05/2015WRQ05800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRQ05900Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRQ06000382. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans for the re-instatement of rheumatology services at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; if he will provide an expected timeframe for the commencement of such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17773/15]

06/05/2015WRQ06100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRQ06200Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

06/05/2015WRQ06300383. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to review or alter the payment system for drugs currently in operation as part of the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17774/15]

06/05/2015WRQ06400Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended) under which the HSE may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines or medical and surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature. There are no plans to alter the Scheme.

Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

06/05/2015WRQ06500Hospital Appointments Status 197 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRQ06600384. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment for cataract surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17775/15]

06/05/2015WRQ06700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

06/05/2015WRQ06800Motorised Transport Grant Data

06/05/2015WRQ06900385. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, per county, of the number of persons who applied for the motorised transport grant scheme for each of the five years preceding the closure of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17778/15]

06/05/2015WRQ07000386. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, per county, of the number of persons who applied for the mobility allowance scheme for each of the five years preceding the closure of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17779/15]

06/05/2015WRQ07100387. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress of the health (transport supports) Bill; if he is confident this Bill will proceed through the Oireachtas during the current Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17780/15]

06/05/2015WRQ07200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 to 387, inclusive, together.

The information available to the Department is that the number of applications for the Mo- torised Transport Grant in 2010 was 785. There were 647 applications in 2011 and 436 applications were received by the HSE in 2012 to the end of September that year. The number of applications for Mobility Allowance for 2010 was 821. There were 978 applications in 2011 and 780 applications were received in 2012 to the end of September that year.

The Department is putting together a tabular breakdown of the national figures above by local health area and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible. This information relates to 2010, 2011 and 2012 up to the end of September 2012. The figures for 2008 and 2009 are not readily available.

Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved

198 6 May 2015 by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government’s legislative programme for 2015. The Department is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns.

06/05/2015WRR00150Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR00200388. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of patients on waiting lists of the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, County Offaly, for outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and other lists, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and more than two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/15]

06/05/2015WRR00300391. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding allocated to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, County Offaly, from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/15]

06/05/2015WRR00400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 391 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRR00450Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR00500389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the number of consultants employed at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tul- lamore, County Offaly, from 2009 to date in 2015, broken down by specialty; details of vacant consultant posts at the Midland Regional Hospital; his plans to fill extra posts in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17784/15]

06/05/2015WRR00600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRR00650Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR00700390. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of total staff numbers employed at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, County Offaly, from 2008 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of new posts to be filled in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/15]

06/05/2015WRR00800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Question No. 391 answered with Question No. 388.

199 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRR00950Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR01000392. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of patients on waiting lists of Naas General Hospital in County Kildare for outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and other lists, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and more than two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17787/15]

06/05/2015WRR01100395. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding allocated to Naas General Hospital in County Kildare from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17790/15]

06/05/2015WRR01200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 395 together.

06/05/2015WRR01250Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR01300393. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the number of consultants employed at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare from 2009 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of vacant consultant posts at Naas General Hospital; his plans to fill extra posts in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/15]

06/05/2015WRR01400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRR01450Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR01500394. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details, in tabular form, of total staff numbers employed at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare from 2008 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of new posts to be filled in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/15]

06/05/2015WRR01600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Question No. 395 answered with Question No. 392.

06/05/2015WRR01750Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR01800396. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of patients on waiting lists of the University Hospital Galway for outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and other lists, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and more than two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a state- 200 6 May 2015 ment on the matter. [17791/15]

06/05/2015WRR01900399. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding allocated to University Hospital Galway from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17794/15]

06/05/2015WRR02000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 399 together.

06/05/2015WRR02050Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR02100397. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the number of consultants employed at the University Hospital Galway from 2009 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of vacant consultant posts at University Hospi- tal Galway; his plans to fill extra posts in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17792/15]

06/05/2015WRR02200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRR02250Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR02300398. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details, in tabular form, of total staff numbers employed at the University Hospital Galway from 2008 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of new posts to be filled in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17793/15]

06/05/2015WRR02400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Question No. 399 answered with Question No. 396.

06/05/2015WRR02550Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR02600400. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of patients on waiting lists of Mayo General Hospital for outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and other lists, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and more than two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/15]

06/05/2015WRR02700403. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding allocated to Mayo General Hospital from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17798/15]

06/05/2015WRR02800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 201 Questions - Written Answers 403 together.

06/05/2015WRR02850Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR02900401. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the number of consultants employed at Mayo General Hospital from 2009 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of vacant consultant posts at Mayo General Hospital; his plans to fill extra posts in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17796/15]

06/05/2015WRR03000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRR03050Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR03100402. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details, in tabular form, of total staff numbers employed at Mayo General Hospital from 2008-2015, broken down by specialty; details of new posts to be filled in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/15]

06/05/2015WRR03200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Question No. 403 answered with Question No. 400.

06/05/2015WRR03350Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR03400404. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of patients on waiting lists of Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, for outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and other lists, who have been waiting for six months, one year, two years and more than two years, broken down by specialty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17799/15]

06/05/2015WRR03500407. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding allocated to Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17802/15]

06/05/2015WRR03600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 407 together.

202 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRR03650Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR03700405. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of the number of consultants employed at Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, from 2009 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of vacant consultant posts at Connolly Hospi- tal; his plans to fill extra posts in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17800/15]

06/05/2015WRR03800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRR03850Hospital Staff Data

06/05/2015WRR03900406. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details, in tabular form, of staff numbers employed at Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15, from 2008 to 2015, broken down by specialty; details of new posts to be filled in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17801/15]

06/05/2015WRR04000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Question No. 407 answered with Question No. 404.

06/05/2015WRR04150Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRR04200408. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is waiting over a year for a cataract operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/15]

06/05/2015WRR04300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

06/05/2015WRSSS00100Hospital Services

203 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRSSS00200409. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will address the calls by patients from County Donegal to have the rheumatology outreach clinic in Letterkenny, County Donegal restored, given that patients currently have to travel to Our Lady’s Hospital in County Leitrim to access rheumatology treatment, which causes undue hardship on those patients, including physical discomfort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17820/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS00300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRSSS00400Hospitals Funding

06/05/2015WRSSS00500410. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated payments that will be made in each of 2015, 2016, and 2017 to St. James’s Hospital in Dublin 8 in relation to its participation in the joint bachelor of science in diagnostic radiography being offered by Trinity College, Dublin and the Singapore Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17823/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS00600Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS00700Hospital Staff

06/05/2015WRSSS00800411. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way members or staff, including consultants or managers, of St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, are participating in the joint bachelor of science in diagnostic radiography being offered by Trinity College, Dublin and the Singapore Institute of Technology; if their participation falls, or is it planned to fall, within their public service contract hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17824/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS00900Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS01000Hospital Staff

06/05/2015WRSSS01100412. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical practice tutor radiographer posts that exist within the Health Service Executive; in which hospitals; the number which are reserved for students participating in the joint bachelor of science in diagnostic radiography being offered by Trinity College, Dublin and the Singapore Institute of Technol- ogy, or in any other course being offered by, or in conjunction with, any educational or medical institution in Singapore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17825/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS01200Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

204 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRSSS01300Hospital Services

06/05/2015WRSSS01400413. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when the rheumatology outreach clinic in Letterkenny, County Donegal will be restored, in view of the comments in December 2012 by then Minister for Health (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS01500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRSSS01600Hospital Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRSSS01700414. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will refer nine patients (details supplied) waiting for operations to a private hospital for their surgery, if the Health Service Executive cannot or will not operate on them. [17834/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS01800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

Spinal conditions, including scoliosis, in children and young people are predominantly managed at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC). It is acknowledged by all that waiting times for surgery are unacceptable and the HSE, Children’s Hospital Group and OLCHC are actively working to address them as quickly as possible and exploring all short, medium- and long-term options to increase capacity. I am pleased to say that funding has been allocated in the 2015 Service Plan to facilitate the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff to maximise utilisation of available theatre sessions in OLCHC.

In relation to the particular patient query raised by you, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS01900Hospital Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRSSS02000415. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 14 January 2015, if he will provide an update on the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff to maximise utilisation of available theatre sessions in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Dublin 12, in view of the fact that recruitment should have been resourced by March 2015; and if he will provide a breakdown of the waiting list, as of 1 May 2015, with no dates, and a breakdown of the figures for procedures. [17841/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS02100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

06/05/2015WRSSS02200Hospital Appointments Status 205 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRSSS02300416. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in Cork University Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17857/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS02400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): 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.

06/05/2015WRSSS02500Health Services Staff Data

06/05/2015WRSSS02600417. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of clinical to non-clinical staff in the Health Service Executive for the past three years; if he is satisfied with the way this compares with other similar jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17867/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS02700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): With regard to workforce planning for the health service, Action 46 of Future Health provides for the Department to work with the HSE to implement an effective approach to workforce planning and development with the objectives of: recruiting and retaining the right mix of staff; training and upskilling the workforce; providing for professional and career development; and creating supportive and healthy workplaces.

In 2015, the Department of Health will develop a national integrated strategic framework for health workforce planning, on a cross-sectoral basis. A cross-sectoral Working Group will be convened to develop the framework in the near future and consultation with key stakeholders will form part of the Group’s work.

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly regarding the breakdown of clinical to non-clinical staff. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS02800Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRSSS02900418. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a psychological assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17871/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS03000Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

206 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRSSS03100HSE Investigations

06/05/2015WRSSS03200419. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Ques- tion No. 402 of 3 March 2015, if he will ensure that the information requested in that question is actually answered; that a general response, as provided on 13 March 2015, is not again produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS03300Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I have asked the Health Service Executive to look into this matter again with a view to providing a more comprehensive response to the question raised.

06/05/2015WRSSS03400Respite Care Services

06/05/2015WRSSS03500420. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when respite beds will reopen in a nursing unit for the elderly (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS03600Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS03700HSE Correspondence

06/05/2015WRSSS03800421. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason incorrect information was provided by the Health Service Executive in response to a previous question (details supplied); the reason clarification sought from the executive on this matter has not been forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS03900Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The HSE have advised my Department that the information sought has been posted to the individual on 5 May 2015.

06/05/2015WRSSS04000Health Services Provision

06/05/2015WRSSS04100422. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding financial support for a medical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17879/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS04200Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS04300Hospital Appointments Status

06/05/2015WRSSS04400423. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the date that has been scheduled for an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/15]

207 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRSSS04500Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): It is acknowledged that the waiting times for spinal surgery services at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin are unsatisfactory and must be addressed as a priority. Accordingly, funding was allocated in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 for the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff at Crumlin. This will maximise the use of available theatre sessions in the hospital. The first of these additional staff is now in post, and recruitment for the remaining posts is in process. In addition, capital funding has been agreed for a new theatre on site at Crumlin, which will expand theatre capacity further. As a further measure, available capacity is being identified in other hospitals and some children are being transferred for their surgery, where it is considered clinically appropriate for them.

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 relation to the particular patient query raised by you, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS04600Alcohol Pricing

06/05/2015WRSSS04700424. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health regarding the plans for minimum unit pricing of alcohol, if his attention has been drawn to concerns, notwithstanding the positive implications of the legislation on public health, of the impact on artisan distillers and producers; and if consideration will be given to exempting duty free and travel retail, so as not to place such Irish businesses at a distinct disadvantage to international competitors. [17886/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS04800Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was approved by Government on the 3 February 2015. The Scheme includes provisions for minimum unit pricing, health labelling on products that contain alcohol, restrictions on the advertising and marketing of alcohol and the regulation of sports sponsorship. As part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, the measures were debated by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The Committee received over fifty written submissions on the General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. The hearings commenced on the 10 March and concluded on the 23 April.

The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will make it illegal to sell or advertise for sale alcohol at a price below a set minimum price. Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) sets a minimum price per gram of alcohol. The minimum price of an alcohol product would be based on the number of grams of alcohol in the product. MUP is a targeted measure, aimed at those who drink in a harmful and hazardous manner, and designed to prevent the sale of alcohol at very cheap prices. MUP is able to target cheaper alcohol relative to its strength because the minimum price is determined by and is directly proportional to the amount of pure alcohol in the drink. The University of Sheffield study reported that the alcohol products most affected by this policy are those that are currently being sold very cheaply, often below cost prices, in the off-trade, i.e. supermarkets and off-licences. It is not expected that minimum unit pricing will affect the price of duty free alcohol products or artisan beers sold at full retail prices. The General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill does not provide for any exemptions to minimum unit pricing.

The Department of Health is continuing to work on the preparation of the legislation. Par- liamentary Counsel has been assigned to draft the Bill. It is expected that the Bill will be published during the Spring/Summer Session 2015. 208 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRSSS04900HSE Staff

06/05/2015WRSSS05000425. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the plans of the Health Service Executive to introduce new procedures in order that retirements of staff in front-line services, which are known in advance, can be better prepared for, thus ensuring no gaps in service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17887/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS05100Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

06/05/2015WRSSS05200Public Health Policy

06/05/2015WRSSS05300426. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the research his Department has undertaken to identify if there are any negative effects on human health in communities where industrial-sized wind turbines have been installed in close proximity to persons’ homes; if not, the research his Department is relying upon; his plans to undertake independent research in this area, in view of the extent of wind energy development currently under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17890/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS05400Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Policy responsibility with regard to planning and the legislative framework in relation to the siting of wind turbines rests with the De- partment of the Environment, Community and Local Government. My Department provides advice from time to time when requested by the above mentioned Department.

At this time, my Department is not aware of any reliable or consistent evidence that wind turbines directly cause adverse health effects in humans. My Department will continue to monitor developments and evidence and provide advice accordingly.

06/05/2015WRSSS05500Health Insurance Cover

06/05/2015WRSSS05600427. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the criteria which determine the list of covered hospitals, set by agreements with the Government, as outlined (details supplied); if he is satisfied that such practices are fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17898/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS05700Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): Under the Health Insurance Act 1970, everyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland qualifies for public hospital care. Notwithstanding this, 44% of the Irish population has private health insurance and many people opt to be treated privately.

The private health insurers operate in a competitive market and are free to impose certain terms and conditions on their policies, providing they comply with the Minimum Benefit Regu- lations. For services that are covered by private health insurance, each private health insurance provider in the Irish market has the right to determine which health care provider they will cover for the benefit of their customers. It is a matter for each insurer to determine how much capacity in any particular area is purchased by it to deliver the services required by its members.

The private health insurers have no legal obligation to cover all public hospitals, and may opt to offer plans that do not cover certain hospitals, providing they are in compliance with the 209 Questions - Written Answers health insurance legislation.

While the introduction of lower-cost, more affordable health insurance plans is welcome, cost should not be the only factor considered by consumers when selecting a health insurance product. It is also important to select a plan that provides an adequate level of cover and that consumers are fully aware of any reduced level of cover provided at the time of purchase. All insurers offer a 14 day “cooling-off” period from the commencement of a customer’s contract during which time a person may cancel and get a full refund.

06/05/2015WRSSS05800Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRSSS05900428. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18254/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS06000Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): There was a requirement to reduce public service numbers and maximise savings in the public service from the time of the downturn in the economy. The HSE introduced an embargo on recruitment in 2007, and this was followed by the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public sector in 2008. The HSE has had the capacity to recruit where it is necessary to deliver front-line services.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced in Budget 2015 that he intends to delegate greater autonomy to Departments and Agencies to manage their own staffing levels. The change from the application of a rigid employment control framework, with its particular focus on a moratorium on recruitment and compliance with employment ceilings and targets, to one operating strictly within allocated pay frameworks will allow for recruitment where it is determined that this can achieve more economical service delivery.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has advised that the HSE and Department of Health are required to submit a 2015 Pay and Numbers Strategy, outlining planned pay expenditure and staff numbers. Following approval of the strategy by DPER, a letter of delegated sanction will be issued. As this process is still ongoing, the existing moratorium and Employment Control Framework arrangements will continue to apply. However the number of nurses employed has already increased by nearly 500 in the past 12 months. This increase partly reflects the initiative being undertaken by the HSE to reduce reliance on agency and to offer contracts of employment where agency can be replaced by full time posts. The increase also reflects the continuing capacity of the HSE to recruit where it is necessary to deliver front line services.

06/05/2015WRSSS06100Historical Conflicts

06/05/2015WRSSS06200429. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent remarks by other European Union states, his views on whether the 1915 killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was genocide. [17251/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS06300434. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland is not recognising the Armenian massacres as genocide; if he will support the Armenian people on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17671/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS06400Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 434 together.

210 6 May 2015 I would refer the Deputies to my most recent reply to a question on this issue which sets out Ireland’s position.

In the two weeks since my reply, centenary commemorations have been held in many parts of the world, including here in Ireland. Ireland’s sympathy and concern was expressed formally by our Ambassador, John Biggar, through his attendance at the official Armenian commemora- tion in Yerevan on 24 April.

I welcome this renewed international focus on the history of the Armenian people and the terrible events of 1915. I am aware of many statements of sympathy by European leaders on this centenary, including some which referred to genocide. However, the position remains that there is no international consensus and neither the UN nor the EU have adopted a position on this case.

At this time of centenaries, when we in Ireland hope that our commemorations will increase mutual understanding, I would again urge both Turkey and Armenia to take advantage of any opportunity for reconciliation between their two peoples. Despite their painful memories from that era of European war and communal hatred, there are some reasons to hope that these two neighbours can find a basis to work together for the good of their people and the wider region.

06/05/2015WRSSS06500Human Rights Issues

06/05/2015WRSSS06600430. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, in New York in the United States of America; his views on any developments in the case of a person (details supplied) who is detained in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS06700Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I met Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York on Monday 27 April. I took the opportunity, as I have done on numerous occasions, to discuss this case with him in some detail and to outline Ire- land’s concerns regarding this case.

In our discussion I noted my disappointment that a decision on the application for bail, an application formally supported by the Irish government, had been refused along with other bail applications in the case.

I underlined once again to Minister Shoukry the Government’s strong desire to see this young Irish citizen released by the Egyptian authorities as soon as possible so that he can return to his family and his studies in Dublin. Minister Shoukry emphasised that the matter was currently before the courts but that he was conscious of the Irish Government’s concerns regarding this citizen’s welfare. On the conditions of his ongoing detention, he undertook to pursue my concerns regarding this individual’s welfare with the appropriate Egyptian authorities.

We agreed that our channels of communication would remain open about this important matter. I also emphasised to Minister Shoukry our strong desire to ensure our citizen’s welfare for as long as he remains in detention, and it was clear that Minister Shoukry’s Ministry will continue to facilitate active consular assistance and welfare access by our Embassy in Cairo.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide consular support in the run up to the next scheduled hearing on 3 June, and to take all appropriate action that is in his best interests.

211 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRSSS06800Sovereign Debt

06/05/2015WRSSS06900431. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he attended the United Nations debt resolution meeting in New York in the United States of America from 28 to 30 April 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17580/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS07000438. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he, or officials from his Department, attended the second ad hoc committee session on sovereign debt restructuring processes that took place in the United Nations in New York in the United States of America, from 28 to 30 April 2015; the reason Ireland voted against the establishment of a United Nations committee on sovereign debt restructuring, in September 2014 and in Decem- ber 2014; and if he will prioritise the restructuring of unfair and unsustainable debt, as well as debt justice, as issues in Ireland’s foreign affairs policies. [17781/15]

06/05/2015WRSSS07100Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 438 together.

In September 2014, the UN General Assembly was presented with a draft Resolution on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The main focus of the resolution was the setting up of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a binding debt resolution mechanism. Following detailed consideration of the proposal and discussions with our EU partners and other UN members, Ireland, and our EU partners, were unable to support the Resolution.

We engaged actively and in good faith in the process, including through the extensive efforts of our Permanent Representative to the UN. We supported the EU’s statement clarifying the important considerations which informed the negotiating approach on the Resolution, as follows:

“The ad-hoc committee must be limited to the elaboration of a non-binding ‘set of principles’ which builds upon a market-based voluntary contractual approach to sovereign debt restructuring and aims at furthering its implementation and use. Neither the EU nor Member States will participate in discussions aiming at the establishment of a binding multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes.

The ad-hoc committee should reflect the recent and ongoing work on sovereign debt restructuring undertaken in the IMF, subject to the previous considerations, and should take place in close coordination with and with technical support from the Fund. Discussions should also make reference to the work in other fora on these issues, such as the Paris Club, which has a history of discussing sovereign debt restructuring issues.”

In the event, the Resolution continued to propose the elaboration of a new legal framework and, in these circumstances, Ireland, in common with EU partners, will not be participating in the work of the committee.

Ireland is actively engaged in ongoing global processes to address the issue of sovereign debt restructuring. Work being undertaken at other levels, including in the IMF and at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa in July, offer appropriate, established and constructive means for meaningful dialogue on the matter. We are playing our full role, in partnership with our EU colleagues, in working for the success of the Financing for Development Conference in Addis, which is central to the ongoing negotiations on a new framework for global development to follow on from the Millennium Development Goals. These major international negotiations at the UN are being co-chaired by Ireland’s Per- 212 6 May 2015 manent Representative to the UN, with Kenya.

We recognise the importance of continuing to address global debt issues in a development context and will continue to engage in processes, in appropriate fora, that promote constructive dialogue and propose effective and suitable mechanisms to support the countries most seriously affected.

06/05/2015WRT00150Consular Services Provision

06/05/2015WRT00200432. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding a repatriation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17623/15]

06/05/2015WRT00300Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I wish to thank the Deputy for bringing this case to the attention of my Department. An official from the Consular Assistance unit has contacted the husband of the person who is hospitalised abroad. It is my understanding that the patient’s Consultant Psychiatrist, based at St Ita’s Hospital, is in direct contact with the treating doctors in the UK and that arrangements will be made to repatriate the patient at the appropriate time. We have given contact details of the relevant officials to the individual’s husband and remain available to assist with any consular aspects of this case.

06/05/2015WRT00350Overseas Development Aid

06/05/2015WRT00400433. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17664/15]

06/05/2015WRT00500Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Sean Sher- lock): Irish Aid is Ireland’s official programme for overseas development, funded by the Gov- ernment and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For this year, the Government is providing just over €600 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Of this, €476 million is being managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Vote 27 – International Cooperation.

Responding to humanitarian emergencies and their aftermath is a central feature of the Irish Aid programme. We recognise the obligation to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity in the most difficult situations. Recovery assistance provides focused support to countries emerging from conflict or natural disasters, assisting affected populations re-establish their lives. In responding to emergencies and their aftermath, Irish Aid provides funding to a variety of partners in order to best meet the needs of affected communities. These include host Governments, Irish and international NGOs, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, and multilateral agencies such as the UN. Further detail is included in the statistical annexes to the Irish Aid annual report, available on the website at www.irishaid.ie.

We engage closely with trusted NGO partners, with whom we have a longstanding and proven partnership, so that support can quickly reach those in need of assistance. National and international NGOs represent a key group within the humanitarian community, particularly in implementing relief operations on the ground. Through specially designed funding schemes, Irish Aid provides funding to these partner agencies to respond to crises quickly and in the most effective way. 213 Questions - Written Answers The Irish people have consistently demonstrated their generosity in responding to humanitarian emergencies and crises around the world. Donating to a registered charity is the best way to help in a time of crisis. This support enables registered and experienced relief organisations to purchase exactly what those who have been affected by a humanitarian crisis need most urgently. A list of registered charities is available from the Development NGO umbrella group, Dóchas (www.dochas.ie).

Question No. 434 answered with Question No. 429.

06/05/2015WRT00675Human Rights Issues

06/05/2015WRT00700435. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current situation in Burundi, and the violence used against protesters. [17717/15]

06/05/2015WRT00800Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am very concerned about the deteriorating situation in Burundi, and condemn the violence of recent days. This has involved a wave of killings, militias acting with impunity, arbitrary arrests, intimida- tion, closure of media outlets and targeting of human rights defenders.

Burundi has experienced recurring violence over the years since its independence in 1962. The signing of the Arusha Peace Agreement in 2000 was a significant step forward in efforts to build lasting peace and stability in the country. The adoption of a new Constitution in 2005, establishing a power-sharing arrangement between ethnic groups, was another important mile- stone.

Given slow but steady progress over the past fifteen years, the violence is particularly wor- rying, and it was avoidable. The street protests arose in response to a decision by Burundi’s ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy, to name the incumbent Presi- dent, Pierre Nkurunziza, as its candidate for a third presidential term in elections scheduled for June. Whether or not this breaches the term-limits established by the Arusha Agreement, as has been claimed, is now subject to a review by the Burundian Constitutional Court.

It is critically important that Burundi now acts to embrace a process of peaceful democratic transition by ensuring that next month’s elections are demonstrably free and credible.

I am following the situation through our Ambassador in Dar-es-Salaam, who is also accred- ited to Burundi. I share the strong concern that over 20,000 Burundians have fled the country over the past month, mainly to Rwanda. Our Embassy in Dar-es-Salaam is closely monitoring refugee movements and engaging with the UN High Commission for Refugees, which has undertaken local contingency planning in case of a more significant outflow of refugees.

In 2014, Ireland provided approximately €1 million to NGO partners, Concern Worldwide and Civicus, for their work in Burundi.

In consultation with our partners at EU level, we will continue to closely monitor developments in Burundi. Two Irish nominees will participate in an EU Election Observation Mission for the June elections.

06/05/2015WRT00850Human Rights Issues

06/05/2015WRT00900436. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 21 April 2015, his views on the death of a person (details 214 6 May 2015 supplied); his further views on the policing of minority communities in the United States of America, following a number of deaths, with particular reference to the city of Baltimore; if he has made any representations to the authorities in the United States of America on these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17718/15]

06/05/2015WRT01000Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): The concerns over reports of alleged police led human rights abuses against African-Americans in the United States have been acknowledged by the US authorities at the highest levels. In relation to the death of Mr. Freddie Grey in Baltimore, and the reaction to his death, President Obama has highlighted the need to investigate how laws and their policing are implemented, while also condemning the violence that some protestors were involved in.

