Parliamentary Questions

Here you can find out about the kind of questions Mick has been asking in the Dáil along with the responses received from government. Parliamentary Questions (PQs) are listed in chronological order, starting with the most recent.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to changes in learning support and resource teaching hours, some teachers are receiving travel expenses to travel to schools many miles from their own to make up their hours; his views that the changes are costly and unnecessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 19th April 2012.

Shared full-time posts and travel between schools is a long standing feature of the primary system. There were a plethora of long-standing clustering arrangements in place which were not the most practical, efficient or cost effective way to allocate resources. The new arrangements I announced last December are designed to address the limitations of the current arrangements and will operate from September 2012.

Schools are being empowered to cluster and arrange their General Allocation Model resources in a manner that best suits their local needs, including in a manner that reduces travel between schools. This school led process has resulted in over 96% of the overall GAM allocation being in full-time stand-alone or shared posts.

Aside from the reforms to the GAM, the allocation of resource hours for individual pupils vary from year to year. This is because of the ongoing individual assessment of pupils through the NCSE must operate on a later timescale. The new arrangements involve the allocation of a network of permanent posts in base schools and again are designed to make the system work more smoothly at school level.

All indications to date are that the new clustering arrangements being made by schools will have the desired effect on the ground. My Department will continue to work with schools and the relevant education partners to ensure that the new arrangements operate as efficiently as possible. As the process proceeds this work can take account of any appropriate local arrangements that might be made to further optimise travel arrangements.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance if he conducted cost benefit analysis on the VAT rate change from 21% to 23% for the first quarter of 2012 and the way it compares with the first quarter of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 18th April, 2012

At Budget time, the Government carefully considered the various options open to it in terms of taxation. One of the key objectives of the Government is to get people back to work. The VAT rate change was implemented in order to deliver additional revenues for the Exchequer, as must be done if we are to continue to reduce the deficit in our public finances. Government also recognised however that indirect taxes have a less adverse impact on economic activity and employment, which is why Budget 2012 focused on indirect taxes, such as VAT, rather than on income tax.

Notwithstanding that the VAT rate change implemented in the Budget was estimated to deliver an additional €560 million in revenues in 2012 in static terms, the Budget 2012 forecast for VAT receipts, at €9,995 million, represented just a €254 million or 2.6 per cent increase on the 2011 outturn. This is because the imposition of a budgetary adjustment package, of which the VAT rate change is one element, has negative economic implications in the short-run. It takes money out of the economy.

The VAT rate change and indeed other factors such as uncertainty and balance sheet rebuilding are expected to impact on household spending with consequential negative implications for tax receipts. This is the negative economic buoyancy from the imposition of consolidation.

At the end of March €3,291 million in Exchequer VAT receipts had been collected, a €182 million or 5.8 per cent increase on the same period last year. This is a solid start to the year in terms of VAT collection but we must acknowledge that March is the first month to reflect the direct impact of the VAT rate increase. This is because receipts paid to the Exchequer in January and February related primarily to activity in the November/December 2011 trading period, when the rate increase was not in place. That said, it is the case that VAT receipts in the month of March alone were €152 million higher than in March 2011.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific measures he has taken to ensure that our civil aviation laws robustly guard against Irish airports and airspace being used for illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 29th March, 2012.

Under the Programme for Government 2011, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government undertook to enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law.

The regulation of civil aviation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

My Department has primary responsibility under Irish legislation for foreign military aircraft seeking to overfly or land in Ireland. Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 foreign military aircraft are not permitted to fly over or land in the State save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In the event that permission is sought, my Department requires an undertaking from the relevant embassy that the aircraft in question will be unarmed; will not be carrying arms, ammunition or explosives; will not engage in intelligence gathering; and is not participating in military exercises or operations.

A number of bodies in Ireland play a role in ensuring compliance with civil and criminal legislation, including An Garda Síochána, and the customs authorities. However, none of these are under the aegis of my Department.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health his views on the effects of budget cuts on persons with disabilities trying to achieve independent living which has resulted in a reduction in services with serious consequences; his further views on the value for money of the services provided by the Centre for Independent Living; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, March 27^th 2012.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Service Plan for 2012 provides for a reduction of 3.7% in funding to specialist disability services. However, the Service Plan states that at least 2% of this should not impact on services and needs to be generated from other savings and increased efficiencies.

As part of the ongoing work of the HSE’s National Consultative Forum on disability services, the HSE in conjunction with representative organisations, service providers and service users, has begun a process to identify and agree a framework for identifying and implementing cost efficiencies. The goal is to minimise the impact on services.

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services, including Personal Assistant services, to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant / home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with a physical and/or a sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has decreased by 3.7%, the HSE aims to minimise the impact this will have on services users and their families as much as possible. The HSE is in the process of negotiating with agencies providing personal assistant services around the unit cost of providing this service.

I am concerned to ensure that the State receives value for all monies invested in public services on behalf of the taxpayer. In the context of the current Value for Money Review of Disability Services we are seeking to work with all providers to further improve processes of accountability in the sector, with a view to achieving the most cost efficient and effective delivery of services for people with a disability.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health the total number of women affected by the PIP breast implants controversy in view of the recent revelation that PIP implants manufactured prior to 2001 may also have contained industrial grade silicone; his views on reports that some women are being obstructed by private clinics from obtaining their medical records in order to get confirmation of PIP implants and on reports that information is missing from some medical files; if his Chief Medical Officer has met with a representative group for the women affected by the PIP breast implants issue to discuss these and other concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 27th March, 2012.

Since concerns were first raised regarding the issue of breast implants provided by the now defunct French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) and my Department have been in constant touch with European and UK investigators of the matter.

The IMB in its role as Competent Authority for medical devices in Ireland is correlating data regarding the PIP Breast implant recall.

The Board keepith all providers to further improve processes of accountability in the sector, with a view to achieving the most cost efficient and effective delivery of services for people with a disability.

HEALTH

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 27th March, 2012.

The IMB in its role as Competent Authority for medical devices in Ireland is correlating data regarding the PIP Breast implant recall.

The Board keeps my Department advised of the device rupture rate, currently at 6.63% which is within the expected range.

The IMB tracks the number of implants and their dispersal to treating clinics via the product’s distributors. Detailed examinations of the records of the UK distributors indicate that approximately 1,500 Irish patients received implants between 2001 and 2010.

On 15th March, 2012 the IMB received updated information from the French Competent Authority for Medical Devices suggesting that PIP silicone gel implants manufactured before 2001 may also have contained the unapproved non-medical grade silicone; current information suggests that in the region of 50 additional Irish recipients could be affected. As further information becomes available the IMB will publish additional updates.

The IMB has continued to liaise with European and international colleagues in relation to this issue and tests conducted to date support the Board’s and the Department’s position that:-

there is no evidence of increased risk of cancer for women with this brand of implant;
the risk of rupture is within expected norms and routine explantation is not recommended;
and anyone with a concern about their breast implants should discuss the matter with their GP or surgeon.

The EU Commission is currently reviewing the regulatory framework for medical devices, deriving from three EU directives. The Commission expects to publish its proposals for new medical devices legislation this year.

The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has met and is engaging with the treating clinics with a view to ensuring that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of PIP implants. He has discussed the concerns raised by affected clients including access to surgeons for consultation and the provision of full medical records in relation to one of the treating clinics. The provider concerned has advised that it is addressing the CMO’s concerns including the delay in retrieval of clients’ medical records. It says that work is ongoing to locate these records and that additional personnel have been recruited to address more quickly the requests from those still seeking their records.

The PIP Action Group also met the Chief Medical Officer and IMB officials on Friday 23rd March last and discussed their very reasonable concerns. The meeting was very constructive and the focus was largely on one provider. The meeting identified a number of follow on activities which the Department will take to help these women in their unsatisfactory dealings with this provider. The CMO has agreed to meet the Group again and will continue to engage with the treating clinics with a view to reaching an acceptable arrangement for resolving this serious issue for all concerned.

Finally, I am pleased to note that one major provider has dealt very well and responsibly with its patients. All providers should act in a reasonable and responsible manner to their clients and I expect the other treating clinics to follow suit. I will also be seeking to put better information in place for people who in good faith use services of non-State providers, especially for cosmetic surgery.

CHILDREN & YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she has taken to date and the action she plans to take in order to address the difficulties that prospective parents currently engaged in the international adoption process are encountering with the Adoption Authority of Ireland due to both the level of applications received by the authority and the fact that the board of the AAI sits only every second week; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, March 22^nd 2012.

The Adoption Act, 2010, which was commenced on 1st November 2010, coincided with Ireland’s formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The purpose of the Adoption Act, 2010, is to improve standards in both domestic and intercountry adoption.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. It has a quasi-judicial role and is independent in its decision-making functions. In this regard the Authority’s functions encompass a wide range of responsibilities including:

the issuing of declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt under Section 40 of the Act, following the examination of all relevant supporting materials;
the issuing of transitional declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt, under Section 63 of the Act, to applicants who had initiated the adoption process under previous legislation whose adoption was not effected but still in progress on the day of commencement of the new Act;
the recognition of intercountry adoptions effected outside the State, having regard to the circumstances pertaining in each individual case, under Section 57 of the Act;
the conversion and recognition of certain Hague Convention adoptions that do not have the effect of terminating a pre-existing legal parent-child relationship under Section 68 and 69 of the Act.

In addition to the above the Authority has responsibility for the management of the various stages of the intercountry adoption process including the forwarding of applicant adoption packs under Article 15 of the Hague Convention, the receipt of the proposed match under Article 16 and the approval of the match under Article 17 (which provides that a child may be placed with the prospective adoptive parents). The issuing of an Article 23 certificate by the country of origin is the confirmation process between contracting States that the adoption has been made in accordance with the Hague convention. The AAI has no role in this process but relies on the certificate as part of the recognition process under Hague.

In considering matters relating to intercountry adoption the Authority must satisfy itself that the adoption complies with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention, which is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The AAI has been extremely proactive in developing relationships with their counterparts around the world and this will continue. The building of such relationships will help to bring greater clarity to the intercountry adoption process generally, including the timescales involved for adopting from different countries.

It is a matter for the Authority to determine how best to structure its operations to perform its functions. The Adoption Act, 2010, states that the “Authority shall hold as many meetings as are necessary for performing its functions but shall hold at least 12 meetings a year.” The Board currently meets fortnightly. This meeting schedule place an onerous workload on the Board members of the AAI and the Board meets more frequently than almost any other State Board.

My Department is currently reviewing the staffing levels of the AAI in the context of the Employment Control Framework for the public sector and the recent public service retirements. A new CEO has recently been appointed to the Authority and this appointment is key to progressing very important issues regarding the overall resourcing of the Authority. It should be noted in this context that the AAI has been allocated €3.3m in State funding this year in recognition of the new responsibilities set out in the Adoption Act, 2010. This is an increase of some 35% of the level of funding provided in 2011.

CHILDREN & YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will discuss with the Adoption Authority of Ireland as to whether the body will process current referrals from recognised bodies in India in advance of an AAI delegation visiting India / the Indian National Central Authority, known as CARA; if she will acknowledge the undue hardship faced by both couples in Ireland trying to adopt from India and the children they seek to adopt due to the actions of the AAI; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, March 22^nd 2012.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy.

Adoptions between Ireland and India must comply with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act, 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system.

It is important to note that the Indian Authorities have recently reviewed and introduced changes to their intercountry adoption system. The AAI has contacted CARA, the Indian Central Authority for intercountry adoptions, and provides updates on its website as appropriate. Further, the AAI is proposing to visit CARA / India at the end of April to discuss matters relating to adoption between the two countries.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health his plans to upgrade the cardiac and cancer services at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, in view of the outdated nature of the current facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For WRITTEN answer, on Wednesday, March 21^st 2012.

I am committed to providing the best possible health service for our children and their families. I want this to be delivered through a new National Children’s Hospital where tertiary and acute services can be provided from one site.

Immediately following the decision of An Bord Pleanala to refuse planning permission for the National Children’s Hospital, I announced my intention to establish a group to review the implications of the decision. The Government has agreed the terms of reference for the Review Group and I announced the composition of the group last week.

Currently the three Dublin Children’s Hospitals work together as a unified network under the leadership of a Clinical Director to ensure optimisation of resources and facilities. The Hospitals are fully aware of the challenges facing their young patients and of the need to support families.

The HSE has taken steps to provide as high a level of protection as possible for the funding of the children’s hospitals. The budget adjustment to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin was significantly less than the average in the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster Service Plan 2012. Additional funding was also provided to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin this year in order to strengthen the Cardiac Programme in the hospital, including the provision of funding for an additional Anaesthetist and a Cardiologist.

I am aware that the Medical and Research Foundation at Crumlin hospital, has launched an appeal for €8 million to help renovate the hospital’s cancer ward and to build a new cardiac facility. I have no difficulty with Crumlin Children’s hospital’s decision to raise funds for a new cardiac unit at this time. However, I hope to expedite the building of the new hospital so that a new cardiac unit for Crumlin would be unnecessary.

The challenges presented by the current infrastructure in the current children’s hospitals can only be fully addressed through the construction of the new National Children’s Hospital. The delivery of a new national hospital, providing the highest level of care for the children of Ireland remains a priority for the Government. We are committed to building this hospital in the shortest possible time frame. I will await the completion of the work of the Review Group. One thing is clear; I am determined to deliver a national children’s hospital for the children of this country.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD & THE MARINE

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to look at the issue of agricultural college placements when demand far exceeds supply in view of the strong emphasis being placed on agriculture at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 21st March, 2012.

This is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority.

Under the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the Agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.

Teagasc provide a wide range of full and part-time agricultural and horticultural courses through their network of agricultural colleges, regional education centres and in collaboration with Institutes of Technologies and Universities. It is acknowledged that the demand for courses has reached unprecedented levels in recent years.

In order to respond positively to the current demand for places, Teagasc were granted exceptional sanction in August 2011 to recruit six contract teaching staff in the agricultural colleges. This measure was complemented by other Teagasc initiatives including increased student- teacher ratios, redeployment of six advisory staff to the colleges and subcontracting the delivery of specific education modules across a number of colleges and local centres. As a result of these initiatives, all the Agricultural Colleges were able to take in additional students in 2011.

The question of additional resources into the future must have regard to the need to reduce public service numbers. This requires all public bodies to comply with annual ceilings on staff numbers and to reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD & THE MARINE

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he agrees that generally speaking agriculture is doing well at the moment but not all farmers are finding it so easy, and high fuel costs are certainly a major factor in the difficulties they are facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 21st March, 2012.

