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<title>John Moloney - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:20+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g398.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g398.0</link>
	<description>The Deputy is claiming the high ground.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="398.1">The Deputy is claiming the high ground.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g385.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g385.0</link>
	<description>Will I compare it to Deputy Reilly&acirc;€™s integrity?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="385.1">Will I compare it to Deputy Reillyâ€™s integrity?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g378.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g378.0</link>
	<description>In the few minutes I have left, perhaps I can refer to some of the points that were raised.  I want to clarify a point raised by Deputy Charles Flanagan, who referred to the provision of special...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="378.1">In the few minutes I have left, perhaps I can refer to some of the points that were raised.  I want to clarify a point raised by Deputy Charles Flanagan, who referred to the provision of special vests for CF patients at a cost of â‚¬13,000.  It is important to point out in this debate that the decision not to provide the vests was based on a review by an expert group.  It had nothing to do with costings or funding.  That multi-disciplinary expert group found there was insufficient evidence to support the provision of the vests and the position will be revisited if the evidence changes.  Rather than have people of the view that it was purely a case of the Government trying to reduce overhead, the facts are far different, as the figures from 2006 can confirm, and given the commitment for 2011.  I believe that as I am sure many other people do. </p><p pid="378.2">I thank Deputy Upton for the issue she raised and wish to respond on the national lung transplant unit at the Mater hospital.  The Minister, Deputy Harney, described earlier the specific challenges in finding suitable donors for CF patients and the strict, and indeed stringent, clinical criteria regarding the acceptability of organs.  We need to increase the number of organ donations and this is being addressed in a number of ways.  I am glad to have the opportunity to mention the recent launch of the 2009 organ awareness campaign involving public consultation on how best to deal with the issues of consent for organ transplantation - to be dealt with in the forthcoming human tissue Bill.  Plans are being finalised by the HSE to proactively increase donations through hospitals and intensive care units.</p><p pid="378.4">We listened to the presentations made to the Committee on Health and Children on cystic fibrosis and additional funding of nearly â‚¬7 million has been invested to date in the development of services, resulting in nearly 50 additional staff, including consultants, nurses and allied health professionals.  A further â‚¬1.6 million is being provided this year to support those services.  In addition to significant revenue investments, a programme of infrastructural support has been completed.  A cystic fibrosis register which has been established with State funding will allow us to make meaningful international comparisons.  I believe in the Ministerâ€™s ability to deliver and the commitments she has made remain solid and sincere.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g375.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g375.0</link>
	<description>For a man who made serious commitments as chairperson of the IMO and then changed his mind in an interview with the Sunday Business Post, I doubt very much if you can speak about integrity. </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="375.1">For a man who made serious commitments as chairperson of the IMO and then changed his mind in an interview with the <i>Sunday Business Post</i>, I doubt very much if you can speak about integrity. </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g370.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g370.0</link>
	<description>I am staying with that remark and in years to come the Minister will be recognised for her honesty and integrity. </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="370.1">I am staying with that remark and in years to come the Minister will be recognised for her honesty and integrity. </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g368.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g368.0</link>
	<description>I know the Deputy loves to find an issue he can use to promote his name.  I have watched that for the past year or two.  However, I can say that----- </description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="368.1">I know the Deputy loves to find an issue he can use to promote his name.  I have watched that for the past year or two.  However, I can say that----- </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g366.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=574#g366.0</link>