The US authorities at the Federal, State and municipal level, as well as a range of widely respected US human rights and law reform NGOs, are actively looking at the Baltimore case and others around the US. The recently appointed Attorney-General Loretta Lynch has confirmed that the Department of Justice will continue its investigation into Mr. Gray’s death. Investiga- tions at city and state level are also continuing and have resulted in some charges being brought earlier this week.

The US has a robust democracy and a respected legal system and I would expect that they will continue to deal with such cases of public concern in an open and transparent way.

I welcome the continued efforts of President Obama and his administration to address the concerns raised by these recent incidents and to build improved relations and trust between US law enforcement and all communities around the United States.

06/05/2015WRT01050Human Rights Issues

06/05/2015WRT01100437. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the presidential election result in Kazakhstan; his views that there was a fair and democratic election process in the recent Kazakh presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17719/15]

06/05/2015WRT01200Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): Presidential elections were held in Kazakhstan on 26 April and the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan announced preliminary results, with 97.7% of votes favouring the incumbent, President Nursul- tan Nazarbayev.

I would take this opportunity to welcome the fact that the OSCE/ODIHR, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, deployed an Election Observation Mission to observe the elections. Ireland contributed five Short-Term Observers and one Long-Term Observer to this Mission.

I note the Statement of preliminary findings and conclusions by the Election Observation Mission. While the Statement confirms that, overall, the election was efficiently administered, all electoral deadlines were met and election commissions at all levels were open to observers and the media, it also highlights a series of issues which give grounds for serious concern, including procedural deficiencies and irregularities throughout the voting and the lack of a credible opposition.

I understand that the OSCE/ODIHR will issue a comprehensive final report in the coming weeks and I would urge the authorities in Kazakhstan to respond positively to all recommendations in that report, in addition to previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations not already ad- 215 Questions - Written Answers dressed in the electoral law.

Question No. 438 answered with Question No. 431.

06/05/2015WRT01350Foreign Policy

06/05/2015WRT01400439. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the recent efforts in the Basque Country to consolidate the peace process, such as the Proposal on the Consequence of Conflict by Euskal Herria Bildu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/15]

06/05/2015WRT01500Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): As the Deputy will be aware, since the ETA declaration in 2011 regarding “the definitive cessation of its armed activity”, the Government has closely followed developments, including recent proposals from relevant parties. As we have said on many occasions, we continue to encourage all efforts which are aimed at securing a definitive peace in the Basque Country.

06/05/2015WRT01550Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRT01600440. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of recruitment under the aegis of his Department to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18253/15]

06/05/2015WRT01700Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Charles Flanagan): My Department was granted delegated sanction in February 2015 to manage its staffing resources. Under this sanction, we are in the process of recruiting eight Development Specialists for the Irish Aid programme and fifteen Clerical Officers to fill critical vacancies throughout the Department. We are also taking on two Third Secretaries, the recruitment grade for the diplomatic service, under the delegated sanction arrangements. This is in addition to the recruitment of Third Secretaries which took place in 2014 and earlier this year with the specific approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Decisions on further recruitment, mainly to fill critical gaps, will be taken as part of the Department’s on-going workforce planning.

06/05/2015WRT01750Special Educational Needs Expenditure

06/05/2015WRT01800441. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total yearly cost of providing educational supports for children with additional needs, such as special needs assistants, language support teachers, resource teachers and the National Educational Psycho- logical Service. [17520/15]

06/05/2015WRT01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that some €1.37 billion will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year, which represents approximately 15% of my Department’s budget. The majority of expenditure relates to provision for salaries which in 2014/15 will provide for over 11,000 learning support and resource teachers in schools, up to 11,330 SNAs, over 1,100 teachers in special schools and 860 Special Classes. This is the highest level of SNA support, Resource Teaching allocations and Special Class provision that we have ever had, and will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner 216 6 May 2015 appropriate to their needs. This funding also provides for the National Educational Psychologi- cal Service (NEPS), enhanced levels of capitation in Special schools and Special Classes, specialist transport arrangements for pupils with disabilities, additional teacher training, a Home Tuition scheme providing a compensatory educational service and assistive technology support, where required. Investment in education has been a priority for this Government and we have been resolutely committed to protecting, and in some instances increasing, the level of investment being made to support children with special educational needs at a time when there has been a requirement to make expenditure reductions across a range of areas. It is an area of spending which has been prioritised above most other areas by this Government, despite the enormous pressures on all areas of public spending.

06/05/2015WRT01950School Textbooks Rental Scheme

06/05/2015WRT02000442. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for easing the costs of school books on parents with secondary school pupils, by introducing a school book rental scheme fund for secondary schools, similar to the €15 million allocated for primary schools in Budget 2013. [17521/15]

06/05/2015WRT02100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I am very conscious that the cost of textbooks is a considerable burden on families and as the Deputy is aware this Govern- ment has been very active in pursuing methods to alleviate this cost. The previous Minister met with members of the Irish Educational Publishers’ Association in 2011 and impressed on them the need to limit the cost of textbooks. He also stressed to them the real need to avoid placing schools and families in a position where textbooks are altered unnecessarily. The Association responded positively to his approaches and agreed a voluntary Code of Practice among their members. The Code commits the publishers to limit the publication of new editions and to maintaining editions of books in print unchanged for at least six years. The publishers have also given assurances that they will sell textbooks to schools at discounts so that schools can purchase textbooks in bulk to stock textbook rental schemes. In funding terms, despite the very difficult economic situation, this Government has provided approximately €7 million to Primary Schools and €8 million to second level schools by way of book grants in 2015 and the same level of funding was provided in 2012, 2013 and 2014. In addition a further €15 million investment was secured in school book rental schemes in our Primary Schools and this entails a €5 million per annum investment in 2014, 2015 and 2016. I have no scope to introduce a new additional funding measure to assist secondary schools, as referred to by the Deputy, however ensuring that book rental schemes are available to all parents remains a priority.

The previous Minister launched in January 2013 Guidelines for Developing Textbook Rent- al Schemes in Schools and also a Guide for Parents. The guidelines provide practical advice to primary and post-primary schools on how rental schemes can be established and operated. The position at second level is that for September 2013, 68% of schools reported that they operate book rental schemes. A more detailed analysis of the returns show that 55% of voluntary schools, 66% of Community and Comprehensive schools and 88% of Education and Training Boards are operating book rental schemes. I want to commend these schools, their efforts mean that the high costs of school books is being significantly reduced for parents. My Department will continue to request information on book rental schemes from first and second level schools annually. The information in respect of the 2014/15 school year is not yet available.

06/05/2015WRT02150Youthreach Programme Funding

217 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRT02200443. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons under 25 years of age who were in receipt of a reduced Youthreach social welfare payment in each of the years 2012 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17661/15]

06/05/2015WRT02300Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Damien English): My Department funds the Youthreach programme through SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority. The Programme is delivered locally by Education and Training Boards. The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department as each ETB ad- ministers their own training allowance payment system. There is no requirement for learners in Youthreach to be eligible for a Department of Social Protection payment in order to qualify for a training allowance. Youthreach learners are mainly in the 16 to 20 age group with a small number aged up to 25. Learners in receipt of a One Parent Family payment or a Disability payment continue to receive their payment from D/SP and do not receive a training allowance from ETBs. The rate of weekly training allowance payable to Youthreach students over the last four years is as follows: 2015 - 18 years and over €160, 16 & 17 years €40; 2014 - 18 years and over €160, 6 & 17 years €40; 2013 - 18 years and over €160, 16 & 17 years €40; 2012 - 18 years and over €188, 16 & 17 years €40. A small number of students may also have received a long term unemployed bonus payment of €20 per week. The payment of this long term unemployed bonus payment ceased for all new entrants with effect from 1 January 2014. A meal allowance of €4 per week is payable to Youthreach students during each of these years. Some students were also eligible to receive a travel allowance which was based on distance from the Youthreach Centre.

06/05/2015WRT02350Schools Building Projects Administration

06/05/2015WRT02400444. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Cork can apply for a top-up grant to build a sports hall as recommended, in view of the fact it would be more economical; and if so, the criteria for same. [17202/15]

06/05/2015WRT02500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I can confirm that my De- partment has an application on file from the school, to which the Deputy refers, for a General Purpose (GP) room. My Department’s focus in recent years has been on prioritising the funding available for the provision of essential classroom accommodation. It is not therefore possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the provision of funding for additional accommodation for the school in question at this time. As the Deputy is aware, my Department approved significant funding to the school in question to provide an extension comprising 2 x 80m2 Mainstream Classrooms and 2 x 16m2 Resource Rooms to replace prefab units. This additional permanent accommodation will significantly enhance the school’s accommodation position.

06/05/2015WRT02550Further Education and Training Programmes Provision

06/05/2015WRT02600445. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills her Department’s policy on second-chance education; the budget allocated for same; her plans to develop this policy in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17210/15]

06/05/2015WRT02700Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Damien English): The policy on second chance education is set out in the Further Education and Training Strategy published by SOLAS last year. The Strategy sets out the direction of Further Education and Training (FET) over the next five years on both a national and regional basis. This will lead to

218 6 May 2015 major changes to provision in the FET sector with improved quality, a focus on employment focused programmes and basic skills. There will also be greater emphasis on employer engagement, planning and the promotion of the standing of FET. The strategy also aims to improve access and to support learners of all abilities across FET programmes. In 2015, SOLAS will provide funding of €574 million on delivering a range of programmes to nearly 370,000 learners. My Department will provide additional funding in the region of €150 million for the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme. My Department will work closely with SOLAS on the implementation of the strategy and monitor progress on the detailed FET Implementation Plan they have produced.

06/05/2015WRT02750Departmental Contracts Data

06/05/2015WRT02800446. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) by her Department. [17218/15]

06/05/2015WRT02900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Since 2012 my Department has awarded two contracts to the company referred to by the Deputy with a combined value of €1,745,373. In addition to the above a number of school authorities may be renting temporary accommodation from this company. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the school authority is responsible for acquiring this accommodation and the rental contract is between the school authority and the supplying contractor. As the rental grant-aid is devolved to schools, my Department does not hold records of all contracts held by school authorities for rental of temporary accommodation.

06/05/2015WRT02950School Discipline

06/05/2015WRT03000447. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the guidelines her Department issued on the use of face-down prone restraints in primary or secondary level schools, including schools that service special educational needs in particular; her views that the use of these restraints pose a risk to the health, well-being, or life of the children who this form of restraint is used upon; if her Department records the incidence of the use of such a restraint in each school and for each pupil; if such a record is kept, if she will provide the number of times this restraint was used in primary or secondary level schools, detailed separately, in each month of 2014; the average number of times it was used, per pupil, in primary and secondary schools, detailed separately, in each month of 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17230/15]

06/05/2015WRT03100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that the well-being and safety of children should be at the centre of all policy and practices in schools. The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the pupils in their school and is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Responsibility for the management of behaviour in schools is therefore a matter for individual schools, and as such, my Department does not hold records in relation to individual behavioural incidents in schools. Schools may seek advice from their local National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologist, from their NCSE Special Educational Needs Organiser, or from the National Behavioural Support Services, as to how children with behavioural needs can best be supported in school. Published guidelines which are available to schools include: Supporting Students with Be- havioural, Emotional, and Social difficulties, which is available on the Department’s website www.education.ie; the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) guidelines for schools on 219 Questions - Written Answers Developing a Code of Behaviour and the National Educational Psychological Services document Behavioural Emotional and Social Difficulties - a Continuum of Support: Guidelines for Teachers. My Department, through the Special Education Support Service (SESS), provides continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers working with students with special educational needs, including training for teachers in the area of Challenging Behaviour. In acknowledging the need for clearer guidance to Schools on the use of physical restraint/intervention, my Department is currently examining the issue with a view to developing guidelines for schools. Where a parent, or any other person, has concerns about the care or safety of a child in school they should report these concerns to the Board of Management of the school in the first instance. Where a parent or other person has a concern about the welfare or protection of a child in a school they may report the matter as a child protection concern to the HSE or to the Department of Education and Skills who will then report any child protection complaint in accordance with my Departments procedures.

06/05/2015WRT03150Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

06/05/2015WRT03200448. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Student Universal Support Ireland can assess a person (details supplied) as an independent mature student, in view of that person’s circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17261/15]

06/05/2015WRT03300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications. This service compliments the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at [email protected]. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.

06/05/2015WRT03350Student Grant Scheme Appeals

06/05/2015WRT03400449. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on a Student Universal Support Ireland appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17270/15]

06/05/2015WRT03500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications. This service compliments the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at [email protected]. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.

220 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRT03550EU Funding

06/05/2015WRT03600450. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application will be made to the globalisation fund in respect of a facility closure (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17273/15]

06/05/2015WRT03700Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Damien English): Strict criteria are prescribed for the making of applications seeking a co-funding contribution towards the cost of a programme of personalised guidance, education, training, labour market activation and enterprise supports for workers made redundant by the adverse impacts of globalisation under Regulation (EU) No. 1309/2013 which governs the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) 2014 - 2020. A key criterion of the Fund is that there are at least 500 redundancies effected before an application can be made. The number of redundancies scheduled at this facility is understood to be in the region of 140 persons. A derogation is provided for under Article 4(2) of the Regulation for cases where exceptional circumstances pertain including where the 500 redundancies requirement is not met. However, a particularly robust and demonstrable case must be made to the EU budgetary authorities as to the exceptional circumstances pertaining including in terms of the serious impact on employment and the local, regional or national economy, such as would pass scrutiny with those authorities. The Depart- ment has to date successfully made and had approved nine EGF applications since 2009. The EGF Managing Authority in the Department has successfully used the Article 4(2) provision in the submission of the two most recent applications, in support of 171 workers made redundant at the Andersen Ireland jewellery manufacturing plant in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and 424 workers made redundant at the Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. In these cases, we were able to produce robust and demonstrable data proving serious economic and labour market impacts that was accepted by the EU authorities. However, having analysed the relevant factors and criteria in this case, officials from the EGF Managing Authority in the Department are of the view, based on the current information available in terms of justifying exceptional circumstances and impacts and given the low number of redundancies pertaining in strictly EGF terms, that a sustainable case under Article 4(2) cannot justifiably be made to the EU for a co-funding contribution under the EG. This is because the indicators used do not suggest that the redundancies in question are an exceptional event in the context of the local or regional economic or labour market environ- ments. As such, the Department has no proposals to make such an application at this time.

06/05/2015WRT03750Further Education and Training Programmes Provision

06/05/2015WRT03800451. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a circumstance of on-going tuition allocation of approximately 500 hours to further education learners in a publicly funded college, given that the tuition allocation reported to her Depart- ment, and funded by the State and by the European Union, is 800 hours; if such reduction in allocation is permitted by circular letters and-or directives from her Department; if so, the details of what those circular letters and directives might be; and her views on any situation, where one cohort of learners is systematically treated less favourably than another, though all are enrolled in the one school, with the one roll-number. [17291/15]

06/05/2015WRT03900Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Damien English): I understand that the publicly funded college referred to by the Deputy is a school/college managed by an Education and Training Board (ETB) and the course referred to is a Post leaving Certificate (PLC) course. The criteria set out by my Department for PLC course components and recommended % time for each component is as follows: 221 Questions - Written Answers

Area of Study Annual Hours % of Time Vocational Studies 400-480 50-60% General Studies 160-240 20-30% Preparation for Work/Work Experience 160-240 20-30%

Teaching posts are allocated to ETBs based on a pupil teacher ratio of 19:1 and further distribution of these posts are a matter for the ETB. Any queries you have in relation to a particular PLC course should be addressed to the ETB.

06/05/2015WRT03950Special Educational Needs Service Provision

06/05/2015WRT04000452. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place for children with autism in schools in the Clondalkin, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Lucan, and Palmerstown areas of County Dublin; her views that the current level of support provided in these schools is meeting the needs of young pupils with autism in these areas; her plans to increase investment in these supports. [17294/15]

06/05/2015WRT04100453. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place for children with autism in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; her views that the current level of support provided in this school is meeting the needs of young pupils with autism in catchment areas served by this school; and her plans to increase investment in these supports. [17295/15]

06/05/2015WRT04200454. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for increasing the number of school places for children with autism in the Lucan and Clondalkin areas in County Dublin; the number of such places currently available in schools in these areas; the number of young persons living in these areas on waiting lists for such places; and her plans for meeting the needs of those young persons who currently do not have access to such places. [17311/15]

06/05/2015WRT04300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 452 to 454, inclusive, together. My Department’s policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department’s criteria in allocating such support. SENOs engage with schools annually in order to plan for, and to open, new special classes each year, in order to ensure there are sufficient special class placements available at primary and post primary school level to meet demand in a given area. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents are encouraged to liaise with the local SENO to discuss placement options for their child. The NCSE will continue to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to open such new special classes where necessary. Details of all of the special classes for children with special educational needs which are attached to mainstream schools are published each year on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie. The NCSE is also currently considering applications by 222 6 May 2015 schools to establish new special classes for the coming 2015/16 school year. I have arranged for the Deputy’s request for specific detail on provision in the school referred to, and also in the areas referred to, to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

06/05/2015WRU00150Schools Building Projects Status

06/05/2015WRU00200455. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of applications for funding through public private partnerships in respect of schools (details supplied) in County Wicklow which are currently in a bundle of seven schools approved by her De- partment for funding through such partnerships; if she is aware that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council refused planning permission for the access road, citing traffic concerns on foot of an objection by the National Roads Authority regarding the capacity of the N11 and other local road infrastructure; and if she will provide an assurance that these two schools will not be cut from the bundle. [17314/15]

06/05/2015WRU00300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department is currently considering the options available to it in light of the refusal of planning permission by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the access road to the site in question. My Depart- ment is in the process of engaging with the key stakeholders in the matter. It remains my intention to progress the development of the new school buildings as part of the Bundle 5 PPP projects.

06/05/2015WRU00350School Placement

06/05/2015WRU00400456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which second level educational needs will be met in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has grown out of primary level education but has had no access to secondary level education for the past one and a half years, and who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a moderate intellectual disability, has no speech and is in danger of being excluded from a secondary level education; if this case will be re-examined with a view to meeting this person’s requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17321/15]

06/05/2015WRU00500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department’s policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department’s criteria in allocating such support. SENOs engage with schools annually in order to plan for, and to open, new special classes each year, in order to ensure there are sufficient special class placements available at primary and post primary school level to meet demand in a given area. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents are encouraged to liaise with the local SENO to discuss placement options for their child. I can advise the Deputy that the local SENO is actively engaged with the parent of the child in question with a view to securing a school placement. In the interim, 20 hours 223 Questions - Written Answers home tuition per week has been approved for the child pending a placement being secured.

06/05/2015WRU00550Third Level Funding

06/05/2015WRU00600457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will release capital funding to aid the development of Mary Immaculate College Library, County Limerick. [17352/15]

06/05/2015WRU00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The needs of the College will be considered in the context of budgetary resources and having regard to competing demands.

06/05/2015WRU00750School Breaks Standardisation

06/05/2015WRU00800458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (detail supplied) regarding the opening of schools during the tourism season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17354/15]

06/05/2015WRU00900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): While standardised arrangements for the breaks to be taken by schools at Christmas, Easter and midterm apply to all schools, it is not a requirement of these agreed arrangements that the commencement or end of the school year either at primary or post-primary level should be standardised. Individual schools may therefore determine the precise start and end of the school year subject to ensuring that the requirements in respect of the minimum number of teaching days per school year are met. The expectation is that the school year will normally commence during the week in which 1st September falls. However, the school year may commence in the week prior to that in which 1st September falls where this is necessary in order to meet the overall requirement of a minimum of 167 days at post-primary level or 183 days at primary level.

06/05/2015WRU00950Schools Building Projects Status

06/05/2015WRU01000459. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the development of the new community school building in Clifden, County Galway; when it is envisaged that the re-tender process will be completed; the timeframe envisaged for completion of the project; and if the required funding is still in place to complete it by then. [17358/15]

06/05/2015WRU01100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Design Team for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently finalizing the tender documentation and the prequalification of contractors list with a view to proceeding to re-tender shortly. The project remains on the Department’s Construction Programme and will be progressed through a new tender process over the coming months. The new tender process will provide both the school and the Department with greater certainty with regard to the appointment of a Contractor to commence the construction of the new school in 2015. The dates for the events referred to by the Deputy will only become apparent as the tender process is progressed but the school authority will be kept fully informed regarding these developments as they occur.

06/05/2015WRU01150Schools Designation

224 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRU01200460. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the analysis undertaken of the impact of the removal of the rural Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17363/15]

06/05/2015WRU01300461. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reinstate the rural Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools category, in view of the significant disadvantage that these schools have vis-à-vis their peers. [17364/15]

06/05/2015WRU01400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I propose to take Ques- tions Nos. 460 and 461 together. I have not removed the rural category of school from the DEIS programme. Accordingly the matter of its reinstatement does not arise. The Deputy may wish to note my recent announcement in relation to the DEIS programme in the context of the publication of the ESRI “Learning from DEIS” report. Details of same are available on my Departments website at http://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2015-Press- Releases/PR2015-04-09.html

06/05/2015WRU01450Schools Building Projects Status

06/05/2015WRU01500462. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update in relation to progressing a new school building (details supplied) in West Cork subsequent to the transfer of lands from the education and training board to facilitate the building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17388/15]

06/05/2015WRU01600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department has been liaising with Cork Education and Training Board and the School Patron with a view to agree- ing an accommodation solution for the gaelscoil referred to by the Deputy. I am pleased to confirm a suitable site (subject to planning permission) has been identified by Cork Education and Training Board in respect of the development of a permanent building for the school in question. My Department is currently liaising with the Patron and the gaelscoil in relation to the classroom accommodation to be provided as part of the school project brief.

06/05/2015WRU01650Personal Public Service Data

06/05/2015WRU01700463. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her De- partment is requesting children’s personal public service numbers; and if information regarding same cannot be obtained from schools. [17403/15]

06/05/2015WRU01800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The PPS number will be used as the unique pupil identifier on the Departments Primary Online Database POD and on the Departments Post Primary Online Database (P-POD). This will allow for a child’s educational history to be maintained accurately as they move school, as well as ensuring that there are no duplicate enrolments in the system. The PPS number will be obtained from the school and used to validate the identity of the pupil using the Department of Public Expenditure and Re- form or using the Department of Social Protection PPSN Checker service. This is an automated process which validates large batches of PPS numbers using other variables from a pupil’s Public Service Identity dataset, and returns a match code to the Department of Education and Skills. A Fair Processing Notice to explain how the personal data of pupils in primary schools on the Primary Online Database (POD) will be recorded, processed and shared is available on my Departments website. http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Primary-Online- Database-POD-/POD-Fair-Processing-Notice.pdf

225 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRU01850Schools Building Projects Administration

06/05/2015WRU01900464. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the provision of a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Meath in view of the significant local population and the fact that the new national school will shortly open. [17413/15]

06/05/2015WRU02000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department is currently carrying out a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional post-primary school places might be needed from 2017 onwards. This includes an examination of the area in County Meath referred to by the Deputy. On foot of this review, arrangements will be made to provide additional post-primary accommodation where this is needed.

06/05/2015WRU02050Departmental Budgets

06/05/2015WRU02100465. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total allocations to the education budget each year since 2009. [17433/15]

06/05/2015WRU02200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The total gross allocations for the Education & Skills Vote for the years 2010 - 2015 and the Office of the Minister for Education and Science as it was known in 2009 are set out in the table.

Year Total Allocation €000 2009 €9,491,702 2010 €9,295,100 2011 €8,888,352 2012 €8,671,643 2013 €8,507,333 2014 €8,505,877 2015 €8,585,277

06/05/2015WRU02250Departmental Budgets

06/05/2015WRU02300466. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount of savings in the education budget each year since 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17435/15]

06/05/2015WRU02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The table provides details of the projected yield from current expenditure savings measures announced for my Depart- ment in respect of each of the Budgets 2010 to 2015, excluding savings measures resulting from central pay policy decisions. The net amount of adjustment year on year in my Department’s expenditure allocation is determined by the impact of any savings measures announced and the offset effect of any additional expenditure provision made, for example, expenditure on increased numbers on teachers in schools associated with increases in student numbers. This fact is reflected in the overall current expenditure allocations for each of the years in question, which are also shown in the table.

226 6 May 2015

- - € Million - Budget Savings € Million - Budget Savings Measures Measures Year Current Expenditure Al- Estimated Savings Yield in Estimated Full Year Savings location Year 2010 €8,589 €134 €200 2011 €8,387 €170 €307 2012 €8,242 €132 €316 2013 €8,094 €90 €123 2014 €7,960 €44 €24 2015 €8,018 €0 €0

06/05/2015WRU02450National Educational Psychological Service Administration

06/05/2015WRU02500467. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied with the current arrangements regarding the area of psychologists’ requirement to register with a regulatory board, if there is planned legislation in this area; if so, when she expects this to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17436/15]

06/05/2015WRU02600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I can inform the Deputy that psychologists employed by my Department in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been recruited on the basis that they hold the relevant qualification as educational psychologists, currently demanded at masters level. NEPS psychologists undergo CPD (Con- tinual Professional Development) to ensure that their competency in the field is maintained. NEPS psychologists are actively encouraged to register with appropriate professional bodies such as the Psychological Society of Ireland. The deputy will be aware that CORU was established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended) to regulate 12 specified professions including psychology. It has already established registers in respect of 5 of these and intends to complete statutory registration for the remaining professions between 2015 and 2017. I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy in the matter.

