Towards 2016 - Department of Taoiseach

Towards 2016Ten-Year FrameworkSocial Partnership Agreement2006 – 2015Summary Report on ProgressNovember 2007 to February 2008Towards 2016 SecretariatDepartment of the Taoiseach February 2008

CHAPTER INorth/South Co-operation and ReconciliationFollowing on from the preliminary consultation between the Government and social partners on theNorth/South Consultative Forum, a further consultation meeting took place on 29 January, 2008.CHAPTER 11Enhancing Ireland’s Competitive Advantage in a Changing World Economy andBuilding Sustainable Social and Economic DevelopmentStrategy for Science, Technology and InnovationSimplifying the R&D Grants SchemeThe revised schemes have been drawn up and were launched in January 2008. They are beingimplemented by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland from the beginning of 2008.Better RegulationProgress during the period on Better Regulation included the commencement of a review of theOperation of Regulatory Impact Analysis which is expected to be completed shortly.Review of the Economic Regulatory EnvironmentTenders for an independent review of the Economic Regulatory Environment, focusing on the keyeconomic sectors of communication, energy, transport, financial services and health and safety arecurrently being assessed and it is expected that the review will commence in March 2008.Knowledge SocietyWork is ongoing on a new Knowledge Society Action Plan.A National Advisory Panel (NAP) has been formed to support the work of the Futures Ireland project.A Consultative Panel has been created with over 140 members who met in December 2007 and January2008. An International Expert Panel has also been established to meet in February and April 2008.The Futures Ireland website (www.futuresireland.ie) contains a number of papers and presentationssetting out the motivation and logic of the project, which is due for completion in early Autumn 2008.Manufacturing SectorIn 2008, FÁS has been given an additional €1.7m and Skillnets an additional €2.9m for programmesfor upskilling those in employment.Framework R&D Programme Support StructuresBased on the work undertaken by the National Director of Framework Programme 7 (FP7), the totalshare of Community funding to be targeted by Ireland over the lifetime of FP7 (2007 to 2013) has beenincreased to €600m from an SSTI target of €400m. The new target was approved by the CabinetCommittee on STI. First reporting against this target will commence in 2008.International Selling ProgrammeThe International Selling Programme is Enterprise Ireland's gold standard export sales developmentprogramme, designed to yield measurable results and help Irish companies win more internationalsales. Based on the success of the 2007 programme, in 2008, to meet client company demand, theProgramme has been expanded and will be delivered in two locations –Dublin(2) and Cork(1).1

New R&D FundIn January 2008, Minister Martin launched Enterprise Ireland’s new R&D Fund to support market-ledinnovation in manufacturing and services companies. The fund is open to applications from clients ofEnterprise Ireland, Údarás Na Gaeltachta and the County & City Enterprise Boards that want todevelop new and more competitive products, processes, services or business models that will lead to anincrease in sales and profitability.Innovation VouchersThe objective of the Innovation Voucher Initiative is to drive an on-going innovation cultural shiftwithin small enterprise. Under the Initiative Vouchers worth €5,000 are allocated on a semicompetitivebasis to small businesses whose proposals, to work with public knowledge providers onspecific innovation questions, meet basic criteria. In 2007, 428 companies received Vouchers with atotal grant allocation of €2,140,000. In January 2008, a further 20 companies were approved Voucherswith a total value of €100,000. It is intended to have 5 calls in 2008.High Level Group on ManufacturingThe Group is currently in the process of finalising their report and it is anticipated that they will reportwithin the next two months.Food and Drink SectorExports rose by €414m (5%) to reach €8.62 billion in 2007, a significant achievement for anindigenous manufacturing industry, greatly assisted by increased exports to Asia. The industry has metits target of doubling food and drink exports to Asia, two years ahead of schedule.As agreed in the Programme for Government, a high level Interdepartmental Food IndustryDevelopment Group, chaired by D/AFF has been established.Infrastructure and planningOver 70 notifications of requests for pre-application consultations, and 37 formal applications havebeen received by An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act2006.National Spatial Strategy (NSS)The Gateway Innovation Fund to support distinctive and innovative projects at Gateway level hasreceived proposals which are being considered by a Management Committee and will be brought toCabinet for approval in March.A joint framework for collaborative action between the NSS and the Regional Development Strategyfor Northern Ireland will be finalised and jointly published by both Governments in Summer 2008.National Development Plan (NDP 2007-2013)Monitoring and Reporting ArrangementsA Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) for the NDP has been established. It held its inauguralmeeting in November 2007.An Annual Report on NDP implementation will be drafted each year from 2008 (in respect of eachprevious year). Work on the NDP Annual Report for 2007 has commenced.2