	<description>I, too, welcome the opportunity to say a few words in this debate while recognising the important of the Private Members&acirc;€™ motion before the House.  I thank Deputies for their contributions and...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="366.2">I, too, welcome the opportunity to say a few words in this debate while recognising the important of the Private Membersâ€™ motion before the House. </p><p pid="366.3">I thank Deputies for their contributions and would like to respond to a number of the points made.  At the outset, I should like to confirm the commitment, not just of the Government but in particular of the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney.  Over several months, the Minister has shown a particular commitment on this matter and clearly substantial progress has been made since 2006 in developing services in this area.</p><p pid="366.4">I recall when I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, many presentations were made to it as regards investment and development in the level of cystic fibrosis services.  I know health, progress and money cannot be mentioned in the same sentence, but at the same time when we are being criticised for lack of interest it is worth putting on the record that in 2006-07 additional revenue funding of â‚¬6.78 million was provided to develop cystic fibrosis services.  In 2009 a further â‚¬1.6 million was provided and I refer to those particular figures lest people develop the impression that the Government is not committed, by way of the deferral.  That does not take away for a minute the very serious commitment made by this Minister.</p><p pid="366.5">I will make one small political point, having listened to people opposite, particularly Deputy Reilly who tried to reduce the Ministerâ€™s word.  Regardless of what a speakerâ€™s political persuasion is, he or she should know that the Minister,  Deputy Mary Harney has always had integrity, honesty and decency.  That is known throughout this country and it is important to restate it.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.503.0&amp;m=574#g507.8">
	<title>School Accommodation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.503.0&amp;m=574#g507.8</link>
	<description>I am a Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, with responsibility for special education.  I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="507.2">I am a Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, with responsibility for special education.  I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline the strategy for capital investment in education projects and also to outline the current position of Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann.</p><p pid="507.3">Modernising facilities in the existing building stock, as well as the need to respond to emerging needs in areas of rapid population growth, is a significant challenge and is one of the priorities of the Minister for Education and Science.  The allocation of funding for school buildings in 2009 is â‚¬653 million.  This represents a significant investment in the schools building and modernisation programme.  This level of funding, at a time of great pressure on public finances, is a sign of the Governmentâ€™s commitment to investing in school infrastructure and will permit the continuation of progress in the overall improvement of school accommodation.</p><p pid="507.4">All applications for capital funding are assessed in the planning and building unit of the Department of Education and Science.  The assessment process determines the extent and type of need based on the demographics of an area, the proposed housing developments, the condition of buildings and site capacity etc., leading ultimately to an appropriate accommodation solution.</p><p pid="507.5">Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann currently has 305 pupils and staffing of a principal plus ten mainstream teachers, one developing post, two full-time learning support teachers and one shared learning support teacher.  The school has submitted an application for permanent accommodation and this project has been given a band rating of 1.1 for a new school in a developing area which is the highest priority that can be assigned.</p><p pid="507.6">In 2007, a developer proposed transferring a site to the Department.  Departmental officials carried out a technical examination of the site and subsequently wrote to the developer requesting contract documents.  The Department is continuing to liaise with the developer on the proposed site transfer and has recently requested an update from the developer as to the status of the original offer.  In the interim, the Department has sanctioned the rental of temporary premises and accommodation in Midleton Community Centre in order for the school to operate.</p><p pid="507.7">Regarding the schoolâ€™s immediate accommodation needs for September 2009, the Department has recently written directly to the school approving funding, in principle, for additional accommodation.  However, the Department has requested clarification of certain terms and conditions in the schoolâ€™s proposal.  The Department will continue to work with the school on this.</p><p pid="507.8">Progression of a project to provide permanent accommodation for this school will be considered in the context of overall primary level provision in the Midleton area and in the context of the multi-annual school building programme.  However, it is not possible to progress all projects at the same time.  In light of current demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project.  I thank Deputy Stanton for giving me the opportunity to outline to the House the current position of Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.503.0&amp;m=574#g505.2">
	<title>School Accommodation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.503.0&amp;m=574#g505.2</link>
	<description>I apologise that the senior Minister, Deputy Batt O&acirc;€™Keeffe, cannot be present to respond.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="505.2">I apologise that the senior Minister, Deputy Batt Oâ€™Keeffe, cannot be present to respond.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.499.0&amp;m=574#g501.7">
	<title>Draft Net Fishing. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.499.0&amp;m=574#g501.7</link>
