Volume 94 Tuesday No 23 16 August 2016

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

OFFICIAL REPORT CONTENTS

Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time

Page

1,2,3,4. Abuse and Harassment of Students in Orientation Programmes (Dr Chia Shi-Lu, Mr Zaqy Mohamed, Miss , Mr ) 1 16,17. Impact of GIC and Temasek Holdings' Lower Returns on Government's Budget and Long-term Programmes (Mr , Ms ) 5 18. Encouraging More Adults and Elderly to Go for Vaccinations (Mr Yik Chye) 6 20. Disputes between Foreign Workers and Employers (Er Dr ) 7 22. Trend of Child Abuse Cases (Mr ) 8 23. Commitment of New Companies in Developing Strong Singapore Core (Mr ) 9 24. Proposal for National Emissions Trading Scheme (Mr Kok Kwang) 10 26. Crowdfunding as Alternative Financing for Start-ups and SMEs (Ms Foo Mee Har) 11 27. Support of Community Integration Activities at Condominiums (Miss Wei Ling) 12 28. Review of HDB's Joint Singles Rental Scheme to Prevent Violent Disputes (Dr ) 13 29. Maintenance of Black and White Bungalows (Dr ) 13 30. Average Teacher-Student Ratios over the Decades (Mr ) 14 31. Mandatory Prolonged Break during June School Holidays (Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye) 15 32. Claims against Foreign Vehicle Owners Involved in Accidents in Singapore (Er Dr Lee Bee Wah) 16 33. Appropriate Disposal of Renovation Debris and Bulky Items at HDB Estates (Mr ) 17 35. Enhancing Competency of Home Team to Tackle Online Crime (Mr Desmond Choo) 18 36. Societies Denied Registration by Registrar of Societies (Mr ) 19 40. Licensing Fee for Street Hawkers Selling Tissue Paper Packs (Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang) 19 41. Comparative Frequency and Severity of Oil Spills on Singapore Roads (Ms ) 20 42. New Public Transport Policy of MRT Operations (Mr Gan Thiam Poh) 20 43. Traffic and Pedestrian Accidents Related to Mobile Phone Usage (Mr Zainal Sapari) 21 46. School Re-admission Assessments for Children of Returning Overseas Singaporeans (Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling) 22 48. Enhancing Care-giving Options for Dementia Patients (Mr Desmond Choo) 23 49. Career Progression of Dental Surgery Assistants (Ms K Thanaletchimi ) 24 50. Security Clearance for Those Applying for Jobs at Government Agencies (Mr Leon Perera) 25 52. Extending Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme to Seniors Living in Private Estates (Ms Joan Pereira) 26 53. Height and Weight Allowance for Local Mixed Breed Dogs Kept in HDB Flats (Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang) 26 54. Leasing of Homes for Short-term Stays (Dr Lim Wee Kiak) 27 56. Recovering Revenue from Motorists who Evade Car Park Charges (Ms ) 27 57. Impact of Extending Equal Medical Benefits to Female Pensioners who Retired before 2005 and Their Dependants (Mr Leon Perera) 28 59. Next Batch of Noise Barriers for MRT Tracks (Er Dr Lee Bee Wah) 29 60. Plans for Highspeed Rail Project to Proceed without Delay and Losses (Mr Lip Fong) 29 61. Impact of Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion Plans on Staff's Remuneration (Ms K Thanaletchimi) 30 ABUSE AND HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS IN ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES

1 Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) in light of increasing incidents of sexually offensive and 'sexualised' activities during orientation activities at the National University of Singapore over the last decade (a) what are the regulations in place to protect students in our tertiary institutions from physical abuse and harassment; (b) whether these regulations are standardised across our polytechnics and universities; (c) what checks and enforcement are in place to ensure that the regulations are adhered to; (d) how many students or staff have been found guilty and have had to face disciplinary action and how were they punished; and (e) whether any civil or criminal suits had been filed as a result.

2 Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) (a) whether the Ministry has a code of conduct to prohibit sexually inappropriate or degrading activities in institutions of higher learning and schools; (b) what measures have been taken to ensure adequate oversight by university staff on students organising such activities; (c) how many complaints has the Ministry received in the past five years and what actions have been implemented to prevent recurrence; and (d) why safeguards have not been put in place to prevent the recent incident in the National University of Singapore.

3 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) in light of the reports of sexual harassment and abuse during orientation activities at the National University of Singapore (a) whether the Ministry has been monitoring this situation in all our tertiary institutions and keeping track of the number and nature of incidents reported; and (b) whether resources have been provided to our institutions to ensure the safety of our students.

4 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) with regard to the incidents of sexual harassment and physical abuse during orientation activities at the National University of Singapore (a) what are the existing guidelines for orientation activities and whether students/staff have been properly advised and guided; (b) how many complaints on such lewd orientation activities has each of our tertiary institutions received annually in the last 10 years; (c) what measures have been taken by the respective institutions to 2

prevent such abuses by the students or staff who organised the orientation; and (d) how many students or staff have repeatedly been found to be responsible for such orientation activities.

Mr :On 26 July 2016, The New Paper (TNP) published an article on sexualised activities which occurred during freshmen orientation at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The reported acts were demeaning, reprehensible, and have no place in a university. NUS immediately made known that it was against such acts, and that it will take strong disciplinary action against those found responsible. Staff met with student leaders involved in orientation camps to remind them of the regulations. On 28 July, a video went viral – it showed students flat on their backs, being dunked in a shallow pond. It raised fresh concerns about orientation activities. Unlike the first TNP report, these are not sexualised activities. It is a tradition in Sheares Hall, observed by students during special occasions such as birthdays, and is not just for freshmen. The longstanding rule in NUS is that ragging of freshmen is strictly prohibited. As a result, NUS decided to suspend student-organised orientation activities. Given the circumstances, I understand and respect NUS’ decision. Our universities have put in place a multitude of rules and processes to regulate and guide orientation activities. At NUS, all student leaders involved in organising and leading orientation activities are briefed and quizzed on orientation dos and don’ts. Banned activities such as ragging are explicitly highlighted both in the briefings and in NUS’s Student Code of Conduct, and the penalties for such behaviour are clearly stated. Student organisers have to submit detailed orientation proposals to be vetted by staff advisors and the Office of Student Affairs – a painstaking process that takes about three to four months. Any inappropriate activities, such as those involving piggybacking between opposite genders, intimate body contact, and wastage of food, will be removed during this process. Orientation-week, or O-week, culminates in the Rag and Flag, where freshmen work together and raised funds for charity. This year, they raised $472,000. As for NTU, it has over the last three years developed a fresh model for freshmen 3