06/05/2015WRU02650School Staff

06/05/2015WRU02700468. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills when she will reply to a query regarding a fifth teacher in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17466/15]

06/05/2015WRU02800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department’s website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 Sep- tember. The staffing arrangements for the coming school year 2015/16 are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is available on the website. An appeals process is also available to schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March, 2015 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Having considered the application in the context of the published grounds, the Board deemed the application ineligible. The school was notified accordingly. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

227 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRU02850School Accommodation Provision

06/05/2015WRU02900469. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for new classrooms; if so, the status of the application; if the application can be looked at in a favourable manner in view of the fact that the current accommodation is very substandard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17474/15]

06/05/2015WRU03000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for capital funding to replace classroom accommodation. The application is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority shortly.

06/05/2015WRU03050Traveller Community

06/05/2015WRU03100470. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which she has improved co-ordination and integration to delivery of services to the Traveller community across all Government Departments, particularly in the area of Traveller education through the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17479/15]

06/05/2015WRU03200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Current policy in relation to Traveller education is underpinned by the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Educa- tion Strategy which was developed following wide ranging consultation with relevant stakeholders including Traveller representative groups.

The principle of inclusion is at the core of the Strategy and, accordingly, the focus of current provision is on the development of a more inclusive school environment through the whole school planning process, teaching practice, admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole school evaluation. In keeping with this principle, additional resources provided in the education system are allocated on the basis of identified individual educational need rather than that of ethnic or cultural background.

The Traveller Education Strategy Advisory and Consultative Forum (TESACF) has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Strategy. Membership of the Forum includes Traveller representative groups, representatives of the education partners and of relevant policy areas of the Department of Education and Skills. The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, participates in the Forum in order to report on educational welfare matters relating to Traveller children and young people. My Department is represented on the newly established National Traveller & Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group to ensure an education perspective to National Traveller and Roma policy, as coordinated across all Government Departments by the Department of Justice and Equality. The DEIS Programme is my Department’s main policy initiative for tackling educational disadvantage for all children and young people. Additional supports provided under the DEIS School Support Programme are allocated to pupils on the basis of identified educational need.

06/05/2015WRU03250Information and Communications Technology

06/05/2015WRU03300471. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is now greater use of online platforms in a wider range of subjects and lessons; the additional subjects

228 6 May 2015 and lessons available online since 2011; if teachers are now using live web casts; the status of the digital school resource; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17480/15]

06/05/2015WRU03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): In the recently completed census conducted at the end of 2013 the use of online tools and/or applications to support teaching and learning was the ICT use most frequently reported to be used regularly. Over half of post-primary principals and over one third of primary and special school principals reported that their schools regularly used content and resources on the local school server to support teaching and learning, while approximately one quarter of primary schools, one fifth of post- primary schools and just 12% of special schools used an external virtual learning environment to support teaching and learning regularly. The use of a ‘live’ video two-way link to share one or more subjects with students in another school was reported by just under 1% of primary schools and by 2.4% of post primary schools and by 2.6% of special schools. Scoilnet.ie is the Department of Education’s education portal. It is actively used by Irish primary and post- primary teachers. In 2013 1.66m visits were recorded.

The Scoilnet.ie content model is expanding to become more open. It has evolved into a “re- pository”, ie, a space where teacher-produced resources can be added by any registered teacher in Ireland. Instead of being a passive, consumption-only website, Scoilnet.ie is now encouraging and supporting teachers to share and contribute to the site by uploading their own teaching and learning resources within the “Resource Finder”. In addition the website has adopted the use of Creative Commons licensing so that, where possible, uploaded resources can be made available as Open Educational Resources (OER). The Department’s support services use a variety of models for the purpose of delivering training including blended learning and online support.

06/05/2015WRU03450Departmental Consultations

06/05/2015WRU03500472. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on her consultation with the publishing industry to develop more online learning resources and new mediums for their learning materials as set out in the programme for Government. [17481/15]

06/05/2015WRU03600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My officials met with the publishing industry in October to consult with them on the forthcoming Digital Strategy. It was agreed that further engagement with the Department and the publishers will take place over the lifetime of the Digital Strategy. A number of the publishers contributed to the public consultation process for Strategy.

06/05/2015WRU03650School Accommodation Provision

06/05/2015WRU03700473. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the phasing out of the inefficient renting of prefabricated units for schools; if the negotiation of rental contracts will be part of a reformed public procurement policy to encourage greater value for money; the number of prefabricated units that were rented in each year since 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17482/15]

06/05/2015WRU03800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Under my Department’s Prefab Replacement Initiatives 2012 and 2013 approval was given to 217 schools (209 primary and 8 post-primary) to replace 614 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €57m has been allocated to these initiatives, of which €46.5m has been paid to date. Of the total 229 Questions - Written Answers 217 approved school projects, 168 projects have been completed and a further 14 projects are on site. In addition to the prefab replacement initiatives as part of my Department’s large scale school building programme, prefab accommodation continues to be replaced with permanent structures on an on-going basis. In general, the management authorities of schools are responsible for renting prefabs. In current economic circumstances it is important that small and medium sized businesses are not hindered in competing for contracts that they are performing effectively and centralising the process would make it more difficult for these to compete. The number of prefabs that have been rented in each year since 2009, is supplied for the Deputy’s attention. It should be noted that a prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.

Total number of rented prefabs in Primary and Post Primary schools 2009 to date

Year Totals 2009 1,879 2010 1,698 2011 1,525 2012 1,403 2013 1,094 2014 961 Currently 939

06/05/2015WRU03850Schools Building Projects Status

06/05/2015WRU03900474. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the fact that the current site of a school (details supplied) in County Galway is not fit for purpose, when the pupils and teachers of the school can expect the building of the new school, announced in 2012, to commence; whether it will be on the accelerated building programme; when she anticipates the school opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17492/15]

06/05/2015WRU04000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department has clari- fied with the Deputies office the details of the school in question. Officials from my Department have been working very closely with Galway County Council under the Memorandum of Un- derstanding between the Department and the County and City Managers’ Association to acquire a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. I can confirm that a suitable site has been identified and the site acquisition process is at an advanced stage. The site acquisition is subject to satisfactory completion of the conveyancing process and due diligence must be performed in this regard. My officials are working hard to progress this acquisition to a successful conclusion. Under my Departments Rapid-Design & Build programme, the tender process for a Building Contractor has been running in parallel with the site acquisition process. The appointment of the Contractor will be concluded when the site acquisition process is complete.

06/05/2015WRU04050Pupil-Teacher Ratio

06/05/2015WRU04100475. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the current pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools; the cost of reducing the pupil-teacher ratio by one point, two points, three points, four points, five points in both primary and secondary schools; her plans to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in September 2015-2016; and the number of additional teachers required to address each 230 6 May 2015 point reduction. [17501/15]

06/05/2015WRU04200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Statistics Section of my Department’s website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary and post-primary level. The most recent published information relates to the 2013/2014 school year. Data in relation to the 2014/15 school year will be published later in the current school year.

Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The staffing schedule at primary level operates on the basis of 1 classroom teacher for an average of every 28 pupils. More favourable ratios operate in DEIS Band 1 schools. Each one point adjustment to the current 28.1 schedule at primary level is estimated to cost of the order of 250 to 300 posts (€18m). At post primary level teaching posts are allocated on the basis of 19:1 with a ratio of 18.25 applying in DEIS schools and 23.1 in fee charging schools. Each one point adjustment is estimated to cost of the order of 850 to 950 posts (€59m). My focus in Budget 2015 was on obtaining the additional funding that was necessary to provide for demographic growth. The last Budget included an increase in spending on education for the first time in recent years, amounting to additional funding of €60m during 2015. This funding will be used to provide 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs for our schools, as well as to fund prioritised reforms, such as implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategy, reform of junior cycle, and the introduction of education focussed pre-school inspections. The improvements in the Primary Staffing Schedule for small schools which I announced in February last are the only changes that I will be making to the staffing arrangements for schools for the 2015/16 school year. The Government’s approach to restoring the economy has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about further improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers. The challenge for all schools is to ensure that they utilise their allocated resources to best effect to maximise teaching and learning outcomes.

06/05/2015WRU04250Pupil-Teacher Ratio

06/05/2015WRU04300476. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools each year for the past ten years; her future plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17502/15]

06/05/2015WRU04400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Statistics Section of my Department’s website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary and post-primary level. The most recent published information relates to the 2013/2014 school year. Data in relation to the 2014/15 school year will be published later in the current school year.

My focus in Budget 2015 was on obtaining the additional funding that was necessary to provide for demographic growth. The last Budget included an increase in spending on education for the first time in recent years, amounting to additional funding of €60m during 2015. This funding will be used to provide 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs for our schools, as well as to fund prioritised reforms, such as implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategy, reform of junior cycle, and the introduction of education focussed pre-school inspections. The improvements in the Primary Staffing Schedule for small schools which I announced in Febru- ary last are the only changes that I will be making to the staffing arrangements for schools for the 2015/16 school year. The Government’s approach to restoring the economy has helped Ire- 231 Questions - Written Answers land to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about further improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers. The challenge for all schools is to ensure that they utilise their allocated resources to best effect to maximise teaching and learning outcomes.

06/05/2015WRU04450Capitation Grants

06/05/2015WRU04500477. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular format, the current capitation rate in primary and secondary schools, in schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme and in special schools for the past ten years; the cost of increasing or restoring the capitation rate to each of these; her future plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17503/15]

06/05/2015WRU04600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools and second level schools within the free education scheme. My Department provides capitation funding to mainstream primary schools by way of per capita grants, subject to a minimum grant equivalent to 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are payable to Special Schools and Special Classes attached to mainstream schools. The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding. My Department provides funding to Community and Com- prehensive schools on a budget basis that is based mainly on pupil numbers, but also take into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as age of buildings, size of school etc. With regard to the VEC sector financial allocations are made to VECs as part of a block grant. VECs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of this grant and each is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and percep- tions of need.

My Department provides funding to voluntary secondary schools by way of per capita grants.

DEIS capitation is paid based on a school’s relative level of disadvantage against all other schools.

Fee charging schools do not receive any capitation or related grants from my Department.

The table contains a breakdown of the annual per capita grant rates as requested by the Deputy. I am determined that education will be prioritised for further investment in future years, and I believe that increasing the staffing and funding of our schools should be priorities for such investment.

Voluntary Sector Post Primary Capitation Rates 2005-2015

Year Capitation SSSF 2005 €286 €145 2006 €298 €159 2007 €316 €189 2008 €331 €204 2009 €345 €212

232 6 May 2015 Year Capitation SSSF 2010 €345 €212 2011 €328 €201 2012 €317 €201 2013 €306 €201 2014 €301 €201 2015 €296 €201

Primary Capitation Rates 2005-2015

Year Primary Capitation Primary Ancillary 2005 €133.58 €133 2006 €145.58 €139 2007 €163.58 €145.50 2008 €178.58 €151.50 2009 €200 €155.00 2010 €200 €155.00 2011 €190 €147.00 2012 €178 €147.00 2013 €176 €147.00 2014 €173 €147.00 2015 €170 €147.00

06/05/2015WRV00200School Enrolments Data

06/05/2015WRV00300478. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who completed primary education in June 2014, but failed to enrol in a secondary level school in September 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17517/15]

06/05/2015WRV00400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The information requested by the Deputy is not available.

One of the many benefits of the introduction of the Primary Online Database is that it will enable the progress of children through the education system to be accurately monitored. From 2015/2016 onwards the Primary Online Database will provide the Department with the capacity to compile this vital information on children that do not make the transition from primary to post-primary education.

06/05/2015WRV00500Teacher Redeployment

06/05/2015WRV00600479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who did not qualify for the educational panel; if this case will be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17522/15]

06/05/2015WRV00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent/CID holding teachers to other schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the 233 Questions - Written Answers panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers. Arrangements for panel access for fixed-term (temporary), substitute and part-time teachers to the Supplementary Redeploy- ment Panel for the 2015/16 school year are set out in Circular 0072/2014 which is available on the Department website.

Applicants must meet all of the published criteria in order to gain access to the Supplemen- tary Redeployment Panel.

The teacher referred to by the Deputy failed to meet the criteria and is therefore ineligible to be included on the Supplementary Redeployment Panel for the 2015/16 school year.

06/05/2015WRV00800Special Educational Needs Service Provision

06/05/2015WRV00900480. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of special schools currently in receipt of funding; the number of special classes in primary and secondary schools; the number of proposed schools and classes under consideration; the cost of provision of each school and special class; the numbers of pupils attending these schools and classes; and the number of teachers assigned to these schools and classes. [17551/15]

06/05/2015WRV01000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required, and for planning for future special school provision. The NCSE operates within my Department’s criteria in allocating such support.

The NCSE published policy advice on Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs in Schools in 2013. This policy advice provides a breakdown of the 119 Special Schools operating in Ireland and notes that approximately 7,094 students were enrolled in Special schools in 2012/13 with 1,078 teaching posts supporting these students. This breakdown also notes the enrolments for each school.

Details of the list of special schools is provided in Appendix 1 at:http://ncse.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2014/09/Supporting_14_05_13_web.pdf

The report also notes that there were 628 special classes in operation in 2012/13, 495 attached to mainstream Primary schools and a further 133 attached to mainstream Post Primary schools, with a total of 3,678 pupils enrolled in the classes.

For the 2015/16 school year there are currently 858 special classes in place, including 653 special classes in primary schools and 205 classes in post primary schools. Details of the location of all of these special classes, on a per county basis, is available at http://ncse.ie/special- classes.

The NCSE is also currently considering applications by schools to establish new special classes for the coming 2015/16 school year. This work is on going and SENOs continue to liaise and work with schools in order to meet the demand for such placements at local level.

I wish to advise the Deputy that information regarding expenditure in relation to the provision of services for children with special educational needs occurs across a number of separate divisional areas such as, for example, salary costs for additional teaching and SNA supports, school building adaptations, assistive technology, transport arrangements, and enhanced capita-

234 6 May 2015 tion payable. As such, it is not possible to provide details of disaggregated expenditure for each school and class.

However, I can advise the Deputy that some €1.37 billion will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year, which represents approximately 15% of my Department’s budget, which is the highest level of investment that we have ever had. This investment will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs.

06/05/2015WRV01100National Educational Psychological Service Staff

06/05/2015WRV01200481. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of National Educational Psychological Service psychologists each year for the past ten years; the ratio of psychologists to groups of schools, broken down by primary and post-primary, each year for the past ten years; and the cost annually for the past ten years of the service. [17552/15]

06/05/2015WRV01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The detailed information the Deputy requires is contained in the tables.Number of Educational Psychologists employed in NEPS

Year No. W.T.E 2006 124 117.8 2007 134 126.7 2008 155 148.5 2009 153 146.9 2010 165 158.9 2011 173 166.0 2012 167 158.8 2013 171 162.8 2014 177 168.1 2015 177 166.9*

Numbers at 1st January of each year with the exception of 2015 which represents situation at 28/4/15. Equivalent Whole Time (W.T.E.) discounts staff work-sharing process. * Addition- ally since the beginning of 2015 five teachers, qualified as educational psychologists, have been seconded to NEPS for the 2014/15 academic year.

Ratio of Primary Schools to Psychologists 2006-2015

Year Primary Schools Psychologists 2006 13 40:1 2007 14 11:1 2008 16 48:1 2009 16 79:1 2010 16 72:1 2011 17 09:1 2012 17 03:1 2013 19 59:1

235 Questions - Written Answers Year Primary Schools Psychologists 2014 18 98:1 2015 19 11:1

The number of primary schools of varying pupil sizes assigned to psychologists is set out above.

Ratio of Post Primary Schools to Psychologists 2006-2015

Year Post Primary Schools Psychologists 2006 4 71:1 2007 4 70:1 2008 5 15:1 2009 4 43:1 2010 4 55:1 2011 4 11:1 2012 3 86:1 2013 4 26:1 2014 4 13:1 2015 4 16:1

The number of post primary schools of varying pupil sizes assigned to psychologists is set out above.Annual Cost of NEPS Service 2006-2015

Year Cost € 2006 14 728.785 2007 15 585.584 2008 17 137.363 2009 18 853.310 2010 16 656.508 2011 17 762.579 2012 17 261.192 2013 17 436.752 2014 17 036.733 2010* - - *The 2015 accounts have yet to be finalised.

06/05/2015WRV01400National Educational Psychological Service Administration

06/05/2015WRV01500482. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current waiting list for assessment by the National Educational Psychological Service psychologists, and for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17553/15]

06/05/2015WRV01600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I can inform the Deputy that my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychology service to all primary and post primary schools through an assigned NEPS psychologist and in some cases through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assess- ments (SCPA). Under this scheme schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of 236 6 May 2015 the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.

NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring.

Psychologists use a problem solving and solution focused consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school’s best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention. This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention. This process has been embedded by NEPS psychologists in the Primary sector with the production by the Department of Special Educational Needs – A Continuum of Support guidance and resource materials which has been distributed to all schools since 2007/8. In late 2010 similar support documentation was produced in relation to Emotional and Behavioural difficulties in the Primary sector and in relation to a formal Post-Primary Continuum process.

The continua described above all involve a graduated problem solving model of assessment and intervention in schools processes which moves from basic classroom based interventions to more specialised and individual interventions and comprise three distinct school based phases characterised as follows:Classroom Support – is an intervention which is co-ordinated by the Class Teacher and is carried out in the regular classroom,School Support - is an assessment and intervention process which is usually co-ordinated by the learning support/resource teacher working alongside the class teacher. Interventions at this stage will be additional to those provided through classroom support.School Support Plus – is generally characterised by the school requesting the involvement by the relevant external service (predominantly NEPS) in more detailed assessment and development of intervention programmes. This level of intervention is for children with complex and/or enduring needs and whose progress is considered inadequate, despite carefully planned interventions at previous levels.

The staged model recognises that pupils present with a wide range of issues and difficulties and allows for their amelioration and intervention at the level most appropriate to the particular need. The continuum approach ensures that pupils presenting within this range are dealt with quickly and at the appropriate level without the establishment of a waiting list for formal assessment.

06/05/2015WRV01700Special Educational Needs Staff

06/05/2015WRV01800483. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of resource teachers in both primary and post-primary schools, each year for the past five years; the number of pupils in receipt of resource hours each year for the past five years; the average period of time each pupil receives; and the annual cost of resource hours for the past five years. [17555/15] 237 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRV01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that this Government has significantly increased the overall number of resource teaching posts available to schools in recent years.

Some 480 additional resource teaching posts were provided for the 2014/15 school year and an additional 480 posts have been made available for the 2015/16 year, in order to meet growing demand from schools for low incidence special educational needs support.

The total number of resource teaching posts available for allocation to the end of 2015 is 6,705, which is more than at any time previously.

These increases, building on increases which have already been provided in recent years, have ensured that we now have more special needs support teachers in our schools than ever before, and will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs. It will also ensure that where particular demand arises, due to demographic growth or to increased need, that this demand will continue to be met.

The specific information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table.

In relation to the average period of time each pupil receives, please note that additional teaching resources are allocated to schools for the support of individual pupils with low incidence special educational needs. The various categories of low incidence disability are listed in DES Circular 02/05.

Such additional allocations of resource teaching hours for pupils who have been assessed with low incidence special educational needs, however, are not made directly to individual pupils, but are made to schools to support such children.

Once the hours are allocated to schools, it is a matter for the school to manage and utilise these hours to support the pupils concerned, in line with DES guidance as set out in Circular 02/05. Some of the time may be used for team teaching, to provide additional support in the classroom for that pupil, or through additional teaching in small groups. As such, the time allocated to individual pupils is managed by schools.

Resource Teach- 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 ing school year school year school year school year school year Primary RT posts 2952 3150 3062 3304 3558 Post Primary RT 2223 2115 2203 2417 2645 posts Total posts 5,175 5,265 5,265 5,721 6,203 Est. Salary Costs €310.5m €316m €316m €343m €372m No of pupils Pri- *18,522 20,138 22,271 24,000 25,904 mary No of pupils Post *8,419 9228 10,209 11,586 12,891 Primary Total pupils *26,941 29,366 32,480 35,586 38,795 * Estimated figures

06/05/2015WRV02000Special Educational Needs Staff

06/05/2015WRV02100484. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will pro- 238 6 May 2015 vide, in tabular format, the number of special needs assistants in both primary and post-primary schools, each year for the past five years; the number of pupils in receipt of such hours each year for the past five years; and the annual cost for the past five years. [17558/15]

06/05/2015WRV02200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that there are now more Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) available for allocation than ever before. This Government committed, as part of the budget announcements made last year, to provide for 365 new Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts to support children with special educational needs in schools in 2015. This increase is additional to the increase of 390 posts which this Government announced in December 2013, which had raised the previous cap from 10,575 available SNA posts to 10,965 posts.

The total number of SNAs available for allocation in 2015 is therefore now 11,330 posts, which is the highest number of SNAs available for allocation that we have ever had. This will ensure that children with special educational care needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs.

The information requested by the Deputy has been provided in the table.

Special Needs Assistants 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 SNA posts Whole Time 10,543 10,117 10,390 10,585 11,121 equivalent (at end-Dec) Est. Cost. €348m €334 €343 €349m €360m No of pupils Primary, Approx. Over Over Over Over 24,000 Post Primary and Special 20,000 20,000/22,000 22,000/23,000 23,000/24,000 Schools (per school year)

06/05/2015WRV02300Speech and Language Therapy Provision

06/05/2015WRV02400485. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action taken by schools where a pupil requires speech and language supports in primary and post-primary schools; and the level of engagement between her Department and the Health Service Execu- tive on this matter. [17559/15]

06/05/2015WRV02500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils who require speech and language support.

This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD) in primary schools. The criteria for enrolment in a Spe- cial Class for pupils with SSLD is set out in my Department’s Circular 0038/2007.

A full-time teacher is assigned to each class, and classes operate with a reduced pupil- teacher ratio of 7:1. In addition, an enhanced capitation grant is provided to schools operating special classes for pupils with SSLD. Eligible pupils may spend up to two years in such classes.

Pupils who are not enrolled in a special class for SSLD and who meet the criteria for Spe- cific Speech and Language Disorder, as outlined in my Department’s Circular, may qualify for additional teaching support where he/she is enrolled in mainstream school.

Pupils with mild speech and language difficulties may qualify for supplementary teaching support from within the school’s general allocation of learning support/teaching support. It is a matter for individual schools to use their professional judgement to identify pupils who will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropri-

239 Questions - Written Answers ate level with such pupils.

The provision of health supports, including Speech and Language Therapy services, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Pupils with SSLD have access to speech therapy services either through the speech and language therapy services provided in the special class setting by the Health Service Executive or through the HSE primary care service.

Finally, I wish to explain that my Department works with service-providing partners in the health and disability sectors to support the co-ordinated delivery of services to families of children with special educational needs. The interdepartmental Cross-Sectoral Team, comprising of representatives of my Department, Department of Health, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the National Council for Special Education and the Health Service Executive, plans for co-ordinated service delivery across the disability sector.

In addition, my Department is a member of the Health and Education Steering Commit- tee which has been established to progress the National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People. This Programme is based on the recommendations of the Report of the National Reference Group on Multidisciplinary Services for Children aged 5-18 Years produced by representatives of the professions and management involved in delivering multi-disciplinary services to children. The long term goal of this Programme is to bring consistency in service delivery and a clear pathway to services for all children with disabilities according to need.

06/05/2015WRV02600Schools Health and Safety

06/05/2015WRV02700486. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to banning vending machines in primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17561/15]

06/05/2015WRV02800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The results of the 2012 Lifeskills survey, which were published by my Department in February 2014, indicated that approximately 30% of post primary schools have vending machines or school shops which sell fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps. This figure was down from 35% in the 2009 survey. The 2012 survey did not find vending machines in primary schools.

The Lifeskills survey 2015 is currently underway. The results will be published before the end of 2015. This will allow the Department to track progress in relation to vending machines and other issues since 2012.

It is not my intention to legislate on the issue of vending machines. As Minister for Educa- tion and Skills I do not have the authority to dictate to schools in this manner. Schools are generally privately managed institutions which, although largely funded by the State, are relatively autonomous.

Schools are active in promoting physical activity and healthy eating among their students. This is done through Social, Personal and Health Education, Home Economics and Physical Education. We want to ensure that schools offer students healthy alternatives so that can they put their knowledge into practice and choose in an informed way.

The Department is currently finalising guidance that will issue to all schools on measures that can be taken to promote ‘Healthy Lifestyles’. This guidance encompasses measures to promote healthy eating, healthy vending, as well as the promotion of Physical Education and Physical Activity. It will issue to post primary schools initially. The guidance has been drafted 240 6 May 2015 in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE.

06/05/2015WRV02900Educational Projects

06/05/2015WRV03000487. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for a digital strategy for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17562/15]

06/05/2015WRV03100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Work is currently being finalised on the new digital strategy for schools and the strategy will be published before the autumn.

A number of research projects have taken place including an online census of teachers and principals, a public consultation process, focus groups with students, parents and teachers and a number of meetings with stakeholders including teacher unions, principal and management bodies, the Teaching Council, publishers and other interested parties. The findings from the detailed consultation process will be reflected in the strategy.

The main themes which emerged from the findings of the research projects are Learning, Teaching and Assessment Using ICTs, Teacher Professional Learning, Research, Policy and Leadership, ICT Infrastructure, Digital Content and Internet Safety. Recommendations will be based on these themes.

06/05/2015WRV03200Teacher Data

06/05/2015WRV03300488. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in dealing with underperforming teachers; the role the Teaching Council can play; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17563/15]

06/05/2015WRV03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Revised arrangements to enable school boards to take appropriate steps to deal with significant difficulties that may arise regarding a teacher’s professional competence and/or conduct were negotiated and agreed by the education partners in autumn 2009. These were published in Department Circulars 59/2009 & 60/2009.