Transport 21 (2006-2015)Overview of Progress in 2007• Total expenditure was €2.8 billion, an increase of 46% on the 2006 outturn. Of this,expenditure on public transport was €640.4m, up 82% on 2006.• The first of the five Major Inter-Urban routes (MIUs) was completed with the opening of thefinal section of the M1 Dublin – Border motorway, providing motorway standard road fromDublin Port to the Northern Ireland Border.• By the end of 2007, 86% of the MIU network was either open to traffic or at construction andall the projects on the network are now through the statutory approval process.• A total of 11 national road projects were completed during the year and construction startedon a further 10. Work continued on 10 projects.• The benefits of rolling stock investment were realised during the year with the introduction ofhourly return services on the Cork – Dublin route and the deployment of new intercity railcarson the Sligo line. Passenger numbers grew by 14% on the Cork service.• Work started on the upgrading of the Kildare rail line which will, when completed, permit amajor increase in services on that corridor.• Construction got underway on Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork – Midletonline, important steps in promoting the balanced regional development objectives of theNational Spatial Strategy.• Additional public transport capacity was provided with the introduction into service of newbuses in Dublin and longer trams on the Tallaght Luas line.• Work started on the Cherrywood and Docklands Luas extensions.Monitoring and Evaluation in 2007Monitoring and Evaluation arrangements of Transport 21 have been put in place involving theDepartment of Transport, the implementing agencies, the Inter-Departmental Monitoring Group andthe Programme Board.Public Transport Partnership ForumThe Public Transport Partnership Forum (PTPF) met most recently on 22 November, 2007 to discussupdates on the Dublin Transportation Office Strategy for 2010 to 2030.Housing Policy FrameworkBuilding Sustainable CommunitiesSignificant resources are being made available for housing in 2008: over €1.7 billion in Exchequercapital and current finance, up 16% on the 2007 Estimate.Further progress was made on the housing reform agenda in the last quarter of 2007.The revised grant schemes for adapting private homes for people with a disability and older peoplebecame operational on 1 November, 2007.Two reports on measures to promote improvements in private rented standards, including good practiceguidelines for local authorities were published in November, 2007.Progress was made on the development of a new homeless strategy which will be published in the firstquarter of 2008.Work is well underway on the drafting of a new Housing Bill to underpin the reform process.3

Energy PolicyNational Energy Efficiency AwarenessAn Energy Efficiency Action Plan was published for consultation, going beyond the energy end useand services directive target for 2016 by putting in place a target of 20% energy efficiency for thewhole economy for 2020, with a higher exemplar of a 30% target for the public sector.The Irish Energy Research CouncilThe Council is working on a Research Strategy for Ireland (2008 – 2013) which it expects to submit tothe Minister early in 2008.Renewable EnergyThe Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme produced 22m litres of biofuel to end of November 2007and the Government has extended the 50% VRT relief on Flexible Fuel Vehicles, to 30 June, 2008 atwhich point the revised VRT scheme based on CO2 emissions will be implemented.The Department is currently finalising a biofuels obligation consultation paper which will provide along-term market based framework for the development of a biofuels sector and delivery of 2010 and2020 biofuel targets.The grants programme for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) will enable businesses, schools andhospitals to receive grants for the installation of biomass-fuelled and anaerobic digestion CHP units.Electricity Interconnector between Ireland and WalesIn December 2007, the Minister announced that he will introduce priority legislation early in 2008 toallow EirGrid to construct, own, operate and maintain the interconnector.EirGrid has obtained a formal connection offer from the UK National Grid located in Wales. Work ona marine survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable has also commenced.EirGrid issued an Invitation to Negotiate document for the design and construction of theinterconnector.All-Island Single Wholesale Electricity MarketOn 12 November, 2007, the new all-island market was formally launchedAll-Island Gas MarketEnd 2007 saw work commence by the two Departments North and South and the Regulators, on anumber of short term actions set out in the Government’s Energy Policy Framework in order toprogress the delivery of an all-island gas market.TelecommunicationsPhase II of the Metropolitan Area Network (MANs)Phase II of the MANs programme is currently underway with 37 networks constructed and underconstruction in another 29 towns.National Broadband Scheme (NBS)The competitive dialogue process is now underway with the estimated timescale for the award of theNBS contract being quarter two of 2008, with rollout of the services due to begin as soon as possiblethereafter.Education and TrainingMeasures under the Delivery Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) action plan includedexpansion of literacy programmes such as Reading Recovery for schools and the commencement of thefamily literacy project. In addition, almost €19m in financial supports was allocated to schools underthe DEIS initiative for the 2007/08 school year.4