orientation. A University Undergraduate Co-ordinating Committee, which include student union representatives, sets orientation objectives and guidelines, which includes rules against ragging. There is an explicit recognition of the right of freshmen to opt out of any activities. Student organisations then work with respective faculty and staff to organise the activities. Today, freshmen overnight orientation camps are mostly held within campus and not outside, where discretion is wide and problematic practices tend to occur. This break from the past required some getting used to at first, but it is quite well-accepted now. The other universities – SMU, SIT, SUTD – are much smaller in scale and intake numbers. Their orientation activities are therefore much more closely supervised than NUS and NTU. If all these measures are in place, why do inappropriate orientation activities still happen? They happen when staff and faculty are not watching, and when some students decide to deviate from approved plans. Such inappropriate orientation activities happen occasionally – they are certainly not widespread. To answer the specific questions of members, complaints to the university administrations have been very few over the last five years. Neither have any police reports been filed to date, to the best of our knowledge. Amongst NUS students and alumni, there is a range of views on the matter of orientation. Speaking to them, or reading NUS Whispers, a confessional site for students and alumni alike, one will realise that there is a fairly strong view that orientation has been useful for freshmen. This is because orientation is an integral part of the university experience. This is when freshmen are introduced to university life, its curriculum and demands. This is when they make friends, establish networks and forge bonds that may last a lifetime. After the NUS suspension, one alumna, Sarah Tan, who graduated in 2014, wrote to me. She told me that she was totally against the sexualised activities. But she also disagreed with the suspension of orientation activities. While preparing for this reply, I got her permission to quote her explanation in one of her blogs: “My life would have been very, very different if not for the camps I joined as a freshie. I would not have met so many amazing people, students, staff and non-NUS folks alike. I would not have had the opportunity to build up such a large network. I would not have overcome my fear of public speaking. And I definitely would not feel that my time in NUS was the best period of my life... O-week is incredibly important for the freshies…” Personal growth is incredibly important. So is personal safety. Bonding is incredibly 4

important. So too is respect for the dignity of others. University campuses are full of energetic young people, independent-minded, who are stepping up to take their place in the world. On top of that there are rules, unspoken norms, and traditions. In this environment, we should not expect to watch their every move, ameliorate every risk, and cushion every eventuality. We want our young to learn, in and outside of the classroom, from successes as well as mistakes. If something goes wrong, we have to correct them, immediately and thoroughly, and NUS is indeed doing so. For those who did wrong, they will have to expect discipline and rebuke. For those who suffered wrong, they have the option to forgive. For the rest, the system did not start from Lord of the Flies, so let us not push it to 1984. That is why when NUS informed me that they intended to put a stop to orientation this year, we discussed and carefully decided that it should only apply to student-organised team- building activities, and that these would be “suspended” instead of “cancelled” or “banned”. This is because orientation is fundamentally beneficial for freshmen, and the correct response should be to take this opportunity to improve, right the wrongs, and bring it back later, even after lessons have started. It will not be the same as having O-week, but we owe it to the freshmen of 2016. That is what NUS is planning to do. A last point I would like to address is that as NUS tightens its enforcement against ragging, and as orientation activities evolve, some students are going to lament the loss of certain traditions. There is a Chinese wedding tradition, which is to get a little boy to roll on the bed of the couple the night before the wedding. It is supposed to help the couple bear male offspring. I am not sure many young couples follow that tradition anymore. I am not even sure their parents and grandparents are insisting on it either. Traditional practices do change with the times. But couples still faithfully observe tea ceremonies during customary weddings. Because this is not just a ritual, but it also signifies the true spirit of the tradition – which is respect for our elders, and expressing our gratitude to them. What is the true spirit of NUS? Service to society, excellence, passion and integrity, to be the keys to the world. What is the true spirit of Sheares Hall? It is named after Doctor Benjamin Sheares, our second President, who came from humble origins, excelled in his studies, became a doctor, and pioneered new surgical methods. As President, he was widely respected and was a symbol of Singapore’s unity. These are the true spirit of traditions and values that should live on, 5 and that should be expressed in orientation activities and initiation processes. I wish our universities orientations that will inspire freshmen, and which everyone can be proud of, and remember – for the right reasons. Back to Contents IMPACT OF GIC AND TEMASEK HOLDINGS' LOWER RETURNS ON GOVERNMENT'S BUDGET AND LONG-TERM PROGRAMMES

16 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Finance whether the outlook of lower long- term financial returns as reflected in the annual reports of GIC and Temasek Holdings indicates that the Net Investment Returns Contribution from the financial reserves will be lower going forward and whether that will have an impact upon the Government's ability to balance the overall budget and to fund committed long-term programmes.

17 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government needs to review its dependence on Net Investment Returns Contributions from Temasek and GIC to fund its budget given the tough investment environment and modest growth prospects; and (b) whether any long-term spending programmes will be affected if long-term returns from both portfolios end up materially lower than in previous periods.

Mr : The Net Investment Returns (NIR) framework is based on the expected long-term real rates of return on the reserves invested by GIC, Temasek Holdings, and MAS. The expected long-term rates are used because the NIR framework seeks to smooth out budgetary spending across market cycles - in other words, to ensure we do not overspend in bull markets, or face a shortage of funds during a market downturn. If there were to be a long term deterioration in the investment environment, in other words a secular rather than cyclical deterioration, we would expect a downward adjustment to the expected long-term rates, and hence a lower NIRC to the annual budget. The investment entities and the Government are each studying the possible scenarios for the long term environment. We cannot rule out a scenario of lower expected long-term rates. It is an added reason why the Government has to continue to review both our revenues and expenditures to ensure sustainability. First, even as we recognise the rising needs of an ageing population, we must remain 6

prudent in our spending and emphasise value-for-money in every programme. We must continually transform the delivery of government services to be more productive and innovative in achieving better outcomes. Second, we must continue to build up our revenues for the long term. I should highlight that although the NIRC is a sizeable revenue item, our operating revenues (comprising tax revenues as well as fees and charges) continue to serve as the primary source of our total revenues, at slightly over 80%. Going forward, we must continue to build a revenue structure that allows us to meet important spending needs, while ensuring that we maintain our economic competitiveness as well as keep our overall system of taxes and benefits progressive and fair. Third, and most fundamentally, sustainable government finances depend on whether we have a healthy and growing economy. The recommendations of the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE), and the Industry Transformation Programme that we have embarked on, are key to growing the economy and creating good jobs for our people. This is the key way to grow our revenues sustainably. Back to Contents ENCOURAGING MORE ADULTS AND ELDERLY TO GO FOR VACCINATIONS

18 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) what plans does the Ministry have to encourage more adults and the elderly to go for vaccinations in view of local immunisation rates being below 20% for adults and below 10% for those aged 50 to 69; and (b) whether the Ministry can consider allowing Singaporean adults to use Medisave to pay for all types of vaccinations instead of limiting the use of Medisave to the current few types of vaccinations.