Following the commencement of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 and the Edu- cation (Amendment) Act 2012, the parties met again to align the procedures with the provisions of these Acts. Circular 0071/2014 issued in October 2014 in that context.

The procedures provide for a staged process whereby boards of management can bring their dissatisfaction with a teacher’s work or behaviour to the attention of the teacher and require him/her to engage in steps to bring about improvement. When professional competence issues are raised in this process, the school must put in place an improvement plan and any necessary supports for the teacher and receive reports from the principal on the extent to which the teacher’s work is improving. The Revised Procedures are intended to resolve most cases at the school-based informal or formal stages of the procedures. If, however, the school’s board remains dissatisfied with the teacher’s work, the Revised Procedures provide that the board should request a review of the teacher’s work by the Inspectorate. The report from the Inspec- torate may be used by the board in its deliberations concerning the teacher’s employment.

Under the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the registration of teachers in the State.

241 Questions - Written Answers The 2001 Act is being amended in the Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill 2015 which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

It is intended that following enactment of the Bill, Part 5 of the Teaching Council Act which deal with fitness to teach will be commenced.

Commencement will enable the Council to investigate complaints against teachers.

06/05/2015WRV03500Teaching Qualifications

06/05/2015WRV03600489. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on primary teachers being restricted from gaining their professional probation in special schools, where the full curriculum is taught; if she is aware that at present teachers in special schools or classes may only receive probation on a restricted basis, and if they transfer to a mainstream school they must undergo the whole process again; and her plans to address this matter. [17579/15]

06/05/2015WRV03700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Under the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority for registration of teachers including procedures and criteria for probation.

All primary teachers must complete their probation successfully before they can achieve full registration with the Teaching Council.

The Teaching Council requires teachers’ practice to be evaluated in a mainstream class setting where their ability to manage a full class of pupils can be demonstrated. Boards of Man- agement of primary schools deploy teachers within their schools.

06/05/2015WRV03800School Accommodation Provision

06/05/2015WRV03900490. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that the additional costly pipe work requirements will be funded in addition to the standard grant already approved for two classrooms and three learning support rooms in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [17595/15]

06/05/2015WRV04000Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): In November, 2014 the school referred to by the Deputy was sanctioned a devolved grant under my Department’s Ad- ditional Accommodation Scheme to provide two mainstream classrooms and three resources rooms.

The school has recently submitted a request for additional funding and this request is currently being considered and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

06/05/2015WRV04100Special Educational Needs Staff

06/05/2015WRV04200491. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a special needs assistant (details supplied) in County Carlow, who was made redundant in 2012, will not be considered for future positions despite being fully qualified. [17607/15]

06/05/2015WRV04300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): As the Deputy will be 242 6 May 2015 aware, a set of proposals for a public service agreement were put forward by the Labour Rela- tions Commission which now form the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (the Haddington Road Agreement). One aspect of this Agreement relates to supplementary assignment arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and as both Unions that represent SNAs namely, SIPTU and IMPACT, have signed up to the Haddington Road Agreement, my Department has implemented supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs.

The first part of the LRC proposals for supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs outlines that the supplementary assignment arrangements only apply to current SNAs who are notified that they are to be made redundant. Accordingly, the purpose of these arrangements is to facilitate eligible SNAs who are being made redundant by one employer in filling SNA vacancies that may become available in another school/ETB.

The detailed supplementary assignment arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the 2014/2015 school year are set out in Departmental Circular 0044/2014 which issued on 12 May 2014 and which is available on the Department’s website at the following address: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0044_2014.pdf With effect from 1 May 2013 once an SNA with a minimum of one year’s service (Service in a substitute capacity i.e. covering for maternity leave, sick leave, career breaks, job-sharing etc. does not count) is notified by his/her employer that s/he is to be made redundant then s/he shall be deemed to be a member of a supplementary assignment panel for SNAs.

With the exception of SNAs who have been re-employed on permanent contracts or have chosen to opt out of the panel in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 6 of the circular, all SNAs who have been made redundant since 1 May 2013 are members of the SNA Supplemen- tary Assignment Panel.

It should be noted that this does not prevent any person, including SNAs who are working in temporary or cover positions, or SNAs with less than one year’s service, from applying for SNA vacancies but employers are obliged to give precedence to applicants who are members of the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel.

When an employer has a vacancy to fill, they must undertake the recruitment process in accordance with the provisions outlined in paragraphs 12-18 of Circular 44/2014.

As the LRC proposals are part of a wider public-sector pay agreement that represent compromises by both employers and unions, I do not have the ability to alter the terms of that agreement.

Finally, my Department has set up a dedicated e-mail address to deal with all queries in relation to the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel and any queries in respect of the operation of the Panel can be directed to this dedicated e-mail address: snasupplementpanel@education. gov.ie.

06/05/2015WRV04400Third Level Staff

06/05/2015WRV04500492. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that the Irish Federation of University Teachers calls for the implementation of the European Commission recommendation on improving pay transparency, which would help close the gender pay gap. [17615/15]

06/05/2015WRV04600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): As Minister for Educa- tion and Skills, I am aware that the Irish Federation of University Teachers has called for the 243 Questions - Written Answers implementation of the European Commission recommendation on strengthening the principle of equal pay between men and women through transparency. Implementation of this recommendation is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

06/05/2015WRV04700Third Level Staff

06/05/2015WRV04800493. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the issue of gender inequality in the National University of Ireland Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17616/15]

06/05/2015WRV04900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I have welcomed the response of NUI Galway in unreservedly accepting the ruling of the Equality Tribunal last No- vember in the case of Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, and in establishing a Task Force to address related issues. Discrimination against women in the workplace is unacceptable in any setting and the issues brought to light in that case are of serious concern to me.

The membership of the Task Force, which I understand met for the first time at the end of March, has the breadth of experience and expertise required to allow it to comprehensively examine all of the issues involved. Furthermore, I am satisfied that the ability of the Task Force to set its own terms of reference, and to operate independently of the management of the university itself, will allow the Task Force to provide strong and insightful advice on policies and practices relating to gender equality issues directly to the University’s Governing Authority.

It is now the responsibility of NUI Galway to engage with the student body and staff to ensure that the Task Force has the broadest possible support for its important work.

06/05/2015WRV05000Schools Refurbishment

06/05/2015WRV05100494. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received a submission and or representations from the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, requesting funding for renewal of the bitmac surface on the school yard; if such works will be undertaken in the course of the summer works, or alternative emergency provisions, given the necessity to improve the surface from a health and safety point of view, and keeping in mind the need to accommodate children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17618/15]

06/05/2015WRV05200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for funding under my Department’s Emergency Works Scheme for yard works.

As the scope of works for which funding is sought is outside the scope of the scheme it cannot be considered for funding. The management authority has been informed of this decision.

The school authority has recently been advised to submit a scaled down application to address urgent Health and Safety issues and as soon as this application is received it will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome.

06/05/2015WRV05300School Staff Appeals Mechanism

06/05/2015WRV05400495. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason

244 6 May 2015 an appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal was not upheld; and if she will reconsider the decision not to uphold the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17681/15]

06/05/2015WRV05500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department’s website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 Sep- tember. The staffing arrangements for the coming school year 2015/16 are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is available on the website. An appeals process is also available to schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

06/05/2015WRV05600State Examinations

06/05/2015WRV05700496. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a reader to assist a person (details supplied) in County Kerry with the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17687/15]

06/05/2015WRV05800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme are available for downloading from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

06/05/2015WRV05900School Transport Administration

06/05/2015WRV06000497. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to review the tendering arrangements for school transport, in view of a European Commission ruling (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17688/15]

06/05/2015WRV06100511. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills following the ruling by the European Commission in October 2014 on the unsatisfactory tendering arrangements in place between her Department and Bus Éireann for the school transport scheme, when the recommendation from the Commission that the school transport scheme contract be put out to tender will actually commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17826/15]

06/05/2015WRV06200Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Damien English): I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 511 together. 245 Questions - Written Answers Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department. This scheme has been in existence since 1967, and is based on accounting arrangements put in place in 1975.

An investigation was launched by the Commission in 2007 after receiving a complaint that, among other activities, alleged unlawful State aid was being provided to Bus Éireann in respect of school transport services.

The Commission’s Decision found that the scheme was existing aid and for this reason was not unlawful at the time the complaint was made. The Commission Decision was not a ruling on the tendering arrangements in place between the Department of Education and Skills and Bus Éireann for the School Transport Scheme.

However the Commission indicated that it would initiate dialogue with Ireland to agree on appropriate measures to ensure that the School Transport Scheme is compatible with the internal market in the future. The Department has commenced an informal dialogue with the Commission in this regard.

06/05/2015WRV06300Third Level Facilities

06/05/2015WRV06400498. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an extension of the current library at Mary Immaculate College, County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17695/15]

06/05/2015WRV06500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The needs of the College will be considered in the context of budgetary resources and having regard to competing demands.

06/05/2015WRV06600Departmental Schemes

06/05/2015WRV06700499. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will amend the Caranua survivor scheme to allow the children of survivors avail of education grants, which were available under the previous Nova scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17699/15]

06/05/2015WRV06800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Eligibility for assistance from Caranua is confined to those who received awards from the Redress Board or equivalent Court awards or settlements. This approach was taken having regard to the maximum funds available of €110 million and a potential pool of some 15,000 applicants. I intend to consider the question of a review of the arrangements relating to eligibility later this year by which time a clearer picture should have emerged regarding the uptake of the funding available.

06/05/2015WRV06900School Accommodation Provision

06/05/2015WRV07000500. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved funding for a corridor extension. [17703/15]

06/05/2015WRV07100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy recently submitted an application for funding for the provision of a link corridor.

246 6 May 2015 As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the competing demands on my Department’s capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the funding available for the provision of essential school classroom accommodation, it is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the proposed link corridor project for the school in question at this time.

06/05/2015WRW00150Schools Refurbishment

06/05/2015WRW00200501. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Par- liamentary Question No. 401 of 9 December 2014, if she will confirm that the tender process to appoint the design team to complete the design of the extension and refurbishment works required in a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been completed; if a successful tenderer has been appointed and an approximate date for the completion of the design; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17727/15]

06/05/2015WRW00300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The project referred to by the Deputy is currently completing the Design Team appointment stage. The Tender competition for the Design Team appointment has concluded and the Board of Management have finalised the assessment of the tenders received. Letters of Intent and feedback letters have recently issued to all Tenderers and subject to no issues arising the formal appointment of the Design Team will be completed in the coming weeks.

The project will provide for refurbishment of the listed building on site and extension to provide overall accommodation for a 16 classroom school. My Department has already secured planning permission for the project using in-house Architectural resources. Once appointed the design team will work on the basis established under that planning permission to bring this project through the remaining stages of the architectural planning process.

06/05/2015WRW00350Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRW00400502. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will set out in detail the way the inheritance of a sum of money is dealt with when assessing the reckonable income of the parents of a dependant student in respect of the student grant scheme 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17734/15]

06/05/2015WRW00500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Article 24(6) of the Student Grant Scheme 2015 provides that gifts or inheritances received in the reference period will be included as reckonable income.

If any of the persons whose income is under consideration received a gift or an inheritance in the reference period, these are included in reckonable income, unless in the case of an independent student, the gift or inheritance was between the applicant and his or her spouse, civil partner or cohabitant; or in the case of a dependent student, the gift or inheritance was between parents or to the applicant from his or her parent(s).

It will be necessary for the persons whose income is under consideration to complete a Gifts and Inheritance Form (available from their grant awarding authority) unless the gift or inheritance is covered by one of the exceptions outlined above.

06/05/2015WRW00550School Enrolments

247 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRW00600503. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline her plans to deal with the projected increase in demand for school places at primary and post- primary level in the Littlepace, Castaheany and Ongar areas of Dublin 15 in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17744/15]

06/05/2015WRW00700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Deputy will be aware that my Department’s current five-year construction plan is focused on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to accommodate increasing pupil numbers. In that regard, it is also open to schools to submit applications for funding under my Department’s additional accommodation scheme to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed. The relevant application form may be accessed on my Department’s website at www.education.ie.

In order to meet demographic demand at primary level, new school accommodation has been provided in over 6 schools in the Dublin 15 areas referred to by the Deputy. This additional accommodation together with that in existing primary schools is considered adequate based on current demographic data to meet pupil demands in the area.

In relation to post primary provision in the Dublin 15 areas concerned, an additional 1,000 pupil post primary school has been established in September 2014 to meet demographic demand. My Department considers that the school classroom accommodation being provided by this school together with that in existing post primary schools is adequate to meet the demand in the Dublin 15 areas in question. This may sometimes, however, lead to pupils not being offered a place in their school of first preference.

In addition, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently carrying out a nationwide demographic exercise, including the areas in question, to determine where additional post-primary school accommodation might be needed from 2017 onwards. On foot of this review, arrangements will be made to provide additional post-primary accommodation where this is needed.

06/05/2015WRW00750Schools Building Projects Applications

06/05/2015WRW00800504. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 28 April 2015, if an official will be nominated to deal directly with the school in question so that a roadmap of the process will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17749/15]

06/05/2015WRW00900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that the school, in question, has been provided with contact details to facilitate the school’s liaison with my Department’s Building Unit in relation to its building project.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has written in recent days to the school concerned in respect of their immediate accommodation requirements.

06/05/2015WRW00950Special Educational Needs Service Provision

06/05/2015WRW01000505. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the glowing report the Government has given itself in its spring economic statement whether she will immediately reverse the 15% cut in resource teaching hours for students with special

248 6 May 2015 education needs that she imposed in 2012; if she will restore resource teaching hours for students with special education needs to the levels pertaining in 2010, which are the levels recommended by the report of the special education review committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17759/15]

06/05/2015WRW01100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that some €1.37 billion will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year, which represents approximately 15% of my Department’s budget.

This has provided for the allocation of over 11,000 resource and learning support teaching posts which will be the highest level of resource teaching allocations that we have ever had, and will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs.

This Government has significantly increased the overall number of resource teaching posts available to schools in recent years.

The number of Resource Teaching/Learning Support Teachers in mainstream schools is over 11,000 at the moment, which is more than at any time previously. This can be compared with 10,305 posts for the 2012/13 school year and 9,950 posts for the 2011/12 year.

There are therefore now more additional resource teachers/learning support teachers in our schools than at any time previously.

The General Allocation Model, which allocates over 4,200 Learning Support/Resource Teachers for all primary schools, is also now updated annually, based on the number of mainstream teaching posts in schools in the previous year, and is therefore updated annually to reflect growth in school size. The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has recommended the development of a new model for delivering teaching resources to schools to support students with special needs.

Through consultations, there was a broad welcome for the proposed new model from Par- ents, disability groups, schools and stakeholders. However, there has not been sufficient time to address all of the concerns which have been raised in advance of the 2015 school year.

06/05/2015WRW01150Momentum Programme

06/05/2015WRW01200506. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the average cost to the Exchequer of a place on the MOMENTUM programme, excluding income support. [17769/15]

06/05/2015WRW01300Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Momentum programme is funded through an innovative performance funding model, whereby funds are only transferred by SOLAS to relevant education and training providers upon achievement of certain

249 Questions - Written Answers milestones. In traditional payment models, the State is responsible for the entire programme costs. In Momentum, the provider shares the risk so that, for example, where participants drop out the payment reduces.

For the current round of Momentum, the average per person fee submitted by providers is €4,328. The payment model transfers a portion of the financial risk to the provider, as a result, SOLAS expects that the average cost per person will be in the region of 70% of the submitted fee or €3,029.

06/05/2015WRW01350Higher Education Institutions Expenditure

06/05/2015WRW01400507. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline her views on the pressures on educational services at the National College of Art and Design as a result of graduate numbers increasing by 33% since 2010 and staff numbers having being cut by 15%; her plans to improve resource allocations to the college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17777/15]

06/05/2015WRW01500Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The reality of the economic situation and the public expenditure corrections which had to be made in recent years presented challenges across all areas of public expenditure, including in higher education institutions such as the National College of Art and Design (NCAD).

Higher education institutions such as NCAD are autonomous bodies and have responsibility for their own day to day affairs. However, it should be noted that according to Higher Educa- tion Authority figures, the overall (full and part-time) enrolments at NCAD has increased from 1,174 in 2009/10 to 1,224 in 2013/14 an increase of 4.2%, while a reduction in staffing numbers of 9.5%.has occurred for the same period.

An Expert Group, chaired by Peter Cassells, is currently examining future funding options for higher education. The objective is to identify a range of approaches that, combined, will achieve a sustainable funding base to address the continual expansion of the sector while protecting the quality of education.

06/05/2015WRW01550Special Educational Needs Service Provision

06/05/2015WRW01600508. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the interim measure recently introduced whereby schools will receive 2.5 resource teacher hours per week for each child with Down’s syndrome, whether she will provide details of the number of new applications for which a request to avail of these hours has been received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17782/15]

06/05/2015WRW01700Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced that additional resources will be allocated to schools, as an interim measure, to support those children with Down syndrome, who are not already supported through the National Council for Special Education’s (NCSE) low incidence resource teaching annual allocation process.

I advised that this measure was being introduced in recognition of the length of time it will take to introduce the new resource teacher allocation model and the fact that children with Down syndrome experience a cluster of difficulties relating to this syndrome, in addition to general learning difficulties, including speech and language developmental delays.

250 6 May 2015 Schools were asked to apply to the NCSE for additional resource teaching hours for children with Down syndrome by 17th April, 2015, following which the additional hours will be included in allocations to qualifying schools for the 2015/16 school year.

The NCSE has advised that 161 valid applications have been received from schools to date, in respect of children with Down syndrome, not already supported through the NCSE annual allocation process. Additional applications may also be received under any second round application process.

06/05/2015WRW01750Third Level Courses Availability

06/05/2015WRW01800509. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that there will be no reduction in courses or resources available in University College Cork, pertaining to the study of language and culture in east Asia, which is particularly important in the context of Irish trade promotion in expanding and emerging markets in Asia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17813/15]

06/05/2015WRW01900Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Under the Universities Act 1997 University College Cork is an autonomous statutory institution and its authorities are responsible for the internal deployment of resources within the University. My Department is currently in the process of drafting a Strategy on Foreign Languages in Education which will recognise the importance of foreign languages.

06/05/2015WRW01950Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

06/05/2015WRW02000510. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to means testing for Student Universal Support Ireland grants, if consideration will be given to an applicant’s outgoings as well as income, particularly in cases where it can be proven that a large proportion of an applicant’s assessed income is used to serve residual bank debt and failure to secure this grant would cause the applicant undue hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17822/15]

06/05/2015WRW02100Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): Student grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period.

The means test arrangements of the Student Grant Scheme are applied nationally on the same basis to both employed and self-employed applicants. Gross income before the deduction of income tax or universal social charge, is assessed with certain specified social welfare and health service executive payments excluded.

Therefore, the assessment of income from the same starting point is deemed to be fair and reasonable because this approach eliminates any distortion which might arise from different spending decisions in different households.

Question No. 511 answered with Question No. 497.

06/05/2015WRW02250Pupil-Teacher Ratio

06/05/2015WRW02300512. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out

251 Questions - Written Answers the number of all-girl primary schools; the total number of pupils in these schools; the cost to her Department if these schools were allocated five hours of learning support per mainstream teacher - as opposed to four hours of learning support per mainstream teacher - under the current rules of the general allocation model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17865/15]

06/05/2015WRW02400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I wish to advise the Deputy that differing teacher allocation ratios are applied under the General Allocation Model (GAM) in relation to boys, girls and mixed schools in order to account for differentials of prevalence of learning difficulty between boys and girls. The objective of this differentiation is to ensure that resources provided to schools to support children who have additional learning needs are targeted to ensure that those children most in need benefit from these resources.

The rationale for the differing ratios is based on international literature on the incidence of disability as well as international and national surveys of literacy and numeracy which indicate that there is a greater incidence of disability/learning difficulty in boys than girls.

The NCSE has published a report ‘A study of the Prevalence of Special Educational Needs’ which is available at www.ncse.ie and which contains details regarding the prevalence of special needs among the pupil population including noting gender differentials.

It should be noted that schools in Delivering Equality of Opportunity in School Band 1 category also receive an additional base allocation of 0.4 of a post if the school has 200 or more pupils or an additional 0.2 of a post if the school has less than 200 pupils.

For the 2014/15 school year there are 164 schools classified as Girls Schools for GAM allocation purposes with total enrolments of 48,007 pupils. The estimated cost of the cost if these schools were allocated five hours’ learning support per mainstream teacher, as opposed to 4 hours’ learning support per mainstream teacher, under the current rules of the General Alloca- tion Model would be approximately €4.25m per annum.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has recommended the development of a new model for delivering teaching resources to schools to support students with special needs.

My Department is, however, continuing to develop the new allocation model for schools and is currently working to devise a pilot of the new model. Issues regarding any adjustments to the existing allocation process will therefore be considered in the context of the development of a new allocation model. It should be noted, however, that the NCSE report recommended that gender should continue to be a factor in deciding on school profile for resource allocation purposes.

06/05/2015WRW02450School Staff

06/05/2015WRW02500513. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will support primary education in respect of class size, posts of responsibility and loss of income over the past number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17877/15]

06/05/2015WRW02600Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The criteria used for the

252 6 May 2015 allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final. The staffing arrangements for the 2015/2016 school year are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is available on the Department website.

At primary level the staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The primary staffing schedule currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils, with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools. My Department’s guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). School authorities are also requested, where possible, to use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.

When the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility was introduced in 2009, the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal posts in all primary and post-primary schools. These posts continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium was therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties posts of responsibility.

The alleviation arrangements set out in Circular 0004/2014 provide a floor by which schools acutely affected at AP level by the impact of the moratorium can fill their AP vacancies as they arise to the level of the thresholds set out in that circular.

It continues to be a matter for each individual school authority to re-organise and prioritise the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing the moratorium.

Economic constraints and the moratorium on recruitment albeit alleviated to some extent for schools, have presented challenges within the education sector. They also provide an opportunity to review the role of the principal so that our principals are leaders of learning, and to reconfigure the middle management structure to support principals in their role, ensuring ownership of responsibility rather than tasks, thereby building expertise and supporting a career path within the profession.

The Department, in consultation with the representative management bodies has commenced an exploration of the opportunities to support and thereby advance our understanding of the needs of school leaders and how they might be addressed.

The Government’s approach to restoring the economy has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about further improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers.

The challenge for all schools is to ensure that they utilise their allocated resources to best effect to maximise teaching and learning outcomes.

06/05/2015WRW02650Educational Disadvantage

253 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRW02700514. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the number of all-girl primary urban band 2 schools under the Delivering Equality of Oppor- tunity in Schools programme; the total number of students in these schools; the cost to her De- partment, if these schools were allocated five hours of learning support per mainstream teacher as opposed to four hours, under the current rules of the general allocation model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17881/15]

06/05/2015WRW02750515. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the number of all-girl primary rural schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme; the total number of students in these schools; the cost to her Department if these schools were allocated five hours of learning support per mainstream teacher, as opposed to four hours, under the current rules of the general allocation model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17882/15]

06/05/2015WRW02800Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

There are 24 all girls’ Primary Urban Band 2 DEIS schools (or considered Girls Schools for GAM/EAL purposes) with a total enrolment of 5,903. If these schools were allocated five hours’ learning support per mainstream teachers as opposed to four hours under the current rules of GAM/EAL, this would result in approximately 9 additional posts.

There are 3 all girls’ DEIS Rural schools with a total enrolment of 278 pupils. An increase in allocation from four to five hours would results in approximately an additional 0.5 post.

As the Deputy may be aware, differing teacher allocation ratios are applied under the Gen- eral Allocation Model (GAM) in relation to boys, girls and mixed schools in order to account for differentials of prevalence of learning difficulty between boys and girls. The objective of this differentiation is to ensure that resources provided to schools to support children who have additional learning needs are targeted to ensure that those children most in need benefit from these resources.

Details of the GAM allocation process for schools for the coming 2015/16 school year are set out in Circular 05/2015, which is available on my Department’s website at www.education. ie.

06/05/2015WRW03050Schools Building Projects Status

06/05/2015WRW03100516. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the position regarding progressing the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if all documentation required has been submitted by the school authorities; the

254 6 May 2015 extent to which this documentation has been assessed to date; when it is expected approval will issue to enable the school proceed to planning permission stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17888/15]

06/05/2015WRW03200Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): The Major Building Project for the school referred to by the Deputy, is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Plan- ning, Stage 2b Detailed Design, which includes obtaining the necessary statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

In February of this year, the appointment of a replacement design team to the building project was completed and the school authorities were requested to liaise with their new design team, progress the project to Stage 2b, apply to secure statutory approvals and complete tender documentation including prequalification of contractors.

A submission from the Board of Management and their new design team was made to the Department, and comments have issued to the school authorities in order to provide clarification on a number of issues for the school and their design team.

This project was included on the 5 year construction programme to proceed to tender and construction in 2014/15. When the Stage 2(b) submission for the project has been received and assessed, my Department will be in further communication with the school authority regarding the progression of the project to tender and construction at that time.

06/05/2015WRW03250Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRW03300517. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide details of recruitment to public sector bodies under the aegis of her Department since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18250/15]

06/05/2015WRW03400Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): New arrangements for the restoration to my Department of delegated sanction for recruiting and promoting certain public sector staff are currently being finalised with the Department of Public Expenditure and Re- form. These new arrangements are expected to be shortly finalised. In the meantime the existing arrangements continue to apply.