	<description>I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Se&Atilde;&iexcl;n Power.  Licence duties for commercial salmon...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="501.2">I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy SeĂˇn Power.  Licence duties for commercial salmon fishing are set by statutory order made by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources under section 68 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, as amended.  The most recent order increasing the licence fees, the Fisheries (Commercial Fishing Licences) (Alteration of Duties and Fees) Order 2007, SI 812 of 2007, was made in 2007 and was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.  This order prescribes the licence fees payable in respect of salmon commercial fishing licences from January 2008.  The order also prescribes the licence fees payable in respect of eel and oyster commercial fishing licences and salmon, eel and molluscan shellfish dealersâ€™ licences issued or renewed for a period commencing on or after 1 January 2008.</p><p pid="501.3">These fees are uniform across all fisheries regions and I assure the Deputy that draft net licences are no more expensive in the west than in any other part of the country.  Under the existing order, a draft net licence costs â‚¬398.  It was decided not to increase the fees for any salmon fishing licences for 2009 and, accordingly, licence fees have remained static.</p><p pid="501.4">Certain waters around the country are designated as special tidal waters and draft net users are required to obtain a special draft net licence to fish these waters.  I am advised that in the west under the Rivers Owenmore and Owenduff (Tidal Waters) Order 1967, SI 33 of 1967, the tidal waters of Owenmore and Owenduff are so designated and therefore attract the licence fees applicable to special draft net licences.  Section 74 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 provides that the licence duty to be fixed in respect of special local licences shall not be less than the licence duty payable in respect of ordinary licences.  The licence fees payable in respect of special local licences are prescribed by the Special Tidal Waters (Special Local Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2007, SI 795 of 2007.  At present, a special draft net licence for the Owenduff and Owenmore costs â‚¬545.</p><p pid="501.5">The proceeds from the sale of licences contribute to the revenues of the central and regional fisheries boards, which are currently statutorily responsible for the conservation, management and development of inland fisheries in the State, including the fisheries to which licences apply.  In 2007 the management of the wild salmon fishery was aligned with the scientific advice and fundamental changes were introduced regarding conservation and protection of the national wild salmon resource.  As part of a suite of measures agreed by the Government, in line with the recommendations of the independent group on salmon, a salmon conservation component was applied to all salmon rod licences and commercial salmon fisheries licences from 2007.  The salmon conservation component represents 50% of the licence fee.  The revenue generated from the salmon conservation component is reinvested in salmon stock rehabilitation and habitat improvement and is ring-fenced and designated for the purpose of prioritised investment in such initiatives.</p><p pid="501.6">To ensure that the revenue generated by the salmon conservation component is used for its intended purpose, a ministerial direction, in accordance with section 18A of the Fisheries Act 1980, issued to the central and regional fisheries boards instructing that the Central Fisheries Board co-ordinate the preparation and implementation of a programme for the rehabilitation of salmon stocks, which will be funded by the proceeds of the salmon conservation component.  The boards also were instructed to identify in each of their annual accounts the income generated as part of the salmon conservation component of the licence fee.</p><p pid="501.7">The fund is being managed by a committee comprised of scientists from the Central Fisheries Board and representatives from the regional fisheries boards, which receive project applications from the central and regional fisheries boards.  Each project is assessed and scored based on the riverâ€™s conservation limit status, its special area of conservation status, its water quality and the maximum potential benefits to the river.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g495.9">
	<title>Hospital Services. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g495.9</link>
	<description>I will be taking the Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Harney, who is unfortunately unable to attend to respond.  She has consistently emphasised the need to improve...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="495.2">I will be taking the Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Harney, who is unfortunately unable to attend to respond.  She has consistently emphasised the need to improve facilities and services for persons with cystic fibrosis.  Some 48 additional staff, including consultant, nursing and allied health professionals, have been appointed across the hospital system in recent years to enhance the level of services provided for persons with CF.</p><p pid="495.3">St. Vincentâ€™s Hospital is the national adult tertiary referral centre for patients with CF.  A number of capital projects to improve the quality of accommodation have been completed at the hospital, including last yearâ€™s refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single <i>en suite</i> rooms for the exclusive use of people with CF.  The single rooms have improved the quality of service for people with CF.  It is intended that the proposed 120-bed development will include dedicated facilities for such patients.  These facilities will include appropriate isolation facilities.  Design work and the preparation of tender documents continue in respect of the development.  This is a significant capital project in the acute hospitals area.</p><p pid="495.4">The HSE draft capital plan for the 2009-13 period is the subject of consideration.  The Minister has confirmed that she will discuss this matter and the overall capital plan with the HSE after the forthcoming budget on 7 April.  