Mr : An Expert Committee on Immunisation advises MOH on vaccination. The Committee comprises specialists from public and private healthcare institutions in infectious diseases, microbiology, paediatrics and public health. For adults, the Expert Committee has recommended a targeted approach of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in specific high-risk groups. They include seniors aged 65 years and above, and persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart diseases. These patients can use their Medisave to pay for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. 7

There is room to improve the vaccination rates in these high risk groups. To achieve this outcome, MOH needs to work together with healthcare professionals and the public to raise awareness, and encourage patients in these high risk groups to go for the recommended vaccinations. Back to Contents DISPUTES BETWEEN FOREIGN WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS

20 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many disputes have been received involving foreign workers and their employers in the past three years; (b) on average, how long does it take for the Ministry to investigate and resolve a case; (c) what are the options open to either party if they do not find the results of the investigation to be satisfactory; (d) whether there is a deadline after which the employer will not be required to continue paying for the worker's food and accommodation; and (e) what is the longest period so far where a case is unresolved and the employer has to bear the cost of maintaining the worker.

Mr : The Employment Act sets out the basic terms of employment including salary and other statutory benefits. Where there are disputes, MOM first attempts to resolve them by mediation. If parties are not satisfied with the outcome, they can have the dispute adjudicated at the Labour Court. In the past three years, MOM received about 4,500 disputes involving foreign workers per year. This represents less than 0.4% of the foreign workforce in Singapore. MOM ensures that all disputes are dealt with expeditiously. The large majority i.e. more than 90% are amicably settled through mediation within one month. The remaining 10% of cases are resolved through adjudication at the Labour Court. Adjudication takes an average of another month to complete. Hence, practically all disputes are resolved within two months from the time the foreign workers surface their disputes to MOM. MOM requires the employers to be responsible for the workers' well-being including the provision of proper food and accommodation, for the duration of the dispute. This ensures that the employer does not unfairly pass on the cost of upkeep to other taxpayers. The state will provide for the upkeep of a worker where necessary, if the worker is required by the state, for example as a prosecution witness or an accused person. The longest case in the last three years took about 10 months to complete as it involved not 8

only a salary dispute but also a criminal breach of the Penal Code, where the employer was also investigated for allegations of salary fraud. The worker involved in that case was given proper upkeep and was also allowed to change employer after two months to continue working in Singapore. Back to Contents TREND OF CHILD ABUSE CASES

22 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the number and trend of child abuse cases that have been reported in the last three years; (b) how many of these cases involve the child having to be hospitalised; (c) how many has led to fatality; (d) what improvements have been made to our structure and processes to detect such cases for early intervention; and (e) whether teachers and the public have been educated or trained to look out for cases of child abuse.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: In 2015, my Ministry’s Child Protective Service investigated 551 cases of child abuse and neglect. This number was higher than the 300 to 400 cases investigated in the previous three years. One reason for this trend is that there is better detection and reporting by professionals such as social workers and teachers, as a result of our investment in strengthening the capabilities of our partners. A second reason is that we have expanded our role and redefined the criteria for assessing when a case would be taken up for investigation. About 20 of the children involved in our investigations last year were admitted to hospital for medical treatment for their injuries. There were two fatalities arising from child abuse between 2013 and 2015. My Ministry has invested in strengthening the capabilities of professionals such as teachers, and healthcare and social workers to detect abuse and intervene appropriately. For instance, we have developed sector-wide guidelines to have clarity and consistency in how professionals would screen for child abuse, and regular training on the use of these guidelines. In schools for instance, teachers will alert school counsellors, and if necessary my Ministry’s Child Protective Service, to provide support to students who show signs of distress or possible abuse. For better detection and early intervention, we have established inter-agency networks, such as the Inter-Ministry Workgroup on Child Protection and put in place clear processes for schools, community agencies and hospitals for reporting suspected abuse. 9

To further reduce the instances of child abuse that go undetected, the Government will continue ongoing efforts in public education and community outreach. Preventing child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Anyone who is aware of a child being or is at risk of being abused, can help by reporting it. Back to Contents COMMITMENT OF NEW COMPANIES IN DEVELOPING STRONG SINGAPORE CORE

23 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) how will the Ministry ensure that new companies or investments brought into Singapore are aligned to developing a strong Singapore core and progressive workplace practices.

Mr : The Economic Development Board (EDB) adopts a targeted approach to investment promotion, attracting projects that are in line with Singapore’s competitive strengths, as well as our constraints in manpower, land and planned international commitments on carbon emissions, to create good jobs for Singaporeans. From 2011 to 2015, EDB secured commitments of S$65 billion in fixed asset investments. These investments are expected to generate total business expenditure per annum of S$34 billion, value-added per annum of S$77 billion, as well as create 107,000 jobs when fully implemented. The Government works with relevant educational institutions and industry partners to ensure that Singaporeans are equipped with the skills to take up good jobs. This is embodied in the national SkillsFuture movement, which develops an integrated system of education, training and career progression for all Singaporeans, promotes industry support for individuals to advance based on skills, and fosters a culture of lifelong learning. One initiative that encourages employers to develop a Singaporean core is the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme. This is a place-and-train programme for fresh polytechnic and ITE graduates, who are matched with employers and have opportunities to learn through structured on-the-job and institution-based training. This programme equips graduates with industry-relevant skills. Those who successfully complete this programme receive industry-recognised qualifications. The Government also ensures that Singaporeans have a level playing field for good jobs through the Fair Consideration Framework. It sets out clear expectations for all companies to consider Singaporeans fairly for job and career opportunities. In addition, all companies must 10

comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices and have fair employment practices that are open, merit-based and non-discriminatory. Back to Contents PROPOSAL FOR NATIONAL EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME

24 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will implement a national emissions trading scheme as an instrument for Singapore to meet its COP21 commitments.