The agri-food sector has performed very well in the last two years. Agri food exports have increased by 25% in that time and now stand at almost €9bn. World food prices, including dairy and meat prices, have been high in recent years, and Irish farmers have benefitted from this.

But of course there are also challenges. At farm level, volatility is always a risk factor. Farm incomes are currently very good, but in 2009 they were very poor. Farmers are also much more exposed now to global food prices that, while currently very high, could easily drop substantially and damage the sector. Input costs have increased substantially in recent years, often more than output prices, so farmer margins have been squeezed. This should be obvious if you consider the huge increases in commodity prices and fuel costs, but other inputs have also increased, most especially fertiliser costs. The pig sector has had particular problems in this regard.

The high cost of fuel is a problem for several sectors. I am pleased that the Minister for Finance provided for an additional relief for farmers in budget 2012 in relation to their use of marked gas oil.

DEFENCE

To ask the Minister for Defence when Irish defence forces personnel will be withdrawn from Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, March 14th 2012.

The Defence Forces are primarily deployed on overseas missions in support of international peace and security under UN mandates. On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force.

With the increasing use of more robust Chapter VII missions, the UN has turned to regional organisations such as the European Union, the African Union and NATO, to launch and manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.

Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 28 June 2011, the Government agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2011, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence. Currently there are no plans to withdraw the Defence Forces personnel from the mission. Participation in the mission is subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence.

Throughout the years, Ireland has and continues to contribute highly qualified Defence Forces personnel to UN mandated missions in small numbers or for short durations. This is a tangible and visible expression of Ireland’s continued support for organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union.

The seven Defence Forces personnel currently participating in ISAF are all located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. My colleague, the Minister for Defence, is satisfied that the work carried out by these personnel, particularly by those in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) cell, represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission.

JUSTICE & EQUALITY

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the lack of consultation with local networks in advance of the removal of funding to People with Disabilities in Ireland; if he will provide a breakdown detailing where this funding has been reallocated and for what purposes; his further views on whether funding to the local networks, rather than the head office, could be reinstated to allow them to continue their work at a local level in view of the fact that the Wexford network had a budget of only €15,000 in 2011 and was prepared to reduce this to €10,000 for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, March 13th 2012.

There was no individual engagement with the Networks during the value for money review, as the information provided by the CEO of PwDI in response to a request from Department Officials, raised many queries in relation to how the overall budget of PWDI was being spent. While I accept that the networks were actively engaged with people with disabilities, the overall spending profile was too heavily concentrated on overheads and administrative expenses. To engage individually with the Networks would not have changed this profile.

As part of a review, I propose to present new structures for engagement with the disability sector to ensure that any perceived gap created by the withdrawal of funding from PWDI can be addressed. I am also looking at whether a small amount of funding could be channelled to the active local Networks.

It is my wish to ensure that people with disabilities directly benefit from any money allocated to this sector. With this in mind, I am currently overseeing the finalisation of a major Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in the Department of Health to ensure that existing funding allocated for people with disabilities is spent to best effect. I am also interested to hear what people with disabilities have to say on issues affecting them. I have recently set up and chair a new Implementation Group to develop and progress the National Disability Strategy. This new group held its inaugural meeting on 30 November. It includes representation from a number of disability stakeholder organisations , individuals with expertise in the Disability area including a former PWDI Board member and also a number of people with disabilities who will be able to bring their lived experience directly to bear on the very important work of this high level group.

I have just recently announced the establishment of a new Disability forum which will be convened by the National Disability Authority. This forum will be developed along the lines of the Social Inclusion forum and will provide a very useful model for capturing the views and experiences of people with disabilities as service users. Furthermore it will facilitate a better consultation process and clearly establish the perspective of the end user and compliment the work of the main established disability organisations.

I consider it very important that we clearly hear the voice of people with disabilities in developing any policies or services that impact on their lives. I intend to ensure that in the development of policy and the delivery of services, that the voice of people with disabilities themselves is heard by me and my officials, and I am in no doubt that it will further compliment the work and perspective of other disability organizations involved in the process.

ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will bring the policy proposals for an action plan on local government to Government; if it is his intention during the lifetime of this Government to introduce substantial and meaningful reforms in this area in view of the highly centralised nature of governance here; if it is his intention to tackle the over centralised nature of Government here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 8th March, 2012.

Work is proceeding with a view to bringing policy proposals to Government at an early date in relation to the reform and development of local government in accordance with the Programme for Government. Decisions have already been taken to merge the authorities in Limerick and in Tipperary and implementation work is proceeding. Progress Reports have been submitted in both cases which present a positive account of work to date. I have also established a Local Government Committee to consider whether Waterford City and County Councils should be unified and I expect to receive its report shortly.

Building on these actions to date, I intend to bring wider policy proposals to Government in the near future for an action programme on local government, with particular focus on strengthening local government structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels and expanding the role of local government. This will include proposals for an enhanced local authority role in economic development and enterprise support, reflecting arrangements arising from the recent Government decision on the local enterprise service, and in relation to the alignment of local and community development functions with local government. The programme will also incorporate proposals arising from consultations with Ministerial colleagues regarding functions and services of their Departments and of bodies under their aegis that could potentially be devolved to local government in the short to medium term.

The programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to local government efficiency implementation and financing and will broadly map out further aspects of the local government system on which reform proposals will be considered. The range of action under way and proposed will form a substantial programme of mutually-reinforcing reform measures which should result in stronger, more effective and cohesive local government, with greater capacity to address challenges, promote economic and social development, and well positioned to take on a wider and more influential role in the future.

My overall vision is for a reformed system of local government to be the main vehicle of governance and public service locally, performing as wide a range of appropriate functions as possible, as efficiently as possible, with the overall objective of promoting the well-being and quality of life of citizens and communities.

ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the fact that introducing further rules and regulations to combat the failure of self-regulation, as evidenced in the cases of the Priory Hall and Belmayne developments, will not serve to resolve this problem if the will and resources to enforce these are lacking; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 8th March, 2012.

The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on:

clear legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations;
detailed Technical Guidance Documents to outline how these standards can be achieved in practice;
the burden and responsibility for compliance resting first and foremost with developers/builders;
a statutory responsibility for professionals who are engaged by developers to ensure that construction at least meets the legal minimum standards; and
the responsibility for enforcing compliance with the building regulations resting with the 37 local building control authorities.

Where a contract exists between the owner of a building (including a local authority in the case of certain publicly owned buildings) and the relevant builder/developer enforcement may also be a civil matter.

Local authorities already have extensive powers under the Building Control Acts which they can use to enforce compliance with the Building Regulations. The case at Priory Hall demonstrates that Dublin City Council is willing to use its powers for enforcing compliance with fire regulations when necessary and other local authorities have also used the courts to effect compliance with planning permissions, building regulations and fire regulations, all of which are critically relevant to the quality of the built environment. Results can also be achieved, and often are, through discussion and persuasion with the threat of legal action

Clearly, however, there are steps that can and must be taken to improve compliance with, and oversight and enforcement of, .the Building Regulations. That is why in July 2011 I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities and which include:

the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;
the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;
more efficient pooling of building control staff and resources across the local authority sector to ensure more effective oversight of building activity;
standardised approaches and common protocols to ensure nationwide consistency in the administration of building control functions;
better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.

Mandatory certification, lodgement of drawings and improved inspection arrangements as outlined above are key reforms which, I believe, will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to further strengthening of the regulatory regime as early as possible in 2012.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the fact that the new maximum rent limits which came into force on 1 January 2012 will force many families to move as many landlords will refuse to reduce their rents causing unnecessary hardship, particularly for families with young children; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 1st March, 2012

R E P L Y

Rent supplement provides short-term 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. Since 2005, rent supplement expenditure has increased from €369 million to a provisional outturn of €503 million in 2011. The number of persons claiming the allowance increased from almost 60,200 persons in 2005 to over 96,800 at end 2011, a 61% increase.

The new maximum rent limits were set after an analysis of the most up to date market data available; this analysis is published on the Departments website. The emphasis of the rent limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.

As the Department currently funds approximately 40% of the private rented sector it is essential that State support for rents are kept under review, reflect current market conditions and do not distort the market in a way that could increase rent prices for others such as low paid workers and students.

Data is not available on the number of rent supplement cases that have been reviewed since the introduction of the new limits or of the outcome of these reviews. However, all new rent supplement applications are subject to these limits and as existing claims come up for review, (most claims are reviewed every six months), or when an existing lease expires, they will be reassessed using the new limits.

The new rent limits are only in place for two months so it is too early to say what impact they have had on the rental property market.

Where a claim is under review and the rent is above the new maximum limit the customer is being asked to contact the landlord to renegotiate the rent. Where a landlord does not agree to reduce the rent to the new rates departmental officials will discuss the options open to the tenant up to and including seeking alternative accommodation. Departmental guidance to the officers administering rent supplement states that where negotiation with the landlord fails then rent supplement may continue to be paid for a period of up to thirteen weeks at the higher rate. However, once the lease has expired the tenant will be expected to find suitable accommodation at below the new limits in force. Department officials dealing with rent supplement tenants will continue to ensure that their accommodation needs are met; there will no incidence of homelessness due to these changes.

Top up payments could occur where the application for rent supplement to the Department presents a lower rent than that actually being paid to the landlord. Any instance of false declarations should be reported to the relevant Department official dealing with the rent supplement case.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address the rates of child poverty in Ireland, with more than 19% of children at risk of poverty and almost 9% of children living in consistent poverty; her views on the fact that measures introduced in Budget 2012 may result in an increase in these rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the fact that Budget 2012 introduced a series of measures that impact disproportionately on the poorest children; if she will outline her plans to address child poverty here in view of the fact that children are the group most at risk of poverty and are also the group most reliant on State support; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 29th February, 2012.

R E P L Y

Plans to tackle child poverty are outlined in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAPSincl) and in the Programme for Government. The Government is committed to achieving the targets in the NAPsincl to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty. These targets are currently being reviewed to ensure that they continue to be appropriate and achievable.

The highest rates of poverty are in jobless households and households that have limited engagement with the labour market, including lone parent and unemployed families. Children in jobless households are three times more likely to experience consistent poverty than children generally. A multidimensional approach to tackling child poverty is needed to take into account income supports, services and parental access to employment.

The Programme for Government sets out the framework to achieve the critical objectives of increasing employment, building sustainable economic growth and protecting the most vulnerable in society. Employment opportunities will be increased through labour market activation, skills training and education measures. New initiatives such as Pathways to Work will also facilitate especially those who have been long-term unemployed to re-enter the labour market.

In Budget 2012, the Government limited cuts in social welfare to households where there was additional income above the basic social welfare payment to avoid any general reduction in primary weekly payments. In standardising child benefit rates, the Government sought to introduce a more appropriate system of child income supports as balanced by unchanged payments providing additional child-related supports to families on low incomes.

This Department works closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) in relation to these issues. The development of the overarching Children and Young People’s Policy Framework, 2012 -2017, to guide the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people in the State, will use cross-departmental collaboration to achieve its objectives. Early childhood care and education programmes, especially aimed at low income families, are priorities. The role of early intervention and support programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families will be enhanced in the context of the new Child and Family Support Agency under the DCYA. Programmes developed within the network of 107 family resource centres, funded through the DCYA and the results of three Dublin-based pilot projects to enhance children’s development (jointly funded by the DCYA with a philanthropic organisation), will also inform the Government’s plans to develop a new area based approach to child poverty.

JOBS, ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if priority will be given to indigenous companies located in unemployment blackspots such as the south east in addressing the funding gap for mid-sized, high growth indigenous companies with significant prospects for jobs and export growth, as per the development capital scheme outlined in the Government’s action plan for jobs; if he will detail the time frame for the design and launch of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 29th February, 2012.

R E P L Y

The Development Capital Scheme as outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs has been developed to complement the existing range of financial supports offered by Enterprise Ireland (EI). Other initiatives are already in place for the provision of capital at the early stage and scaling phases, and a clear market failure was identified in the availability of risk capital for established companies seeking to sustain growth and achieve greater scale. Longer-term investment capital is currently not readily available to Irish growth focused companies in either the form of debt or equity, and there is very limited private equity funds/debt available to innovative SME’s. This situation has resulted in an equity gap, which is constraining the development of a key cohort of established Irish growth companies. Development Capital can be defined as equity funding for the expansion of established and profitable firms, that is, those that have passed the start-up stage.

It is proposed that the Scheme will be launched and marketed by end Q1 2012. This will entail a call by Enterprise Ireland for ‘expressions of interest’, from fund managers followed by a three month period of time before a closing date.

The exchequer funding requirement for this scheme is €50m over 10 years. It is proposed that EI will commit €25m each to two funds which will leverage a further €50m each from the private sector. Any fund investments supported by EI under this scheme would be made with the State sharing equally in the risks alongside other investors. The proposed scheme would focus on funds that provide equity or quasi debt of between €2m to €10m per investment although it is likely that many investments would be in the €2m to €5m range.

The timing of actual investments under the scheme will depend on the ability of the fund managers selected from the ‘expressions of interest’ to raise the matching funding to ‘close’ their funds and to commence investing. While both funds are development capital funds, aimed at established companies, they will be managed by separate managers which will generate competition in the market. Investment in two funds also allows Enterprise Ireland to commit to two funds with slightly differing investment strategies thereby benefitting the market.

The scheme will be demand led and will target the cohort of companies that are growth focused. It will be open to all firms in that cohort regardless of their location in Ireland. However, as the Deputy knows, under the South East Action Plan, Enterprise Ireland is taking steps to target opportunities for start-up and expansion among enterprises in the South East. These are the sort of growth focused companies that would avail of the fund.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE & REFORM

To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that any sale of State assets at this junction is unlikely to achieve the best possible outcome for the State; his further views that the sale of State assets may bring short term gain but will have seriously negative consequences for this country in the long-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 28th February, 2012

In comparison with the prospect that we faced when this Government came to power last year, I am confident that the asset disposal programme that I announced last week can have a significantly positive outcome by driving competition in the energy sector and facilitating much needed investment in our economic recovery.

Instead of a programme of asset sales of €5bn to be used exclusively to off-set debt, which is what the Troika was originally pressing for, we have achieved a significant breakthrough on how the proceeds of asset disposals are to be used. In return for committing to a disposal programme of up to €3bn, which is a more ambitious target than we had originally provided for in the Programme for Government, the Troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for reinvestment in the economy.

In deciding on the programme that I announced last week, the Government has been careful to safeguard the position of strategic infrastructure such as the electricity and gas networks and Dublin port and the House will have noted that they are not part of the disposal programme and will remain under State control.