At this point, she has stated that she will encourage innovative solutions to implement high priority projects so that services, including those for patients with CF, can continue to be developed.</p><p pid="495.5">It is important to stress that a series of other developments that will improve the quality of service for CF patients are also in preparation.  In the 2008 budget, a special allocation of â‚¬2.5 million in capital funding was provided to enable Beaumont Hospital to provide facilities for ambulatory care of people with CF.  The project has now gone to tender.  Patients with CF will also benefit from additional single room capacity in the new medical admissions unit at Beaumont Hospital, which is due for completion in the middle of this year.</p><p pid="495.6">The executive management board of Cork University Hospital has agreed in principle that new facilities for adult patients with CF are to be developed on its main campus.  In the interim, plans are being advanced to provide for an interim day care facility, which will provide for dedicated day care space until the site development plan is scoped and developed.</p><p pid="495.7">Temple Street Childrenâ€™s Hospital is developing a dedicated respiratory unit, which will be a self-contained floor for the ambulant care of CF and respiratory patients.  This will include a new respiratory lab, treatment room, consulting rooms and walk-in access to clinical nurse specialists.  This unit is due to open later this year.</p><p pid="495.8">The HSEâ€™s expert advisory group on children and families produced a draft policy document on the implementation of a CF screening programme for newborns.  A steering group will be established in 2009 to oversee the roll-out of the screening programme.  An independent register for CF has been established.  It is expected that preliminary data to inform analysis relating to median survival will be available by the third quarter 2009.</p><p pid="495.9">The Minister is conscious that further improvements are required, including the need to develop community outreach services to facilitate the treatment of patients outside a hospital setting where appropriate.  Taken together, the planned developments represent a tangible improvement in the quality of services for people with CF.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g490.4">
	<title>Hospital Services. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g490.4</link>
	<description>Either way, the HSE is actively working to restore the staffing levels at the Pathways unit.  In this regard a process of sourcing staff nurses is underway to address the current staffing...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="490.2">Either way, the HSE is actively working to restore the staffing levels at the Pathways unit.  In this regard a process of sourcing staff nurses is underway to address the current staffing deficit.  As Deputy Crawford will be aware, the Pathways unit has been playing a key role in providing an intensive rehabilitation service to patients from Cavan and Monaghan who are recovering from an episode of acute illness such as stroke, amputation, a road traffic accident or acquired brain injury.</p><p pid="490.3">Pathways has operated from the outset on a mutli-disciplinary team basis with input from the medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy professions and ancillary care staff.  The rehabilitation unit has evolved since it was established in 2000 and now treats patients between 18 and 95 years of age.  The majority of patients have been discharged to the community following treatment.  Feedback from patients has been very positive throughout the years.</p><p pid="490.4">The issue at the Pathways rehabilitation unit is one of a short-term staffing deficit arsing from a series of recent staff retirements.  The HSE is actively engaged in a process of recruiting staff nurses with a view to restoring the service at the unit as soon as possible.  I assure Deputy Crawford that the Government will continue to deliver its public health services, including rehabilitation services, in a way which delivers the best possible outcomes within the resources available.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g488.2">
	<title>Hospital Services. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g488.2</link>
	<description>This is the brief I have from the Department and I have to believe the brief I have been given.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="488.2">This is the brief I have from the Department and I have to believe the brief I have been given.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g486.4">
	<title>Hospital Services. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.484.0&amp;m=574#g486.4</link>
	<description>I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, who cannot be here this evening.  I thank Deputy Crawford for raising the matter and I am pleased to have the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="486.3">I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, who cannot be here this evening.  I thank Deputy Crawford for raising the matter and I am pleased to have the opportunity to outline the current position regarding the provision of rehabilitation services at the Pathways rehabilitation unit, located on the grounds of the Lisdaran unit for the elderly in Cavan.  The HSE has no plans to close the Pathways rehabilitation unit service.  However, the HSE has advised the Department that a staffing deficit exists at the Pathways unit arising from several recent staff retirements.  While this staffing issue is being addressed, and to ensure continuity of service provision, patients from the Pathways unit are being accommodated in the Lisdaran unit for the elderly, which is located within the same building.</p><p pid="486.4">These patients are availing of the same levels of intensive rehabilitation therapy within the Lisdaran unit as they had received prior to their relocation from the Pathways unit.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.346.0&amp;m=574#g348.12">