Mr B M M: Climate change is a global problem with wide-ranging implications. Many countries around the world today are already feeling the effects whether it is record high temperatures, more intense rainfalls or the threat that rising sea levels bring to coastal cities. Although Singapore only contributes less than 0.2% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, we are a responsible global citizen and will play our part. Given this, Singapore had pledged at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference to reduce our emissions intensity by 36% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to stabilise our emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030. These are ambitious targets which the Government alone cannot achieve. We would require the collective effort and action of every individual, communities and businesses to make greener lifestyle choices and reduce their energy consumption. Members would be aware that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister , recently released a Climate Action Plan that explains the Whole-of-Government strategy we have adopted to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and to protect Singapore from the impacts of climate change. Improving our energy efficiency continues to be a key strategy. Specifically, the Member has asked whether a national emissions trading scheme will be implemented as part of this strategy. In recent years, many countries around the world have implemented various carbon pricing instruments, including emissions trading schemes, to help in their climate change efforts. For example, the Republic of Korea launched its emissions trading scheme in 2015. China, which has seven regional pilots, has also announced its intention to introduce a national cap-and-trade system in 2017. In Singapore, the Government has not made any decision on carbon pricing, including emissions trading schemes. 11

Back to Contents CROWDFUNDING AS ALTERNATIVE FINANCING FOR START-UPS AND SMES

26 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Prime Minister how the new licensing regime for crowdfunding platforms announced by MAS is expected to support crowdfunding as an alternative source of financing for start-ups and SMEs as well as ensure schemes under crowdfunding are fair, transparent and protect investors against frauds.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): MAS’ new regulatory framework supports securities-based crowdfunding (SCF) as an alternative source of financing for start-ups and SMEs. It does so in two ways. First, MAS has simplified an existing rule that allows companies raising less than $5 milion within 12 months (small offers) to do so without a prospectus. Under the existing rule, SCF platforms assisting companies to raise funds were required to ascertain that investors have the knowledge, experience and are suited for SCF investments. Most retail investors would have difficulties meeting all three requirements. With the simplified rule, SCF platforms need to ascertain that investors meet any one of the three requirements, to be able to have access to SCF investments. It will expand the potential investor pool for SCF investments. Second, MAS will reduce the financial requirements for SCF platforms that raise funds from only accredited and institutional investors, and do not handle customers’ monies1. Both the minimum base capital and operational risk requirements for such intermediaries will be reduced to $50,000 (the previous requirements were $250,000 and $100,000 respectively). The requirement for a $100,000 security deposit will also be removed. But SCF investments are not without risk. MAS’ SCF regulatory framework seeks to strike the right balance between widening access to funding for start-ups and SMEs and protecting investor interests. All SCF platform operators seeking to operate in Singapore will require licensing by MAS. MAS will admit only platform operators that are assessed to be fit and proper. They are required to ensure proper segregation of investors’ monies, and keep proper records of transactions.

1They must also not be acting as principal in transactions with investors. 12

As a further safeguard for investors, MAS has introduced a new requirement for SCF platform operators that are intermediating small offers to disclose the key risks of SCF investments. These operators will also be required to obtain investors’ acknowledgement that they have read and understood these risks before they can proceed to invest. However, I have to emphasise that SCF investors have to exercise due care and must ultimately bear responsibility for investment risks. SCF operators are expected to deal fairly with investors in the conduct of their business. Where a licensed intermediary is found to have breached MAS’ rules, supervisory measures will be taken, ranging from enhanced audits to revocation of licence. Back to Contents SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES AT CONDOMINIUMS

27 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether there are plans to increase efforts or support for community integration activities at condominiums given the rising trend of rental units and permanent residents residing in these compounds.

Mr (for the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth): The People’s Association (PA) promotes social cohesion amongst residents from all races, age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, including both public and private estates. To enable private estate residents to be involved in community activities, PA has helped to facilitate private estate residents to form more Neighbourhood Committees (NCs). There are currently 183 NCs, up from 112 in 2011. We will continue to expand the number of NCs as necessary to deepen their engagement with the wider grassroots network. Besides organising activities and forming interest groups to bring residents together, the NCs also facilitate residents’ involvement in their own communities via the OneConnect Programme. Through this programme, residents can offer suggestions for estate improvement and formulate community solutions to tackle common issues, e.g. to eliminate dengue breeding spots. The NCs also partner various grassroots and community organisations to reach out to the residents, including the less privileged, through various meaningful initiatives. PA also offers many community programmes and courses at the Community 13

Clubs/Centres (CCs) to meet the different interests and needs of residents, including those living in condominiums. All residents are welcome to participate in these activities where they can get to know their neighbours and community better. Back to Contents REVIEW OF HDB'S JOINT SINGLES RENTAL SCHEME TO PREVENT VIOLENT DISPUTES

28 Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the past year, how many disputes between co-tenants of HDB rental flats resulted in violence; and (b) whether a review should be carried out to improve the Joint Singles Scheme for the rental of HDB flats.

Mr : HDB does not keep specific records of disputes among tenants, or whether disputes result in violence. In 2014 and 2015, HDB received 235 requests for a change of tenant due to disputes, out of around 12,000 households under the Joint Singles Scheme (JSS). For disputes which the tenants cannot settle between themselves, HDB will refer them to seek help from grassroots organisations or the Community Mediation Centre. If mediation fails, one or both parties may still submit separate applications to rent another public rental flat with other eligible persons. HDB currently has no plans to review the requirement to pair tenants under the JSS, as it enables HDB to help as many needy singles as possible to have a roof over their heads, within the limited resources for public housing. Most JSS tenants are able to live together amicably and derive benefit from having company. The key is mutual respect and tolerance. Back to Contents MAINTENANCE OF BLACK AND WHITE BUNGALOWS

29 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Law (a) how many black and white bungalows are there in Sembawang managed by SLA; (b) how many are currently rented out; (c) what is the Ministry doing to maintain these bungalows some of which are in a state of disrepair; and (d) whether these bungalows will be preserved as part of our heritage.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) currently manages 45 black and white bungalows in Sembawang. 29 of them are currently rented out, while 4 units are 14

available for rent as residences. The remaining 12 units are safeguarded for Government agencies which are exploring other uses for these properties. SLA has appointed a managing agent to carry out regular maintenance on all the vacant properties. The maintenance works include housekeeping, grass cutting, tree pruning and vector control. SLA’s managing agent also carries out painting, building, mechanical, electrical and interior works before the properties are let out, or during tenancy renewals. Repair works are also carried out when necessary. SLA ensures that none of these properties fall into a state of disrepair. The Government recognises the heritage value of these bungalows. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will take this into consideration when studying the future development plans for the area. Back to Contents AVERAGE TEACHER-STUDENT RATIOS OVER THE DECADES

30 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) what has been the average teacher-student ratios for primary, secondary and junior college levels respectively over the decades of 1970-79, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2000-10 and 2011 to date.