As part of this Government’s commitment to protect front line services in schools, appointments of teaching staff have been exempted from the moratorium on recruitment applying across other areas. In this regard, additional teaching staff have continued to be provided to reflect increases in pupil numbers in schools. As part of Budget 2015 I gave a commitment to the recruitment of approximately 900 extra mainstream teachers and 480 Resource Teachers in schools for the 2015/16 school year. I also made provision in the Budget for the employment of extra Special Needs Assistants, with an increased ceiling of 11,330 posts for 2015.

06/05/2015WRW03450Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas

06/05/2015WRW03500518. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the current status of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas report; the amount of funding that will be put aside for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17208/15]

06/05/2015WRW03600Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Ann Phelan): The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural 255 Questions - Written Answers Areas (or CEDRA) published its report in 2014. The Report contained 34 recommendations focussed on supporting the medium term economic development of rural areas in the period to 2025. I was appointed Minister for Rural Affairs in July 2014, and in line with the recommendations in the CEDRA Report, I immediately established the CEDRA Interdepartmental Group (IDG).

The IDG, which is made up of representatives from all relevant Government Departments, is currently working in a coordinated way to ensure that each Department’s policy development and implementation fully considers the needs of rural communities. In this context, it is about maximising the financial resources already available for rural development and ensuring that these resources are directed in a way that best supports the sustainable economic development of rural areas.

In order to maintain strong links with people in rural Ireland who are involved in or have a strong interest in the economic development of rural areas and communities, both Minister Kelly and I have recently established an Expert Advisory Group to monitor progress and provide advice in respect of the implementation of the recommendations in the CEDRA report. This group, which is chaired by Mr. Pat Spillane and met for the first time recently, is looking at the CEDRA recommendations with a view to offering advice regarding priority actions to support the implementation process.

Regarding the funds available to implement this report in 2015, the intention was not to allocate a specific budget for the purposes of implementing the recommendations of the CEDRA report but rather to ensure that all relevant stakeholders maximise the potential of existing funding streams to support the economic development of rural areas specifically. However, €1 million was allocated in the budget for 2015 to establish a Rural Innovation and Development fund in line with CEDRA recommendations to support innovative, small scale pilot initiatives. Agreement has been reached on the types of projects to be supported under this scheme and a call for proposals for some elements will issue shortly.

Work is also advancing on the establishment of a Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) pilot scheme and an amount of €2 million is being made available to support the implementation of this pilot. I expect to announce the details of this pilot shortly. A further €5 million has also been provided for an expanded REDZ scheme under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme and I am confident that the learning from the pilot will allow us to progress that in early 2016.

It should be noted that significant progress has already been made in terms of implementing the recommendations of the CEDRA Report and this will continue through the work of the IDG over the coming period.

06/05/2015WRW03650Rural Development Programme

06/05/2015WRW03700519. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider allowing a 29th subregion under the rural development programme to deal with offshore islands, so that those organisations specifically dealing with the islands’ unique conditions and circumstances will be enabled to tender as local action groups under the programme. [17274/15]

06/05/2015WRW03800Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Ann Phelan): For the purposes of the LEADER elements of the Rural De- velopment Programme 2014-2020, rural areas in Ireland are considered to be those areas out-

256 6 May 2015 side the cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is reconfiguring the way in which local and rural development interventions are implemented. This is in line with Government policy to ensure that local government is well positioned to support the effective and efficient delivery of local and rural development. In this context, €220 million of the overall LEADER programme complement for the 2014-2020 period has been allocated based on administrative or county boundaries to 28 sub-regional areas. I do not propose to change this at this stage.

However, in the context of the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, I am anxious that the implementation of the LEADER elements of the programme reflects a community led approach and in order to ensure this, each sub-regional area will be responsible for determining its own needs and will outline how it proposes to address those needs in its Local Development Strategy.

This approach will also apply to those areas that contain island communities and each Local Development Strategy will be required to outline how it proposes to address the needs of both its Island and Gaeltacht communities, as appropriate. I encourage these communities to engage fully with the Local Development Strategy development processes for their respective areas in order to ensure that their needs and concerns are fully addressed.

06/05/2015WRW03850Electromagnetic Fields Studies

06/05/2015WRW03900520. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the electric and magnetic fields report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17437/15]

06/05/2015WRW04000Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): My Department has commissioned a study to review and report on international developments on the potential health effects of electro-magnetic fields, by examining international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research, which have taken place since publication in 2007 of a report by the then Department of Communica- tions, Marine and Natural Resources, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields.

Representatives from a number of Departments, together with national and international experts, are currently overseeing the study which is being undertaken by RIVM, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. It is expected that the report will be completed in the near future and will be published soon thereafter.

06/05/2015WRW04050Local Authority Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRW04100521. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will lift the embargo on county councils outdoor staff to enable councils to carry out essential work in communities, as committed to by the Government in the property tax resource, as this will enable councils to make full-time employees of the current temporary gateway workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17714/15]

06/05/2015WRW04200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): As announced in Budget 2015, the moratorium and the Employment Control Framework for the Public Service have been lifted but recruitment/promotion will be subject to adherence to binding 3 year pay ceilings. Staffing resources must be managed within these overall ceil-

257 Questions - Written Answers ings. Detailed arrangements in terms of the local government sector will be worked out between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. This includes budgetary matters. In this regard, it is a matter for Chief Executives to ensure that the appropriate service levels are maintained.

06/05/2015WRW04250National Spatial Strategy

06/05/2015WRW04300522. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out his plans to re-introduce the national spatial strategy, focusing on gate- ways and hubs in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17206/15]

06/05/2015WRW04400Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): The 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) was Ireland’s first national strategic spatial planning framework and outlined policies and objectives to secure a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions through the co-ordinated development of nine gateway cities and towns, and nine hub towns, together with complementary policies to activate the potential for lasting economic development in their hinterlands and wider regions.

The NSS remains in place, but having regard to the significantly changed economic circumstances the Government recently approved the commencement of the preparation of a new National Planning Framework as a successor to the NSS. Arrangements in this regard will now be put in place and this will be a significant area of activity during 2015.

I intend that the new National Planning Framework will be developed to maximise Ireland’s economic recovery and on-going growth at national, regional and local level, thus further con- tributing to sustainable national recovery through an inclusive and participative approach with all relevant national, regional and local interests and acting as the strategic context for:

1) planning in Ireland at national level, in relation to relevant Government policies and investment concerning national and regional development with particular emphasis on economic development and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure;

2) development, by the three new regional assemblies, of their new regional spatial and economic strategies, and

3) planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála discharging in their statutory planning functions.

I will make a further statement in the near future on broader arrangements in relation to the preparation of the Framework.

06/05/2015WRW04450Regional Development Funding

06/05/2015WRW04500523. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out his plans to develop economic regions within the island of Ireland; the amount of money put aside for this and the direct economic benefit to the State for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17207/15] 258 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRW04600Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): Under the Government’s Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First, the regional dimension to local government in relation to economic development has been considerably enhanced and reconfigured through the establishment of the new Northern and Western, Southern, and Eastern and Midland Regional Assemblies which will have a number of important new functions including, inter alia, the for- mulation and adoption of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.

The new strategies will replace the current Regional Planning Guidelines which expire in 2016 and will have a 12 year lifespan from 2016 to 2028.

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies will support implementation of national spatial policies and the economic policies and objectives of the Government, including the Action Plan for Jobs, by enhancing co-ordination of planning and economic development functions of relevant Government departments and agencies and the local government sector, including the new Local Economic and Community Plans.

The new strategies will, within the Government’s overall macro-economic and budgetary framework, serve to co-ordinate policy development, promotional and capital investment programmes of relevant government departments and agencies, including those engaged in enterprise development and with an EU co-finance dimension, with local government and the activities of the private sector and local communities, in order to ensure the optimal development of the country, nationally, regionally and locally.

From an island perspective, the new strategies will also take account of the Regional De- velopment Strategy in Northern Ireland, given the many environmental, social and economic ties between Ireland and Northern Ireland that are relevant to spatial planning and economic development matters.

I am currently finalising arrangements to support the development of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies in tandem with advancing the preparation of the National Planning Framework, later this year.

06/05/2015WRX00150Housing Estates

06/05/2015WRX00200524. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress to date regarding the taking in charge of housing developments which have developer-provided wastewater service infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17215/15]

06/05/2015WRX00300Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): As was acknowledged by my Department in Circular Letter PL 5/14 regarding the taking in charge of housing estates, which issued to planning authorities on 5 November 2014, there is an issue in relation to some stand-alone developer-provided water services infrastructure in certain estates, which in many cases may require upgrading and remediation and which must be addressed before the taking in charge process in respect of relevant estates can be completed.

In anticipation of possible issues in this regard, my Department, in conjunction with the Water Services Transition Office, sought information in 2013 from each local authority on the number of such residential developments that are located within their respective functional areas and this has given a better understanding of the extent of these developments nationally.

259 Questions - Written Answers Further to this information request, my Department has commissioned a representative sample of local authorities to undertake a more detailed technical examination of these developments in order to obtain a clearer view on:

- the types of such water services infrastructure that are in place;

- the condition of such infrastructure; and

- the scale of works and investment costs that might be required for remediation of any de- fects or problems, including prospects for successful enforcement action.

This pilot exercise has a number of objectives including identifying alternative optimal solutions, and developing indicative cost estimates, for any works that might be required. It is intended that this exercise will facilitate the development of a national strategy, including funding options, to address problems in relevant residential estates with stand-alone developer- provided infrastructure.

Where a planning authority is satisfied that a housing estate has been completed in accordance with the terms of its planning permission and is minded to take the development in charge and, having established that Irish Water is willing to receive water services related assets post taking in charge, then there should be no impediment in the taking in charge process relating to such estates.

It is anticipated that the pilot study referred to will be completed later this year and this will inform the development of a timetable for the taking in charge of relevant developments with stand-alone developer provided water services infrastructure.

06/05/2015WRX00350Motor Tax Collection

06/05/2015WRX00400525. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to deal with the regressive nature of the motor taxation system, as it applies to both pre and post-2008 registered cars, and the use of the option to pay either three- monthly, six-monthly or annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17275/15]

06/05/2015WRX00500Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Motor tax on cars registered prior to 2008 is based on engine capacity. Motor tax on cars registered since 2008 is based on CO 2 emissions. I do not consider that either basis of taxation is regressive. In the case of cars taxed on engine capacity, the banding is structured so that the level of tax payable increases as the engine size increases. In the case of cars taxed on the basis of CO2, the banding is structured so that higher emitting cars attract a higher rate of tax than lower emitting ones. The move to CO2 has been effective in reducing emissions - 95% of all new vehicles purchased are now in the lowest emitting A and B bands, which carry the lowest tax rates. Overall, the average emissions from new cars purchased in Ireland in 2013 was 121g CO2/km, down from 164g CO2/km in 2007, before the CO2 system was introduced, meaning that the country has already reached the EU target of 130g CO2/km for 2015.

In respect of the payment periods for motor tax, 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 the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the resultant administrative costs and printing costs that arise, including the issuing

260 6 May 2015 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.

I have no plans currently to review the basis for paying motor tax on a half-yearly or quarterly basis.

06/05/2015WRX00550Waste Management Regulations

06/05/2015WRX00600526. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to implement the programme for Government commitment (details supplied) to place a public service obligation on private waste collectors, including a fee waiver scheme for low-income households; and if he does not plan to honour this commitment, the reason for same, and when this decision was taken. [17293/15]

06/05/2015WRX00700Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Among the measures included in the Government’s national waste policy, A Resource Op- portunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, which was published in July 2012, was the establishment of an inter-Departmental working group to report to Government with options on minimising the impact of waste charges on low-income households.

The working group, which comprises representatives of my Department and the Depart- ments of Social Protection; Public Expenditure and Reform; Finance; and the Tánaiste’s Office, submitted its second report to Government in July 2013. Government considered the report and, given the complexity of the issues involved, including the fact that the vast majority of households have moved away from local authority collection and have engaged private waste collectors on whom it would be difficult to impose any obligation to provide a waiver system, mandated the working group to continue to examine the issue, with a view to submitting a third report to Government in due course.

Given that the vast majority of local authorities no longer collect waste and that the market is now serviced by a diverse range of private operators, where the fees charged and services offered vary across the country, it is becoming increasingly apparent that introducing a national waiver scheme in the context of an open market for waste collection would be highly complex.

06/05/2015WRX00750Wind Energy Guidelines

06/05/2015WRX00800527. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the publication of the revised wind energy guidelines; the reason for the delay in their publication; when he expects the new guidelines to be published; if the new guidelines will apply to strategic infrastructure development projects, where the planning application has already been submitted to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17353/15]

06/05/2015WRX00900534. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the new planning guidelines for wind farm developments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/15]

06/05/2015WRX01000539. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which recent increases in the scale and capacity of onshore wind turbines has been considered in the ongoing review of departmental guidance in relation to the

261 Questions - Written Answers minimum siting distances of such turbines from domestic dwellings, schools and other sensitive receptors; the extent to which the national landscape strategy is being linked to same; the types of mitigating requirements being considered in relation to shadow flicker and noise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17507/15]

06/05/2015WRX01100564. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the recently put together Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland wind atlas has been provided to An Bord Pleanála; if it will have an influence on the putting together of revised wind turbine guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17752/15]

06/05/2015WRX01200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 527, 534, 539 and 564 together.

In December 2013, my Department published proposed “draft” revisions to the noise, setback distance and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines.

These draft revisions proposed:

- The setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,

- A mandatory minimum setback distance of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and

- The complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.

A public consultation process was initiated on these proposed draft revisions to the Guide- lines, which ran until February 21 2014. My Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public during this period.

It is intended that the revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible. In this regard, account has to be taken of the extensive response to the public consultation in framing the final guidelines. Further work is also advancing to develop technical appendices to assist planning authorities with the practical application of the noise measurement aspects of the Wind Guidelines.

The revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006, when finalised, will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.

The existing Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006) provide guidance to planning authorities on aesthetic considerations in relation to the siting and design of wind energy developments in the landscape. In this regard, my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has the lead Ministerial responsibility for developing the National Landscape Strategy, with input from my Department, along with other Departments and State Bodies. I understand that the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025 is expected to be published in the coming weeks. The question of the development of guidelines, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, for planning authorities in relation to the practical implementation of the Strategy will be considered in due course.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Wind Atlas is a digital map of Ire- land’s wind energy resource. It provides detailed information on wind speeds (calculated for different heights above ground level on a 100m horizontal grid basis), electricity transmission

262 6 May 2015 and distribution networks for specific locations around Ireland at national and county levels.

It is understood that SEAI completed its Wind Atlas in 2003, and an updated version, the Wind Atlas 2013 will be viewable on-line when software upgrades have been completed. In the interim, the SEAI makes the new wind atlas data-sets available, on request, to professional Geographical Information Systems users and other organisations.

SEAI advise that the concept of average wind speed for a county has no practical application in the context of planning an individual wind energy development project.

06/05/2015WRX01250Tenant Purchase Scheme Administration

06/05/2015WRX01300528. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make regulations for a tenant purchase scheme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17362/15]

06/05/2015WRX01400540. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government if he will provide an update on progress in introducing a new tenant purchase scheme for local authorities; when this will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17513/15]

06/05/2015WRX01500560. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a new tenant purchase scheme at an early date, in view of the fact that many tenants who were not in a position to avail of previous purchase schemes wish to apply for new scheme to purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17698/15]

06/05/2015WRX01600Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): I propose to take Questions Nos. 528, 540 and 560 together.

Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 provides for a new scheme for the tenant purchase of existing local authority houses along incremental purchase lines. The Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020 includes a commitment to make the Regulations necessary for its introduction, in the second quarter of 2015, which will set out the full details of the new scheme. It is expected that the new scheme will commence at the earliest possible date following the making of the Regulations.

06/05/2015WRX01650Local Authority Housing Data

06/05/2015WRX01700529. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of local authority houses that were built, on a county basis, in 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17384/15]

06/05/2015WRX01800Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): My Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy. It includes data on the number of local authority houses built, broken down by year, and those data are available on my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/ FileDownLoad,15291,en.xls by clicking “Social Housing Outputs” under the Social Housing Supports heading.

263 Questions - Written Answers Social housing is key priority for this Government, evidenced by the additional €2.2 billion in funding announced for it in Budget 2015 and the publication of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014. The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommoda- tion Scheme, will address the needs of the circa 90,000 households on the housing waiting list.

Following on from the target setting process, on 5 May 2015, I announced the first major direct build social housing programme under the Social Housing Strategy, with over 100 separate housing projects across all 31 local authorities. Details are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/ MainBody,41340,en.htm.

06/05/2015WRX01850Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

06/05/2015WRX01900530. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he or his Department officials are concerned regarding the recent announcement made by Ulster Bank on 27 April 2015 regarding persons in long-term mortgage arrears; if there are concerns regarding the impact this will have on the social housing waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17385/15]

06/05/2015WRX02000Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): In order for a household to qualify for social housing support, a housing authority must carry out an assessment to establish whether the household meets specified eligibility requirements and has a housing need. The housing need criteria, as prescribed in the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, includes a household that has a mortgage that is deemed to be unsustainable under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. My Department has advised housing authorities that, upon receipt of written confirmation from the lender that a household’s mortgage has been deemed unsustainable, an authority may consider the household to have a housing need.

Social housing is a key priority for the Government, evidenced by the additional €2.2 billion in funding announced for social housing in Budget 2015 and the publication of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014. The Strategy builds on the provisions contained in Budget 2015 and sets out clear, measurable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. Importantly, the Strategy restores the State to a central role in the provision of social housing.

The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, will address the needs of the 90,000 households on the housing waiting list in full and, importantly, provides flexibility to meet potential future demand. In committing to provide these 35,000 new social housing units, at a projected cost of €3.8 billion, the strategy marks a fresh start for social housing in Ireland.

264 6 May 2015 The 2013 housing assessment figures are the most up-to-date figures available on waiting list numbers, which are subject to on-going fluctuation due to households being allocated housing and new households applying for housing support. In order to ensure that the most up to date and comprehensive data is available on an on-going basis, relating to the numbers applying for social housing support, the Strategy includes a number of actions to standardise assessment and increase the regularity of assessments including undertaking the summary of social housing assessments on an annual basis from 2016 onwards. In this regard, the numbers on the social housing waiting list will be kept under review.

06/05/2015WRX02050Irish Water Administration

06/05/2015WRX02100531. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the authority given to local authorities to pass personal public service numbers to Irish Water in view of the assumption that tenants would have to have provided their consent first. [17404/15]

06/05/2015WRX02200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): 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.

Under the Water Services Acts 2007-2013, Irish Water has statutory powers to request its customers and certain specified persons or bodies to provide it with information so that Irish Water can perform its functions under these Acts, including the collection of data to develop its customer database. In particular, section 26 of the Water Services Act 2013 provides Irish Water with the power to obtain information on its customers from other third parties as listed in the section, including a local authority, the Revenue Commissioners, the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, the Local Government Manage- ment Agency, the Minister for Social Protection or any other person or body to be prescribed by the Minister.

Irish Water is required to manage all personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. Irish Water has an on-going engagement with the Office of the Data Pro- tection Commissioner which has worked closely with Irish Water to agree the process for the capture, storage and usage of customer data.

06/05/2015WRX02250Voluntary Housing Sector

06/05/2015WRX02300532. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government if it is the local authority or the voluntary housing organisation which own the homes rented to tenants by organisations such as Cluid or the National Association of Building Co-operatives; his views on the role of voluntary housing organisations in tackling the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17414/15]

06/05/2015WRX02400Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Approved housing bodies (AHBs) are organisations approved under section 6 of the Hous- ing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 to provide social housing support in conjunction with local authorities. These organisations include voluntary housing associations.

The ownership of homes being rented to tenants by AHBs varies, depending on the scheme under which the dwelling was provided. Since the late 1980s, approximately 27,000 units of accommodation have been provided by AHBs under capital funding schemes underpinned by 265 Questions - Written Answers mortgages. More recently, a scheme was introduced that provides an up-front capital payment of up to 30% of the property value to facilitate AHBs in raising private finance to acquire or build new social housing units. The capital advanced is repayable at the end of a payment and availability agreement, usually after 30 years. Under the terms of these various funding schemes, AHBs are the de facto owners of the properties and are required to make them available for social renting for the duration of the mortgage or, as the case may be, the availability agreement.

In addition, under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme, AHBs can purchase, construct or lease housing units and make them available for social housing. AHBs can also manage unsold affordable units on behalf of a local authority. These unsold affordable units remain in the ownership of the local authority, while those in leasing arrangements remain either in private ownership or are in the ownership of the NAMA special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Social housing is key priority for the Government, evidenced by the additional €2.2 billion in funding announced for it in Budget 2015 and the publication of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014. AHBs have a key role to play in the provision of social housing and this is recognised in the Strategy.

06/05/2015WRX02450Housing for People with Disabilities Provision

06/05/2015WRX02500533. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any scheme, grant or contribution available at present to assist families with the cost of building a home for family members with severe disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/15]

06/05/2015WRX02600Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): My Department does not have a grant scheme specifically to support the building of a new house where there are family members with disabilities.

Question No. 534 answered with Question No. 527.

06/05/2015WRX02675Register of Electors Administration

06/05/2015WRX02700535. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on current methods for checking and confirming the electoral register; the measures open to citizens who feel that they were unjustly removed from the register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/15]

06/05/2015WRX02800Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local authority as a registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. This involves the carrying out of house-to-house or other local enquiries, including in many cases delivering registration forms to households for completion.

The draft register is published on 1 November each year and is generally available for examination at post offices, Garda stations and local authority offices and on-line at www.checktheregister.ie up to 25 November. The public are invited through national and local advertising campaigns to check the draft during this period to make sure that they are correctly registered and to bring errors or omissions in the draft to the attention of the local authority. Any person

266 6 May 2015 wishing to correct their details on the register may do so by completing form RFA1, which is available from registration authorities or to download from www.checktheregister.ie.

Any person may claim to have a correction made to the draft register following its publication. The claim must be made to the registration authority by 25 November and it may include, in particular, a claim to have the name of a person added or deleted. Such claims are ruled on, in public, by the appropriate county registrar and interested parties must be given notice of the time and location of the proposed hearing. An appeal may be made in the Circuit Court against the decision of a county registrar. The final register is published on 1 February and comes into force on 15 February that year until 14 February in the following year.

Eligible voters not included in the register of electors can apply to their local authority for inclusion in the supplement to the register up until 15 days (not including Sundays, Good Fri- day or Public Holidays) before polling day at a particular election or referendum.

06/05/2015WRX02850Housing for People with Disabilities Provision

06/05/2015WRX02900536. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when funding that is required for disabled persons’ grants and elderly persons’ grants will be made available to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17465/15]

06/05/2015WRX03000Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Exchequer funding of over €37 million was provided by my Department to local authorities in 2014 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Com- bined with an additional 20% contribution by individual local authorities, there was an overall spend last year of €46.3 million in this area. I am pleased to confirm that the 2015 amount will increase by some 10% to give a combined spend of €50.5 million. The 2015 allocations are currently under consideration in my Department and will issue to local authorities very shortly.

06/05/2015WRX03050Social and Affordable Housing Data

06/05/2015WRX03100537. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the social housing targets issued to local authorities by his Department for the period 2015 to 2017, detailing the total number of units to be delivered by each council and the breakdown of these units by construction and acquisition that is under the social housing current expenditure programme and the rental accommodation scheme; if he will provide the housing assistance payment targets for each relevant local authority, for the period 2015 to 2017; and when those local authorities which do not currently have housing assistance payment targets will be given these targets. [17484/15]

06/05/2015WRX03200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Social housing is key priority for this Government, as evidenced by the additional €2.2 billion in funding announced for it in Budget 2015 and the publication of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014. The total targeted provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommoda- tion Scheme, will address the needs of the circa 90,000 households on the housing waiting lists.

Of the supply of over 35,000 additional social housing units out to 2020 under the Strategy, almost 12,200 are to be delivered through capital-funded programmes, namely local authority 267 Questions - Written Answers housing construction and acquisitions, the Capital Assistance Scheme and the return of vacant social housing units to use. Social housing targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017 and are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ. ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.htm.

On 5 May 2015, I announced the first major direct build social housing programme under the Social Housing Strategy. This announcement covers over 100 separate housing projects across all 31 local authorities and details are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm.

The new social housing units covered in that announcement – more than 1,700 in total - will be built by local authorities. Local authorities may also acquire new social housing units where suitable units are available and where their acquisition would provide value for money. My Department does not prescribe the exact number of units that local authorities must build or acquire within their overall targets.

Social Housing units are also delivered under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Pro- gramme (SHCEP) through:

- Local Authority units leased or rented;

- Approved Housing Body units constructed, acquired or leased; and

- NAMA special purpose vehicle owned units.

There is no specific breakdown of the individual local authority targets between these delivery mechanisms, however it is expected that 1,000 units from the 3,000 national SHCEP target will be delivered by Approved Housing Bodies in 2015. Each Local Authority is best placed to determine how best to meet their individual SHCEP targets using all the delivery mechanisms available to them and taking account of the housing circumstances in their area.

The implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The HAP scheme will bring all social housing supports provided by the State under the aegis of local authorities. The scheme will remove a barrier to employment by allowing recipients to remain in the scheme if they gain full-time employment. HAP will also improve regulation of the rented accommodation being supported and provide certainty for landlords as regards their rental income.

Further to the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 on 28 July 2014, the first phase of the HAP statutory pilot commenced with effect from 15 September 2014 in Limerick City and County Council, Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council. HAP commenced in Louth, Kilkenny, South Dublin and Monaghan County Councils from 1 October. Subsequently, on 18 December, Dublin City Council became part of the statutory HAP pilot, with a specific focus on accommodating homeless households. Dublin City Council is implementing the HAP pilot for homeless households in the Dublin region on behalf of all 4 Dublin local authorities.