	<title>Schools Building Projects. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.346.0&amp;m=574#g348.12</link>
	<description>I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Batt O&acirc;€™Keeffe, Minister for Education and Science, who could not be in attendance. I thank the Deputy for raising this...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="348.2">I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Batt Oâ€™Keeffe, Minister for Education and Science, who could not be in attendance.</p><p pid="348.3">I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it gives me an opportunity of outlining to the House the position of the Department of Education and Science regarding the allocation of funding for St. Sinneachâ€™s national school, Colehill, County Longford and the operation of the Departmentâ€™s devolved permanent accommodation scheme.</p><p pid="348.4">The management authorities of this school applied for and were approved for funding under the 2007 permanent accommodation scheme.  A grant of â‚¬360,000 was sanctioned to enable the provision of an extension consisting of three classrooms.  The school had an enrolment of 167 pupils at September 2008 and a mainstream staffing of a principal and five assistant teachers.  The general position is that the Department moved towards a model of devolving funding, responsibility and authority as appropriate for smaller building projects-refurbishments directly to school management authorities in 2003 with the introduction, on a pilot basis, of the devolved small schools and permanent accommodation schemes.  Due to the positive feedback from schools the schemes were extended to include additional schools in subsequent years.</p><p pid="348.5">The permanent accommodation scheme allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives boards of management control of the building project.</p><p pid="348.6">The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake desired building projects.  The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fund-raising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding.  A central tenet of the scheme is that the schools granted discretion and funding must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, control of costs and ensuring value for money.  The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.</p><p pid="348.7">The authorities of the Colehill school accepted the grant offer and returned a form of undertaking agreeing to comply with the requirements of the scheme.  Following the tendering process the schoolâ€™s building proposals would cost over â‚¬220,000 in excess of the â‚¬360,000 on offer to the school.  The school requested that the shortfall be funded by the Department.</p><p pid="348.8">This request for significant additional funding was considered in the Department.  However, in line with the original intention of the permanent accommodation scheme, it was considered that the school should be encouraged to complete the project within the funding envelope provided and, accordingly, the application for additional grant aid was not granted.</p><p pid="348.9">In the current economic climate and with considerable demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to entertain such significant increases in the amounts grant aided to schools. It is the responsibility of the school authorities to manage the resources allocated to them to ensure maximum value for money and to control costs.  The board of management should take the necessary steps to ensure that the scope of the works undertaken matches the funding being allowed.  The Minister for Education and Science regrets that the response is not more favourable on this occasion, but it is important that the Department ensures that grant aid is managed prudently.</p><p pid="348.10">As the Deputy may be aware, a total of â‚¬656 million will be spent under the Departmentâ€™s school building programme this year alone. It is important to ensure that costs are kept under control in the construction of school buildings and that those responsible ensure that value for money is achieved for the taxpayer. This will ensure the completion of the maximum number of projects from within the funds available to the Department for the school building programme under the current national development plan.</p><p pid="348.11">This school also made an application under the deferred 2008 summer works scheme for funding.  The Minister for Education and Science intends to have a summer works scheme this year.  The level of funding to be made available for the 2009 scheme is being considered.  In the meantime, applications submitted for the summer works scheme in 2008, including the application from Colehill national school, are currently being assessed and the schools will be notified of the outcome of this assessment in due course.  The professional and technical reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.</p><p pid="348.12">I again thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity of outlining the current position to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.339.0&amp;m=574#g344.7">
	<title>Strategic Development Zones. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.339.0&amp;m=574#g344.7</link>