Mr : Since the 1970s, the student-teacher ratio – or what is known internationally as the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) has improved across all levels. For the Primary level, the average PTRs of each decade in Government and Government-aided schools improved progressively from 30 in the 1970’s, to 28, 26 and 23 in the subsequent decades, and to 16 in 2015. A similar trend also took place at the Secondary level, with the average PTR improving over each decade, from 25, 22, 21, 19 to 13 in 2015. Data for JCs was not available in the 1970s, when the JC landscape was in its nascent stage. From the 1980s till now, the average JC PTRs over each decade have improved from 25, 15, 12, to 10 in 2015. Our PTRs are comparable to the OECD average of 15 and 13 for primary and secondary schools respectively. The PTR is an aggregate measure that compares the total number of teachers to the total number of students, and reflects our increase in investment of teacher resources over the years to bring out the best in each child. Besides the general increase in resources for every student, we have also invested resources in developing customised programmes for those requiring special 15

attention. This includes lower primary students, students weak in literacy and numeracy, as well as students with special education needs. Through our continuous efforts, we have achieved progressively good outcomes for our school-going cohorts over the years. One indicator of this would be the extremely low dropout rates of students who did not complete Secondary education, at less than 1% of the Primary One cohort. Back to Contents MANDATORY PROLONGED BREAK DURING JUNE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

31 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) (a) how many schools adhere to the Ministry's guideline on giving students and school teachers at least a two-week break during the June school holidays; (b) whether the Ministry can review this guideline to at least a three-week break so that students and school teachers can have more time to rest and bond with their families; and (c) whether a limit can be made to the number of hours a day that a student can spend in school for official remedial classes or co-curricular activities during the school holidays.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: The well-being of our teachers is important and we have put in place various initiatives to support their work-life needs. A set of guidelines is provided to schools to support and guide them in managing their teachers’ workload and well-being. One of these guidelines is the provision of protected vacation time during school holidays to ensure that teachers have sufficient time to rest and bond with their families. The baseline protected time in the school vacation comprises at least two days in March, two weeks in June, two days in September and three weeks in November / December. Under the guideline on protected vacation time, teachers are to be given at least two weeks off in the June holidays and this has been observed by all the schools. As this is a baseline provision, schools do, in most cases, give their teachers more than two weeks off in the June holidays. While setting this baseline provision, MOE is mindful of the need to accord schools some flexibility to meet their specific needs, for example, to support teachers' professional development programmes as well as programmes for their students. In principle, schools seek to optimise the holidays to ensure that their teachers get a sufficient break to rest and recharge. Similarly, schools seek to ensure that students are also given adequate time off during the holidays to rest and spend time with their families, and pursue their personal or recreational 16

activities. Unless necessary, students are not required to attend school during the holidays. However, schools may use part of the school holidays to conduct remedial or enrichment classes and Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) for specific groups of students. These activities are planned after due consideration of the students’ learning and developmental needs. For example, the June holidays may be an opportune time for teachers to address students’ learning gaps identified during the mid-year examinations through the provision of small group remediation to those who may benefit from it. Part of the school holidays may also be used to organise activities for CCAs that may not be easily conducted during term time, such as camps and leadership courses. Given that there are different student profiles and needs across the schools, it may not be meaningful to set a limit on the number of hours a student can spend in school during the school holidays that can be universally applied to all students. Nonetheless, we agree that the school holidays are an important time for the students to take a break from school. In planning holiday programmes, our schools are mindful of this and have processes in place to monitor and co-ordinate holiday homework and activities. School holiday programmes are usually not compulsory, and students do have a choice to opt out of them. Schools are also reminded to inform parents of planned school activities early to facilitate their holiday planning. MOE will continue to monitor that schools are judicious in their planning of holiday activities and to be mindful of the students’ and teachers’ need for a restful break during the school holidays. MOE will also continue to engage School Leaders in their review of programmes to maximise vacation time beyond the baseline protected time for teachers and students while striving to meet the developmental needs of teachers and students. Back to Contents CLAIMS AGAINST FOREIGN VEHICLE OWNERS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS IN SINGAPORE

32 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the process for Singaporeans to claim against foreign vehicle owners who are involved in accidents here, including damage to vehicles; (b) on the average, how long does it take to settle such claims; and (c) how can the Ministry assist in simplifying the process to facilitate easier motor insurance claims for both Singaporean and Malaysian motorists involved in accidents in Singapore. 17

Mr : Motorists of foreign-registered vehicles found responsible for causing accidents are liable for the damages incurred. Thus, Singaporeans involved can claim against the motorists or their insurer if the insurance covers third party property damage for accidents that occur in Singapore. In addition, the Motor Vehicle Act requires all vehicles used on Singapore roads, whether local or foreign-registered, to be insured against third party bodily injury and death. To effect this for Malaysian-registered vehicles, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Singapore (MIBS) has Special Agreements with Malaysian insurers to require that they settle claims against their insured who get into accidents in Singapore which involve deaths or injuries. In such cases, the MIBS will facilitate the third-party claimants from Singapore to file their claims with the insurers in Malaysia. The duration of the claim process varies from case to case, depending on the complexity. Back to Contents APPROPRIATE DISPOSAL OF RENOVATION DEBRIS AND BULKY ITEMS AT HDB ESTATES

33 Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will strengthen measures to ensure that contractors with renovation permits from HDB adhere to regulations on the appropriate disposal of renovation debris and bulky items; (b) what enforcement measures and resources are deployed in new BTO estates to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (c) what measures will be taken against contractors who are caught illegally dumping such debris.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Town Councils (TCs) have the statutory responsibilities to manage and maintain the common properties in HDB estates, which include the regulation of proper disposal of renovation debris and bulky items. TCs may impose penalties if any parties are found to have contravened the respective TC’s by-laws. HDB requires renovation contractors to register with HDB before they are allowed to carry out the works. The terms of the registration include the proper disposal of debris. At newly completed BTO projects, HDB carries out site inspections to ensure the proper disposal of debris by renovation contractors. HDB will also inform the residents engaging these errant renovation 18

contractors, to remind their contractors to stop any indiscriminate dumping. Notices will also be placed at the lift lobbies to remind other residents. Members of the public who come across improper disposal by a renovation contractor should report the matter to the respective HDB Branch. Contractors who are found to have improperly disposed of renovation debris and damaged the common properties can be fined up to $3,000 or debarred for a period of up to three years. Beyond enforcement, we also encourage TCs to consider providing haulage and debris removal services, or skip tanks for proper disposal, especially during the first few months of newly completed BTO precincts. Such measures have been found to be effective and have reduced the costs for cleaning up and repair of damages to property. Back to Contents ENHANCING COMPETENCY OF HOME TEAM TO TACKLE ONLINE CRIME