There are now over 1,600 households in receipt of HAP across the local authority areas taking part in the statutory pilot scheme.

During the legislation’s passage through the Oireachtas in July 2014, an undertaking was given that a progress report would be prepared for the relevant Oireachtas Committee. I can confirm that data from the pilot sites has been gathered and I submitted a report to the Oireach- tas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht last month. Based on the findings of that review, consideration is currently being given to the sequencing of a further cohort of local 268 6 May 2015 authorities to commence HAP on an incremental basis this year.

The Strategy is based on a multi-annual approach to delivery over two phases:

- Phase 1, building on Budget 2015 announcements – a target of 32,000 HAP/RAS units by end 2017;

- Phase 2, 2018-2020 – a target of 43,000 HAP/RAS units by end 2020.

Further to this, the delivery target for the HAP scheme in 2015 is 8,400.

06/05/2015WRX03250Planning Issues

06/05/2015WRX03300538. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to update the planning laws in line with Ireland’s obligations towards informing communities as set out in the Aarhus Convention; the timeframe for realising such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17506/15]

06/05/2015WRX03400Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the associated Regulations fully meet the requirements of the Aarhus Convention. All applications for permission or approval for development under the planning code include a full public consultation process.

Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 527.

Question No. 540 answered with Question No. 528.

06/05/2015WRX03488Shared Ownership Scheme

06/05/2015WRX03500541. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the ongoing review of the shared ownership scheme, in particular, if his Department is considering a change to the current index-linked rental payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17523/15]

06/05/2015WRX03600Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Paudie Coffey): The Shared Ownership Scheme, first introduced in 1991 and amended in January 2003, was designed to facilitate access to home ownership to those who were unable to buy a home outright with a conventional mortgage. The Scheme offered an option to purchase up to half of a property with a standard annuity mortgage, with the balance to be rented from the local authority. The initiative worked well for the majority of borrowers and 16,500 people were facilitated in owning their own home in this way. The Government’s 2011 Housing Policy Statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including the Shared Ownership Scheme, given the changes in the property and lending markets.

My Department, with the assistance of the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and the Local Authority Housing Loans Management Group, is currently reviewing the operation of the Shared Ownership Scheme for existing borrowers. The objective is to seek to address, if and where appropriate, difficulties arising for some shared ownership borrowers. Pending the outcome of the review, my Department issued a circular letter to local authorities setting out some of the options and interim actions that might be explored to alleviate the difficulties of those in shared ownership arrangements, such as allowing use of the Mortgage Ar-

269 Questions - Written Answers rears Resolution Process and room rental. It is accepted that such proposals are not a complete solution to the issues that arise for such mortgage holders but they are intended as an interim measure pending the outcome of the review referred to above.

My Department’s latest guidelines for local authorities in dealing with mortgage arrears within the local authority sector Dealing with Mortgage Arrears – A Guide for Local Authorities (June 2014) is available on my Department’s website at:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/ FileDownLoad,30943,en.pdf.

06/05/2015WRX03650Control of Dogs

06/05/2015WRX03700542. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he will take in relation to research (details supplied) showing that re- stricting certain breeds of dogs has no bearing on protecting the public, and that the only way forward is to hold the owners responsible. [17526/15]

06/05/2015WRX03800543. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to strengthening the current Control of Dogs Acts, in view of the fact that the number of persons hospitalised for dog bites rose by 50% between 1998 and 2013, and a new study shows that the incidence of such cases here is much higher than in other European countries; if further consideration will be given to a recent research paper published in the Veterinary Journal, which argues that the current legislation controlling dangerous dog breeds is not only ineffective in reducing such hospitalisations, but could be making the problem worse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17547/15]

06/05/2015WRX03900559. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of studies showing a higher rate of hospitalisations from dog bites (details supplied) here in comparison to other European Union States, if his Department is reviewing the situation; if measures are being considered, including legislative change, to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/15]

06/05/2015WRX04000Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 542, 543 and 559 together.

The overall thrust of dog control legislation is to place the onus on dog owners and those in control of dogs to act responsibly by keeping their dogs under effectual control, irrespective of breed. Such responsible dog ownership is the key to reducing incidences of dog biting and other problem behaviours.

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010 set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. In particular, section 9 of the 1986 Act requires the owner or any other person in charge of a dog to accompany it and keep it under effectual control in any place other than the premises of the owner, the premises of the person in control of the dog, or other premises with the consent of the owner of the premises. Section 21 of the 1986 Act provides that the owner of a dog shall be liable in damages for damage caused in an attack on any person by the dog; it is not necessary for the person seeking damages to show a previous mischievous propensity in the dog, or the owner’s knowledge of such previous propensity, or to show that such injury or damage was attributable to neglect on the part of the owner.

In addition to the foregoing, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (as amended) set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs have to follow, namely that such 270 6 May 2015 dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2m in length by a competent person over 16 years of age when in a public place. Several jurisdictions have addressed the matter of restrictions of particular breeds of dogs in a similar way to Ireland. England, Northern Ireland, France and New Zealand all have similar restrictions on specific breeds of dog.

I have no plans to amend the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2010 in respect of these matters in view of the requirement for all dog owners and those in control of dogs to keep their dogs under effectual control, and the strict liability for damages that attaches to the owner should damage be caused to a person by a dog.

06/05/2015WRX04050Local Authority Finances

06/05/2015WRX04100544. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that item No. 11 on the agenda issued on 7 April 2015 for the April monthly meeting of Sligo County Council was to consider the annual financial statement of the council for the year ended 31 December 2014; that the annual financial statement was not circulated to the elected members of the council; that the council was therefore obliged to adopt a motion deferring consideration of the statement until its May monthly meeting, in order to allow the council executive to circulate the statement; that there is a requirement that the council’s statement be prepared by 1 April each year, and that section 108 of the Local Government Act 2001 requires that, as soon as practicable after the preparation of the statement, the statement along with a report by the chief executive shall be sent to each member of the council; if he will consider introducing additional legislation or regulations to ensure that section 108 of the Act is complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17581/15]

06/05/2015WRX04200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I refer to the reply to Question No. 139 of 29 April which sets out the position in this matter.

06/05/2015WRX04250Electoral Commission Administration

06/05/2015WRX04300545. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government the instruction he has given, written, electronically or verbally, to county returning officers in relation to the appointment of presiding officers and staff in polling booths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17622/15]

06/05/2015WRX04400Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.

My Department routinely issues guidance to Returning Officers in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed, particularly for the position of polling clerk where the responsibilities of the post can be fulfilled under the guidance of the Presiding Officer.

271 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRX04450Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure

06/05/2015WRX04500546. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding that has been allocated to each local authority, since the announcement of Social Housing Strategy 2020. [17630/15]

06/05/2015WRX04600547. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding for housing construction that has been released to each local authority by his Department since the announcement of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. [17631/15]

06/05/2015WRX04700Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.

The social housing targets that I recently announced for all local authorities are out to 2017 and include almost 7,500 units that will be capital-funded and 15,400 current-funded units. My announcement also contained provisional funding allocations which are sufficient to deliver the targeted units. Details in tabular form are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en. htm.

http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm.

Since the launch of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 in November 2014, almost €90 million has been drawn down by local authorities under my Department’s two main capital programmes for the delivery of additional social housing units. Details of this funding from 26 November 2014 to 30 April 2015 are outlined in tabular form.

- Local Authority Housing Capital Assistance Scheme (€) (€) Carlow County Council 1,499,037 --- Cavan County Council 990,466 102,150 Clare County Council 538,172 144,765 Cork City Council 1,975,001 --- Cork County Council 1,727,116 188,604 Donegal County Council 2,511,939 400,000 Dublin City Council 10,868,120 11,970,329 Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown 1,260,195 85,365 Fingal County Council 7,866,633 2,671,158 Galway City Council 856,763 --- Galway County Council 2,937,476 406,917 Kerry County Council 974,847 --- Kildare County Council 4,112,999 412,000 Kilkenny County Council 305,992 34,933 Laois County Council 2,950,518 225,136 Leitrim County Council 67,257 ---

272 6 May 2015 - Local Authority Housing Capital Assistance Scheme (€) (€) Limerick City & County Coun- 106,768 --- cil Longford County Council 288,768 75,000 Louth County Council 1,696,304 241,836 Mayo County Council 621,700 --- Meath County Council 1,605,925 435,090 Monaghan County Council 1,169,103 247,056 Offaly County Council 1,665,575 170,000 Sligo County Council 2,602,213 640,202 South Dublin County Council 7,857,852 1,252,875 Tipperary County Council 1,223,564 --- Waterford City & County Coun- 2,821,407 1,598,469 cil Westmeath County Council 1,376,342 --- Wexford County Council 1,939,218 1,188,226 Wicklow County Council 709,032 ---

06/05/2015WRY00100Written Answers Nos. 548-569

06/05/2015WRY00300Housing Provision

06/05/2015WRY00400548. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding that has been released by his Department, for bringing vacant properties back into productive use. [17632/15]

06/05/2015WRY00500549. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of voids in Dublin city, out of the total 1,046, that have been brought back into productive use since December 2014. [17633/15]

06/05/2015WRY00600Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 549 together.

The allocation of funding to local authorities of some €20m from my Department in respect of the 2015 programme to bring vacant units back to productive use will be made shortly. This allocation will also set out the number of targeted units per local authority. For 2015, a target of 1,000 vacant units to be returned to productive use has been set as part of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The Strategy also outlines that for the future, funding for work by local authorities to return vacant social housing units to productive will be linked to local authorities putting in place ongoing maintenance programmes to address the issue of vacant properties.

While funding from my Department will support local authorities in dealing with an amount of vacant units, it is the case for all local authorities that social housing units become vacant on an ongoing basis and many are returned to productive use as part of the normal management of stock by the authorities.

06/05/2015WRY00700Homeless Accommodation Provision 273 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRY00800550. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of homeless households that have been housed in Dublin since De- cember 2014, and if this is in line with the target of providing homes for 500 persons by June 2015. [17634/15]

06/05/2015WRY00900551. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding that has been released by his Department since the adaption of Dublin City Council’s budget 2015 to tackle homelessness in Dublin City. [17635/15]

06/05/2015WRY01000552. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the use of the hotel, under the control of the National Asset Manage- ment Agency, to provide accommodation for homeless families. [17636/15]

06/05/2015WRY01100553. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Dublin City Council can use any apartment properties under the control of the National Asset Management Agency for temporary emergency accommodation. [17637/15]

06/05/2015WRY01200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 to 553, inclusive, together.

A range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports nationally in order to deliver on the Government’s target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. These measures are set out in the Government’s Implementation Plan on the State’s Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). These include measures with regard to NAMA property and the allocation of housing units by key housing authorities to homeless and other vulnerable households. Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/Homeless- People/ .

South Dublin County Council has recently completed the purchase of a NAMA apartment block, as the preferred option to a hotel property, which will operate as an assessment centre for homeless families providing 65 units of accommodation. A service level agreement has been put in place with a provider and it is expected that this facility will be fully operational by June. My Department continues to work closely with NAMA, the Housing Agency, local authorities and approved housing bodies in relation to the delivery of social housing. NAMA has made significant numbers of housing units available through the Housing Agency to local authorities and approved housing bodies for social housing use including addressing homelessness. This includes units provided through the NAMA special purpose vehicle, the National Asset Residential Property Services. Information in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units, including a full breakdown by county of units delivered on a quarterly basis, is available on the Housing Agency’s website at www.housing.ie/NAMA .

I am confident that significant numbers of social housing units will continue to be delivered through this process.

Successfully tackling the current homelessness issue demands that a higher priority be afforded to homeless households in the allocation of housing. Accordingly, I issued a Direction to a number of key housing authorities on 27 January 2015 to prioritise homeless and other vulnerable households. This Direction applies for six months, from 27 January 2015 to 26 July 2015. Under this Direction each of the Dublin housing authorities must ensure that at least 50% of the dwellings available for allocation under Section 22 of the 2009 Act during the specified 274 6 May 2015 period will be allocated to such households that had qualified for social housing support on or before 1 December 2014. It is expected that this intervention will deliver approximately 500 homes for households in the Dublin Region. Housing authorities will be reporting on the first 3-months operation of this Direction very shortly.

As regards funding, I have made an additional €10.5 million of ‘Section 10’ funding available for homeless accommodation and services across the country in 2015. This is an increase in funding of over 20%, bringing the Exchequer contribution to €55.5 million. The 2015 regional allocations are currently being finalised with a view to their confirmation shortly. Hous- ing authorities also contribute to the funding costs for their areas from their own resources. In 2014, my Department provided €35.3 million in Exchequer funding to Dublin City Council, as the lead authority for the Dublin Region, under Section 10 arrangements. To date in 2015, my Department has recouped €4,698,333 in ‘Section 10’ funding to Dublin City Council – further payments will be made upon receipt of quarterly reports from the Council.

06/05/2015WRY01300Departmental Funding

06/05/2015WRY01400554. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that has been allocated in 2015 to approved housing bodies; and the details of the proposed developments. [17638/15]

06/05/2015WRY01500Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Funding to approved housing bodies is allocated to them on the basis of proposals they make in respect of social housing provision which have been approved by local authorities and my Department. These proposals must be viable, meet housing need and represent value for money.

Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme, approved housing bodies are already implementing projects for the construction and/or acquisition of social housing to meet the needs of people with special needs, which were approved in May 2014; details of those projects are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Pub- lications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,38066,en.docx

Approved housing bodies were recently invited to submit further proposals under the Capi- tal Assistance Scheme, in line with the increased targets set under the Social Housing Strategy. These proposals will now be assessed by my Department and project approvals, where appropriate, will be issued to the local authorities and approved housing bodies. This year over €70 million has been made available for the advancement of projects under the Capital Assistance Scheme, of which €5.5 million will be self-funded by certain local authorities through local property tax receipts.

Under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP), both local authorities and approved housing bodies can submit proposals for approval to my Department throughout the year. SHCEP is a national fund without individual local authority or approved housing body funding allocations.

06/05/2015WRY01600Departmental Investigations

06/05/2015WRY01700555. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the name, specific remit, powers and operating time frame of the senior counsel appointed to investigate planning irregularities in County Donegal following on from the June 275 Questions - Written Answers 2013 High Court case; if Dáil Éireann will be consulted on the remit of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17652/15]

06/05/2015WRY01800Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): I have considered what next steps need to be taken in respect of certain Donegal County Council planning matters taking account of advice from the Office of the Attorney General. My Department is finalising arrangements for the imminent appointment of a Senior Counsel, on a non-statutory basis, nominated by the Attorney General to prepare a report in relation to these matters in line with terms of reference which have been agreed in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The arrangements involved will be announced in due course.

06/05/2015WRY01900Planning Issues

06/05/2015WRY02000556. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the report into planning irregularities in six local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17653/15]

06/05/2015WRY02100Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): MacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants were appointed in February 2014 to carry out an independent planning review on the performance of planning functions in six selected planning authorities (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils and Cork and Dublin City Coun- cils) in accordance with section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

I expect to receive the final report from the consultants shortly and I subsequently intend to publish it having considered its contents.

06/05/2015WRY02200Water Meters

06/05/2015WRY02300557. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government the number of water meters installed to date, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17654/15]

06/05/2015WRY02400Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group (now Ervia) and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the domestic water metering programme. I have no responsibility for the rollout of the metering programme.

However, I understand that water meters are being installed in all regions across the country at a rate of some 31,000 per month, with an overall target of 1.1 million dwellings to have meters installed by the end of 2016. The installation rates are reported by regional contractor for their respective region, rather than by county. The number of meters installed per region to 1 May 2015 is set out in the table.

Region Number of meters installed North West 69,176 West 80,057 South West 76,175 North East 98,376 Dublin City 60,727

276 6 May 2015 Region Number of meters installed Midlands 89,646 County Dublin 120,986 South East 67,098 Total 662,241

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to [email protected] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

06/05/2015WRY02500Housing Assistance Payments

06/05/2015WRY02600558. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households currently in receipt of the housing assistance payment; if the roll-out of the payment is on track to be available in all local authorities and to 8,400 households by the end of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17674/15]

06/05/2015WRY02700Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): The implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The HAP scheme will bring all social housing supports provided by the State under the aegis of local authorities. The scheme will remove a barrier to employment by allowing recipients to remain in the scheme if they gain full-time employment. HAP will also improve regulation of the rented accommodation being supported and provide certainty for landlords as regards their rental income.

The Social Housing Strategy 2020 is based on a multi-annual approach to delivery over two phases:

- Phase 1, building on Budget 2015 announcements – a target of 32,000 HAP/RAS units by end 2017, and

- Phase 2, 2018-2020 – a target of 43,000 HAP/RAS units by end 2020.

Further to this, the specific delivery target for the HAP scheme in 2015 is 8,400.

Following the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 on 28 July 2014, the first phase of the HAP statutory pilot commenced with effect from 15 September 2014 in Limerick City and County Council, Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council. HAP commenced in Louth, Kilkenny, South Dublin and Monaghan County Councils from 1 October. Subsequently, on 18 December, Dublin City Council became part of the statutory HAP pilot, with a specific focus on accommodating homeless households. Dublin City Council is implementing the HAP pilot for homeless households in the Dublin region on behalf of all 4 Dublin local authorities.

There are now over 1,600 households in receipt of HAP across the local authority areas taking part in the statutory pilot scheme.

During the legislation’s passage through the Oireachtas in July 2014 an undertaking was given that a progress report would be prepared for the relevant Oireachtas Committee. I can confirm that data from the pilot sites has been gathered and I submitted a report to the Oireach- tas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht last month. Based on the findings of that review, consideration is currently being given to the sequencing of a further cohort of local 277 Questions - Written Answers authorities to commence HAP on an incremental basis this year. These additional local authorities will assist in achieving the 2015 HAP delivery target as set out in the Strategy.

Question No. 559 answered with Question No. 542.

Question No. 560 answered with Question No. 528.

06/05/2015WRY03000Housing Adaptation Grant

06/05/2015WRY03100561. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the amount of funding allocated to each local authority for housing adaptation grants for elderly or disabled persons from 2008 to 2015; the number of persons who availed of the grant in each of these years; the average payment per recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17711/15]

06/05/2015WRY03200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Information on the funding provided by my Department to local authorities for the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Statis- ticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/ by selecting ‘Social and Affordable Housing’, ‘Housing Adaptation Grants by Area 2008 to date’.

The average payment per recipient in 2014 was €3,234 for Mobility Aids Grants, €3,714 for Housing Aid for Older People Grants and €7,930 for Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability.

Exchequer funding of over €37 million was provided by my Department to local authorities in 2014 for these grants. Combined with an additional 20% contribution by individual local authorities, there was an overall spend last year of €46.3 million in this area. I am pleased to confirm that the 2015 amount will increase by some 10% to give a combined spend of €50.5 million. The 2015 allocations are currently under consideration in my Department and will issue to local authorities shortly.

06/05/2015WRY03300Social and Affordable Housing Provision

06/05/2015WRY03400562. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, per local authority, of the number of persons on the social housing waiting list from 2008 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17712/15]

06/05/2015WRY03500Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): The statutory social housing needs assessments carried out in 2008, 2011 and 2013 detail the number of households on social housing waiting lists during the period concerned, broken down by each local authority.

The full results of the assessments undertaken in 2008 to 2013 are available on my Depart- ment’s website at the following links:

2008:http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/Housing- Statistics/FileDownLoad,27868,en.pdf

2011:http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/

278 6 May 2015 FileDownLoad,27864,en.pdf

2013:http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/ FileDownLoad,34857,en.pdf

The 2013 figures are the most up-to-date figures available on waiting list numbers, which are subject to on-going fluctuation due to households being allocated housing and new households applying for housing support. However, the 2013 results cannot be directly compared to previous results given that this latest summary employed updated methodologies and was the first to be carried out under the new 2011 Social Housing Assessment Regulations.

In order to ensure that the most up to date and comprehensive data is available on an ongoing basis, relating to the numbers applying for social housing support, the Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020, published in November 2014, includes a number of actions to standardise assessment and increase the regularity of assessments including undertaking the summary of social housing assessments on an annual basis from 2016 onwards.

06/05/2015WRY03600Voluntary Housing Sector

06/05/2015WRY03700563. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government the dispute mechanisms available to tenants of voluntary housing associations, who have a dispute with the housing association; if there is an independent third party that they can refer a dispute to for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17737/15]

06/05/2015WRY03800Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): A number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) provide internal dispute resolution facilities, including mediation, for their tenants; however, where it is not possible to resolve a dispute between an AHB and their tenant, the dispute must ultimately be resolved before the Courts.

The current law for AHB tenancies is based on a combination of tenancy agreements, the Landlord and Tenant Acts and the common law. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 applies only to the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector.

However, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012, currently before the Oireachtas, provides for the extension of the provisions of the 2004 Act to the AHB sector. Fol- lowing enactment, tenants and landlords in the sector will be able to refer disputes to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for resolution thus providing them with an accessible and independent means of resolving a dispute.

This Bill represents a significant further evolutionary step in the development of the rented sector and underpins the concept of tenure neutrality that was outlined in the Government’s 2011 Housing Policy Statement. The Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil together with Second Stage in the Seanad. It is intended to return to the Seanad for Committee Stage in the coming weeks.

Question No. 564 answered with Question No. 527.

06/05/2015WRY04000Housing Assistance Payments

06/05/2015WRY04100565. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government when the housing assistance payment will be made available in County Meath. [17754/15] 279 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRY04200Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): The implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020, which I published on 26 November 2014. The HAP scheme will bring all social housing supports provided by the State under the aegis of local authorities. The scheme will remove a barrier to employment by allowing recipients to remain in the scheme if they gain full-time employment. HAP will also improve regulation of the rented accommodation being supported and provide certainty for landlords as regards their rental income.

There are now over 1,600 households in receipt of HAP across the local authority areas taking part in the statutory pilot scheme.

During the legislation’s passage through the Oireachtas in July 2014 an undertaking was given that a progress report would be prepared for the relevant Oireachtas Committee. I can confirm that data from the pilot sites has been gathered and I submitted a report to the Oireach- tas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht last month. Based on the findings of that review, consideration is currently being given to the sequencing of a further cohort of local authorities to commence HAP on an incremental basis this year. While no implementation date has yet been confirmed, my Department is in contact with Meath County Council in relation to their inclusion in the next phase of the pilot.

06/05/2015WRY04300Local Authority Funding

06/05/2015WRY04400566. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Lo- cal Government the amount of the development levy fund in each local authority area; if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount collectable by local councils, in each county; and the amount set aside for bad debt; if he will make provision for all councils to expand this fund, in the provision of essential community projects and infrastructure developments, as a matter of urgency. [17814/15]

06/05/2015WRY04500Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): My role as Minister with regard to development contributions is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. The adoption of these schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply. Similarly, and as with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of any outstanding development contributions is a matter for the planning authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal financial procedures. Where any payments required in respect of development contributions are not settled, such payments may be pursued by the planning authority through the courts as a contract debt and until such time as amounts outstanding are discharged in full, the conditions of the relevant planning permission are regarded as not having been met with the development concerned being unauthorised. 280 6 May 2015 Information on the monetary value of development contribution balances on hand (collected at year end and not spent) is not available in my Department. In relation to development levy debtors and amounts collectable, local authorities are obliged to include data on current and long-term development levy debtors in their Annual Financial Statements. The figures requested are set out in the table below which outlines the position at the end of 2013. The audited figures for 2014 are not yet available. Current debtors are debts due in the current year, and long term debtors are debts due in respect of periods greater than one year. An annual breakdown in respect of long term debtors is not available.

Data on bad debt provisions relating to current development levy debtors, is also included in the table and is sourced from Quarterly Debtor Reports collected from local authorities by my Department.