Environmental SustainabilityThe first Implementation Status Report on the National Climate Change Strategy will be laid beforeboth Houses of the Oireachtas and presented to the Joint Committee on Climate Change and EnergySecurity in the first half of 2008.The Department for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is coordinating the preparationof a renewed National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS). The environmental NGO sectormade a substantial submission on the Strategy in January 2008 and this will be analysed in consultationwith the High Level Group in the development of the final Strategy.A Government Climate Change Communications and Public Awareness Campaign was launched inNovember 2007. This will run for five years with funding of €12.5m plus VAT, being provided for thefirst two years.Increased funding is provided to Comhar from the Environment Fund in 2007 and 2008 to support theenhanced role envisaged for Comhar in the Agreed Programme for Government.Rural DevelopmentCLÁR Programme€21.1m has been allocated for 2008 for the CLÁR Programme.Rural Social SchemeA total of €1.5m capital funding has been allocated to the Rural Social Scheme for 2008. The specificguidelines for the use of the 2008 capital funding have yet to be finalised.Competitive and Profitable Agri-Food SectorAt end 2007, payments in excess of €1.447 billion issued to applicants under the Single Payment andDisadvantaged Areas Schemes.Significant progress has been made in implementing the AgriVision 2015 Action Plan, a three-yearplan for the optimal development of the Agri-Food sector. To date, 77% of the 167 actions have beenimplemented.A new Exchequer funded Suckler Welfare Cow Scheme has been initiated as part of a coherent andstructured approach to the development of the beef sector.There has been significant interest from the industry in the Exchequer funded €50m Capital InvestmentAid Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat processing sectors. This scheme is expected to trigger overallinvestment of some €120m and is targeted towards achieving efficiencies and improvingcompetitiveness in vital beef processing sectors. Applications are currently being evaluated byEnterprise Ireland.In the dairy sector, a market-orientated milk quota trading system was successfully launched in 2007that resulted in 380m litres (7.6% of total) of available quota being traded at prices dictated by themarket. In addition, 19 capital investment projects in the dairy processing sector were awarded grantassistance of over €114m which is likely to generate an overall estimated capital spend of €286m.Arts and CultureFilmIn his Budget 2008 speech the Minister for Finance extended the Section 481 film tax- relief schemeuntil the end of 2012, which will provide stability to potential producers seeking to make films inIreland.Over €23m has been paid in 2008 for the Irish Film Board (IFB), an increase of 18% over 2007.5

National Sports MuseumThe National Museum, following consultation with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism andinitial discussions with Sporting Organisations on the availability of memorabilia, is to prepareproposals on establishing a Sports Museum in Collins Barracks.SportThe total sports budget for 2008 is €336m - an increase of over 13% on 2007.Sports Capital ProgrammeThe Sports Capital Programme for 2008, is the main vehicle for State funding of sports facilities wasannounced in national newspapers in January 2008, with a closing date of 29 February for paper-basedapplications and 7 March for online applications.Irish Sports CouncilThe 2008 budget for the Irish Sports Council (ISC) is over €57m - a 6% increase on the 2007. Thisincludes provisions for the continued extension of the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). Itis anticipated that the full network of LSP's will be rolled out by the end of March 2008.TourismThe Tourism Services Budget of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism will increase by 7% in2008 to just under €170m – the largest ever budget for Irish tourism including an increase of €5m in theTourism Marketing Fund to €50m.Visitor Numbers and Revenue ReceiptsCSO figures for the first eleven months of 2007 show an increase of 4.7% on the same period in 2006.Tourism Revenues in 2007 are expected to have increased to €6.5 billion.Tourism Product Development SchemeFunding of €15.7m is being made available in 2008 to support investment in our key tourisminfrastructure, attractions and visitor activity facilities which are in need of upgrading anddevelopment, and to bring on stream new products and experiences to meet the sophisticated needs of amore discerning international visitor.Economic and Tourism Development Plan for Shannon Airport and its wider catchment areaOn 24 January, 2008, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister for Transport jointlyannounced the approval of an Economic and Tourism Development Plan for the Shannon AirportCatchment Area (from Kerry to Donegal), including a special tourism marketing initiative to help dealwith the advent of Open Skies.RecreationRecruitment advertisements have been placed by the 11 LEADER companies responsible for theemployment of Rural Recreation Officers (RRO) with interviews to commence in the coming weeks.It is envisaged that the Rural Recreation Officers will be appointed by mid March.Walkways were assisted with the provision of directional signs, marker posts, stiles, bridges, mapboards and other materials. In total over €1.2m worth of materials has been delivered and installedwith the assistance of RSS workers.External Relations – EU and the Wider WorldThe Government decided in November 2007 that Irish troops would participate in the EU missionbeing deployed to Chad/Central African Republic.In line with the Programme for Government commitments, the Conflict Resolution Unit has beendeveloping plans for the establishment of an Academic Centre for Conflict Resolution and the creation6