35 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how is the Ministry training and improving the competency of Home Team officers to collate evidence and tackle online crimes; and (b) whether it is working with the private sector to improve its detection and forensics capabilities.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) equips its officers with the skills to tackle online crimes, through specialised and structured training programmes. Newly-appointed police officers undergo both theory and hands-on training on how to respond to online crime as part of their basic training programme. Those appointed as Investigation Officers receive additional training on how to search and seize information technology (IT)-related evidence on laptops and mobile devices, and the proper handling of such evidence. Police’s cyber investigations and forensics capabilities have also been strengthened. Last year, Police established a Cybercrime Command in CID to build up capabilities to combat cybercrime. In addition, Cybercrime Response Teams were formed in the six Police Land Divisions to equip frontline units with the necessary investigative and forensic capabilities to deal with cybercrime. To combat e-commerce scams, the Police reach out to organisations such as financial 19 institutions and remittance agencies to train their staff to detect victims of scams when they process remittance requests. Police also engage online advertising portals to proactively identify and remove fraudulent advertisers from these online platforms. In addition, SPF has forged close partnerships with international and local partners to tackle cybercrime. These partners include the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI), Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), local research institutes and institutes of higher learning. Such partnerships strengthen SPF’s cyber- forensic and detection capabilities in areas such as malware analysis and uncovering trends in online scams. Back to Contents SOCIETIES DENIED REGISTRATION BY REGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES

36 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many societies have been denied registration by the Registrar of Societies in 2005-2015 and what is the breakdown of cases by different types of reasons for rejection.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Registrar of Societies refused 20 society applications from 2005 to 2015. The applications were refused on grounds provided within the legislation, under the Societies Act. They have been refused where the society was likely to be used for purposes that were unlawful or prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; the applications did not comply with provisions under the Societies Act or its regulations; or where registration of the society would be contrary to the national interest. Back to Contents LICENSING FEE FOR STREET HAWKERS SELLING TISSUE PAPER PACKS

40 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider reducing the licensing fee for street hawkers selling tissues to a nominal fee as these hawkers are usually in dire financial situations.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Under the current Street Hawking Scheme, licensed street hawkers are allowed to sell goods, which they have to state upfront at the point of application, at fixed locations in public spaces without the need to pay rent. They only pay an annual licence fee 20

of $120 or $10 per month and this has remained unchanged since the start of the scheme 15 years ago. There are no plans to revise this. Street hawking is not a permanent solution for someone trying to make a living. Those experiencing financial hardship can be assisted through the various help schemes available. There are also various Government-funded training programmes for those who wish to pick up new skills and seek more stable forms of employment. Back to Contents COMPARATIVE FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF OIL SPILLS ON SINGAPORE ROADS

41 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport (a) how do the frequency and severity of oil spills on our roads compare with other major cities; and (b) what are the estimated economic losses due to the damage and travel delays caused.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Other major cities do not publish data of oil spills on roads, and hence we are unable to compare. Minor oil spills are quite common on our roads and there are at least three or four per day. However, major oil spills that require road repairs are infrequent. There were two in 2014 and seven last year. Of these, only three caused major tailbacks. Depending on assumptions on the economic value of time, we estimate the costs to be in the region of $200,000 to $300,000 for each of these tailback incidents. We are looking to impose a stronger deterrent against major oil spills. Back to Contents NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY OF MRT OPERATIONS

42 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport what will be the new model and public transport policy of MRT operations after the acquisition of SMRT's operating rail assets by LTA on 1 October 2016.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Under the previous financing framework, rail operators own the operating assets, such as the trains and the signalling system. They are hence responsible for the building up, replacing and upgrading of the operating assets. However, as operators bear the full 21

financial risk, they may be too cautious to undertake these costly works. This can affect the capacity and reliability of train services. That is why the Government implemented the New Rail Financing Framework, or the NRFF, in 2011 for the Downtown Line. Under the NRFF, the Government owns the operating assets and is responsible for expanding, replacing and upgrading them. The train operator pays an annual Licence Charge for the right to use these assets and to earn revenue from operating the line. The Licence Charge is paid into a Railway Sinking Fund to finance future build-up, replacement and upgrade of the operating assets. Following Downtown Line, LTA began discussions with SMRT and SBST to transit the older lines to the NRFF. The discussions with SMRT have concluded. Subject to SMRT shareholders’ approval, the North-South and East-West Lines, the Circle Line, and the Bukit Panjang LRT, will be transited to the NRFF. The transition will benefit commuters in the following ways. First, we will be able to respond to increased ridership, and replace and upgrade operating assets, in a more timely fashion. Second, the operator, having been relieved of heavy capital expenditure, can focus on providing reliable and well-maintained rail services for commuters. Third, we can shorten the licence tenure from 30 plus years to 15 years. The operator will need to perform well if they want to be reconsidered at the end of 15 years. On top of this, to ensure that the Government’s assets are well maintained and operations are better run, SMRT Trains will be required to comply with a rigorous set of Maintenance Performance Standards, Asset Management Requirements and Codes of Practice. In particular, the Maintenance Performance Standards will regulate maintenance processes upstream to ensure that issues which may affect train reliability are pre-emptively identified. Back to Contents TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS RELATED TO MOBILE PHONE USAGE

43 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the number of road accidents related to the use of mobile phones or other personal electronic devices by pedestrians in the last three years; (b) what efforts are made to educate pedestrians on the dangers of using such electronic devices while walking; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider banning the 22 use of personal electronic devices by pedestrians while they are walking or using the roads.

Mr K Shanmugam: The number of road accidents involving pedestrians has remained fairly stable over the past three years, with an average of 952 such accidents. We do not have the breakdown of the number of accidents that are related to the use of mobile phones or personal electronic devices. It is not practical to ban the use of electronic devices by pedestrians when they are walking or crossing the road. A better approach is to instil good road safety habits in road-users. In this regard, the Traffic Police conducts outreach programmes to raise road safety awareness. Such educational and engagement efforts include road safety training for the public, as well as talks and exhibitions at schools and community events. Last year, the Traffic Police introduced the “Use Your RoadSense” movement to inculcate good road behaviour and practices amongst all road users, including pedestrians. This includes the importance of pedestrians remaining alert to their surroundings and not be distracted when using the roads. Back to Contents SCHOOL RE-ADMISSION ASSESSMENTS FOR CHILDREN OF RETURNING OVERSEAS SINGAPOREANS