County Council Current Develop- Current Develop- Long Term De- ment Levy Debtors ment Levy Bad Debt velopment Levy €* Provision Debtors (net of €** bad debt provision) €*** Carlow 1,241,623 1,099,489 1,527,779 Cavan 656,147 175,000 4,359,922 Clare 4,405,242 5,122,821 2,014,553 Cork 8,737,494 8,813,728 40,778,678 Donegal 726,045 0 3,892,885 Fingal 50,058,710 45,267,003 30,881,531 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 38,782,901 33,282,901 40,936,147 Galway 1,795,486 500,000 15,500,000 Kerry 1,968,224 630,000 119,620 Kildare 3,723,972 1,861,987 9,493,504 Kilkenny 5,302,041 4,800,000 0 Laois 1,017,685 101,769 2,383,496 Leitrim 980,675 218,383 1,716,919 Limerick 28,713,036 27,486,305 99,173 Longford 2,483,405 2,232,795 568,000 Louth 2,337,033 1,386,163 2,313,966 Mayo 9,576,292 5,982,115 293,385 Meath 16,462,721 14,384,669 6,884,602 Monaghan 869,610 223,389 2,928,245 North Tipperary 1,264,888 500,356 718,286 Offaly 3,446,581 2,363,000 81,046 Roscommon 12,263,242 10,000,000 422,979 Sligo 194,000 118,500 775,866 South Dublin 4,575,135 878,772 12,089,003 South Tipperary 941,525 470,763 1,246,350 Waterford 2,412,117 1,085,453 0 Westmeath 2,243,180 1,866,199 0 Wexford 10,114,348 3,892,247 5,977,516 Wicklow 5,722,097 150,000 0

281 Questions - Written Answers County Council Current Develop- Current Develop- Long Term De- ment Levy Debtors ment Levy Bad Debt velopment Levy €* Provision Debtors (net of €** bad debt provision) €*** City Council Cork 5,367,431 4,312,200 1,981,555 Dublin 22,227,479 17,781,984 15,155,717 Galway 3,589,318 3,376,433 3,294,287 Limerick 1,398,355 869,092 138,875 Waterford 413,173 376,918 192,725 Borough Council**** Clonmel 329,725 164,862 33,016 Drogheda 4,557,856 1,643,428 242,010 Kilkenny 2,072,317 1,700,000 0 Sligo 196,000 93,000 381,591 Wexford 2,504,629 833,873 0

Town Council**** Current Develop- Current Develop- Long Term De- ment Levy Debtors ment Levy Bad velopment Levy €* Debt Provision Debtors (net of €** bad debt provision) €*** Arklow 419,929 0 1,501,517 Athlone 1,457,503 1,335,101 0 Athy 53,214 26,607 211,511 Ballina 172,413 170,000 0 Ballinasloe 548,713 359,000 324,000 Birr 505,554 204,914 0 Bray 246,244 20,000 533,415 Buncrana 7,163 39,163 240,000 Bundoran 390,626 0 0 Carlow 1,428,499 1,350,000 99,269 Carrick on Suir 190,312 173,939 590,479 Carrickmacross 10,386 0 50,249 Cashel 124,950 62,475 25,690 Castlebar 851,365 700,000 0 Castleblayney 408,716 0 0 Cavan 43,658 77,566 238,307 Clonakilty 779,967 616,305 32,766 Clones 25,125 20,000 0 Cobh 143,728 27,834 0 Dundalk 1,281,842 1,120,792 5,501,053 Dungarvan 327,776 208,140 0 282 6 May 2015 Town Council**** Current Develop- Current Develop- Long Term De- ment Levy Debtors ment Levy Bad velopment Levy €* Debt Provision Debtors (net of €** bad debt provision) €*** Ennis 1,261,327 1,200,000 0 Enniscorthy 134,187 134,187 234,859 Fermoy 155,771 138,083 0 Kells 113,320 65,000 0 Killarney 261,730 174,087 121,443 Kilrush 8,623 0 0 Kinsale 551,277 247,767 0 Letterkenny 1,034,159 817,319 0 Listowel 175,944 150,000 0 Longford 1,826,178 1,629,494 162,000 Macroom 380,849 138,899 68,225 Mallow 1,790,543 287,896 76,140 Midleton 250,550 233,633 0 Monaghan 928,375 50,366 4,306 Naas 1,508,499 413,221 300,498 Navan 658,564 125,875 0 Nenagh 1,323,756 121,356 120,370 New Ross 690,281 406,156 221,514

Town Council (cont’d) Current Develop- Current Develop- Long Term De- ment Levy Debtors ment Levy Bad Debt velopment Levy €* Provision Debtors (net of bad €** debt provision) €*** Skibbereen 602,361 576,895 0 Templemore 0 0 0 Thurles 705,333 600,000 173,990 Tipperary 10,382 5,190 428,567 Tralee 400,668 218,688 282,728 Trim 193,191 120,000 0 Tullamore 120,516 50,000 4,510 Westport 633,323 450,867 0 Wicklow 938,702 231,548 0 Youghal 355,280 187,525 0 Total 292,103,110 221,331,484 220,970,631 * Current Development Levy Debtors:

Source = audited local authority Annual Financial Statements 2013.

** Current Development Contribution Bad Debt Provision:

Source = Q4 2013 Quarterly Management Report on local authority debtors. 283 Questions - Written Answers *** Long Term Development Levy Debtors:

Source = audited local authority Annual Financial Statements 2013.

**** Borough and Town Councils have since been amalgamated with City and County Councils under the Local Government Reform Act 2014.

06/05/2015WRY04600Urban Renewal Schemes

06/05/2015WRY04700567. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the regeneration of Dominick Street, Dublin 1; if he has approved funding for the work; when the work is due to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17816/15]

06/05/2015WRY04800Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): A Capital Appraisal for the regeneration of the Dominick Street flats complex was submitted to my Department by Dublin City Council at the end of January 2015, in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework. This is currently under consideration and my Department will be in contact with the City Council as quickly as possible.

06/05/2015WRY04900Rural Development Policy

06/05/2015WRY05000568. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will implement a rural proofing strategy in conjunction with the Minister of State for Rural Affairs, aimed at revitalising rural towns and villages, and maintaining vital services such as post offices, schools, Garda stations, health facilities, and so on; if he will implement the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas reports, in tandem with the rural proofing strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17817/15]

06/05/2015WRY05100Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Gov- ernment (Deputy Ann Phelan): Minister Kelly and I are committed to supporting the development of rural Ireland, including its towns and villages. In this regard, we are also committed to advancing the implementation of the CEDRA Report recommendations and to ensuring that national and local systems and programmes facilitate and support rural development and rural communities.

To facilitate this agenda, I established the CEDRA Interdepartmental Group (IDG), comprising senior representatives of all relevant Government Departments. As Chair of that Group, I am working to ensure that the work that is being progressed across Government Departments has a rural focus and reflects the challenges and issues facing rural Ireland. This in effect, provides an important system for rural proofing.

In addition to this, both Minister Kelly and I have indicated recently that we intend to advance the implementation of recommendation 1 of CEDRA Report, which calls for the development of a Rural Policy Statement. Work on this will begin shortly and I am confident that this will provide a framework to ensure that due consideration is given to the challenges and issues facing rural communities and will support the alignment of policy design and implementation frameworks.

06/05/2015WRY05200Ministerial Responsibilities

284 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRY05300569. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the duties and/or responsibilities that have been delegated to the Minister of State (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17832/15]

06/05/2015WRY05400Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Minister of State Ann Phelan’s responsibilities were extended by the Government in late 2014. In addition to her assignment to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, she has taken on additional responsibilities in my Department, which include a range of functions relating to Community, Local and Rural Development. The need for a formal Delegation of Functions Order in relation to any associated statutory responsibilities/functions will be kept under review.

06/05/2015WRZ00150Housing Adaptation Grant Data

06/05/2015WRZ00200570. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of funding being made available to local authorities in 2015 under the housing adaptation grant scheme, the housing aid for older people scheme, the mobility aid grant scheme and the disabled persons grants scheme for council owned properties; if he will provide a breakdown of the total amount of funds requested and the amount of funds released by councils; the reason for the delay if funding has yet to be approved; and the expected time frame for these funds to be released, by county. [17854/15]

06/05/2015WRZ00300Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): Exchequer funding of over €37 million was provided by my Department to local authorities in 2014 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Com- bined with an additional 20% contribution by individual local authorities, there was an overall spend last year of €46.3 million in this area. I am pleased to confirm that the 2015 amount will increase by some 10% to give a combined spend of €50.5 million. The 2015 allocations are currently under consideration in my Department and will issue to local authorities very shortly.

My Department also provides funding to local authorities for various social housing supports to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability. Funding provided by my De- partment meets 90% of the cost of such works, with each local authority providing the remaining 10%. Exchequer funding of €8m was provided to local authorities in 2014 in this regard. The administration of the grants is a matter for individual local authorities. My Department has received proposals in relation to this scheme for 2015 from each local authority which are currently being examined with a view to allocating funding to each authority as soon as possible.

06/05/2015WRZ00350Departmental Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRZ00400571. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of recruitment to the public sector under the aegis of his Department since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18251/15]

06/05/2015WRZ00500Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kel- ly): As announced in Budget 2015, the moratorium and the Employment Control Framework for the Public Service have been lifted but recruitment/promotion will be subject to adherence to binding 3 year pay ceilings. Staffing resources must be managed within these overall ceilings. Detailed arrangements in terms of the local government sector and state agencies will be worked out between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. 285 Questions - Written Answers Where a local authority or a state agency identifies a critical post that it cannot fill by way of re-organisation or re-assignment it may revert to my Department seeking sanction to fill the post. My Department examines all staffing sanction requests on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services in the context of staffing and budgetary constraints. In considering sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic considerations are given precedence.

Although my Department oversees the sanctioning of posts, recruitment to these posts is a matter for each local authority and state agency.

06/05/2015WRZ00550Inland Fisheries

06/05/2015WRZ00600572. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a lake (details supplied) in County Cork was not restocked this year; the reason access to the lake and parking facilities remain closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17696/15]

06/05/2015WRZ00700Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Re- sources (Deputy Joe McHugh): Fisheries management necessarily requires that Inland Fish- eries Ireland review and prioritise activities including consideration of the economic as well as social dividend of rearing and supplying fish for restocking.

The South Western River Basin District managed lakes programme was reviewed and within that context, I am advised that IFI have focussed resources on keeping four lakes (Barfinnihy, Shepperton, Bofinne, and Fada) open in 2015. The programme and the status of these lakes will also be subject to ongoing review.

IFI are also in the process of completing a full review of its fish husbandry operations with the intention of generating further cost efficiencies.

06/05/2015WRZ00750National Postcode System

06/05/2015WRZ00800573. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that in November 2013, before the postcode contract was finally signed, a European Commission procurement investigation team formally confirmed a breach of European Union procurement legislation to his Department, and that the team also indicated that other elements of the process did not comply with guidelines and best practice, requiring specific action by the Irish authorities to ensure that similar illegal criteria were not employed again, but the postcode contract was signed without review when his Department will respond, as required by the European Union investigation team; the way related interdepartmental communications can be improved in the event of similar investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/15]

06/05/2015WRZ00900Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): My Department received correspondence from the European Commission during 2012 in relation to a complaint regarding the procurement process for the National Postcode System and provided a full response to all clarifications requested. The case was fully examined by the Eu- ropean Commission which informed the Department in November 2013 that the file had been closed on the basis that the Commission could not establish any breach of EU public procurement law that would justify the opening of an infringement procedure.

286 6 May 2015 In relation to future procurements, the Commission asked the Department to inform them of the measures put in place by the Irish authorities to avoid any possible misinterpretation of the language used in the pre-qualification questionnaire – the prelude to the postcode tendering process. My Department responded to the Commission in October 2014.

My Department has received further correspondence on 13 April 2015 from the Commis- sion. The Commission again stated they do not intend to re-open the procurement but have asked for further information on the measures that have been adopted by the Irish authorities in relation to the issue raised. My Department will be responding shortly to this correspondence, following consultation with the Office of Government Procurement.

06/05/2015WRZ00950Electricity Transmission Network

06/05/2015WRZ01000574. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Re- sources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Grid Link project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17497/15]

06/05/2015WRZ01100Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The Deputy will be aware that the Independent Expert Panel (IEP) is overseeing the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The EirGrid reports are required to be comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for the projects. They must also be complete, comparable (overhead line comparable against underground cable) and objective and include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. In due course, after consideration of the reports, the IEP are to provide an opinion to me on both of them. Thereafter, EirGrid will publicly consult on each project. I have received the IEP’s opinion on the Grid West project last week, on Wednesday the 29th April and I expect the opinion on the Grid Link project in quarter three, 2015.

EirGrid will publish the Grid West report for public consultation shortly. Similarly, EirGrid will publish the Grid Link report for public consultation once it has been considered and approved for publication by the IEP.

Once these steps have been completed, it will then be a matter for EirGrid, in consultation with the Commission for Energy Regulation, to make a decision on which option to pursue on each of the Grid Link and Grid West projects.

06/05/2015WRZ01150North-South Interconnector

06/05/2015WRZ01200575. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natu- ral Resources if he will give urgent consideration to the contents of the motion passed by Monaghan County Council on the proposed North-South interconnector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17736/15]

06/05/2015WRZ01300Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): I have taken note of the Motion referred to by the Deputy in his Question.

In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel (IEP) was established to oversee the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for both the Grid Link (GL) and Grid West (GW) projects. While the North South Transmission Line project (N/S) is outside the IEP’s Terms of

287 Questions - Written Answers Reference, the IEP did agree, on foot of a request by my predecessor, to provide an opinion on the compatibility of the methodologies, to be employed on the GL and GW projects with what had already been done on the N/S project up to and including 2 May 2014, being the date that the IEP decided to examine the N/S project.

Having considered and discussed all of the material, the Panel issued a statement on 1 July 2014, indicating its unanimous opinion that, in all material respects, what had already been done on the N/S project is compatible with the methodologies being employed on the GW and GL projects.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which allows for the achievement of an optimal balance between the competing demands of publicly consulting on necessary network development, choosing the best emerging technology options for that development, and minimising new build. The draft strategy found that there remains a clear need for the North South transmission line, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.

06/05/2015WRZ01350Broadband Service Speeds

06/05/2015WRZ01400576. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natu- ral Resources if he will investigate the deficient broadband coverage in Castleisland, County Kerry, in view of the fact that download speeds there and in other areas are exceedingly low; as there is a fibre facility in the town if this will be corrected in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17755/15]

06/05/2015WRZ01500Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016 as part of the National Broadband Plan. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 and represents 70% of the premises in Ireland. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention and represents 30% of the premises in Ireland.

The map shows that high speed broadband services are to be delivered in Castleisland, County Kerry by the commercial telecommunications sector. I understand from eircom that its eFibre services are available to almost 800 premises in Castleisland since 30 April 2014 and that a further 200 homes and businesses will be able to avail of these services once their programme is complete.

The aim of the National Broadband Plan is to ensure that every premises, regardless of location, has access to high speed broadband delivered through commercial telecommunications investment, or through a state-funded intervention.

06/05/2015WRZ01550Data Protection

06/05/2015WRZ01600577. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide clarification regarding data protection regulation to police any un- desirable Facebook material and to protect specific targeted victims from unscrupulous users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17815/15]

06/05/2015WRZ01700Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): Data Protection is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Office of the Data

288 6 May 2015 Protection Commissioner and I have no function in this area.

The pervasive use of social media, taken together with the rise of connected mobile devices, has led to a unique set of challenges for individuals and for Government. The issues are complex and delicate; a balance has to be struck between preserving freedom of speech and freedom of expression online, and protecting children and young people in particular from content that may be age inappropriate or harmful. Finding an appropriate model for governance of online content is an issue facing governments across the world.

In Ireland, the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group, which reported to Govern- ment last year, completed a comprehensive analysis of the situation. The Group made a series of recommendations and I will be bringing an implementation plan to Government shortly with detailed proposals to deal with online abuse and accessing of potentially harmful content.

06/05/2015WRZ01750Petroleum and Gas Exploration

06/05/2015WRZ01800578. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a company’s failure to drill a well in County Fermanagh in 2014 (details supplied) invalidates its current application for a petroleum exploration licence, in view of the fact that it constitutes a failure to fulfil its work programme in violation of the terms of the licensing option, and section 13 of the licensing terms for offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production of 2007. [17835/15]

06/05/2015WRZ01900Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Re- sources (Deputy Joe McHugh): The holders of Licensing Option ON 11/3 agreed to provide my Department with data from a deep stratigraphic borehole which the company had planned to drill in Co. Fermanagh. This commitment was accepted as satisfying the requirement for shallow boreholes in the work programme for the Licensing Option. Provision of the data to my Department was contingent on the borehole actually being drilled, which in turn was dependent on the necessary permissions being granted by the relevant authorities. In the event that the planned borehole is drilled in the future then the agreed data should be provided to my Department.

In accordance with the rules governing the Licensing Option granted, the company exer- cised the right conferred upon it by the Option and submitted an application for a follow-on Exploration Licence prior to the expiry of the Licensing Option in February 2013. My Depart- ment has carried out a preliminary examination of this application. However no decision will be made on such an application pending the outcome of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Research Programme into the use of hydraulic fracturing.

It has been made clear to the company that no decisions will be taken on any application that proposed the use of hydraulic fracking in exploration drilling until the EPA Research Pro- gramme is complete and there has been time for the Government and other interested parties to consider its findings. The appropriate time for decision-making on the issue of hydraulic fracturing will be after there has been an adequate opportunity to reflect on the findings of the EPA research.

06/05/2015WRZ01950National Broadband Plan Implementation

06/05/2015WRZ02000579. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the implementation of the national broadband 289 Questions - Written Answers plan, with particular reference to counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17838/15]

06/05/2015WRZ02100Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The National Broadband Plan is delivering high speed broadband to every home and business in Ireland regardless of its location. This is being achieved through a partnership between Gov- ernment and commercial telecommunications companies. The Plan has created a policy and regulatory environment that is helping to stimulate commercial investment.

The commercial telecommunications sector has responded by investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services. It is providing high speed broadband to approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland, with services already rolled out to over 1m premises. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available. The Government will ensure that broadband is delivered to the remaining 30% of premises, through a State-funded intervention.

Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 and represents 70% of the premises in Ireland. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention.

The website also provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Longford and Westmeath. I understand that commercial high speed broadband services is already available to over 7,000 premises in Longford and over 20,000 in Westmeath. When commercial roll-out of high speed services in both counties is complete by the end of next year, a further 3,800 premises in Longford and 6,500 in Westmeath will have access to services.

The proposed State intervention will include a further 11,691 premises in Longford (52% of the total premises in the county) and some 17,814 premises in Westmeath (40% of the county’s premises).

The map can be checked to establish the precise location of individual premises or resi- dences. Any premise within the AMBER area will be included in the State’s intervention while any premise within the BLUE area will be serviced by commercial operators.

Intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the AMBER area. Following a public consultation process on the draft Intervention Strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.

I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.

A monthly update on commercial roll-out of high speed broadband and on the development of the State intervention programme is available on www.broadband.gov.ie.

06/05/2015WRZ02150National Broadband Plan Implementation

06/05/2015WRZ02200580. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the Electricity Supply Board and Vodafone fibre network roll-out dovetails with the national broadband plan; if the nationwide plans of these companies to roll

290 6 May 2015 out this network is part of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17839/15]

06/05/2015WRZ02300Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The National Broadband Plan is delivering high speed broadband to every home and business in Ireland regardless of its location. This is being achieved through a partnership between Govern- ment and commercial telecommunications companies.

A key element of the National Broadband Plan is the creation of a policy and regulatory environment that helps stimulate commercial investment. In 2014, the Oireachtas passed legislation introduced by my Department, which has enabled ESB to enter the telecommunications market using its extensive electricity distribution network. Following the enactment of the legislation, the two shareholding Ministers - the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform - consented to ESB entering into a Joint Venture with Vodafone Ireland. The two companies have since announced plans to deliver fibre-to-the-home services to 500,000 homes and businesses in 50 towns across Ireland, with the possibility of a further expansion of this €450m investment programme.

The commercial telecommunications sector has responded by investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services. It is providing high speed broadband to approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland, which includes services to be rolled out by ESB/Vodafone. Services have already been rolled out by commercial operators to over 1m premises. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available. The Government will ensure that broadband is delivered to the remaining 30% of premises, through a State-funded intervention.

Working closely with industry, last November I published a national high speed coverage map which provides detail of every premises that will have access to high speed broadband from commercial operators by the end of 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov. ie. The areas marked BLUE represent the premises that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016. The AMBER parts of the map show the target areas for the State intervention.

In delivering this combination of commercial and State-led investment in high speed broadband, my Department continues to engage intensively with all commercial operators, including ESB/Vodafone. Details of our engagement with industry are provided in monthly updates on the Department’s mapping website www.broadband.gov.ie

06/05/2015WRZ02350Alternative Energy Projects

06/05/2015WRZ02400581. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources at what stage is the research programme regarding the feasibility study of wave energy off the western seaboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/15]

06/05/2015WRZ02500Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): Wave energy is still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally, and while promising experimental devices have been developed, further work is required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability. 291 Questions - Written Answers Policy action across a range of areas is required to support developers in bringing ocean energy devices from prototype to full scale commerciality. This action is being taken in the context of the implementation of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) 2014, which sets out Government policy in relation to the sustainable development of Ireland’s abundant offshore renewable energy resource. A copy of the OREDP is available on my Depart- ment’s website at www.decnr.gov.ie.

In terms of marine testing facilities in Irish waters, there is one existing wave test site in Galway Bay in operation. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute have established this test site which facilitates the open sea deployment of scaled prototypes of Wave Energy Converters during early stages of the development of the concept. SEAI has also been taking forward the development of a full scale grid connected wave test site off Annagh Head, County Mayo. This site is not yet operational.

Exchequer support for ocean research, development and demonstration has been provided to the sector in recent years and is being increased under the Offshore Renewable Energy De- velopment Plan. In total, my Department has allocated €26.3 million for ocean energy for the period 2013 to 2016. This supports, inter alia, the Prototype Development Fund operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland which provides grant aid for the development of prototype ocean energy devices.

06/05/2015WRZ02550Natural Gas Grid

06/05/2015WRZ02600582. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to extend the national gas pipeline to County Kerry, in view of the fact it would be an enormous benefit to have another source of energy for domestic and commercial purposes at a competitive cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/15]

06/05/2015WRZ02700Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a national system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), is statutorily responsible for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas pipeline network.

In 2006, the CER approved a Gas Connections Policy which enabled assessment of the feasibility of connecting new towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied.

The policy provides that the construction and operating costs of connecting a town, or group of towns, to the network are recovered through the consumption of gas and the associated network charges. The distance of a town from the gas network is the major factor determining the costs of building a gas pipeline. The anticipated industrial or commercial gas usage in the town largely determines the revenue from gas network charges which must balance the connection costs. Uneconomic gas pipeline projects would unfairly increase energy costs for all gas consumers.

Gaslink has completed three comprehensive studies to assess nearly 80 towns for connections to the gas network with the result that more than twenty new towns have been connected 292 6 May 2015 in recent years.

Listowel, Killarney and Tralee were assessed under its New Towns Analysis Phase 3 report, published in 2010. However, the Gaslink review found that these towns did not qualify for connection on economic grounds.

As the successor to Gaslink, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will continue to review the towns which did not qualify for connection in 2010 as well as other towns. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually as a result of the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.

The CER is currently consulting on a submission received by it from GNI on revisions to CER’s existing connections policy, as mentioned above.

06/05/2015WRZ02750Alternative Energy Projects

06/05/2015WRZ02800583. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to commission a study to investigate the potential for solar energy; when he anticipates that the infrastructure for this invaluable resource will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17866/15]

06/05/2015WRZ02900Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): Analysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies such as small scale wind, solar (including photovoltaic) and small scale hydro has been carried out by the Sustainable Energy Au- thority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI’s findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration, and will be taken into consideration in preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be finalised in September this year.

The SEAI has funded a number of solar projects through its Research, Demonstration and Development Programme. In addition, the ESB is focussed on the potential opportunities which solar photovoltaic presents and is also collaborating in research to understand the technological progress in this area and to evaluate further opportunities as the technology develops and costs reduce.

06/05/2015WRZ02950Alternative Energy Projects

06/05/2015WRZ03000584. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to commission a study to investigate the feasibility of biomass as a raw material for the Moneypoint Electricity Supply Board plant in County Clare as part of measures to reduce dependency on imported oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17878/15]

06/05/2015WRZ03100Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The choice of fuel used in the plant at Moneypoint is ultimately a matter for the operator and I have no role or function in this regard. No studies have been undertaken by my Department on the potential or otherwise of converting the plant to use biomass. Furthermore, I understand that there are a number of important issues that would demand further consideration before biomass could be used at Moneypoint. These include the following:

- the conversion of Moneypoint to biomass would require significant levels of capital investment by the operator; 293 Questions - Written Answers - support tariffs substantially higher than those available for wind, which has been the most cost effective renewable technology in the Irish electricity market, would also be required which could lead to increased electricity prices;

- substantially more biomass than is available domestically would be required with large amounts of the resource having to be imported leading to uncertainty in terms of security of supply. The sustainability of transporting large amounts of imported biomass would also be a cause for concern;

- the commitment of substantial amounts of biomass to Moneypoint would divert scarce biomass away from the renewable heat sector, where biomass can be used more efficiently and where fewer alternative technologies exist.

06/05/2015WRZ03150Alternative Energy Projects

06/05/2015WRZ03200585. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Government’s policy regarding micro turbines; the provisions that are being made to connect the output of these micro turbines to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17884/15]

06/05/2015WRZ03300Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): The Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources, including small scale hydro, biomass and wind. Based around Power Purchase Agreements between generators and electricity suppliers, REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period. Small scale renewable generation is eligible to apply for support under the REFIT schemes.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a range of supports to business and homeowners in relation to the deployment of renewable energy technologies.

In the context of the forthcoming energy policy paper, my Department is considering matters relating to Ireland’s fuel mix, including the role of microgeneration. Analysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies such as small scale wind, solar (including photovoltaic) and small scale hydro, has been carried out by the SEAI. The SEAI’s findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration. The views will be taken into consideration in preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be finalised in September this year.

Given the emerging policy context and the requirements of the EU target market for electricity, my Department is also beginning the process of developing a new support scheme for electricity, to be available from 2016 onwards. A key component of this will be consideration of the available technologies, their cost effectiveness and the level of support required. The scheme will be subject to State Aid clearance and the initial public consultation on the new scheme will commence shortly.

As regards the physical connection of a microgenerator to the electricity network, interested parties should contact ESB Networks. Details are available at:

http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/generator-connections/micro_gen_connections.jsp.

294 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRZ03350Flood Prevention Measures

06/05/2015WRZ03400586. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address persistent flooding at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/15]

06/05/2015WRZ03500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including signage), is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting this I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

06/05/2015WRZ03550Rural Transport Programme

06/05/2015WRZ03600587. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the rural transport programme; if he will discuss the direct benefit to the rural economy for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17209/15]

06/05/2015WRZ03700Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Ann Phelan): The Rural Transport Programme (RTP) was established to address social exclusion in rural areas arising from unmet public transport needs. The RTP entails the provision of some 230,000 services annually and around 1.7m passenger journeys. The Government has committed to maintaining service levels under the Programme.

In April 2012 responsibility for managing the RTP was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA). This role for the NTA, coupled with its national remit for securing the provision of public transport passenger services, enables the development of better links between local and rural transport services, and scheduled bus and rail services.