Apart from the receipts from the sale of assets that the Government will retain for reinvestment in the economy, the sale of certain business units of State companies actually offers the prospect of access to significant new capital to grow these businesses, which might not have otherwise have been available, given the current position in capital markets.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the decision to remove guidance counsellors from Gorey Community School in County Wexford; his views that the school is dependent on the services of guidance counsellors because of the number of students in the school and the social make up of same; his further views that it is almost impossible for a school with
large numbers to drop other subjects to facilitate keeping guidance counselling hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

-Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 23rd February, 2012.

My Department has just recently published Circular 0009/2012 to inform all post primary school management and staff of the staffing arrangements for post-primary schools for the 2012/13 school year, including in particular, the requirements to manage guidance from within the standard allocation.The circular is available on the Department website.

Schools will have autonomy on how best to prioritise its available resources to meet its requirements in relation to guidance and the provision of an appropriate range of subjects to its students. Decisions on how this is done will be taken at school level and I am confident that schools will act in the best interest of students when determining precisely how to use the teaching resources available to them.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance when the appropriate legislative changes to the investment policy of the National Pensions Reserve Fund will be introduced in order to allow the strategic investment fund to channel commercial investment from the NPRF towards productive investment in the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012.

The Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), whose establishment was announced by the Government in September 2011, will channel commercial investment from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) towards productive investment in areas of strategic significance to the future of the Irish economy. As well as money from the NPRF, the SIF will seek matching commercial investment from private investors. It will comprise a series of sub-funds targeted at commercial investment in critical areas, including infrastructure, venture capital and provision of long-term capital for SMEs. The NPRF will take a lead role in the development and implementation of each sub-fund.

The involvement of the NPRF in the SIF is expected to require the amendment of the investment policy of the NPRF, which is set out in the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000. Officials of my Department are liaising with the National Treasury Management Agency, as the Manager of the NPRF, in identifying and drafting the necessary amendments to the legislation and I expect to bring forward proposals for amending legislation as soon as possible once that work is completed.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the decision by EU Foreign Ministers to impose further sanctions on Iran will have a serious impact on the Iranian people; his further views on recent reports that ordinary citizens are already facing difficulties due to soaring food prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 21st February, 2012.

Given the failure of the Iranian government to respond to the serious concerns of the international community raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency report of 8 November, the EU has recently been compelled to adopt two further rounds of restrictive measures against Iran, at the Foreign Affairs Councils held on 1 December 2011 and 23 January 2012 respectively.

These latest sanctions adopted by the EU specifically target additional entities and individuals directly involved in Iran’s nuclear activities in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Among these entities are the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL) while there are also new restrictions against members of, as well as entities controlled by, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). In addition, there are new measures in the energy sector, including a phased embargo of Iranian crude oil imports to the EU; in the financial sector, including against the Central Bank of Iran; and in the transport sector.

The aim of all these measures is to persuade Iran to return to the negotiating table so that the issues raised in the IAEA report and in repeated UN Security Council and IAEA Resolutions can be adequately and comprehensively addressed.

There is no doubt that Iran is becoming increasingly isolated internationally as a result of its government’s refusal to address the nuclear issue. This isolation is compounding the already extensive economic problems which Iran is currently facing and is negatively affecting the wider Iranian population, with whom the EU has no quarrel.

However, these sanctions can be swiftly reversed if Iran takes concrete steps to address the very serious concerns of the international community and provide assurances as to the peaceful intentions of its nuclear programme. In this regard, I note with interest the recent letter of Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili to EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, who leads negotiations on the nuclear issue with Iran on behalf of the E3+3, accepting HR Ashton’s proposal of October 2011 to renew talks.

It is my belief that the additional measures adopted by the EU, as well as the tough bilateral sanctions implemented by US, Canada and the UK in recent months, have been of great influence in triggering this belated acceptance of talks by Iran. I hope that renewed negotiations will begin soon and that Iran will now address comprehensively the international concerns about the possible military dimension of its nuclear programme. I urge the Iranian side to enter negotiations this time in a genuine spirit of compromise and cooperation.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the justification for Ireland’s support of further European sanctions on Iran in view of our countries policy of neutrality; his views on reports that current sanctions on Iran mean the country is struggling to buy basic staples to feed its 74 million people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 21st February, 2012.

The latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran, issued on 8 November, concluded that there are both strong grounds for serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme and that information available indicated that Iran had carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. The report is based on information drawn from a wide variety of sources and deemed by the IAEA to be “consistent in terms of technical content, individuals and organizations involved, and time frames”. The IAEA is, of course, the internationally recognised watchdog on this issue, with unrivalled technical expertise and a record of absolute impartiality and independence.The Government is satisfied, as are Ireland’s EU partners, that the IAEA’s report is credible and its conclusions must be taken very seriously.

Regrettably, Iran made no move to address the findings of the IAEA report. Therefore, in addition to tough bilateral sanctions implemented by US, Canada and the UK, the EU has recently been compelled to adopt two further rounds of restrictive measures which I fully support. These were agreed at the Foreign Affairs Councils held on 1 December 2011 and 23 January 2012 and include a phased embargo of Iranian crude oil imports to the EU.

While Ireland does not import any Iranian crude oil, Ireland is of course affected by increases in the global price of crude oil. While any such recent increases are regrettable, Ireland has been prepared, along with our EU Partners, to accept them as the necessary price for maintaining international cohesion and pressure on Iran to address the concerns over its nuclear programme. Moreover, any increase is likely to be at least partially offset by concerted efforts underway to promote increased alternative oil supplies and lower price agreements by existing consumers of Iranian crude.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he accepts the evidence presented by Amnesty International and others that Shannon airport has been used as a stopover point for renditions; if he wing increasingly isolated internationally as a result of its government’s refusal to address the nuclear issue. This isolation is compounding the already extensive economic problems which Iran is currently facing and is negatively affecting the wider Iranian population, with whom the EU has no quarrel.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he accepts the evidence presented by Amnesty International and others that Shannon airport has been used as a stopover point for renditions; if he will initiate an enquiry into the State’s participation in this illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Tuesday, 21st February, 2012.

The Programme for Government states that “we will enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with international law”.

I have placed on record on numerous occasions my abhorrence at the illegal activity known as extraordinary rendition. There is no evidence that Shannon or any other Irish airport has ever been used for this purpose. There is no basis whatsoever for the Deputy’s suggestion that the State has participated in this illegal activity.

Under our legislation, no transfer of prisoners may take place without the permission of the Irish authorities. Furthermore, the United States has provided assurances at the highest level that it would not transport prisoners through Irish airspace without seeking our permission. I can assure the Deputy that no permission has been sought or granted in relation to any case of extraordinary rendition and, equally, that such permission would never be granted.

We understand that a small number of commercially leased aircraft which have been involved in legitimate commercial activities have also been involved at various times in activities related to extraordinary renditions. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they were carrying prisoners at any time when they transited through Irish airports.

Should the Deputy or any other person be in possession of evidence suggesting that Irish airports have been used for the purpose of extraordinary rendition, I would urge them to bring this to the attention of An Garda Síochána.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health his views on a recent report by the Law Reform Commission which recommends that the Health Information and Quality Authority be empowered to regulate and monitor undertakings that provide professional home care; if he plans to implement any of the recommendations made in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Government for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits the Government to developing and implementing national standards for home support services, which will be subject to inspection by the Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA).

The Law Reform Commission’s recent report, entitled Legal Aspects of Professional Home Care, is a follow up to its 2009 consultation paper entitled Legal Aspects of Carers.

Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. The question of possible changes to legislation, including regulation and inspection, for Home Care services for older people is under consideration. The Department is, at present, examining this matter in the overall context of the licensing of Health Care providers. Legislation is currently being prepared in this regard, taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety, and the Law Reform Commission. Various options are being considered at present, including the complex legal issues involved.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to implement the recommendations made by the Law Reform Commission in relation to the regulation of professional home care, in view of his stated commitment to move towards a model of health care whereby more older persons, when appropriate, will be cared for in their homes rather than going into long-term residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 15thFebruary, 2012.

Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.To this end, about 10,870 people are expected to receive home care packages and about 50,000 people will receive home help services this year.

Government for National Recovery 2011-2016 commits the Government to developing and implementing national standards for home support services, which will be subject to inspection by the Health and Information Quality Authority (HIQA).

The Department is considering possible changes in legislation, including the regulation and inspection of home care services for older people, as part of its examination of the overall issue of the licensing of health care providers. This examination will take account of the recent Law Reform Commission report – Legal Aspects of Professional Home Care – as well as recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety and a range of other considerations.

However, it is important to emphasise that statutory regulation or licensing is only one way of improving the safety and quality of services and that other measures are already being taken to improve the standards of community service for older people. These include a new public procurement framework for home care services (with quality and screening requirements built in); new National Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services which introduce national standards for HSE provided services and also new National Home Help Guidelines which will standardise the distribution and allocation of home help across the country.

These various measures, taken together, have been designed to improve service provision overall, including quality and safety, for HSE home care recipients.

DEFENCE

To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received a report on the reorganisation of the Defence Forces from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of his Department; if further barrack closures are inevitable given his plan to reduce the number of Army Brigades from three to two; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 8th February, 2012.

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government decided to revise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel. This represents a reduction of 500 in the authorised strength ceiling and will contribute to the delivery of sustainable savings over the coming years.

In response to this reduced strength ceiling I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from the current three to two.

A three Brigade organisational structure has been retained since the strength of the PDF was approximately 11,500 in the 1990’s. A three Brigade structure is no longer viable due to the reduction in the PDF strength ceiling from 10,000 to 9,500. Accordingly the re-organisation process is about ensuring that organisational structures are fit for purpose and it will prioritise the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force.

Recent barrack closures have further rationalised the Barrack infrastructure and I want to confirm, once again, that no further barrack closures are envisaged as part of the re-organisation process.

I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. This task is a significant undertaking and I understand thgs over the coming years.

Recent barrack closures have further rationalised the Barrack infrastructure and I want to confirm, once again, that no further barrack closures are envisaged as part of the re-organisation process.

You will appreciate that in advance of my receipt and subsequent consideration of the proposals, I will not be commenting on potential future organisational matters.

ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is currently putting together a contingency plan to assist the residents of Priory Hall in the event that the Supreme Court overturns the High Court judgment in relation to the provision of temporary accommodation, the costs of which are currently being met by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 2nd February, 2012.

The legal requirements applicable to the design and construction of new buildings, including dwellings, are specified in the second schedule to the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents are published by my Department to demonstrate how the legal requirements can be achieved in practice.

Compliance with the regulations is first and foremost the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the local building control authority (Dublin City Council in the case of the development at Priory Hall) which is empowered to carry out inspections and to initiate enforcement proceedings where appropriate.

Notwithstanding the above, I am committed to strengthening the system to ensure stronger compliance with, and oversight of, the requirements of the Building Regulations. Local authorities and construction industry professionals in particular have a key role in this regard. In this context, I announced, in July 2011, a number of measures to further strengthen the existing regulatory regime. In broad terms the measures will involve:-

the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;
the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;
more efficient pooling of building control staff and resources across the local authority sector to ensure more effective and meaningful oversight of building activity;
standardised approaches and common protocols to ensure nationwide consistency in the administration of building control functions;
better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.

The above reforms will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings following their introduction as early as possible in 2012.

Professionals who are engaged by developers will be required to ensure that construction at least meets the legal minimum standards and there is an urgent need for the construction professions to deliver high standards and professionalism in the construction field. The legal proceedings in relation to Priory Hall are continuing and it would be inappropriate to anticipate their conclusion. The overriding priority is to facilitate the return by residents to their homes as early as possible. In this respect it will be necessary to ensure that these homes are made fit for purpose and that the costs of so doing fall where they should. I have asked Dublin City Council to do all within its powers to achieve this objective and I have asked my Department to continue to liaise closely with Dublin City Council in this regard.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance in view of statements that our recovery will be export-led, the country’s financial situation is unlikely to improve until we deal more directly with the problems facing the domestic economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, 1st February, 2012.

As the Deputy is aware, over the last number of years, the Irish economy has suffered enormously, and by extension so too have the Irish people. The bursting of the property bubble has had severe adverse implications for the economy, the public finances and the banking sector and the fall-out has been exacerbated by a global downturn.

However, the Deputy should also remember that it was strong export-led growth which provided the basis for the original pick-up in economic activity in the early to mid-1990s. This is how growth in a small open economy such as Ireland’s should be driven and we are once again seeing evidence of that, with exports growing by over 6 per cent in 2010 and by 4½ per cent in the first nine months of 2011. This growth is broadening out into the indigenous export sector, with areas such as agri-food and tourism performing well. The growth in our exports reflects significant improvements in competitiveness, which are allowing us to trade our way to recovery. Indeed, economic growth has returned, with my Department projecting that last year saw real GDP growth of 1.0 per cent. As a result of the export-led recovery, the current account of the balance of payments has also returned to surplus, which shows that Ireland as a whole is once more paying its way – a crucial signal to investors. Evidence of Ireland’s enduring attractiveness as a location for Foreign Direct Investment, was underlined by the IDA’s recent announcement that a record number of new investments were won last year. This will underpin further export growth into the future.

While the economy is growing again, it will take time for export growth to feed through to the labour market and the domestic economy. Moreover, it will take households and firms time to work through the imbalances which had built up during the boom. The Government is acutely aware of the headwinds which the domestic economy faces in this regard. We have therefore taken a number of steps to support domestic activity and job creation, including the introduction of the Jobs Initiative shortly after coming into office and the structuring of Budget 2012 in such a way as to be as growth-friendly as possible. The Jobs Initiative is an important part of the Government’s overall strategy to establish the correct conditions to allow our domestic economy to recover, while at the same time respecting the requirement to return our public finances to a sustainable position. It should be viewed as one element of a wider strategy to support economic activity and will be followed up shortly by the Action Plan on Jobs which the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation will publish.

The establishment of NewERA and the Strategic Investment Fund within the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which the Government announced last September, is a further major initiative within the domestic economic sphere. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure there is sufficient credit available to business. In relation to tax-policy, I have also sought to support firms and encourage job creation through extending the three-year start-up relief scheme, improving the R&D tax credit scheme and replacing the Business Expansion Scheme with a new Employment and Investment Incentive.

While the Government is taking every step to support the recovery of the domestic economy, there is no quick-fix solution. We must continue to deliver on our commitments under our EU/IMF Programme and, in so doing, we will ensure that the Programme works for us. The challenges are substantial and this is why the Government has focused on three main priorities; restoring order to the public finances, repairing the banking system and restructuring the economy towards a sustainable growth model. We are on track to bring the deficit below 3 per cent of GDP by 2015, the banking system has been recapitalised and the economy returned to growth last year following three successive years of annual declines. In short, the Government is delivering a return to sustainable growth which capitalises upon the underlying strengths of the Irish economy.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to date and any future action he plans to take in relation to the renegotiation of the terms of the €30 billion promissory notes issued to Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society; the outcome of his meeting with ECB President Mario Draghi last week in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 1st February, 2012.