46 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) whether school-going children of returning Singaporeans from overseas can be allowed to take the school re-admission assessments at the local consulates or embassies where they are presently residing instead of having to travel back to Singapore for the assessments.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: MOE is committed to helping returning Singaporeans re-enter our schools smoothly. We have made available several admissions routes, to cater to different circumstances and preferences. The first option is via the centralised School Placement Exercise for Returning Singaporeans (SPERS), which caters for admission into Secondary schools and Junior Colleges. The SPERS offers families the convenience of a single round of tests. Based on their performance, returning Singaporeans could indicate their school preferences and would be offered places in schools based on their results, choices, and school vacancies. The SPERS is 23 conducted twice a year to cater to the different timing of return for overseas Singaporeans. Nevertheless, MOE recognises that not all returning Singaporeans are able to time their return to one of the SPERS cycles. A second option is for such returning Singaporean to approach MOE for help to obtain a school place. MOE will do our best to match the child to a school with vacancy that is near his or her home. The school will usually require the child to take a placement test and based on the results decide if it could offer the child a place and at which educational level. A third option is also available to families who already have a specific school in mind and want to approach that school directly to be considered for admission. Again, the school will require the child to take a placement test and can offer the returning Singaporean child a place if it has available vacancy. Most returning Singaporeans will make use of the centralised SPERS option as it is most convenient for them, where they only need to take a single set of tests and be assured of a posting by MOE to a suitable school. On the Member’s query, MOE has previously explored conducting admissions tests overseas, but the demand was low. Thus, we decided to conduct SPERS twice a year for the convenience of more returning Singaporeans, and to ensure that the tests are administered by trained invigilators so that placement outcomes are fair and educationally sound. In summary, there are sufficient routes of admissions to cater to returning Singaporeans seeking re-admissions at any time of the year. I would like to assure the Member that MOE’s commitment is for every returning Singaporean family to re-integrate smoothly back into Singapore society. Back to Contents ENHANCING CARE-GIVING OPTIONS FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS

48 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Health how can the Government (i) make professional caregiving for dementia patients more attractive so as to improve the pipeline of professional caregivers; and (ii) provide better training for foreign domestic helpers as many FDWs are neither trained nor mentally prepared to become caregivers for dementia patients.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Today, seniors with dementia may be cared for at home, or at aged care facilities such as day centres or nursing homes. Nurses, physiotherapists, occupational 24

therapists and healthcare assistants work together to care for these patients. MOH and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) are working to improve the attractiveness of a career in professional caregiving for dementia patients in a few ways. First, through more structured training and capability development. We promote and fund training for care staff. Between 2013 and 2015, AIC offered over 2,400 training places in dementia-related courses and talks to equip care staff with the necessary skills to provide better care for seniors with dementia. In addition, our public hospitals arrange for other dementia care training for their care staff and those from other aged care partners like nursing homes and eldercare centres on skills such as managing challenging behaviours and communicating with dementia persons. MOH and AIC are now also working on a comprehensive competency framework to better define the skills and competencies required in dementia care. Besides enhancing skills and career development for the staff, it will help guide us in levelling up the skills content and productivity of the jobs. Second, through better remuneration and recognition. MOH has provided funding to our subvented aged care institutions to raise the pay of the care staff in these settings to be more competitive. The remuneration levels will be adjusted further in future, in tandem with progress in our work to raise skills and productivity. Finally, through promoting awareness among locals of careers in community care services, including dementia care. In January 2016 for example, MOH launched a campaign on job opportunities in the community care sector, and a Community Care Traineeship Programme to train and place locals to take on these jobs. Some seniors with dementia are cared for at home by caregivers and foreign domestic workers (FDWs). Under our Caregivers’ Training Grant, subsidies are provided for caregivers, including FDWs, to attend caregiving courses. There are currently 28 dementia care courses addressing a range of needs such as managing mealtimes and creating a comfortable and safe environment for persons with dementia. Between 2013 and 2015, about 1,000 out of more than 11,000 FDWs who had utilised the subsidy had attended courses on dementia care. Our public hospitals also provide training and guidance to family caregivers caring for dementia patients where needed before the patients are discharged home. Back to Contents CAREER PROGRESSION OF DENTAL SURGERY ASSISTANTS 25

49 Ms K Thanaletchimi asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the career progression of dental surgery assistants can be enhanced and their skills upgraded as part of a strategic manpower plan; (b) whether their jobs can be professionalised through deep skilling; and (c) whether the registration or licensing of dental surgery assistants can be considered.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The National Dental Centre and Singapore Dental Association jointly run a National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) in Dental Assisting Programme. The programme trains between 25 to 30 Dental Surgery Assistants (DSA) annually. After they start their job, DSAs have further opportunities to upgrade their skills professionally. For example, besides undergoing training that enable them to better prepare dental surgeries and assist dental surgeons during procedures, they may also undertake courses in infection control, managing patients with mobility impairments, and emergency management. DSAs who perform well may progress to become Senior DSAs who have larger responsibilities such as coordinating the operations at dental clinics and teaching and training new DSAs. As DSAs assist the dental surgeons but do not treat or manage patients directly, our assessment is that registration and licensing of DSAs is not necessary. Dental surgeons are ultimately responsible for the safety and standards of care to patients who undergo dental surgery. Back to Contents SECURITY CLEARANCE FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR JOBS AT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

50 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in what contexts do statutory boards, Ministries or other organisations send job applicants' personal data to the Internal Security Department (ISD) or any other designated department for security clearance; and (b) what safeguards are in place to ensure the accuracy of the information collected and used in the security clearance procedure.

Mr K Shanmugam: Security and background checks for Government jobs are not unique to Singapore - many countries do so. The checks are done in a variety of contexts by different agencies and departments. Several factors could be relevant, including the security classification 26

of the position, the nature of work and the confidentiality of the information that the position deals with. It is difficult to be more precise because the question is so broad. And for operational reasons, I will not be able to go into how or when such checks are done. As regards the second part of the question on safeguards, the information collected for security checks is looked at, and assessed where possible against other relevant information for reliability and accuracy. Officers are guided by their supervisors as necessary on what to look out for when assessing the information. I am unable to say more without getting into confidential operational procedures. Back to Contents EXTENDING ENHANCEMENT FOR ACTIVE SENIORS PROGRAMME TO SENIORS LIVING IN PRIVATE ESTATES

52 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider extending the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme to seniors living in private estates who have no one supporting them and who have little savings.

Mr Lawrence Wong: There are no immediate plans to extend EASE to private estates at this moment. But we will continue to study this. Back to Contents HEIGHT AND WEIGHT ALLOWANCE FOR LOCAL MIXED BREED DOGS KEPT IN HDB FLATS

53 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider increasing the height and weight allowance for local mixed breed dogs approved for living in HDB flats under the Project ADORE scheme as the majority of dogs in our shelters and from the streets do not currently qualify for adoption under the scheme.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Under Project ADORE, mixed breed dogs that are up to 50 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 15 kg may be rehomed in HDB flats. These limits are set at sizes roughly equivalent to the current approved dog breeds for HDB flats. Dogs of this size are generally considered to be more easily carried and controlled, especially in confined spaces such as lifts. 27

I appreciate the Member’s intention to rehome more local mixed breed dogs. MND also supports this objective. But in making any changes to Project ADORE, we have to also take into consideration the concerns raised by HDB residents who have reservations about their neighbours keeping larger dogs in HDB flats. This is why we are taking steps to bring in more partners on the Project, and to broaden our engagement with residents. Ultimately, we want this Project to succeed. For that to happen, we should not rush the implementation, but must ensure that any changes to the criteria are broadly accepted by residents living in our HDB estates. Back to Contents LEASING OF HOMES FOR SHORT-TERM STAYS