of an annual €25m Stability Fund, to support increased Irish engagement in conflict resolutionactivities in the developing world.Official Development Assistance (ODA)The 2008 allocation to the Irish Aid Vote is €814m - an increase of €84m on 2007. An estimatedfurther €100m is allocated through other Government Departments, which brings a total allocation in2008 for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) of €914m.The allocation based on current projection will bring ODA spending to 0.54% of GNP.The Fight against HIV/AIDSThe target of €100m spent on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases was reached in 2007 with20% of additional resources spent on children.Irish AbroadTask Force on Policy Regarding EmigrantsIn January 2008, grant applications have been processed for organisations in Zimbabwe, South Africa,Argentina, America, and Newfoundland.Options for extending RTE broadcasting to Britain and Free Travel to Irish Pensioners resident abroadare being researched extensively, with further meetings and research scheduled for the months ahead.7

CHAPTER 111 – The Lifecycle Framework30. ChildrenEarly Childhood Development and CareNational Childcare Investment ProgrammeIn January 2008 a further round of capital grant applications amounting to €39m, was approved as partof the National Childcare Strategy. This is expected to result in the creation of an additional 7,000childcare places under the National Childcare Investment Programme.National Childcare Training StrategyA survey of the Childcare sector is underway to ascertain the qualifications of the workforce and toinform the development of a National Childcare Training Strategy, which will feed into theconsultative process to take place in Q2 of 2008. The sectoral standards sub-group have agreed on themapping of Occupational Profiles in the 2002 Model Framework against the National Framework ofQualifications.DEISA number of City and County Childcare Committees and National Voluntary Childcare Organisationswill be running a pilot scheme in 2008 to support the implementation of Síolta in a number of settingsunder a funding line of the National Childcare Investment Programme for innovative schemes.Improving Education Outcomes for ChildrenLiteracy and NumeracyLiteracy and numeracy measures under the DEIS action plan continue to be rolled out in 2008. In theurban primary strand of DEIS, the Reading Recovery programme will be extended to 50 additionalschools, over 100 tutors will be trained in First Steps; Ready Set Go Maths will be rolled out to allurban primary schools and training in Maths Recovery will be extended to almost 200 primary schoolsin 2008.YouthreachFunding is being provided in 2008 to allocate an additional 100 places.Integration of International ChildrenIn 2007, the limit of two language support teachers per school was lifted and the provision of languagesupport was extended beyond two years, where a specific request is made.Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN)The internal working group established to develop proposals for the implementation of the EPSEN Acthas completed its examination of the Implementation Report submitted by the National Council forSpecial Education.In addition to planning for the commencement of the remaining provisions of the EPSEN Act, €900mhas been allocated in 2008 to support children with special educational needs.Youth Work SectorA Quality Promotion Framework and System for Assessment of Youth Work Services (QSF) has beendeveloped in consultation with youth work interests. A Development/Pilot Phase of the QSF Initiativespanning the period October 2007 to September 2009 has commenced.8