To ask the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made to date in meetings with officials from the ECB, European Commission and IMF in relation to the renegotiation of the terms of the Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society promissory notes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 1st February, 2012.

As I have indicated I am committed to reviewing the approach to the Promissory notes with a view to reducing the overall cost to the State of correcting the banking system. The Troika have agreed to engage in a process with Irish Officials to produce a common paper which will consider all options for restructuring the notes in terms of the source of funding, the duration of the notes, the interest rate etc.

In tandem with this technical review I have met with Commissioner Rehn and Mario Draghi President of the European Central Bank last week to progress the matter.

I would expect that work at a technical level will progress at a good pace, however given the nature of advocacy and the decision making process in the EU I would not expect this matter to be concluded in the short term.

JOBS, ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the creation last year of over 13,000 jobs supported by the Industrial Development Agency and in view of the net gain of 6,114 jobs overall, the number of these jobs that were created in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 25th January, 2012.

In 2011 IDA Ireland’s client companies created over 13,000 new jobs, up 20% on the previous year’s level of 10,897, increasing the total number of those employed directly in companies supported by the agency to almost 146,000. Overall there was a net employment increase of over 6,000.

IDA Ireland has informed me that there are 12 IDA Ireland supported client companies in Co Wexford employing 2,060 people. 51 new jobs were created in IDA Ireland supported client companies in Co Wexford in 2011. The most significant announcement in 2011 was in September when An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny, T.D. joined Mr Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, to celebrate the opening of the new USD$300 million (€200 million) Coca-Cola manufacturing and innovation facility in Wexford, creating a total of 100 new jobs of which c.65 are filled to date. This investment is a real vote of confidence in Wexford by a global leader.

The past year has been a difficult one for the South East Region with significant job losses. The rise in unemployment in the region has been sharper than in the rest of the country. I instructed my agencies to put together an action plan for the South East. The report was published in December 2011 and contains many actions that can help deliver on that ambition of having a stronger local enterprise base but it will only achieve so much. There are challenges for all agencies in the region to help build up the region’s competitive advantage and then to promote it in a co-ordinated manner.

The South East received a boost earlier this month with the announcement that Eishtec, a Waterford-based company providing consumer contact centre services, is to create 250 new jobs by mid-2012 as part of a major new expansion at its new custom built facility situated at the Cleaboy Business Park. This investment is part-funded by the Government through Enterprise Ireland and recruitment for the new position is currently under-way I shall continue to monitor progress in the coming year in relation to the South East Action Plan.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE & REFORM

To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on comments made by officials representing the Troika during its meeting with members of the Technical Group on 17 January last that any money raised from the sale of State assets will be used to service the country’s debt and not for investment in job creation as he has previously stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Tuesday, 24th January, 2012.

The Troika view asset disposals as a structural reform measure – intended to improve efficiency and competition in the economy, while also offering the prospect of reducing overall debt levels. The Government, however, views asset disposals as offering the potential to release value from State assets for use on employment generating initiatives in the economy.

As I have previously stated, in our most recent discussions with the Troika, they have signalled that, in the context of Government pursuing an ambitious programme of asset disposals, they would be prepared to agree to the retention of a sizeable amount of proceeds from asset disposals for investment by the Government in job creation initiatives in the economy. I can confirm that this remains the policy of the Government.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the problem in Gorey Community School in County Wexford where three guidance counsellor positions are about to be lost ; his views that this is particularly serious in a school which has had three suicide related deaths in the past two years alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 19th January, 2012.

All schools must continue to provide guidance to their pupils. However, from September 2012 guidance provision will be managed by schools from within their standard staffing allocation. As things currently stand and before any changes are made, 42% of second level schools do not presently have a full-time
guidance counsellor.

Guidance is a whole school activity and under existing arrangements each school is expected to develop a school guidance plan as a means of supporting the needs of its students. These requirements have not changed and my Department’s forthcoming Circular will make this clear and point schools to the relevant documentation and guidance available to support such work by schools.

In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. I have also provided for the filling of 300 Assistant Principal posts in second-level schools over the level originally planned. This will ensure that schools have sufficient management positions to ensure appropriate supports are available for all students.

A key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target available funding at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage. All 195 second-level school in DEIS will be given targeted support by a more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the largest secondary school in the country, Gorey Community School in County Wexford, which cannot retain guidance counselling positions in place of other subjects due to the large number of students it caters for and, as a result, stands to lose three much needed guidance counsellors; and if he will make a statement on the
matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 19th January, 2012.

All schools must continue to provide guidance to their pupils. However, from September 2012 guidance provision will be managed by schools from within their standard staffing allocation. The impact of this decision for the school referred to by the Deputy will be to reduce its staffing by 3 posts out of a total of over 100 posts.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken to date and any future action he plans to take in addressing the ongoing disturbances in Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain, in view of the reports of civilian deaths; his views on the export of weapons to these States by countries such as Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 17th January, 2012.

I have made clear my strong condemnation of the ongoing violence and serious repression of human rights in Syria, most recently in a statement on 20 December and in my reply to Question 47 on 11 January. The UN estimates that over 5,000 people have been killed by Syrian forces since last March. I am gravely concerned that, despite the presence of an Arab League observer mission since 27 December, the killings of unarmed protestors and widespread human rights abuses continue and I fully support the call from Arab League Secretary General el-Araby for a complete cessation of all violence in Syria. The international community, including the EU, the UN and the Arab League, has reacted to the violence in Syria with a series of robust economic, political and diplomatic measures to compel the Syrian regime to cease its appalling and unacceptable attacks on the Syrian people. I will outline these measures in more detail in other questions on Syria later in this session. However, the important point is that the international community is determined to maintain strong and united political pressure on the Syrian regime until it ends the violent repression against its own people and begins a process of transition. I will be discussing the current situation in Syria with EU colleagues at next week’s Foreign Affairs Council.

In Bahrain, while I welcome the positive steps taken by the Bahraini authorities to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, I remain concerned about continuing tensions within the country and allegations of excessive use of force employed by the police against peaceful protestors. These concerns are shared by our EU Partners and will be relayed to the Bahraini authorities.

In Yemen, presidential elections are scheduled to take place on 21 February following former President Saleh’s resignation in November. His resignation marked the first step in Yemen’s political transition. EU High Representative Ashton has emphasised to Vice President al-Hadi that the transition process must be inclusive and reach out to the large numbers of unemployed young people, the youth movements and other groups. While protests have continued since President Saleh’s resignation, I regard it as a positive that these have not resulted in violent clashes of the kind witnessed prior to the transfer of power.

With regard to the export of arms, I fully support the restrictive measures against Syria adopted by the EU, which includes an arms export ban and an export ban on equipment which might be used for internal repression. In relation to the export of arms to Bahrain and Yemen, the decision to transfer or deny the transfer of any military technology is at the national discretion of each exporting State. In 2008, the EU adopted a Common Position which defines the rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment by Member States. Under this common position, Member States assess all licence applications for military exports against eight separate criteria, including the human rights situation on the ground. As a result, I would note that armaments companies in the EU are in compliance with one of the strictest export control regimes in the world. The operation of the Council Common Position is kept under constant review by Member States in light of changing circumstances in individual buyer countries.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the use of Shannon Airport as a stopover by US forces en route to Afghanistan, in view of the footage which emerged in recent days that appears to show US marines urinating on the dead bodies of Taliban fighters and laughing; his views on the fact that the Guantánamo Bay detention camp remains open despite President Barack Obama’s promise to the contrary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Tuesday, 17th January, 2012.

I fully share in the widespread revulsion at the images to which the Deputy refers. International humanitarian law obliges parties to an armed conflict to treat the dead with respect and dignity. The footage appears to show disgraceful acts which are in clear violation of these obligations.

The Deputy will be aware that the incident disclosed by the footage has been condemned in the strongest terms by senior figures in the US Administration, including the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and the Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta, and that the responsible US authorities have instituted an investigation into the matter.

The images in question are deeply upsetting and shameful. Assuming that the images are accurate, those responsible must be held fully accountable for their behaviour. They have betrayed not just their own country but the Afghan government and people and all in the international community who have supported the international action to sustain the elected government in Kabul.

There are no plans to change the arrangements for the overflight and landing of US military aircraft, which have been continuously in place under successive Governments for over fifty years. Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 foreign military aircraft are not permitted to fly over or land in the State save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The majority of US troops which pass through Shannon Airport are carried on commercial flights.

As for the Deputy’s reference to the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, Ireland has called for the closure of this centre and has urged that those detained there be brought to trial or released. I have discussed this issue personally with Secretary of State Clinton. We would, of course, hope to see the earliest possible fulfilment of the pledge made by President Obama in 2009 to close the Centre. I am conscious that the President’s efforts to do so have been frustrated by the absence of the necessary agreement on the part of the US Congress. I welcome the President’s continuing political commitment to close the centre and I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to press for this action to be taken with all possible speed.

TRANSPORT, TOURISM & SPORT

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned that there are a number of serious inaccuracies (details below) in the Route Selection Report for the proposed Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour road upgrade project; the action he proposes to correct these inaccuracies in a report which fails to justify the proposed project, which has so far cost the Irish taxpayer in excess of 2 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 12th January, 2012.

Details: The project will benefit traffic congestion in the UK Midlands. The existing road is unsafe and in support of this claim, the report quotes road safety statistics which include locations outside the study area. The development is required due to increased traffic volumes, a claim which is completely refuted in other sections of the very same report. The traffic projections in the report are based on a desktop study done in 2007 and no adjustments have been made for the current recession.

This question relates to the route selection report for the Oilgate to Rosslare Roads Scheme.

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.

Therefore, this not a matter in which I have a role. Rather it is a matter for the NRA and I will ask the NRA to write directly to the Deputy in relation to the route selection report. If he does not receive a reply within 10 days he should contact my office on the matter.

As I have indicated previously to the Deputy the Oilgate to Rosslare scheme is one of a range of projects which have reached the route corridor selection phase but cannot proceed to construction for some time given the current difficult economic environment. When the project can be progressed it will be subject to approval by an Bord Pleanála.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health his proposals in the long term to assist the parents of premature babies in neonatal intensive care units who face separation form their child if they cannot afford to pay for private temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 11th January, 2012

Of the total of 445 beds in the new children’s hospital, 62 beds are to be allocated to Paediatric Intensive Care and High Dependency areas, representing a one-third increase in the number of critical care beds provided by the existing children’s hospitals. This includes a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency beds and cardiac and neurosurgical critical care beds. Provision will also be made within the intensive care and high dependency areas for all necessary supports to be available to support the range of critical care functions.

Parental accommodation will be available nearby within the hospital for parents of children in the neonatal intensive care unit and children admitted to the other critical care units. This accommodation will be provided within a family overnight unit which will provide en-suite bedrooms with suitable support accommodation. Provision for accommodation for parents and families of children who require longer term admission to the hospital will be provided in a facility directly adjacent to the new hospital.

The HSE tries to maximise the availability of accommodation for parents of premature babies in neonatal intensive care units in existing hospitals. The priority for the HSE and acute hospitals is to ensure that the most appropriate and safe treatment is provided to infants in the most appropriate location and as close to home as possible and that the families of such infants are provided with appropriate information and support. This includes the provision of dedicated and direct telephone access to the units treating the infants.

The Deputy will be aware that there are proposals to move a number of maternity hospitals from stand alone sites to sites adjacent to adult teaching hospitals. The issue of providing parental accommodation will be considered as these proposals are further developed.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health his plans to provide a neonatal unit and the relevant parental accommodation as part of the new National Children’s Hospital due to open in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 11th January, 2012

The new children’s hospital is planned to accommodate a total of 445 beds (392 in-patient beds and 53 day care beds) to meet paediatric healthcare demands projected to 2021. The configuration of these beds reflects international and best practice trends in paediatric acute bed requirements, resulting in a higher allocation of both critical care and day care beds within the overall bed complement.

Of the total of 445 beds, 62 beds are to be allocated to Paediatric Intensive Care and High Dependency areas, representing a one-third increase in the number of critical care beds provided by the existing children’s hospitals. This includes a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency beds and cardiac and neurosurgical critical care beds. Provision will also be made within the intensive care and high dependency areas for all necessary supports to be available to support the range of critical care functions.

Dedicated facilities are also planned for children who require long-term ventilation but who no longer need critical care accommodation. Access to paediatric and neonatal critical care services will be supported by a centralised national transport and retrieval service based at the new children’s hospital

AGRICULTURE, FOOD & THE MARINE

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to challenge the proposals made by the European Commission which will adversely affect Ireland’s fishing industry; if he will seek to stop the proposed ban on cod fishing in the Irish Sea at the Council’s December meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 14th December, 2011.

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that it is unreasonable to cut the total allowable catch by 25% in areas in which data from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas is not available; his further views that these measures will adversely affect the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 14th December, 2011.

Scientific advice shows that many stocks where Ireland has a quota are not in a healthy biological state and therefore are in need of urgent remedial action. I have consistently stated that wherever the available scientific advice indicates a need for a cut in TAC levels I will accept this measure. The Sustainability Impact Assessment on TACs and quotas for 2012, which I presented to the Dail on 23^rd November, agrees with the need to cut the quotas for some of the stocks in 2012, though the level of these cuts is queried in some cases, while in others there is clear scientific data to suggest that a cut is unwarranted. In other cases, the available evidence is that an increase in the TAC can be justified.

There is a high cost from a social and economic perspective when quota cuts are proposed and we have to be satisfied that in every case these cuts are justifiable. Fishing ports and whole communities all around our coast are dependent on fisheries for their very survival. But it is equally important to ensure the long term sustainability and health of the fishing resource, because without the stocks there would be no fishing industry.

The science on Irish Sea Cod shows that the stock is in a very poor state, though there are some positive signs with recruitment in 2009 above the recent average, the Commission has proposed a zero catch for Cod in 2012. A long term management plan for this stock has been in place since 2008 which if followed would reduce the TAC in 2012 by 25%. I will be supporting the 25% reduction in the Irish Sea Cod TAC at the December Council of Fisheries Ministers being held on December 15^th and 16^th in Brussels, where the levels of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and ultimately the quotas for Ireland in 2012 will be determined.

Our fishing fleet depends totally on having healthy and long term sustainable stocks to remain viable and productive. In order to balance all three pillars it will be necessary to take hard decisions on some stocks that will result in reduced fishing opportunities.