	<description>The Deputy will be aware that certain matters relating to the problems which have arisen in relation to the use of pyrite as infill are currently the subject of proceedings before the Commercial...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="344.2">The Deputy will be aware that certain matters relating to the problems which have arisen in relation to the use of pyrite as infill are currently the subject of proceedings before the Commercial Court.</p><p pid="344.3">The Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that the Government may, by order, when so proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, designate one or more sites for the establishment of a strategic development zone to facilitate development deemed to be of economic or social importance to the State.</p><p pid="344.4">The benefit of SDZ designation is the co-ordinated planning and development of undeveloped sites, with a good degree of certainty on the exact type and nature of development, following the determination by An Bord PleanĂˇla of a planning scheme, which is prepared by the nominated development agency.  However, the Minister does not believe a strategic development zone would be the appropriate vehicle to deliver on existing development, such as that at the Dublin north fringe, because there is already an existing and formally adopted framework plan applying to that area.  This plan has guided considerable development in recent years and continues to be the basis against which planning permissions and all ancillary developments are considered.  Moreover, the Deputy will be aware that a broad-based north fringe cross-authority-agency forum is also in place to monitor progress in this area.</p><p pid="344.5">The Minister has already had occasion to outline to the House initiatives which have been taken by Fingal County Council, by his Department and by the National Standards Authority of Ireland following from the problems which have occurred regarding pyrite in certain developments.  When the issue of pyrite arose and following an intervention from the Department, the NSAI proceeded to publish a new amended standard recommendation on the use of aggregates as infill for civil engineering and road construction work.  The new standard recommendation is intended to address the quality standards of new homes and buildings in so far as problems relating to pyrite are concerned.  The Department has now incorporated this NSAI standard recommendation into the relevant technical guidance document associated with Part C of the building regulations dealing with site preparation and resistance to moisture.  The Department has also notified all key stakeholders of the provisions of the amended TGD-C.  In addition, the Minister is aware that HomeBond has included the amended NSAI standard recommendation in their published sixth edition of the <i>House Building Manual</i>.</p><p pid="344.6">The Minister, Deputy  Gormley is satisfied that these measures represent an appropriate response and there are no proposals to establish a task force or to order a traceability audit of materials in relation to this matter.</p><p pid="344.7">The fact remains that problems arising between homeowners and their builders are matters for resolution between the parties concerned â€”  the building owner, the relevant developer and the builderâ€™s insurer.  Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client and the builder, enforcement is a civil matter.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.339.0&amp;m=574#g341.2">
	<title>Strategic Development Zones. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.339.0&amp;m=574#g341.2</link>
	<description>I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who could not attend.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="341.2">I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who could not attend.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.335.0&amp;m=574#g337.14">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.335.0&amp;m=574#g337.14</link>
	<description>I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, who is not available. Details of a new national drugs strategy for the period 2009-16 have not yet been finalised....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="337.2">I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, who is not available.</p><p pid="337.4">Details of a new national drugs strategy for the period 2009-16 have not yet been finalised.  A steering group comprising representatives of the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, is currently finalising its proposals in regard to the strategy.  It is expected that its recommendations will be received by the end of March.  Once the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, has considered them, he will then seek Government approval for a new strategy in April, with publication to follow as quickly as possible thereafter.  The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, indicated in his statement last week to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs that significant changes have occurred in the pattern of drug use since the current strategy was developed.  In particular, the number of drugs being used has increased, polydrug usage occurs to a greater extent and problem drug use has spread across most of the country.  It is important that the new strategy addresses problem drug use as it currently manifests itself.</p><p pid="337.5">The steering group has reached agreement on the actions necessary regarding supply reduction, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation measures.  It is finalising the consideration of actions relating to research, as well as the structures that should be utilised to best facilitate the effective implementation of the strategy.</p><p pid="337.6">The development of a new strategy presents an opportunity to examine the structures through which the overall effort to tackle the drugs problem is addressed.  The Minister looks forward to the recommendations of the steering group in this regard, and he hopes a framework can be devised that will preserve the best aspects of the current strategy, including partnership across the sectors, while better facilitating governance, management and effectiveness.</p><p pid="337.7">Irelandâ€™s economic circumstances have changed significantly even since the process of developing the new strategy began last year.  The improvement of service provision remains a goal but without significant additional resources this will have to be achieved by promoting efficiency in services, focusing on those that can produce real results and fostering interagency working to the benefit of all.