Improving Health Outcomes for ChildrenA Vision for Change Strategy8 additional Consultant Child Psychiatry teams will be recruited in 2008. Construction of two 20 bedunits for children and adolescents in Cork and Galway is expected to commence in 2008. 18 additionalacute children’s beds will be commissioned at St. Anne’s, Galway, St. Vincent’s, Fairview and St.Stephen’s Hospital, Cork. The provision of these beds will increase the acute bed complement from 12to 30. Service provision in Warrenstown has increased from 5 to 7 days per week.WHO TargetsAn additional €18m was allocated to the HSE in Budget in 2008 to implement changes recommendedby the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Primary Childhood ImmunisationProgramme and to commence a Measles Elimination Programme as per the WHO commitment.Schools Meal ProgrammeDemand on the Schools Meal Programme exceeded expectation and total expenditure in 2007 wasapproximately €27m. Over 180,000 pupils benefited. An additional €1m was allocated to theprogramme for 2008 for the inclusion of a further tranche of DEIS schools.Income SupportChild Dependant Increases (CDIs) were increased to €24 per week as part of Budget 2008. ChildBenefit will increase by €6 and €8 (lower and higher rates respectively) from April 2008, bringing ratesto €166 per month in respect of each of the first two children and €203 per month for the third andsubsequent children. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be increased to €200for children aged 2 to 11 years and €305 for children from 12 years of age.Family Income Support (FIS)The FIS study on the level of take up is expected to be completed mid-2008.Lone Parents/ parents on low incomeBudget 2008 increased the upper earnings limit for the One Parent Family Payment to €425 per week.The progress made in 2006 and 2007 in the re-focusing of family income support in favour of largerfamilies is maintained in Budget 2008. All weekly income thresholds were increased by €10 per child.This means that, for instance, the threshold for a family with two children has increased to €570,resulting in a net weekly FIS increase of €12. A family with five children can now earn up to €870(net) per week, corresponding to a weekly FIS increase of €30.Children and their FamiliesEnhanced Policies to Support Families‘The Agenda for Children’s Services’ was published in December 2007. The core principle of thepolicy is the provision of health and social services, based on the child being supported within thefamily and within the local community. In 2008 the OMC is to assist in the promulgation of “theAgenda” in partnership with the HSE through regional meetings.Family Support Services€10.95m has been allocated in 2008 to the Family Support Agency for the scheme of grants tovoluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related services.The Family Resource Centres Programme will be further expanded in 2008.9

Establishment of the New Irish Youth Justice ServiceGarda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP)The target of establishing 100 GYDP by the end of 2007 in line with the National Development Planand the Programme for Government has been met. The budget allocation for GYDP’s for 2008 is€11,909m which represents an increase of 21%.Redevelopment of New Facilities for Offending Children Sentenced to DetentionThe expert group submitted its final report to the Minister for Children in December 2007. It isexpected that the Minister will now bring recommendations on the development of new facilities toGovernment in the near future.Community Sanctions – Young Person’s ProbationThe 2008 budget for the probation projects was transferred to the Irish Youth Justice Service in January2008. Estimated level of spending (ELS) for 2008 is €10.020m, which is a 44% increase over 2007.Young Person’s Probation has expanded to provide coverage to the Courts in respect of CommunitySanctions and other Orders under the Children Act, 2001, as amended, throughout the country.National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010The National Youth Justice Strategy is currently being finalised and will be submitted to Governmentshortly.31. People of a Working AgeEmployabilityIn 2008, additional funding of €1m will be provided to expand the adult literacy service by a further500 places. The DEIS family literacy project has also commenced.There is an increase in the 2008 Estimates for the expansion of part-time options under the Back toEducation Initiative (BTEI). This will increase the number of places by 500 costing an extra €0.75m.Access to EmploymentLone ParentsThe FÁS pilot scheme for Lone Parents has been completed and reviewed. Recommendations arecurrently undergoing discussion within FÁS and with Lone Parent groups. This will culminate with aRoundtable discussion in March 2008.ActivationA High Level Group jointly chaired by Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment andDepartment of Social & Family Affairs and with FÁS representation has been convened to drive theactivation process forward.A Social Partners Group on Activation for People of Working Age has been established. The processof implementing a wider activation agenda under the NDP is currently taking place in the Departmentof Social and Family Affairs. In addition, funding under the ESF has been secured to undertakespecific projects to support the progression of people with disabilities to social and economic activity.10