However, we need to use all sources of verifiable science when determining our decisions on fishing levels to ensure that the right balance is struck between the health of the fishing resource and the wider ecosystem with the economic and social realities of our network of rural coastal communities. I will be making every effort to ensure, at the Fisheries Council this week, we deliver on these objectives.

ARTS, HERITAGE & THE GAELTACHT

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the contact he has had to date with the National Assets Management Agency in relation to the use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 24th November, 2011.

R E P L Y

I refer the Deputies to my answer to a number of previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter. I have met the chair and chief executive of NAMA in relation to the potential use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes.

NAMA was set up to acquire loans from certain financial institutions and it does not own property as such. In most cases, the property securing these loans is under the control of the debtor and will remain so as long as the debtor continues to meet his obligations. In the case of certain debtors, NAMA has taken enforcement action and the property securing the loans is now under the control of receivers or other insolvency agents appointed by NAMA.

My Department will continue engagement with NAMA in instances where assets of shared interest arise.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the notion that she can save over €600 million by tackling welfare fraud is seriously optimistic and will prove problematic down the road if not achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 23rd November, 2011.

R E P L Y

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department which processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and makes payments to some 1.4 million people every week at a cost of some €21 billion per annum. However, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.

For 2011, my Department has a target of reviewing 780,000 individual welfare claims and achieving €540 million in control savings. At the end of October, some €536million in estimated control savings were reported and over 746,000 reviews have been carried out. For 2012, the target for control savings is provisionally set at €625million, an increase of €85million on the 2011 target.

Control savings are an estimate of the value of the various control activities across the schemes in payment. Control savings are not actual monies recovered by the Department but are a good indication of the increase in social welfare expenditure that would occur without these control activities taking place. They are therefore an estimate of future expenditure that is avoided. These savings arise as a result of control activity on claims in payment and from inspections of employers. These activities also have deterrent or knock-on effects, which are not readily quantifiable in monetary terms. They are used as a performance indicator for year-on-year activities.

As control savings are already factored into the budget estimates, the reductions in expenditure that the Department is expected to achieve in the forthcoming Budget will come on top of the existing fraud control measures of €625 million.

As the Deputies may be aware, I recently launched a new Fraud Initiative (2011 – 2013) which is aimed at putting in place a range of actions to combat fraud and abuse of the social welfare system and at ensuring that public confidence in the system is improved. A key priority for my Department is to ensure that fraudulent activity within the social welfare system is vigorously prevented and combated. Social welfare fraud undermines public confidence in the entire system as well as being unfair to other recipients of social welfare payments and taxpayers. As Minister, I am very conscious of the need to protect public money and I am determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected.

JOBS, ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that will be created over the next two years as a result of the State’s enterprise strategy which will see a total spend of €1 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that will result from the State’s enterprise strategy in view of the fact that the Department allocation for 2012 is a record high of €514 million, to be followed by €458 million in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

R E P L Y

The Government published its Infrastructural and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework on the 10^th of November last. The capital investment programme covers a broad range of critical areas including economic infrastructure, environmental infrastructure and social investment.

While acknowledging that over the medium-term, there will be a lower level of resources available for capital investment generally, I am delighted to say that supports to industry will be maintained at very significant levels. In total, €2.334 billion is provided for jobs, enterprise and innovation over the period from 2012 to 2016, with over €900 million also being invested by my colleagues in programmes related to tourism, agriculture, food and the marine, all of which deliver major economic and environmental benefits. This will be an increase in the annual allocation for enterprise support from €508 million in 2011 to its highest ever level of €514 million in 2012, reflecting the priority accorded to job-creation by the Government.

In 2010, IDA Ireland clients created 10,897 new jobs while Enterprise Ireland clients created 8,193. Shannon Development clients created 362 while the 35 CEBs together created 5,901 when full and part-time jobs are included. It is vital that this level of job creation is maintained and enhanced in the years ahead and the capital allocation to my Department ensures that this will be the case. There will inevitably be some job losses also, however, improved competitiveness, a more benign trading environment and interventions by the enterprise agencies in support of existing jobs will ensure that losses will be minimised.

Under the new investment framework the funding of these key employment creating agencies will be protected or enhanced over the medium-term. A number of new initiatives will also be funded including a Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme, Innovation Fund Ireland and there will be increased focus on accelerating High Potential Start-Ups. As a consequence I expect these enterprise-development Agencies to deliver on their ambitious jobs targets of over 110,000 gross new jobs over the five years of the programme to 2016 – or 22,000 per annum on average.

Every new job is estimated to have a multiplier effect so the overall impact on job creation of these activities is estimated 220,000 gross new direct and indirect jobs.

Continued investments in research, technological development and innovation have been and will remain a pivotal element of our enterprise development offering to 2016. These investments underpin both the quantum and quality of employment in enterprise today and into the medium term.

The environment for business and job growth is of course affected by international economic conditions and our own competitiveness. In recognition of this I am conducting a review of our policies and I plan to publish a Jobs Strategy early in the new year to ensure that policies are adopted which maximise job opportunities.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the cutbacks to the community employment scheme, the community services programme, the rural social scheme, local employment service networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

R E P L Y

I can confirm that there have been no cutbacks in the number of participants on the various schemes in 2011. The community employment scheme currently provides opportunities for 23,300 people, the community services programme supports the employment of an estimated 2,800 people and 2,730 continue to be engaged on the rural social scheme. The Local Employment Service operates through Local Development Companies on contract from FÁS with the objective of providing services to those most disadvantaged in the labour market. There have been no cutbacks in the funds provided in 2011. Future funding for all schemes and initiatives are matters to be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM

To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the shortage of Exchequer funds at present the reason that he has not intervened to prevent unnecessary expenditure on the planning stages of projects which are unlikely to be completed during the life of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 17th November, 2011.

The Deputy will be aware that we have had to significantly scale back and reprioritise public expenditure in order to meet the pressing need to restore our finances to a sustainable path. As part of this, we undertook a major review of our capital programme. We have had to focus on what we must do rather than what we would wish to do. This has involved looking at projects in which we have already made considerable investment and evaluating whether it would be more cost effective to proceed or defer them until a later stage. We intend that projects deferred will ultimately be delivered when public finances have been restored.

It is important to ensure that capital programmes and projects are properly managed and rolled out. This requires that public works are appropriately planned and delivered. The guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure proposals in the public sector set out the steps that Departments and agencies need to take in planning for their capital projects. Departments must ensure that they undertake proper appraisal and planning and that costs in this regard are appropriately controlled.

Last week, the Government announced the new capital envelopes for Departments for the period 2012-2016. Departments are now engaged in reformulating their project delivery schedules and project planning processes in accordance with their new financial allocations. In this context, Departments are also carefully considering the range and scope of planning that are appropriate and justifiable to meet our likely infrastructure needs over the five year horizon and beyond. Obviously, we must think beyond the five year horizon.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM

To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the fact that, from the outset he has been insisting that facilitating the creation of jobs is one of its top priorities yet the capital spending programme published last week does little to support this claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 17th November, 2011.

The Medium-Term Fiscal Statement published by the Government on 4 November detailed the budgetary parameters for the next four years including the revised current and capital envelopes. The Medium-Term Fiscal Statement also set out and discussed the economic and fiscal projections for the period ahead that are consistent with those budgetary parameters. As regards employment, the economy is expected to be creating jobs on a net basis by the end of next year, with the pace of hiring forecast to strengthen in subsequent years.

In considering the Capital envelope and the Government’s detailed Capital Review that I published last week, it is first necessary to realise that most of the economy’s key infrastructural deficits have been addressed through a massive capital investment of about €70bn over the last decade. In addition, the Budgetary situation requires spending to be prioritised and the Public Capital Programme to be scaled back.

There will be direct employment benefits in the delivery of the infrastructure proposed in the Medium Term Capital Investment Framework. However, the most important contribution capital investment can now make is in providing the capacity for the economy to grow, which will in turn create employment. The focus of the investment outlined in the plan is on creating the framework conditions in which the enterprise sector can thrive.

The Review made a point of protecting supports to the enterprise sector primarily through funding agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. This funding can foster sustainable and valuable employment in the exporting sectors of the economy which will be critical to recovery. While the overall capital envelope for 2012 has been reduced, we have actually held the level of capital allocation for the enterprise sector relative to the preceding period.

The State will be spending some €17 billion over the next five years on activities throughout the country and this will help support employment in many key areas. It is important to note that less expensive re-fit, refurbishment, and up-grade works can be more labour-intensive than larger capital-intensive projects that have been deferred.

EDUCATION

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that a decrease in teacher numbers at second level would result in a reduction in the number of subjects available to students, prevent many students form reaching their full potential, and is particularly unfeasible in the current climate in view of the anticipated 10% increase in the student population; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 16th November, 2011.

I do not propose to give any specific commitment on the overall number of teaching posts in the education sector or on any changes to the pupil teacher ratio and the impact it could have. These are issues that I am considering with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the forthcoming budget discussions and meeting our obligations under the EU/IMF Programme.

The Government will endeavour to protect front line education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure back into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that are provided to schools are used by them to maximum effect in terms of providing an appropriate range of subjects and in delivering the best possible outcomes for their pupils.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the contention by the Fiscal Advisory Council in the most recent version of its Fiscal Assessment Report that a 1.8% deficit reduction following €20 billion worth of austerity measures illustrates that austerity measures are working to reduce the deficit; if he will acknowledge that the report in fact illustrates that austerity is not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 15th November, 2011.

As has been set out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement (MTFS), Ireland’s General Government Deficit is expected to be €16 billion, or 10.3 per cent of GDP, in 2011. In order to bridge this gap between revenues and spending, the Irish State has to engage in large volumes of borrowing. Ireland is relying on external assistance through the EU/IMF Programme for this borrowing. The conditionality of this Programme requires Ireland to reach a deficit of no more than 8.6 per cent of GDP next year. By contrast, the underlying deficit in 2009, excluding the €4 billion capital injection into Anglo Irish Bank, was 11.7 per cent of GDP, so we are on the right path. Based on the macroeconomic and fiscal assessment set out in the MTFS, an adjustment of €3.8 billion is required if we are to adhere to the agreed deficit target of 8.6% of GDP. It is of course extremely important that we continue to adhere to the deficit targets which have been set and that we restore sustainability to the public finances as soon as is practically possible.

Some have called for a higher level of adjustment. Both I and the Government are very conscious of the impact that a larger adjustment would have on economic activity. In striving to restore sustainability to the public finances, we must also be mindful of protecting the emerging economic recovery and seek to strike the right balance between the two. This balancing act is difficult but we believe we have struck the right balance and the EU/IMF troika agrees.

On the issue as to whether austerity is working, CSO data show that the Irish economy expanded by 1.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year and by 1.6 per cent in the second quarter of the year. This is the first time Ireland has recorded two consecutive quarters of economic growth since 2006. So, the economy is growing again and the deficit is reducing. As was acknowledged in the recent MTFS, despite returning to growth, Ireland’s economy still faces significant challenges. By continuing with the process of consolidation and implementing policies which will result in sustainable economic growth, these challenges can be overcome. We must also recognise that in the absence of consolidation, the deficit would have grown to levels which would have made debt sustainability even more challenging.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the significant error on page 34 of the original version of the Fiscal Assessment Report published by the Fiscal Advisory Council on 12 October 2011; the initial lack of transparency the council displayed in correcting this error; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 15th November, 2011.

I announced the establishment of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on 7 July 2011. The Council is part of a wider agenda of reform of Ireland’s budgetary architecture which is envisaged in the Programme for Government. When I announced the establishment of the Council, it was stated that the Council would be an independent body whose existence and independence would be underpinned by legislation to be brought forward by Government in the Fiscal Responsibility Bill by the end of March 2012.

The role of the Council is to provide an assessment of, and comment publicly on, whether the Government is meeting its own stated budgetary targets and objectives. It will also be charged with assessing the appropriateness and soundness of the Government’s fiscal stance and macroeconomic projections as well as an assessment of the extent of compliance with the Government’s fiscal rules. The latter are also to be brought forward in the proposed Fiscal Responsibility Bill.

The five members of the Council are:

Mr Sebastian Barnes, OECD,

Professor Alan Barrett, TCD (on secondment from the ESRI),

Dr Donal Donovan, University of Limerick (formerly IMF staff),

Professor John McHale, Head of Economics, NUI Galway and Chair of the Council, and

Dr Róisín O’Sullivan, Associate Professor, Smith College, Massachusetts.

I appointed the members having regard to a number of criteria including the desirability of having a mix of appropriate backgrounds (academia, the financial sector/financial markets and public finance), macroeconomic/microeconomic expertise and a strong international dimension, as well as the need to take gender considerations into account. I am satisfied that the appointed members have the mix of skills and experience, including in relation to fiscal affairs, to ensure that the Council will be highly effective in fulfilling its mandate.

I am satisfied with the composition of the Council and I am pleased that individuals of such high calibre have agreed to serve on the Council. Indeed, it is fair to say that, when I announced the makeup of the Council, the public commentary about the membership was positive and welcoming.

The Council is supported by a secretariat of three staff, one senior economist, one junior economist/research assistant and one administration staff. A second economist position is expected to be filled shortly. The Council can also obtain specialist expertise as required through consultancy services, so I do not accept that the Council does not have the relevant expertise to do its job.

As part of its first Fiscal Assessment Report published in October, the Fiscal Advisory Council advised that in order to achieve a deficit of 8.6% of GDP next year, consolidation of €4 billion would be required. The Council also suggested that over the period to 2015, Government should implement more consolidation than currently planned so as to achieve a deficit of 1% of GDP in 2015. This would require €4 billion in additional consolidation but would result in a significantly improved debt trajectory. While not opining on the appropriate split between revenue and expenditure, the Council also questioned the view that most of the adjustment should be on the spending side.

These views and indeed those of other bodies, both domestic and international, informed my Department’s analysis in producing the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement. However, in striving to restore sustainability to the public finances, we must also be mindful of protecting the emerging economic recovery and seek to strike the right balance between the two. This balancing act is difficult but we believe we have struck the right balance by targeting an adjustment of €3.8 billion so as to achieve the agreed deficit of 8.6% of GDP for 2012 and thereafter pursuing the necessary annual adjustments to achieve the agreed deficit of under 3% of GDP by 2015. This strategy is in line with our commitments under the EU/IMF Programme of External Assistance and as such the EU/IMF troika agree with our approach.