54 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the last two years, how many home owners have been found to be illegally leasing out their premises to tenants for short-term stays; (b) what actions have been taken against these home owners; and (c) whether an update on URA's review of the short-term rental policy for private residential properties can be provided.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) took enforcement action against 36 cases of unauthorised short-term subletting in private residential premises in 2014, 23 cases in 2015, and 44 cases in the first six months of 2016. Altogether, there were 103 such cases between 2014 and mid-2016. Once URA confirms a case of unauthorised short-term subletting, it sends an enforcement notice to the offender requiring the unauthorised use to cease. In the vast majority of cases, offenders have complied with URA’s notices and there has been no need to undertake further action against them. URA’s public consultation on short-term rentals concluded in April 2015. The review is still ongoing. The issue of allowing short-term rentals warrants careful and balanced review without a rush to conclusion. In particular, we must carefully consider the implications of doing so, given the potential impact and disamenity of such rentals on neighbouring residents. In the meantime, URA’s existing requirement for a minimum tenancy duration of six month in private residential rentals continues to apply. Back to Contents RECOVERING REVENUE FROM MOTORISTS WHO EVADE CAR PARK 28

CHARGES

56 Ms Sun Xueling asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the possibility of collecting back the revenue lost from motorists who evade parking charges; and (b) whether new solutions are being considered to counter manipulation of the carpark system by motorists.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The process to recover parking charges involves much time and manpower resources. Nevertheless, HDB will do its best in tracking down errant motorists who evade parking charges. HDB will also leverage suitable technology like CCTV to help in the process of recovering these parking charges. However, this will have to be balanced with the cost effectiveness of chasing down every errant motorist. Going forward, HDB will make greater use of technology to help prevent evasion of car park charges and recover any loss in parking charges. In addition, HDB will be implementing more mitigating measures to reduce future tailgating instances, such as installing additional humps to prevent motorists from following too closely behind another vehicle; putting up “No Tailgating” signboards to warn motorists; and possibly banning use of the car park by errant motorists if their outstanding charges are not paid up. Another key strategy is to take tighter enforcement actions against errant motorists. The Parking Places Rules have been amended in July 2016 to allow immediate enforcement action against motorists who deliberately evade payment of parking charges. Recalcitrant cases will face a stiffer fine amount, of up to $2,000. Such measures will raise public awareness of the seriousness of these offences, and help to deter evasion of parking charges in the first place. Back to Contents IMPACT OF EXTENDING EQUAL MEDICAL BENEFITS TO FEMALE PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BEFORE 2005 AND THEIR DEPENDANTS

57 Mr Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister (a) how many female pensioners are there currently who have retired before 2005; (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending equal medical benefits to this group of pensioners' dependants especially spouses; and (c) how much is the projected incremental pension expenditure should equal benefits be extended to the pensioners' dependants including spouses. 29

Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): There are currently 8,400 female pensioners who retired before 2005. Since 2005, all officers, male and female, on the Medisave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (or MSO) scheme can claim medical benefits for their spouse, and for their dependant unmarried children below the age of 18. Pensioners and serving officers on the older medical schemes can opt to convert to the MSO scheme at any time. However, as the older medical schemes offer more generous benefits than the MSO scheme, few have done so. If medical coverage were to be extended to the dependants of all female pensioners and serving officers currently enrolled in the older medical schemes, the additional cost would exceed $30 million annually. All Singaporeans, including the dependants and spouses of female pensioners on older civil service medical schemes, now benefit from lifelong protection provided by MediShield Life. In addition, those who are Pioneers also enjoy the benefits of the Pioneer Generation Package. This includes subsidies for healthcare and Medisave top-ups which will help with their healthcare costs. Medisave top-ups for dependants who are pioneers, and Medishield Life coverage continue even after the life-time of the pensioner, unlike civil service medical benefits. Back to Contents NEXT BATCH OF NOISE BARRIERS FOR MRT TRACKS

59 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) when will LTA be installing its next batch of noise barriers for MRT tracks; and (b) whether these barriers will be installed in the Nee Soon South constituency and, if so, where will these noise barriers be located and how long will it take to complete the installation.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The tender for the next phase of the noise barrier programme is planned for the second half of this year. It will include Nee Soon South constituency. We expect to start installing noise barriers along Yishun Ave 2 in 2019. Back to Contents PLANS FOR HIGHSPEED RAIL PROJECT TO PROCEED WITHOUT DELAY AND LOSSES 30

60 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport with the announcement of the US Department of Justice's investigations into 1MDB and the ongoing investigations by MAS, AGC and CAD of various 1MDB-related fund flows through Singapore for possible securities fraud, cheating and money laundering offences (a) whether the Government should be concerned about Bandar Malaysia as the terminus of the High Speed Rail (HSR), being a 1MDB project; and (b) what contingencies are in place to ensure that the project will proceed with no delay and losses.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Singapore and Malaysia Governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 19 July 2016 for the High Speed Rail project. Under the MOU, each Government takes responsibility for funding, constructing and maintaining the civil infrastructure and stations within their own countries. Therefore, the Malaysian Government will be responsible for funding, constructing and maintaining the Bandar Malaysia terminus. We would not be involved. Furthermore, we have worked out with the Malaysians a robust commercial framework and approach for joint procurement that we believe will give the best opportunity for the High Speed Rail project to be financially viable and sustainable in the long term. A bilateral committee will also be formed to oversee the cross-border aspects of the project, including to ensure adherence to timelines and minimise delays. Back to Contents IMPACT OF HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION PLANS ON STAFF'S REMUNERATION

61 Ms K Thanaletchimi asked the Minister for Health with the infrastructure expansion plans of current and future healthcare institutions, how will the expansion be funded so that the remuneration of healthcare staff will not be affected when the healthcare clusters have to dig into their reserves to fund current excess capacities.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Ministry of Health (MOH) fully funds the development costs of healthcare infrastructure at our public healthcare institutions. This includes the cost of building in spare capacity to cater for future expansion to meet increases in demand. 31

Spaces catering to future expansion are designed so that the institutions are able to put them to productive uses in the interim. This minimises the holding cost associated with such spare capacity. When institutions encounter difficulties doing so, MOH will work with them on possible solutions and assist them with separate funding to defray these additional costs if necessary. Therefore, the cost of expansion of our healthcare institutions is separately funded and should not affect the funding for the remuneration of our healthcare staff. Back to Contents

Office of the Clerk of Parliament Singapore, 16 August 2016