The delivery arrangements for the RTP are undergoing a restructuring process which is being managed by the NTA with a view to reducing administrative costs and maximising spend on the provision of services. The purpose of the restructuring is to protect the provision of rural transport services into the future by ensuring a more efficient delivery structure that maximises integration with other State transport services and by making the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to maintain and extend the RTP with other local transport services and the recommendations of a Value for Money Review of the RTP published in 2012.

06/05/2015WRZ03750Rail Network Maintenance

06/05/2015WRZ03800588. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a train station (details supplied) in County Laois will be bypassed; the future plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17211/15]

06/05/2015WRZ03900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am committed to supporting a well-funded public transport system into the future and I ensured that PSO funding for bus and rail services was maintained at current levels in the last Budget, the first time this has happened since 2008. The current PSO contract between the National Transport 295 Questions - Written Answers Authority (NTA) and Irish Rail sets out the services and service levels to be provided, including services on the Limerick to Ballybrophy line, in return for the payment of a public subsidy. I am informed by my officials that the total passenger journeys on the line in 2014 was 23,692.

At the end of 2014 I brought forward a Supplementary Estimate which included additional new funding in the public transport capital investment programme of €101 million to ensure the public transport sector is better placed to address the demands of our economic recovery. A large portion of that amount was targeted at the renewal investment required in the rail network. Irish Rail has also benefitted from increasing passenger numbers with over 1 million additional journeys in 2014. While this increase is welcome, Irish Rail must continue to improve their services and marketing to attract even more people to use its services.

The draft Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport recommends the development of a new rail policy, intended to have regard to social and environmental considerations addressed by rail as well as the economic and investment context established in that report.

Given the significant funding requirements, it is important that rail users and policy makers are consulted on how best to ensure that rail services continue to meet the needs of users and the contribution of rail to an efficient and effective public transport system generally. A public consultation on the role of rail is under preparation and I expect that this consultation will commence shortly.

06/05/2015WRZ03950Road Projects

06/05/2015WRZ04000589. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the boost that it could have provided to the region, and in view of the serious levels of deprivation that exist in Gort and Tuam in County Galway, his views that it is regrettable that so few local persons have been employed on the construction of the M17 and M18 Gort to Tuam motorway; the action he will take to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17253/15]

06/05/2015WRZ04100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): 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 road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

06/05/2015WRZ04150Road Projects

06/05/2015WRZ04200590. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the already high levels of economic deprivation that exist in Gort, County Galway, and the fears of the local business community, which has worked hard to provide employment, that the single junction planned for the town will make it less attractive for passing trade along the motorway, if consideration will be given to an alteration for the plan to provide for a second junction for Gort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17254/15]

06/05/2015WRZ04300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to

296 6 May 2015 the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

06/05/2015WRZ04350Road Safety

06/05/2015WRZ04400591. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the studies (details supplied) with respect to hydration while driving; his plans to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17276/15]

06/05/2015WRZ04500Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I am aware that the University of Loughborough has undertaken a study on the impact of dehydration on safe driving. Studies such as this are useful in the overall context of road safety and the findings of these studies will be kept under review in the development of road safety policy.

06/05/2015WRZ04550Aer Lingus Sale

06/05/2015WRZ04600592. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17429/15]

06/05/2015WRZ04700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): As outlined in my statement on the matter on 24 February last, both IAG and Aer Lingus have made positive statements about overall employment prospects at Aer Lingus in the context of IAG proposed offer for Aer Lingus. IAG has also indicated that there would be some rationalisation as a result of Aer Lingus being part of IAG.

The overall employment prospects and the timeframe within which net additional employment would be created are among the issues on which Government has sought clarity before making a decision on the matter.

There has been useful engagement on the issues by both sides. IAG has provided further details on the issues of concern to Government and discussions are progressing.

06/05/2015WRAA00150Proposed Legislation

06/05/2015WRAA00200593. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include in the forthcoming road traffic Bill a provision to amend earlier legislation by including an appeal process for taxi workers who inadvertently missed the deadline for renewing their public service vehicle licences, in view of the fact that existing legislation does not permit such an appeal to a decision of the National Transport Authority on such a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/15]

06/05/2015WRAA00300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is the responsibility of the National Trans- port Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

297 Questions - Written Answers Section 13 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, which came into operation in April of last year, provides for an appeal process in cases where the NTA refuses to grant a licence. These appeal provisions, insofar as they relate to the refusal of the grant (including renewal) of a licence, apply only where the refusal relates to an application that is validly made in accordance with the Act and regulations made thereunder.

Regulations made under the Act by the National Transport Authority (NTA) provide, in effect, that a licence lapses unless an application is made to replace the licence within a period of twelve months following its expiry, after which its replacement is no longer possible. Where a licence has expired a valid application can no longer be made and the appeal procedures under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 do not apply.

I should add that the legal provisions relating to the lapsing of SPSV licences implement the recommendation of the Taxi Regulation Review Group “to reduce the period during which an “inactive” SPSV licence can be reactivated from the current five years to one year.” No changes to this provision are proposed in any legislation currently in preparation.

06/05/2015WRAA00350Sports Capital Programme Applications

06/05/2015WRAA00400594. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17463/15]

06/05/2015WRAA00500Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy’s support for the project is noted.

I expect to announce allocations later this year.

06/05/2015WRAA00550Aer Lingus Board Remuneration

06/05/2015WRAA00600595. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the former chief executive officer of Aer Lingus was awarded valuable shares by the board of Aer Lingus, for which the person had no entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/15]

06/05/2015WRAA00700Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Remuneration matters in Aer Lingus are a matter for the Board of the company.

Each year Aer Lingus provides details of remuneration in its Annual Report and Ac- counts. The latest such report, available on Aer Lingus’ website, relates to 2014. This includes a letter to shareholders from the chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a twelve page Report of the Remuneration Committee on Directors’ Remuneration. This Remuneration Re- port includes the details of the former CEO’s remuneration, including details of the status of his share options and the basis on which they were awarded.

06/05/2015WRAA00750Dublin Bus Services

06/05/2015WRAA00800596. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware

298 6 May 2015 that Dublin Bus drivers who are injured or involved in accidents at work, and require transport to a hospital, are being left to pay for the ambulance fee of €100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/15]

06/05/2015WRAA00900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

06/05/2015WRAA00950Local Authority Assets

06/05/2015WRAA01000597. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make the land on which the tourist office building in Salthill in County Galway is located, available for purchase, the land being owned by Galway City Council and the building being owned by Fáilte Ireland. [17556/15]

06/05/2015WRAA01100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): Under the Na- tional Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, Fáilte Ireland requires my consent and that of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when acquiring or disposing of land, or an interest in land, or any other property, however, the management of its existing property portfolio (including decisions on acquisitions and disposals) are operational matters for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

With regard to the property in question, I am aware that, in 2011, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform consented to the disposal by Fáilte Ireland of the Tourist Informa- tion Office building to Galway City Council for a nominal consideration on condition that the Council dispose of the site by public tender and that the proceeds of the sale be shared equally between Fáilte Ireland and Galway City Council. This is now a matter for the Agency and the City Council to progress.

In that regard, I have referred the Deputy’s Question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

06/05/2015WRAA01150Sports Capital Programme Data

06/05/2015WRAA01200598. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of clubs and organisations that have applied for the sport capital grant in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/15]

06/05/2015WRAA01300Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.

County Number of Applications (these numbers may vary if duplicates are discovered during the assessment process) Carlow 28 Cavan 33 Clare 50 Cork 185 Donegal 57

299 Questions - Written Answers County Number of Applications (these numbers may vary if duplicates are discovered during the assessment process) Dublin 229 Galway 116 Kerry 73 Kildare 55 Kilkenny 38 Laois 41 Leitrim 20 Limerick 59 Longford 24 Louth 49 Mayo 75 Meath 62 Monaghan 26 Offaly 38 Roscommon 34 Sligo 42 Tipperary 74 Waterford 40 Westmeath 40 Wexford 60 Wicklow 48 Grand Total 1,596

06/05/2015WRAA01350Sports Capital Programme Data

06/05/2015WRAA01400599. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the moneys that have remained undrawn from sport capital grants, as of 1 April 2015, by county basis. [17606/15]

06/05/2015WRAA01500Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.

County Total Amount Remaining Carlow €698,185 Cavan €863,855 Clare €940,219 Cork €5,591,579 Donegal €2,268,917 Dublin €31,233,763 Galway €3,701,853 Kerry €2,121,677 Kildare €3,271,674 Kilkenny €1,855,686 Laois €864,810 300 6 May 2015 County Total Amount Remaining Leitrim €644,165 Limerick €2,510,662 Longford €451,140 Louth €1,981,767 Mayo €1,485,544 Meath €2,838,961 Monaghan €1,072,333 Offaly €920,000 Roscommon €504,848 Sligo €1,105,157 Tipperary €2,576,068 Waterford €1,527,547 Westmeath €1,286,320 Wexford €1,690,524 Wicklow €1,758,824

06/05/2015WRAA01550Sports Capital Programme Data

06/05/2015WRAA01600600. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that a total of €75 million remains outstanding from previous rounds of the sports capital programme and from special allocations, if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount outstanding for applications from each local authority area; and the contact or discussions he has had with each local authority on the matter. [17629/15]

06/05/2015WRAA01700Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): The funding outstanding from previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, on a county by county basis, will be provided to the Deputy under separate cover. Information of this type is retained on a county basis, and not in the manner sought by the Deputy. I wrote to all Local Authorities last year seeking an update on the status of their projects and reminding them of the need to draw down grants as soon as possible. However, this correspondence only related to allocations where the local authorities were the actual grantees.

06/05/2015WRAA01750Sports Capital Programme Applications

06/05/2015WRAA01800601. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine an application (details supplied) for a sports capital grant for the redevelopment of a substandard playing pitch, in view of the urgent need to carry out essential drainage work, and install new fencing and goal posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/15]

06/05/2015WRAA01900Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy’s support for the project is noted.

I expect to announce allocations later this year.

06/05/2015WRAA01950Ministerial Responsibilities 301 Questions - Written Answers

06/05/2015WRAA02000602. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the duties and responsibilities that have been delegated to the Minister of State (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17831/15]

06/05/2015WRAA02100Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): I refer the Dep- uty to his previous Dáil question No. 262 of the 12th February 2015. The position remains unchanged.

06/05/2015WRAA02150Public Transport

06/05/2015WRAA02200603. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the public consultation process on wheelchair accessibility on public transport; if he will confirm the next step in this process; and when it will take place. [17862/15]

06/05/2015WRAA02300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Paschal Donohoe): The commercial bus and coach sector provides public transport services under licence from the National Transport Authority (NTA). Arising from their function in this regard, the NTA has recently undertaken a public consultation on “Transitioning to a Wheelchair Accessible Licensed Bus Sector”.

I understand that the NTA is currently examining the responses to this public consultation process and will be providing me with its recommendations within the next month.

06/05/2015WRAA02350Sports Capital Programme Applications

06/05/2015WRAA02400604. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine an application under the sports capital grant programme in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kerry, which club urgently needs to install a sand-based pitch and hurling wall, as the pitch is waterlogged for long periods and is unsafe and hazardous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17875/15]

06/05/2015WRAA02500Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy’s support for the project is noted.

I expect to announce allocations later this year.

06/05/2015WRAA02550National Deer Cull

06/05/2015WRAA02600605. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider implementing a controlled cull of the deer population in south Tipperary, in view of the damage to property, and threats to public safety, which are occurring because of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17708/15]

06/05/2015WRAA02700Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season, during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer.

302 6 May 2015 My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners, who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.

In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agri- culture, Food and the Marine, recently published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action, which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum had been established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments.

06/05/2015WRAA02750Special Protection Areas Designation

06/05/2015WRAA02800606. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if compensation measures are in place, or are being examined, for the reduction in value of land, where a person’s lands are included in a special protection area, and plans to compensate landowners for the reduction in the value of their land, as a result of this designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17731/15]

06/05/2015WRAA02900Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The designation of Special Protection Areas, or SPAs, is a legal obligation placed on all Member States in the EU, and Ireland was found by the European Court of Justice in 2007 to have failed to designate a sufficient number of SPAs.

It is essential, in my view, that, wherever possible, use is made of opportunities for co-funding from the EU in providing payments to farmers who own lands subject to such designations. Therefore, while my Department has the lead role in relation to the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, significant funding is provided through the Rural Development Programme (operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) to assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Participation in the Basic Payment Scheme requires farmers to abide by the statutory requirements relating to SPAs and Special Areas of Conservation – collectively known as Natura 2000 sites. Agri-environment schemes such as the new GLAS scheme have provided, and will provide, a range of supports, including payments in respect of Natura 2000 sites, to tens of thousands of farmers.

A habitat enhancement scheme (known as the National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme) was available to farmers in Hen Harrier SPAs to undertake proactive measures for the species. These measures were not a condition of the designation, nor were they mandatory. For that reason, they are not considered to be compensation for the prevention of an activity or a development on the lands in question. Voluntary commitments were entered into by 377 landowners under the Farm Plan Scheme, covering over 9,000 hectares. I am advised that 42 farm plans are still active. 303 Questions - Written Answers The designation of lands does not mean that the lands are subject to blanket restrictions, although they must be managed appropriately. This requirement means that certain State-funded grant schemes must be operated with due care where they may affect such lands and they cannot be considered an automatic entitlement of the landowner.

06/05/2015WRAA02950Special Protection Areas Designation

06/05/2015WRAA03000607. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide the list of townlands in the Slieve Bloom mountains which were designated special protection area’s site code (details supplied); the way letters of objection by landowners to having their land designated an such were dealt with [17732/15]

06/05/2015WRAA03100Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Sieve Bloom Mountains special protection area extends to parts of the counties of Laois and Offaly. The intention to designate this site was advertised in November 2007, along with five other Hen Harrier special protection areas. Landowners were advised that they could appeal against the proposed designation of the site as a special protection area. The appeals process has two stages: a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation, after which landowners who receive an adverse review may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. This is an independently chaired Board which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases.

In total, 25 appeals were lodged, of which 22 were finalised at the first stage and 3 were -re ferred to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. Of the 22 dealt with internally, 12 were successful, 1 was partly successful and 4 were unsuccessful. 2 objections were withdrawn and 3 objections were not progressed due to the appeal criteria not being met. Of the 3 appeal cases that were taken to the Board, 1 was partly successful, 1 was withdrawn, and 1 was unsuccessful.

All appeals on this site have been concluded and the boundary finalised. The site has been formally designated as a special protection area by Statutory Instrument (S.I. 184/2012) since 2012.

A list of townlands in both counties that are wholly or partly included in this special protection area is set out under Schedule 2 of that Statutory Instrument. For ease of reference, they are as follows:

Slieve Bloom Mountains Special Protection Area

County Laois

Ballaghlyragh Or Nealstown, Ballaghmore Upper, Ballinla, Ballinrally, Ballyfarrell, Bal- lyfin, Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin Upper, Ballyhuppanane, Ballykenneen Lower, Ballykenneen Upper, Ballylusk, Ballynahimmy, Ballynalug, Barnaboy, Barradoos, Baunreagh, Birchwood, Bockagh, Bordowin, Boyle, Briscula, Brisha, Brittas (Ed Clonaslee), Brockra, Bughorn, Bu- nastick, Camcloon (Ed Ballyfin), Capard, Cappanarrow, Capparogan, Cardtown, Carrowreagh (Ed Nealstown), Castleconor, Castlecuffe, Cloncully, Clonoghil (Ed Marymount), Clonoon- agh, Cones, Coolagh (Ed Castlecuffe), Coolnabanch, Coolnamony Lower, Coolnamony Upper, Corbally (Ed Meelick), Cummer, Deerpark (Ed Ballyfin), Deerpark (Ed Brisha), Dernamanagh, Derrycarrow, Derrycon, Derrylahan (Ed Marymount), Drim, Drimhill Or Quarryfarm, Drimmo, Garranbaun, Garryhedder, Glebe (Ed Tinnahinch), Glenall, Glenamoon Glenbarrow, Glencon- ra, Glendine (Ed Arderin), Glendine (Ed Clonaslee), Glendineoregan, Glenkeen Lower, Glen- keen Upper, Glenkitt, Glennaglass, Gorragh Lower, Gorragh Upper, Gorteen (Ed Meelick), Gorteennameale, Gortlusky, Gortnaglogh, Inchanisky Island (Ed Nealstown), Johnsborough, 304 6 May 2015 Keeloge North, Killinaparson, Killinure (Ed Lacka), Knockannagad, Knocks, Lacka, Lackan, Lackey, Lisnarode, Moher East, Moher West, Monasop, Monelly, Monicknew, Mountainfarm, Mounthall, Northgrove, Oldcamp, Ross (Ed Tinnahinch), Rossadown, Rossalee, Rossbaun, Rossdorragha, Rossmore (Ed Ballyfin), Rossnabarnagh, Rossnacreena, Scarroon, Sconce Low- er, Sconce Upper, Shanavaur, Skerry, Srahanboy, Srahcullen, Srahduff Glebe, Stooagh, Tinna- hinch, Tubbrid and Whitefield.

County Offaly

Ballybritt, Ballyduff (Ed Gorteen), Ballykelly, Ballymacmurragh, Ballynalack, Ballyphilip, Ballywilliam (Ed Roscomroe), Barcam, Barlahan, Beagh, Castletown And Glinsk, Clashroe, Clogh, Clonlee, Coldblow (Ed Gorteen), Coolcreen, Cooleeshill, Cumber Lower, Cumber Up- per, Deerpark (Ed Letter), Forelacka, Glenafelly, Glendine (Ed Tulla), Glendossaun, Glenletter, Glenregan, Gorraun (Ed Gorteen), Gorteen (Roscrea Ph), Hundredacres, Keeloge (Ed Gorteen), Kilcreman, Knockloughlin, Lackaroe, Laughil (Ed Gorteen), Letter, Lismoney, Magherabane (Ed Letter), Newtown (Ed Roscomroe), Pigeonstown, Pollduff, Sheskin, Spink and Tulla and Crumlin.

06/05/2015WRAA03150Easter Rising Commemorations

06/05/2015WRAA03200608. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that Ireland should mark the anniversary of one of the main foundational moments in this country’s struggle to achieve a national republic, the Easter Rising of 1916, in a manner similar to other republics, such as the United States of America and the French Republic, that is to say without any sense of apology to, or cultural cringe towards, the foreign people and government that long usurped the sovereign and indefeasible right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies; the manner in which she plans to give expression to this in the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising, and to the vision of a republic that cherishes all of the children of the nation equally and is oblivious of the differences which had been carefully fostered by an alien government, which had divided a minority from the majority in the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17252/15]

06/05/2015WRAA03300Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Ire- land 2016 Centenary Programme which was launched by Government on 31st March clearly states how important it is that we the citizens come together in 2016 to celebrate and have pride in Ireland’s independence and to honour those who gave their lives, so that the dream of self determination could become a reality. It is important also that we do this in a way that is respect- ful and inclusive to reflect the mature Republic that we have become over the last 100 years.

One of the core objectives of the programme is to encourage and facilitate participation by, and the inclusion of, the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible in the programme of events to commemorate this significant centenary. The programme is underpinned by five intersecting and overlapping themes; Remembering, Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining and Celebrating. The programme comprises seven strands; State Ceremonial, Historical Reflection, An Teanga Bheo, Youth and Imagination, Cultural Expression, Community Participation and Global and Diaspora. It outlines a range of activities and events already planned under each of the seven strands and full details about the work being undertaken under each strand is outlined on the website www.ireland.ie.

The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme places a special focus on the Seven Signatories of the Proclamation. A number of specific projects and activities in the programme relate to the Seven Signatories and individual signatories will also be remembered in a wide variety of ways. 305 Questions - Written Answers At the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are the State Ceremonial Events, which represent the formal and solemn remembrance of the events of 1916 by the citizens of Ireland as the seminal event in our modern history, which led to our independence. The importance of our national flag and the ideals behind the Proclamation will also play a central role in the programme of events.

The development of the centenary programme has been informed by the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and an extensive consultation, engagement and planning process, which has already been underway for several months and will continue until the end of this year. The purpose of the process is to inform, to stimulate debate and discussion about the events of 1916 and to foster programme initiatives. The consultation process involves a range of Government Departments and agencies, relatives, local authorities, local community groups, schools and universities, the Dias- pora, historians and historical societies, as well as interested individuals and organisations. The strength of local community involvement and the unique perspectives and creative ideas of the participating groups and citizens will ensure that the significant events of 1916 will be brought to life and made interesting and relevant for people of all ages on the island of Ireland and abroad.

06/05/2015WRAA03350Departmental Budgets

06/05/2015WRAA03400609. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17673/15]

06/05/2015WRAA03500Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Staffing requirements for Muckross House, and Killarney National Park in general, remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department’s overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015. My Department has recently secured approval for the recruitment of additional seasonal staff in Muckross for the 2015 season. As part of this, a new centrally located information kiosk adjacent to the main arrival point at Muckross will be established. This will enhance the visitor experience as it will provide visitors, at the very outset of their visit to the site, with valuable information on the variety of locations to visit – Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, Walled Garden Centre, Traditional Farms, nature trails, and so forth.

The subject of OPW budgets is a matter for my colleagues, Brendan Howlin T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and Simon Harris, T.D., Minister of State at the OPW.

06/05/2015WRAA03550Wildlife Rangers Appointments

06/05/2015WRAA03600610. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the internationally recognised importance of Bull Island in north Dublin as a nature reserve, and the ongoing threat to its wildlife from persons and unleashed dogs, if she will arrange for funds to be made available for the employment of a wildlife ranger and dog warden exclusively for the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17722/15]

06/05/2015WRAA03700Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Bull Is- land is monitored regularly by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. There are no plans currently to deploy additional staff resources to the site. My officials will, of course, continue to support the main landowner, Dublin City Council, which is working to raise awareness and address management issues generally at the site. 306 6 May 2015

06/05/2015WRAA03750Heritage Council Funding

06/05/2015WRAA03800611. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gael- tacht if a group (details supplied) was successful in its application for funding to the Heritage Council under the local heritage grants scheme, and if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17725/15]

06/05/2015WRAA03900Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across its range of programmes, given competing priorities within the heritage sector. The Heritage Council’s Grants Programme is administered and assessed independently by the Council. As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I have no role in this regard.

I am aware, however, that the Heritage Council last week (30th April, 2015) announced funding for 197 heritage projects its 2015 Community-based Heritage Grants Scheme. totalling €547,000. Further details are available on the Heritage Council’s website at www.heritage- council.ie

06/05/2015WRAA03950Architectural Heritage

06/05/2015WRAA04000612. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the types and amounts of grant aid schemes available to conserve protected structures in private ownership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17836/15]

06/05/2015WRAA04100Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): Funding for the protection and conservation of built heritage will continue to be provided by my De- partment in 2015 via a number of schemes, which may be directly administered, or delivered through local authorities or the Heritage Council.

Yesterday (5 May, 2015), I announced grant funding of €624,000 to 22 local authorities under the Structures at Risk Fund 2015, which will enable conservation works to 28 heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This Fund, which is being administered through the local authorities, encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures, which might otherwise be lost. The Fund was open to 2 applications per local authority, of which 1 application may be in respect of a privately-owned building. The amount of funding available per project was subject to a minimum level of €15,000 and a maximum level of €60,000. Since 2011, almost 130 structures will have been funded under this scheme.

06/05/2015WRAA04150Insurance Costs

06/05/2015WRAA04200613. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps that can be taken to address the situation where insurance companies are charging higher premiums to those who own protected structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17837/15]

06/05/2015WRAA04300Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): My De- partment is aware of issues, such as higher premiums, surrounding insurance cover for historic buildings. I understand that officials of my Department have met with both the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the Irish Insurance Federation (now Insurance Ireland) to 307 Questions - Written Answers discuss this matter. My Department is also engaging with local authority Architectural Con- servation Officers and other stakeholders in collating specific information regarding historic buildings and insurance with the intention of further examining this issue.

The principle issue with protected structures centres on the cost of reinstatement to the insurer. There is widespread belief that full reinstatement of protected structures, following loss or disaster, will be required by the regulatory authorities. While reinstatement is often a concern for owners, my Department’s guidance is that there is not a requirement for the planning authority to seek full reinstatement unless this is justified. My Department’s view is that every local authority should be able to provide information on reinstatement to individual owners and judgements should be made on a case by case basis.

It should be noted that there are several insurance providers in the market who offer insurance cover for historic properties on a case by case basis, having regard to the risks applicable to older structures in general. Such risks, which arise from age of services, structural stability, etc., relate to all traditionally built buildings - commonly those over 100 years old - and do not singularly target structures protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

My Department will continue to pursue matters surrounding insurance for historic properties and keep the issues under review.

06/05/2015WRAA04350Library Services Provision

06/05/2015WRAA04400614. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the future of Bolton Library, Cashel, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17860/15]

06/05/2015WRAA04500Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Parliamentary Question 1005 on 24th March 2015. While I am aware that there are discussions taking place in relation to the future of Bolton Library, my Department does not have a direct role in the matter.

06/05/2015WRAA04550Public Sector Staff Recruitment

06/05/2015WRAA04600615. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of recruitment, under the aegis of her Department, to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18248/15]

06/05/2015WRAA04700Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Min- ister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment to the public service as part of Budget 2015. Details of the operation of revised arrangements are being finalised between officials of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In the interim, my Department and bodies under its aegis have continued to progress the filling of certain key posts on the basis of specific sanction obtained from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In the period 1st January to 30th April, a total of 14 such appointments have been made by bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the Arts Council, the Crawford Art Gallery, Foras na Gaeilge, the National Library and the National Gallery, while a recruitment process in relation to a further 13 positions is ongoing.

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