The error, related to an historical figure, on page 34 in the Fiscal Assessment Report as originally published is an operational matter for the Council. Officials in my Department had brought this to my attention. The error was amended very quickly by the Council and a revised version of the Report was published on its website. I would point out that the Fiscal Assessment Report states that ” errors and omissions are the responsibility of the Council”. Finally, the error in question, which as I have said related to a historical figure, did not affect the analysis and underlying rationale behind the recommendations made by the Council.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a breakdown of the cost per annum of running the Irish embassies in Iran and the Vatican; if he is contemplating closing other overseas missions aside from the three announced last week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 10th November, 2011

The operating budgets for the Embassies in Iran and the Holy See for 2011 amount to €420,987 and €348, 049 respectively. These allocations cover items such as local staff salary costs, premises expenses, office machinery, official travel and post and telecommunications. By moving the Embassy to Italy into the building currently occupied by the Embassy to the Holy See further savings on rent amounting to €445,000 in a full year will be made.

The regrettable, but necessary, decision to close these Missions, and the Irish Representative Office in Dili, Timor Leste, followed a thorough review carried out by my Department in which particular weight was given to the promotion of Irish economic interests abroad. There are no plans to close any further Missions. Nevertheless, the scale and presence of the Irish diplomatic network is kept under ongoing review in the light of changing circumstances and needs. Given the current budgetary situation, and recognising the role that our diplomatic network is playing in Ireland’s economic recovery, any further adjustments to our diplomatic network will continue to be strategically focused.

TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has the authority to instruct Wexford County Council to lift planning restrictions along the preferred route for the Oilgate – Rosslare motorway in view of the fact that the restrictions prevent residents from developing and selling properties even though the project has been postponed indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 9th November, 2011.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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. I have no function in relation to the planning process and, as previously indicated, it is a matter for the local authority in its capacity as the planning authority to assess how best to balance planning needs and the protection of route corridors for future road upgrades.

JUSTICE AND EQUALITY

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if State funding has ever been given to any of the following organisations, Irish Patients Association, Patient Focus and Patients Together; and if so, the amount for each of the years 2000 to 2009.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th November, 2011.

Data in relation to such funding are not readily available prior to 2005. Since 2005 no State funding has been provided by this Department to the said organisations.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health the amount of State funding given to each of the following organisations, Irish Patients Association, Patient Focus and Patients Together in each of the years 2000 to 2009.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th November, 2011.

The following table sets out the funding that was allocated to the Irish Patients’ Association between 2000 and 2009. No funding was allocated to Patient Focus or Patients Together during this period. I have also asked the HSE to reply to you directly in respect of any funding it may have made to the respective organisations. Funding allocated to Irish Patients’ Association

Year	€
2001	25,395
2002	30,000
2005	79,000
2007	32,000
2009	3,000
Total	169,395

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the cutbacks to the regional drugs task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th November, 2011.

Over €9.7m has been made available by my Department to Regional Drugs Task Forces in 2011 for community based drugs initiatives. There were no cuts made to Regional Drugs Task Force funding by my Department during the year.

HEALTH

-Both questions below answered together by the Minister-

To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed timeframe for the expeditious implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the A, B and C case committed to by the Government at the UN Human Rights Council hearing in Geneva on 6 October 2011, including exact dates for the establishment of the expert group and the conclusion of their work; his response to their proposals; if he will provide a detailed explanation for the rejection of six recommendations from European countries relating to abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

To ask the Minister for Health if he will explain the reasons behind the refusal to accept six recommendations from European countries that Ireland should legislate for abortion; if he will explain in detail the timeframe for the expeditious implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the A, B and C cases committed to by the Government at the UN Human Rights Council hearing in Geneva on 6 October 2011; specifically if he will provide the date in November by which the expert group will be set up, the date by which the expert group will be expected to transmit proposals to him, and the date by which he will respond to these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 8th November, 2011

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 73 together.

I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the implementation of the action plan on the ABC v. Ireland judgment. As the Deputy is aware, the Government submitted an action plan to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 16 June 2011, as required by the European Court of Human Rights. The action plan outlined the following commitments by the Irish State. Ireland is committed to ensuring the judgment in this case is implemented expeditiously. The Government will establish an expert group, drawing on appropriate medical and legal expertise with a view to making recommendations on how this matter should be properly addressed. It is intended that the expert group will be established by the end of November 2011. Following the recommendations from the expert group, proposals will be drafted and transmitted to the Government for approval and, by the end of 2011, an action report will be filed outlining the expert group’s detailed terms of reference, membership and meeting schedule. As stated in the action plan, the Government is committed to the establishment of an expert group on the ABC v Ireland judgment to make recommendations on how this matter should be properly addressed. My officials are in the process of finalising the work required to establish this body. The Government rejected all recommendations on this issue submitted to the State during the universal periodic review process in Geneva on 6 October, as it would be inappropriate for it to pre-empt the recommendations of the expert group at this stage. In the case of the recommendations made by Denmark and Slovenia, these were outside the scope of the judgment and not in line with Article 40.3.3o of the Constitution of Ireland.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the cutbacks to the community child-care subvention programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 3rd November, 2011

The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced in January 2008 under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) to enable community not-for-profit childcare service to provide childare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income families. Under the CCSS, community services were required to make an annual return to the Childcare Directorate which recorded the actual level of disadvantage among parents using their service and the level of service being used.

In Budget 2010, the Minister for Finance announced that the CCSS would be succeeded by a follow-on programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, with effect from September 2010 along with a new Childcare Education and Training (CETS) programme. The new CCS programme continues to provide support funding to community childcare services based on the level of service reported by them and maintains and improves the provision for disadvantaged and low income families. The CCS has a stronger focus on low income working parents and also continues the policy of tapered withdrawal of the subvention to assist parents moving from unemployment back into the workforce. The programme is demand led, and there has been no decrease in the rates of funding in the programme since its introduction last year.

Some 900 community services throughout the State are participating in the CCS programme. Services recently made their 2011/12 return, and the entitlements of individual parents are currently being assessed by the Department of Social Protection. The number of parents claiming support in this return indicates that the level of subvention under the programme is likely to rise in the 2011/2012 year.

ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether that giving local authorities the power to regulate the scrap metal industry within their own jurisdictions is productive in view of the ease with which criminals can travel to neighbouring counties, which may have lesser regulation, to sell their stolen metal; if he will implement legislation to regulate those who purchase scrap metal, in effect disabling criminals from selling it at ease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 20th October, 2011.

Waste activities in Ireland are required to hold an authorisation in accordance with the Waste Management Act 1996; the terms of such authorisations are primarily derived from requirements of EU Directives on waste and specific waste streams such as end of life vehicles or electronic waste (WEEE). Depending on the authorisation required, these activities are controlled either by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or by local authorities as competent authorities nominated by the State to implement such legislation. The purpose of these controls is to regulaetal industry within their own jurisdictions is productive in view of the ease with which criminals can travel to neighbouring counties, which may have lesser regulation, to sell their stolen metal; if he will implement legislation to regulate those who purchase scrap metal, in effect disabling criminals from selling it at ease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 20th October, 2011.

Enforcement of waste legislation is a matter either for the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) in relation to waste licences or for local authorities in relation to waste permits. The OEE operates an Enforcement Network to foster co-operation between the various public service bodies involved in the enforcement of environmental legislation, so that a higher and more consistent standard of enforcement is achieved throughout the country. I have asked my Department to examine the licensing and permitting legislation to ensure all necessary provisions, particularly relating to traceability, are in place to avoid situations that might be exploited by criminal elements.

Metal theft is, of course, a crime and is therefore a matter for An Garda Siochana in the first instance. A stakeholder forum on the matter has been set up by the Gardai and is working to produce a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan. My Department is one of many stakeholders participating in the work of the Forum and will continue to play its part in supporting the work in this area led by the Gardai.

ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the cuts to the community and voluntary sector in County Wexford from 2008 to date in 2011; if he will outline the cutbacks to the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 20th October, 2011.

The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the main community development programme operated by my Department in support of the voluntary and community sector. The aim of the LCDP is to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social and economic inclusion through partnership and constructive engagement with disadvantaged communities. The overall funding allocation for the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and Community Development Programme, and the successor Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), has been reduced from €83.5m in 2008 to €63.4m in 2011.

Funding allocated to County Wexford under these Programmes exceeded €11m over that period, with a yearly breakdown as follows:

2011 €2,362,738.28

2010 €2,536,453.32

2009 €2,851,222.00

2008 €3,316,667.09

The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme aims to improve quality of life for residents living in 51 designated disadvantaged areas through the improved planning and co-ordination of state services and through the delivery of new investment in services and facilities. The RAPID leverage schemes were initiated in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by relevant State agencies and support projects focusing on estate enhancement, graffiti clean-up, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. The table below provides details of funding for RAPID leverage projects in County Wexford from 2008 to 2011.

RAPID Leverage Schemes
Project	County	Amt Paid	Date	Measure
Wexford Borough Council	Wexford	22,750.00	2008	Traffic Measures Scheme
St John’s Volunteers GAA Club	Wexford	€13,500	2008	Sports Capital Top-Up
St Ibars Boxing Club	Wexford	€1,200	2008	Sports Capital Top-Up
Wexford Borough Council	Wexford	35,155.57	2009	Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement Scheme
New Ross Boat Club	Wexford	€3,600	2009	Sports Capital Top-Up
Wexford Bohemians FC	Wexford	€4,200	2009	Sports Capital Top-Up
Sarsfields GFC	Wexford	€39,000	2009	Sports Capital Top-Up
Faythe Harriers Hurling & Camogie Club	Wexford	€30,000	2009	Sports Capital Top-Up
Wexford Borough Council	Wexford	57,211.46	2009	Playgrounds Scheme
Wexford Borough Council	Wexford	29,508.64	2010	Playgrounds Scheme
Wexford Borough Council	Wexford	34,223.66	2010	Playgrounds Scheme
St Joseph’s Club Community Centre	Wexford	€17,100	2011	Sports Capital Top-Up
North End United AFC	Wexford	€20,240	2011	Sports Capital Top-Up
North End United AFC	Wexford	€28,245	2011	Sports Capital Top-Up
St. Joseph’s Club Community Centre	Wexford	€900	2011	Sports Capital Top-Up
North End United AFC	Wexford	€2,814	2011	Sports Capital Top-Up
Total		€316,898.33

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, following the observation during the UN review of Ireland’s human rights record that austerity measures should not disproportionately impact the elderly, she will guarantee that the State pension and the free travel pass will be protected in Budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 13th October, 2011.

R E P L Y

At the outset, let me say that I am very conscious of the needs of people on Social Welfare and fully understand that a wide range of groups depend on the welfare budget for vital support. In the context of a very tough budgetary environment, I will do my utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in Irish society, including retired and older people in receipt of social welfare pensions and the free travel scheme.

My Department will spend over €77 million in 2011 on the free travel scheme which will benefit over 700,000 people, some 520,000 of whom are aged over 66.

Sustainable public finances are a pre-requisite for maintaining an adequate system of social protection as well as for achieving future economic stability and growth. For these reasons, the

State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure and prioritise resources in my Department and in all other Departments, in 2012 and in later years.

In this regard, my Department has completed a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. The purpose of the Review is to assess the effectiveness and value for money of spending programmes across all Departments and agencies. All spending lines are being examined without exception and possible ways of reducing spending are being considered in every area of expenditure. The fact that particular ways have been identified in which spending could potentially be reduced does not mean that all of these approaches will be implemented.

The intention behind the methodology being followed is to provide the Government with a set of decision options to enable it to meet three objectives. These objectives are firstly to achieve overall fiscal consolidation outcomes, both as regards spending and numbers reduction targets, secondly to re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities and thirdly, to consider new ways of implementing Government policy in the context of public sector reform.

In my discussions with my colleagues in Government I will have regard to any views expressed by the UN and by welfare representative organisations. In this regard, I held a Pre-Budget Forum on 16th September last. This was attended by 34 organisations and I and my officials had the opportunity to listen carefully to their proposals relating to the next Budget.

I would like to stress that no decisions have been made to date in relation to welfare expenditure next year. These decisions will be made in due course after full consideration by the Government and will be announced on Budget day.

JOBS, ENTERPRISE & INNOVATION

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will publish the plans and proposals prepared by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland for increased actions and activities in the south east region due to be completed by 12 October 2011; the action he will take on these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consult with stakeholders in the South East in relation to the plans and proposals prepared by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland for increased actions and activities in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 12th October, 2011.

R E P L Y

I propose to take these questions together.

As the Deputy is aware, following the Talk Talk closure announcement, I held a series of meetings with company management, workers, public representatives and business. The message from local stakeholders was very clear in that Waterford has not benefited from the advances in the good times and it has been badly affected in the more difficult times of late. On foot of that, I instructed my agencies to put together an action plan for Waterford and the South East region to look at the areas they can intensify, at the way the region is being supported and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the area. There was a sense that there needed to be this sort of hard analysis as to why Waterford and the Region, with the strengths it has, has not been more successful.

The agencies have now reported back and I am considering their responses with regard to how best to address the specific employment problems affecting the South East. I consider this course of action more appropriate than establishing a Task Force given the timeframe of the site closure, the need for swift action and the fact that a large amount of analysis has been undertaken in the past.

When I have completed my considerations, we will look afresh at what action can be taken and whether there are further deeper issues, which need to be assessed in some other way. I am determined to give Waterford the priority it correctly deserves. We need to take a hard look at this to see how we can better support enterprise in the South East and set out the actions we can take in the near term and in the longer term.

As the various reports from the State agencies include commercially sensitive information, I will not be able to publish them as received. However, it is my intention to make known the additional activities and plans for enterprise support when I complete my considerations.

I acknowledge the support of Cabinet colleagues, in particular Ministers for Social Protection and for Education and Skills who responded immediately. FÁS and the Department of Social Protection staff immediately engaged with Talk Talk workers. The Minister for Education and Skills indicated that work on the proposal for a technological university, which is to be explored as part of the programme for Government, is being accelerated. Clear criteria will be developed for that opportunity, which arose in discussions.

The Minister for Education and Skills has submitted an application under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to assist the workers that have lost their jobs.

While it is clear that Ireland is operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets and IDA will continue to compete vigorously for projects for Ireland and for the South East. In particular, IDA has begun marketing the Talk Talk facility and the skillsets of the workers internationally.

Jobs are at the very top of this Government’s agenda, and if we are to achieve the turnaround in employment that we so badly need, we must implement radical reform across every aspect of the economy. I have spoken before about the need for an innovation revolution – a revolution that brings innovation out of the laboratories and into our businesses, our communities, our schools, our public bodies and every aspect of our economy.

We must broaden our strengths over and above the reliance on the traditional foreign direct investment that has served us so well. Within the multinational sector, we must seek to attract international entrepreneurs to start businesses in Ireland, and must strive continually to encourage the world-leading companies already here to locate the pioneering parts of their businesses here. However, we must also recognise that our indigenous companies have the potential to significantly increase their exports, and do what it takes to create a real indigenous engine of growth.