</p><p pid="337.8">As with any area of public spending, the policies to tackle the drugs problem must be implemented within the financial parameters faced in any given year.  In the current economic climate, the challenge of utilising our resources effectively is even more relevant.  Furthermore, it is important to note that the new strategy will cover a period of eight years and the economic circumstances can fluctuate considerably over such a period.</p><p pid="337.9">This Government is firmly committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse in our society.  This is reflected in the fact that the relative reduction in the 2009 funding allocation to my Department for the drugs initiatives is quite small.  In 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the local and regional drugs task force areas was nearly â‚¬34.8 million.  Funding for 2009 will be approximately â‚¬34.6 million, of which more than â‚¬23 million is being allocated to local drugs task forces and more than â‚¬11 million to regional groups.</p><p pid="337.10">Unfortunately, no area is immune from cost-cutting measures in the current economic environment.  It is in this context that all drugs task forces were asked to identify savings across their areas of responsibility.  Although it is appreciated this will involve difficult choices, it is a matter for the drugs task forces to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets.</p><p pid="337.11">Across Government, we are taking a number of difficult decisions, but our approach is to do this in as balanced a way as possible.  There is a critical need to ensure resources are directed in a targeted and effective manner and that the maximum benefit is achieved.  The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, wishes me to assure the Deputy that his primary concern has been, and continues to be, the protection of front-line services delivering vital programmes and initiatives in areas worst affected by problem drug use.</p><p pid="337.12">Projects have been approved funding for the first six months of 2009 and this expenditure will be reviewed before allocating funding for the second six-month period.  Work will continue with the drug task forces to ensure this funding is targeted in the most appropriate manner.  The Minister of State is confident that the funding in 2009 will continue to facilitate the delivery of meaningful and viable community-based initiatives to address problem drug use.</p><p pid="337.13">The drugs strategy is based on a co-ordinated approach across many Departments and agencies and the allocation to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is part of a much bigger investment programme in drugs services across these bodies.  In 2008, it was estimated that total expenditure on drugs programmes was approximately â‚¬264 million.  The figures for 2009 are being compiled, but preliminary estimates, produced for a meeting today of the inter-departmental group on drugs, indicate that spending across all Departments will be maintained at this level.</p><p pid="337.14">The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, awaits the outcome of the steering groupâ€™s deliberations before finalising proposals on a new national drugs strategy.  He wishes to assure the Deputy the new strategy will focus on countering problem drug use in our society and that securing appropriate financing over the coming years, and driving a value for money approach, will be central features of its implementation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.322.0&amp;m=574#g333.11">
	<title>Children in Care. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.322.0&amp;m=574#g333.11</link>
	<description>I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, who unfortunately cannot be present to respond. The Health Service Executive is required under the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="333.3">I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, who unfortunately cannot be present to respond.</p><p pid="333.4">The Health Service Executive is required under the Child Care Act 1991 to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection.  Where a child requires care or protection that he or she is unlikely to receive unless the child is taken into care, the Health Service Executive must take the child into its care and provide the most appropriate form of alternative care for that child.</p><p pid="333.5">With regard to statistics, there are over 5,300 children in the care of the HSE.  Over 92% of these children are placed with foster families, with the remaining children placed in residential settings.  During the period 2000 to date, there was a total of 21 deaths of children in the care of the HSE.  The causes of death were as follows: three deaths by suicide; two deaths by assault; two deaths by road traffic accident; five drug-related deaths; and nine deaths from medical issues.</p><p pid="333.6">In regard to the other statistics sought by Deputy Shatter, the Health Service Executive is in the process of compiling the information requested.  The Deputy will appreciate that due to the length of the period covered by the request, it will, of necessity, take some time to compile as material will have to be retrieved from the archives.  However, every effort will be made to gather the data requested and to submit it to the Deputy within a reasonable timeframe.</p><p pid="333.7">The death of any child in care is a serious matter and requires careful and detailed consideration.  Prior to the establishment of the HSE in 2005, individual health boards had procedures in place for dealing with deaths of children in care.  I understand that as part of an ongoing process of standardisation the HSE is currently reviewing its procedures for dealing with deaths of children in its care, and a high level group in the HSE has been delegated to oversee the development of standard protocols for this area.