We must learn from the world-leading companies that we have attracted to Ireland and find ways of ensuring that our indigenous companies can lead the world in the vital processes that add value and create employment: productivity, design, management and research and development.

If we are to bring about these types of changes, we need a plan, and that is why I have committed to prepare a comprehensive Jobs Strategy. This Strategy will not attempt to compete with the large number of reports already prepared on this subject, but will draw from the volume of material already available, as well as the level of expertise available both in Ireland and abroad. I have already started a rolling process of engagement on the issues and intend to create an action plan that Government can take to address our challenges.

The Strategy will aspire to:

Create over 200,000 jobs to have 2 million people at work again
Be the best country in which to run an enterprise
Significantly increase the share of our indigenous business in export markets
Return to and stay in the top five countries for cost competitiveness; and
Ensure once again that all our children can have a future in Ireland.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will maintain the current level of funding to REP scheme, agri-environment options scheme and the disadvantaged areas payment in Budget 2012; if he will acknowledge that many of our small farmers are dependent upon schemes such as these and will be very negatively impacted by any reduction in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 6th October, 2011.

The funding available to the Department in the 2012 Budget will be determined by the Government in the context of the prevailing economic and budgetary situation while having regard to the outcome of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is under way and the discussions on the 2012 Estimates process.

The National Recovery Plan, 2011-2014, requires the Department to reduce total expenditure from €1.647 billion in 2011 to €1.286 billion in 2012. The reduced level of funding provided for will inevitably mean substantial cuts in expenditure in 2012 and subsequent years, and will impact on the schemes and services delivered by the Department.

Arising from the budgetary constraints as set out in the National Recovery Plan and the on-going difficulties in the national finances, the Government requested all Departments to undertake a Comprehensive Expenditure Review for the purposes of ensuring the best use of resources and also that Government’s public service reform objectives of achieving new goals with lower levels of resources will be realised.

My Department has carried out a comprehensive review of all areas of activities and expenditure and has submitted a report to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which provides for cost reductions and a comprehensive set of options to meet the funding constraints. The review will be considered as part of the Government’s overall pre-budget deliberations and the 2012 Estimates process.

I am acutely aware of the financial pressures on many farm families and of the importance of grant and scheme payments to their incomes and cash-flow. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of all scheme payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Agri-environment Options Scheme commenced in recent weeks and will continue as queries are resolved. I can also confirm that very substantial payments will issue between now and year end under the Single Payment Scheme and the Rural Environment Protection Scheme. Grants payments in respect of on-farm investments are dependent on the completion of the project concerned and submission of a valid, documented claim. I am also committed to ensuring that all such claims are processed and paid without delay.

Funding for these schemes in 2012 will be decided in Budget 2012 against the background I have outlined. My objectives are to ensure that funding is directed to priority schemes and services in accordance with Government policy and that the most cost-effective and efficient service is delivered by my Department. In this context, I will be aiming to maintain support for the most vulnerable farm families while attempting to focus the remaining available resources in favour of investment opportunities in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy and the Government’s Programme for Recovery.

FINANCE

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will publish a gender audit of Budget 2012 when he presents the budget proposals to Dáil Éireann in December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 5th October, 2011.

I understand the Deputy to be referring to a process whereby each element of revenue and expenditure contained within the Budget would be examined to assess its impacts on gender equality. As the Deputy is aware, the Government’s primary focus at the moment, as regards budgetary matters, is on reducing the deficit further and returning sustainability to the public finances in the coming years. The focus of Government in this regard will be on taking decisions in a way that spreads the burden of the adjustment in a fair and equitable manner, while at the same time, seeking to minimise the negative impact on economic growth.

There are no plans to publish a gender audit of Budget 2012. However, I would point out that the Programme for Government does contain a commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions. Furthermore, the Cabinet handbook requires a statement on the likely effects of the decision sought on gender equality to be included in Memoranda to Government. Consequently, Government does consider gender equality at an individual policy or programme level. I would also remind the Deputy that the State and its bodies take the provisions of equality legislation into account in the development and delivery of its policies and services.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost per annum of 227 special needs assistants posts.

-Mick Wallace

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the net cost per annum, after increased tax revenue and reduced social protection costs of 227 special needs assistants posts.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 4th October, 2011.

I propose to take the above questions together.

Special Needs Assistants are paid on 12 point salary scale ranging from €23,188 to €35,919 for those whose first appoinment was prior to 1st January 2011 (full details in Circular 05/2010 attached). For those Special Needs Assistants whose first appointment was on or after 1st January 2011, the salary scale ranges from €20,869 to €32,327 (full details in Circular 41/2011 attached).

All Special Needs Assistants commence employment at the first point of the relevant salary scale and move up one point for each year of service. After 3 years on the maximum of the scale, Special Needs Assistants receive a Long Service Increment of €1,420 if their first appointment was prior to 1st January 2011 or €1,278 if their first appointment was on or after 1st January 2011.

It is not possibly to accurately provide the net cost of salary for 226 Special Needs Assistants. This is because the rate at which statutory deductions such as income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge are deducted are individual to each Special Needs Assistant depending on their individual circumstances.

I am presuming the Deputy is referring to the posts which were absorbed within the cap for Special Needs Assistants following the successful transition of 13 pilot ABA schools (226 posts). These posts operated outside of the Employment Control Framework limits set for the SNA post prior to being fully recognised special schools within the state education system. In order to successfully accommodate these new schools, which are a welcome addition to the growing diversity of provision for children with special educational needs, it was necessary to absorb these 226 posts within the cap imposed by the EU/IMF Memorandum of Understanding. The alternative would have been to not recognise these 13 pilot schools and to deny them the support and recognition which they deserve.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, following his declaration of support for the Palestinian application for membership of the United Nations, he will now consider appealing to the Israeli ambassador for an end to the construction of illegal settlements in Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

-Mick Wallace

For PRIORITY answer on Tuesday, 4th of October, 2011

I have consistently made clear, including in my address to the UN General Assembly last week, that the Government opposes Israel’s illegal settlement of occupied Palestinian territory and that we want an immediate halt to such activity. This policy is stated at every opportunity, both directly with the Israeli authorities, in international fora and in discussions at EU level. The illegal Israeli settlements are a key driver of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict.

The expansion of settlements inherently involves the seizure of Palestinian lands, destruction of homes and eviction of families, and the exclusion of farmers from their fields. The network of checkpoints and closed roads that bedevil the lives of Palestinians in the occupied territories exists primarily not to ensure the security of Israel, but the security of the settlements. Violence by settlers against Palestinians is increasing and is largely ignored by the military authorities. The whole settlement enterprise sends a clear message that there is one law for Israelis and another for Palestinians.

The settlements also constitute, and are intended to constitute, an obstacle to the achievement of a comprehensive peace. If the settlements had not been put in place, the way to a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab world would now be clear and that such an agreement would be readily achievable. I am firmly of the view that a reinstatement of the settlement construction freeze, which ended last September, would be a major confidence building measure that could enable direct negotiations to resume.

TRANSPORT, TOURISM & SPORT

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will remove the land freeze operating in Wexford in relation to the proposed Oilgate to Rosslare harbour motorway, County Wexford, in view of the fact that the National Roads Authority has confirmed there is no available funding for the project for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 29th September, 2011.

It is the case, in the context of the capital review, that there will be limited scope to progress new road development projects in the short to medium term and the Oilgate to Rosslare scheme is one of a number of projects which have reached route corridor selection phase but which will not progress to construction for some time. As I have indicated previously I am reluctant to cancel such projects given that they are designed for their long term benefit to the State although I am conscious of the potential implications for development in the area.

For now I think it has to be a matter for the relevant local authorities in their capacity as planning authorities to assess how best to balance development needs in the area with protecting route corridors for future road upgrades.

TRANSPORT, TOURISM & SPORT

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been notified of an application by Wexford County Council for an additional €3 million in funding for the Oilgate to Rosslare motorway project; the action he will take in relation to such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 29th September, 2011.

Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects including the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme is a matter for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

In the overall context, the Deputy will be aware that a comprehensive review of capital spending is now underway, the results of which will form the basis for a new National Development Plan. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain the investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. It is clear that there will be little scope to advance, in the short to medium term, many of the infrastructural projects currently in planning.

Given that that the allocation of the funding referred to by the Deputy is statutorily a matter for the NRA, I will refer the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health the reason behind cuts to the Domino Maternity Service at Wexford General Hospital in view of the fact that the hospital itself failed to give the details to those using the service; his views on whether a service which ensures a comfortable birth is worthy of being retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

REPLY

There are over 74,000 births in Ireland each year, the majority of which take place in 19 public hospitals. Ireland currently enjoys one of the lowest neo-natal mortality rates in European and OECD countries.

As Minister for Health, I am committed to ensuring that women can avail of the highest quality maternity service. I am also keenly aware that we need to take account of women’s preferences for a broader choice of services, including the potential for midwives to play a more prominent role in obstetrics.

The Domino scheme offers midwifery care to low-risk mothers from the beginning of pregnancy, during labour, and until the baby is five to ten days old. The underlying ethos for this scheme is to encourage and support normal childbirth with minimum medical intervention. I understand that the Domino scheme has operated successfully in Wexford General Hospital.(WGH) since 2003 and is continually audited.

WGH maternity unit delivers 2,300 babies a year, with approximately 200 mothers participating in the Domino programme. I have been advised by the HSE that, because of maternity leave and other factors, the numbers of midwives available to WGH is not sufficient to safely operate both the maternity unit and the full Domino service.

As a result the Domino service will continue but with some amendments, so that WGH can continue to provide a safe, high quality service for mothers attending the maternity unit. There will be one post-natal visit, with two clinics to be held in the hospital and a specific discharge visit prior to discharge. There will be no change with regard to the provision of home births.

As Minister for Health, I have taken on the very challenging task of improving our health services so that all citizens can avail of a high quality and equitable service. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinical Programme is progressing across all the 19 hospitals that provide maternity services. Its work is ongoing and includes measuring obstetric outcomes, developing new models of care for deliveries and training. It is my aim that the work of this programme will inform better planning and use of resources, thereby ensuring that women’s experience of childbirth will be enhanced, with the mother and child at the centre of the process.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 35 patients were on trolleys in Wexford General Hospital in early September with staff instructed to call them virtual wards; if he will release funding to re-open at least one ward; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 28th September, 2011

REPLY

The HSE has confirmed that the trolley waits in Wexford General Hospital were in breach of target waiting times during the summer months. This was because of a number of factors, including increased activity and a number of delayed discharges.

Wexford General Hospital has undertaken a comprehensive audit of the emergency department (ED) and has identified a number of actions which will improve the efficiency of the ED. In addition to this, in line with the Acute Medicine Programme, an additional consultant general physician has been approved for appointment. This appointment will enable the development of an Acute Medical Unit in Wexford, which will improve access and streaming of patients through the hospital and alleviate the current pressures on the ED.

In recent months I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), under the leadership of Dr Martin Connor. The SDU is working to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system.

I am satisfied that Wexford General is fully engaging with the priorities identified by the SDU, which will help incidences such as the one described in the Deputy’s question become a thing of the past.

CHILDREN & YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are plans to extend the entitlement to free provision that began with the free preschool year to a second, earlier year; her views that the extension of the early childhood care and education scheme would be a major boost to the future lives of our young persons and to society in general; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 27th September, 2011.

I would like to assure the House of the Government’s ongoing commitment to early childhood care and education.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. Almost every pre-school service in the State is participating in the programme ensuring that it is available to children in all areas, and 63,000 children, or 94% of the eligible age cohort, availed of the programme in the 2010/11 pre-school year. In 2011, the ECCE programme is expected to cost €166 million.

Services participating in the ECCE programme are required to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within the Siolta framework for early learning. They are also encouraged to implement the Aistear curriculum which has been developed for children aged from birth to 6 years.

My objective is to incrementally develop the ECCE programme over the term of this Government. However, all programme funding is considered in the context of the annual estimates and budgetary process and I must operate within the financial constraints under which the rest of the Government is operating.

A key element of this development will be to support the implementation of the Workforce Development Plan by the Early Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills, which is co-located within my Department.

In addition, I will be collaborating closely with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, in implementing the recently launched Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. Early intervention is crucial and the Strategy provides for a range of actions to support pre-school children and their families, to be undertaken by my Department.

It is my view that it would be extremely helpful to many children if a second pre-school year were to be provided. This would be particularly beneficial for children with special needs who currently can avail of the pre-school year on a pro-rata basis over two years. I would like to be in a position to deliver on this. As I said already, I must operate within the financial constraints under which the rest of the Government is operating. The ECCE programme will continue to be evaluated and developed as resources permit.

CHILDREN & YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the forthcoming National Children’s Strategy 2012 to 2017 will include a commitment to develop a comprehensive national plan for early childhood care and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 27th September, 2011.

My Department is developing a new strategy for children and young people. The strategy will build on Our Children – Their Lives, Ireland’s first children’s strategy which was published in 2000 and it will cover the period from 2012 to 2017.

The new strategy is being developed in a holistic way to comprehend the continuum of the lifecourse from infancy, through early and middle childhood, to adolescence through to early adulthood, in keeping with my Department’s responsibilities for children and young people. The strategy will have a specific focus on the aspects of growth and development that are unique to each time period and the policies and services that need to be prioritised at each stage to secure good outcomes for children and young people.

The new strategy for children and young people will be the overarching framework under which policy and services for children and young people will be developed and implemented in the State. Early childhood care and education is a key commitment in the Government for National Recovery programme. The future direction of early childhood care and education policy is set out in recent policy commitments developed by my Department with the Department of Education and Skills such as the free preschool year in Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme, Síolta, and Aistear, the Workforce Development Plan for the early education sector and the recently launched National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. I intend to build on these initiatives in formulating a national plan for the development of early childhood care and education.

It is anticipated that the new children and young people’s strategy will be published mid 2012.

ARTS, HERITAGE & THE GAELTACHT

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been any further development regarding the application for ministerial consent to carry out works at the National Monument Nos. 14-17 Moore Street since the Dáil Adjournment Debate on National Monuments of 23 June 2011; if he will give a date for the publication of the proposals received; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 21st July, 2011.

R E P L Y

In January 2007, the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government placed a preservation order on Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street under the National Monuments Acts. The order was made on the grounds that No. 16 is a monument, the preservation of which is of national importance by reason of its historical significance as the site of the final council of war and final headquarters of the Provisional Government. The effect of the order is that works affecting these properties, including any excavation or ground disturbance within, around or in proximity to them, will require my consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended.

The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, of which Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street form part, and for which approval has been granted by An Bord Pleanála, envisages the retention of these buildings and the provision of a commemorative centre to the 1916 Rising in No. 16. An application by the developer for consent to these proposals under section 14 of the 1930 Act was submitted to my Department on 17 June 2011. The consent application is being examined and a decision will be made as quickly as possible.

Any wider plans for the development of the Moore Street area would be a matter for the relevant landowners and the development authority, Dublin City Council.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection the criteria by which placements offered by organisation in the National Internship Scheme are judged appropriate and posted to the JobBridge website; her views on introducing a clear set of rules that must be adhered to by all organisations providing internships in order for them to avail of free labour; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, 20th July, 2011.

R E P L Y

The objective of JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, is to assist individuals bridge the gap between unemployment and the world of work. It will provide those seeking employment with an opportunity to undertake a 6 or 9 month internship in a host organisation. Participants will benefit from learning new skills to complement their existing skills. Participation on the scheme will assist in breaking that cycle whereby unemployed people are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers whose existing skills will not be appropriate to the types of jobs that will emerge in post-recession Ireland. On completing their internship, participants will have improved their prospects of securing employment.

A host organisation participating in JobBridge must be in a position to provide a substantial commitment to their intern so as to ensure the provision of a quality internship. To this end a clear set of rules has been developed to protect the intern and safeguard JobBridge from potential abuse. In addition, potential host organisations can avail of the JobBridge guidelines, toolkit and other helpful facilities available on the JobBridge website.

In order for an application from a host organisation to be put up on the JobBridge site it must meet a number of criteria so as to ensure that the potential internship is one of quality. These include the following:

That the placement does not allow the intern to work unsupervised;
That the intern accrues significant experience throughout the entire placement;
That an internship will not be approved where, in the absence of the intern, the organisation would have to recruit an employee to carry out the tasks identified in the internship.

Following this application process, in order for an internship to commence, a Standard Internship Agreement must be signed by both the intern and the host organisation. This Agreement clearly stipulates the terms of the internship including the maximum number of hours an intern is expected to work in a week, their entitlement to rest breaks, annual leave and sick leave.

To ensure compliance with the scheme the Department of Social Protection and the Employment Services Division of FÁS are monitoring internships to ensure that they are of sufficient quality and that both host organisations and interns are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme.

In this regard, each host organisation will be required to submit monthly compliance reports verifying that the internship is proceeding as set out in the Standard Internship Agreement. The Employment Services of FÁS will also undertake random site visits of internships as part of this process.

In addition, a ‘whistle blowing’ feature has been introduced where any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme’s criteria may contact the National Call Centre. All such claims will be investigated.

The control mechanisms and conditions have been put in place to protect the integrity of the scheme and to ensure that the intern and host organisation both benefit from the arrangement.

HEALTH

To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the proposals of the Diabetes Action group for improving child and adolescent diabetes services throughout the country; if there are plans to reorganise services in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace

For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 20th July, 2011.

The HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Diabetes – which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes, has estimated that there are between 3,000 and 4,000 children and young adults with diabetes in this country. It was established by the HSE in 2010 with the express aim of defining the way diabetic clinical services should be delivered, resourced and measured. One of the key priorities is to facilitate future organised care and screening for diabetes related complications.

Type 1 diabetes is a particularly complex condition in children and young adults and so it is recommended that their care be delivered in a multidisciplinary setting with access to a consultant paediatric endocrinologist and other diabetes healthcare specialists.

One proposed national model of diabetes care is based on 8-10 regional networks, with the 3 existing Dublin centres acting as a tertiary hub of excellence and continuing to see one third of the national paediatric/adolescent diabetes population. This model has been proposed by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. The second model came from the Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Colm Costigan, Paediatric Endocrinologist in Crumlin Hospital. This proposes that care be centralised for each region in a dedicated paediatric/adolescent diabetes centre looking after at least 150 children/adolescents. Ideally the cenolescents with diabetes, has estimated that there are between 3,000 and 4,000 children and young adults with diabetes in this country. It was established by the HSE in 2010 with the express aim of defining the way diabetic clinical services should be delivered, resourced and measured. One of the key priorities is to facilitate future organised care and screening for diabetes related complications.

One proposed national model of diabetes care is based on 8-10 regional networks, with the 3 existing Dublin centres acting as a tertiary hub of excellence and continuing to see one third of the national paediatric/adolescent diabetes population. This model has been proposed by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. The second model came from the Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Colm Costigan, Paediatric Endocrinologist in Crumlin Hospital. This proposes that care be centralised for each region in a dedicated paediatric/adolescent diabetes centre looking after at least 150 children/adolescents. Ideally the centre should be in a regional hospital that has an adult diabetes centre to facilitate transition to adulthood.

The national clinical leads for diabetes and paediatrics are to meet in the next couple of weeks to assess current services across the country; to agree a model of care; and to standardise these across the country. They will also develop criteria for use of CSII therapy (insulin infusion) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and work on policy to prevent and aid the early detection of diabetes in young children and adolescents.

Ultimately, the function of the HSE National Programme for diabetes, among others, is to consider which model is most appropriate and it is working to this end. In parallel, my Department and the HSE will be meeting the Diabetes Federation of Ireland with a view to progressing the issues around the appropriate model of care for children and adolescents with diabetes.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be supporting the recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September; if he will putting his maximum efforts into supporting the end of Israeli occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, 13th July, 2011.

The continuing Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian Territories is at the heart of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. The issues which have been critical for Israel for most of its history – the existence of the State of Israel and its right to live in peace and security – have for many years now been accepted in principle by most Arab and Palestinian opinion. It is the continuing Occupation, and the creation and growth of illegal settlements on the occupied lands, which are now the major obstacles to peace.

I consider it an urgent priority objective, both for Ireland and the EU, to help achieve the end of the Occupation and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace alongside Israel. This has been the consistent view of Irish Governments since 1980. It is indeed long overdue. It remains my view that there should be a State of Palestine, and very soon.

It is widely expected, if the negotiations process remains effectively suspended, that the Palestinians will in the autumn seek some form of recognition at the UN for Palestinian statehood. They have made clear that for them this is very much a second choice, and that what they really want to be engaged in in the autumn is serious negotiations with Israel to achieve their objective of statehood through a comprehensive agreement. They are, as I am, more interested in achieving a state that exists in reality, rather than only in a UN Resolution, which will not of itself bring that state about.

It is also important to note that the Palestinians themselves have not yet decided exactly what, if any, action they will seek to take at the UN. This could range from full entry as a UN member state, to a General Assembly Resolution which could take many forms. Some of these possibilities would principally involve the Security Council, of which Ireland is not currently a member.

There is thus no proposal on the table on which we can take a view, although our general support for the establishment of a Palestinian State is well known. In discussions at EU level, however, I have agreed with the view that assuring either side now of our support would be premature, and simply reduce the incentive on them to return to real talks, which is the more important objective.

As I have stated in answer to previous Questions, if the issue of recognition arises at the United Nations in the autumn, the Government will consider Ireland’s response very carefully. We will take into account factors such as Ireland’s long-standing support for the achievement of a Palestinian State, the exact terms and nature of what may be proposed, the positions of EU partners and other friends, the progress on the wider peace process, and our assessment of the practical impact of any such decision.

CHILDREN & YOUTH AFFAIRS

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will examine and reverse the decision to withdraw the visiting teacher service for travellers’ posts; if she will acknowledge the disproportionate nature of cutbacks to traveller education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

– Mick Wallace

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 12th July, 2011.

The Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers (VTST) is one of the services integrated under the National Educational Welfare Board alongside the School Completion Programme, the Home School Community Liaison and the Education Welfare Service.

The National Recovery Plan 2011 to 2014 includes a range of measures which impact on every sector of the public service. The decision to remove the VTST is just one of these measures and while this decision will unquestionably lead to significant challenges for schools as well as other services the decision will not be reversed.

As part of the development of the Integrated Service, the NEWB will be required to adapt its remaining support services to include a renewed focus on supporting all children at risk including Traveller children.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce an independent appeals process which would allow parents of special needs children to make appeals directly to the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 7th July, 2011.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for allocating Special Needs assistants (SNAs) to schools.
10,575 whole time equivalent posts are being provided for the coming school year. To manage this limited resource, 475 of these posts will be retained for allocation over the coming school year to address significant emergency cases; new entrants with special needs; or new assessments or Injuries acquired during the school year.

The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department’s policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism.

It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.

TRANSPORT, TOURISM & SPORT

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on the amount of funding to be allocated to Wexford over the next three years for the improvement of the national secondary roads network following the findings of the National Secondary Roads Needs Study; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, 6th July, 2011.

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 both national primary and national secondary roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Working within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Recovery Plan, which was published by the previous Government in November 2010, envisaged significantly reduced road investment for the duration of the Plan and therefore the scope for proceeding with any significant road projects is very limited.

The capital investment review that is now underway across all sectors will form the basis for a new National Development Plan for the period 2012-2016 and will examine the costs and benefits of capital projects against a range of economic, social and environmental criteria. Key considerations in the transport sector will be the need to protect the investment made to date in our road, rail and public transport network and to continue with remedial safety measures. Once the funding framework for capital expenditure is determined it will be a matter for the National Roads Authority to prioritise projects within its funding envelope. I am, therefore, not in a position to provide the specific detail sought by the Deputy.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to payments, if he will give a guarantee that all inspections be completed, processed and cleared in order to deliver payments on schedule within the Charter of Rights and that disadvantage area payments will be paid in mid-September and single farm payments advanced on 16 October; in a year of significantly higher costs will he guarantee that all payments due will be made to farmers by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 29th June, 2011.

As the Deputy is aware, the Single Farm Payment forms a significant part of the annual income of the farming community in Ireland. It is clear that the timing of this payment is extremely important to farmers, particularly those farmers with low farm incomes. It is also important in the current difficult financial circumstances where farmers, like other sectors in the economy, are finding it very difficult to access credit.

Therefore, I decided that I would seek the approval of the EU Commission to make an advance payment of the SFP from 16 October 2011. In the event that such approval is forthcoming, I am confident that the necessary inspections will be completed in sufficient time to allow the advance payments begin issuing as and from 16 October.

Insofar as the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is concerned while there is no regulatory timeframe laid down as to when payments should begin, the target is for those payments to commence as early as possible. It is recognised that second half of September is the earliest date payments can realistically commence and this target has been met each year over the lifetime of the current Rural Development Programme and, indeed, during the lifetime of the previous Programme. Processing of applications under the 2011 Scheme has commenced satisfactorily and it is my intention to commence payments of the full amount of the aid in late September.

Under Article 20 of Council Regulation 73/2009 each Member State is required to carry out controls to verify the eligibility of applicants. Member States are required to carry out administrative checks, which must be supplemented by on the spot controls. Member States may use remote sensing to carry out the on the spot checks. In addition under Article 22 Member States must carry out on the spot checks to verify whether the farmer complies with the obligations referred to in Chapter 1 of Regulation 73/2009, i.e., the Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) relating to public, animal and plant health, the environment, animal welfare and practices to ensure Good Agricultural and Environment Condition (GAEC).

It is a requirement of the EU Regulations that all eligibility checks are initiated prior to the commencement of payments under the Single Farm Payment, Disadvantaged Area Scheme and other area-based Schemes. I am, however, satisfied that all of the eligibility inspections will be initiated in order that the payments can commence as already outlined and that the maximum number of payments can be made before the end of the calendar year.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give assurances to this house that agri environmental options scheme payments due from 2010 and AEOS and REP scheme four payments for 2011 will be paid in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Mick Wallace.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 29th June, 2011.

I am acutely aware scheme payments constitute an important part of cash flow and farm income that farmers are anxious to know when they will receive their payments. I wish to assure farmers that my objective is to ensure that all outstanding claims are processed to payment stage as quickly as possible without any undue delays.

All area based scheme payments are subject to exhaustive checks which are required under EU Regulations, must be carried out to the highest possible standard before payments can issue.

Insofar as REPS is concerned, payments in respect of 2010 REPS 4 commenced on 15th December 2010, and over 14,585 applicants received payment before the end of 2010. Payments continue to issue on a weekly basis. To date, out of 30,254 farmers who are due payments, 26,477 have been paid in full. The majority of outstanding payments have issues which need to be examined or resolved and these are being dealt with on an ongoing basis by my officials. A small number of farmers are awaiting their balancing payment of 25%, having already received 75%, because they have incurred breaches of the Scheme. The balancing payment cannot be paid until the appropriate penalties have been applied and work to complete this process is proceeding.

Work to facilitate REPS 4 payments for 2011 is well underway. All those who pass the administrative checks without issue will have their payment released in the first tranche of payments. It is my intention that REPS 4 payments for 2011 will commence in October and that all payments will issue as quickly as possible thereafter subject to compliance with the scheme conditions.

As regards AEOS, some 8,500 farmers who were approved for participation in AEOS 1 are due payment in respect of 2010. Initial computerised checks carried out on information contained in each application revealed a high incidence of errors in the information provided and these errors had to be rectified before the detailed administrative checks could commence and payment could issue. I have given the processing of payments a high priority and I expect that AEOS payments in respect of the first year will commence in August. Payments in respect of year two will commence in October.

I re-opened AEOS this year, in the face of very difficult budgetary circumstances. The some 7,000 applications received for AEOS 2 are currently being processed by my officials and those which prove eligible will be receiving offers of acceptance into the Scheme once all applications have been assessed. These applications will then be subject to the same rigorous administrative checks mentioned already, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, and the outcome of those checks will determine when approvals issues and payments can commence.

It is my intention that, for the future, all REPS and AEOS payments will issue as expeditiously as possible within the constraints of passing all administrative checks and meeting all EU requirements.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

To ask the Minister for Social Protection the way she will ensure participants in the community work placement initiative TÚS have relevant training or previous experience before engaging in work such as the social care of all age groups and persons with a disability or with limited mobility.

- Mick Wallace.

For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday 15 June, 2011.

R E P L Y

Tús is a community work placement initiative which will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. Some €30 million has been provided in the Department’s Estimates in 2011 to fund the roll-out of the initiative. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas.

The purpose of Tús is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility is at present confined to those on the Live Register for 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment. People already in employment are not eligible for these positions.

Participants will, in the first instance, be identified by the Department of Social Protection. Once selected, participants will be referred to the appropriate local development company operating in their area where their skills-set, background, experience and suitability will be assessed. Local development companies will then attempt to match each participant with work placements that have been identified and evaluated as being suitable taking account of the job profile and the participant’s profile. In all work placements, some element of task related induction or training will be required. This will be provided by the staff of the local development company and by the community organisation. In the particular circumstances identified by the Deputy, additional work related training may be required. The provision of such specialist training is primarily a matter for the service provider, who is best placed to identify and provide access to the necessary training opportunities.

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