</p><p pid="333.8">The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is in regular contact with the Health Service Executive in regard to the status of any reviews, inquiries or investigations which are currently being undertaken on individual cases.  I can assure the Deputy that the Department of Health and Children is monitoring and will continue to monitor the implementation of any recommendations arising from such reviews and inquiries.  The Department will also continue to raise these matters at the regular meetings held between senior officials of the Health Service Executive and the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on child welfare and protection issues.</p><p pid="333.9">The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is participating in an initiative undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman for Children regarding the possible establishment in this country of a child death review mechanism.  A high level seminar was hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in April 2008.  The items considered at the seminar included current practice in Ireland, the objectives of child death review, child death review methodologies and operational considerations.</p><p pid="333.10">The Office of the Ombudsman for Children has also recently prepared a child death review options paper.  As well as providing the background to the process to date, the paper outlines human rights considerations, options around individual reviews of child death and relevant research.  The paper notes that â€śinternational experience differs on the relative value of individual case review as opposed to an approach to child death which examines broader trends at a demographic levelâ€ť.  The paper goes on to state, â€śit may be that in certain instances child deaths do not give rise to wider systemic concerns and reviewing them will therefore not enhance our understanding of what makes children vulnerableâ€ť.  In its conclusions, the paper states that the impetus for the initiative stems from the belief that the establishment of a system would lead to a deeper understanding of the factors which render children vulnerable.  I understand that the Ombudsman for Children has written to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children to inform it of developments in this regard and intends to share the options paper and other documentation with it in the near future.</p><p pid="333.11">In conclusion, I reiterate the Governmentâ€™s commitment to address the crucial challenge of protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.  When families fail children for whatever reason, the children must be protected by society and the State, which is a complex and difficult task.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.1118.0&amp;m=574#g1123.7">
	<title>School Staffing. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.1118.0&amp;m=574#g1123.7</link>
	<description>I thank the Deputies for their contributions.  I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Se&Atilde;&iexcl;n...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1123.2">I thank the Deputies for their contributions.  I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy SeĂˇn Haughey. </p><p pid="1123.3">DEIS, the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP.  DEIS brings together and builds upon a number of existing interventions in schools with concentrated levels of disadvantage.  The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre on behalf of the Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Departmentâ€™s regional offices and the inspectorate.  There are 876 schools in DEIS, comprising 673 primary schools â€” 199 urban band 1, 141 urban band 2 and 333 rural â€” and 203 second level schools.</p><p pid="1123.4">Rural schools participating in the DEIS scheme have access to a rural co-ordinator serving a cluster of schools whose general functions include the development of home school community liaison, supporting the implementation of literacy and numeracy measures and planning supports. Some rural DEIS schools receive financial support as an alternative to rural co-ordinator services where the schools cannot be clustered.</p><p pid="1123.5">The schools to which the Deputies refer were selected for inclusion under the rural element of DEIS.  In the past, these schools were part of rural clusters which also comprised schools that were not included in DEIS but retained resources, including a rural co-ordinator service, under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage.</p><p pid="1123.6">When DEIS was introduced a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure to these non-DEIS schools, that they would retain a level of support for the duration of the current DEIS initiative which is scheduled to end in 2010.  Owing to the current challenging economic climate, such supports are being withdrawn from non-DEIS schools from the beginning of the next school year.  As a result, it has been necessary to recluster some DEIS schools which have to date been clustered with non-DEIS schools.  As part of this process, all possibilities were explored to cluster schools, taking into account the size and level of disadvantage of schools, geographical location, the proximity of schools to each other and the overall resources available for this purpose.</p><p pid="1123.7">It was not possible to include the schools referred to by the Deputy in a rural cluster.  As a consequence, these schools will receive additional financial support from the Department in lieu of the rural co-ordinator service from the 2009-10 school year and will continue to receive the full range of supports provided to rural primary schools under DEIS.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T23:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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