IncomeSocial Welfare RatesBudget 2008 provided for an increase of €12.00 per week in the personal rate payable to recipients ofthe various social welfare schemes for persons of working age, bringing the level of the lowest rate ofsocial welfare payment to €197.80 per week, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programmefor Government and the NAPinclusion. The Qualified Adult Payment for most working age schemesincreased by €8 per week.Lone ParentsFrom May 2008, Social Insurance contributions, Health contributions, Superannuation contributionsand Trade Union subscriptions will be disregarded for the purpose of assessment of earnings for One-Parent Family Payment.Cost of Education AllowanceThe Cost of Education Allowance payable to recipients of the Back to Education Allowance schemewill increase by €100 to €500 from September 2008.Maternity and Adoptive BenefitThe minimum rate of Maternity and Adoptive Benefit was increased from €207.80 to €221.80 inBudget 2008.Improving Health Outcomes for People of Working AgeBed CapacityA review of acute bed requirements undertaken by the HSE, with the support of externalconsultants has been completed.A Vision for ChangeThe establishment of the Office of the Minister for Disability and Mental Health was announced by theTaoiseach on 30 January, 2008. This Office will focus in particular on driving the implementation of“a Vision for Change”.Support for those who cannot meet the cost of GP ServicesAs of 1 January, 2008, 1,276,178 people held a medical card and 75,589 people held a GP visit card.Developing Palliative Care throughout IrelandBudget 2008 provided a further €3m for enhancing multi-disciplinary palliative care service provisionthroughout Ireland with particular emphasis by the HSE on areas where services need mostimprovement (South East, Midlands, North East and West).Caring ResponsibilitiesBudget 2008 increased the earnings disregard in the Carer’s Allowance means test to €665 per weekfor a couple. This measure surpasses the commitment in Towards 2016.Budget 2008 also provides for the level of the Respite Care Grant to be increased from €1,200 to€1,500 per year in respect of each care recipient.Carer’s Allowance in Budget 2008 was increased to €214 per week for those aged under 66 and to€232 per week for those aged over 66.With regard to Carer’s Benefit, Budget 2008 increased the rate of payment by €14 to €214 per week.In addition, the earnings threshold was increased by €12.50 to €332.50 per week.11

From April 2008 any amount of Carer’s Benefit, in excess of the basic Supplementary WelfareAllowance rate will be disregarded for the purposes of Rent and Mortgage Interest Supplement in linewith existing arrangements for Carer’s Allowance.The second consultation meeting of Carer Representative Groups and relevant Departments andAgencies was held on 23 January, 2008.In December 2007, the Government agreed to the establishment of a working group to develop aNational Carers Strategy to cover the period 2008 to 2016. The aim is to complete the Strategy by mid2008.Housing and Sustainable CommunitiesDuring 2007, the Affordable Homes Partnership completed the purchase of some 500 homes in theopen market for eligible purchasers at discounted affordable prices to help meet the Towards 2016target. A further €50m has been made available this year to boost activity.Work is at an advanced stage on the revised Homeless Strategy under the aegis of the CrossDepartment Team on Homelessness. The goal of this Strategy will be the elimination of the long-termoccupancy of emergency homeless accommodation by end 2010. It is expected that the revisedstrategy will be published early in 2008.Education, Training and EmployabilityThe Dormant Accounts Committee has approved funding of €3m for access-based initiatives in theInstitutes of Technology to enhance the support mechanism for disadvantaged students.In January 2008, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) launched a website www.studentfinance.ie,which is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to student grants and supports.Housing and Accommodation – Young AdultsThe overall target of accommodating 10,000 former rent supplements recipients by end 2007 wassurpassed.Motor InsuranceThe Government commissioned PA Consulting Group in September 2007 to carry out an independentreview of the effectiveness of policy measures introduced on foot of the MIAB report designed toreduce motor insurance costs. A report is expected in the first quarter of 2008.Integration of Migrant CommunitiesThe new Office of the Minister for Integration continues to be developed and additional staff wereappointed in January 2008. Plans are being finalised to create three new structures in 2008: theestablishment of a Task Force on Integration in May 2008; a new Ministerial Council to representImmigrants by June 2008, and a Commission for Integration.Reform of the Health SystemThe Department of Health and Children is developing proposals for a Health Information Bill whichwill provide the legal basis for a unique health identifier and a strong system-wide informationgovernance structure for the Irish health service. It is planned to have a major public consultativeexercise beginning in March 2008.12

32. Older PeoplePensions/Income SupportsIncreases in Budget 2008 brought the rates to €212 for non-contributory payments and €223.30 forcontributory payments.In Budget 2008, there was an increase of €27 per week for State Pension (Contributory), State Pension(Transition) and Invalidity Pension qualified adults aged 66 years of age or over.The Budget also provided for an increase of €9.30 per week for State Pension (Contributory) and StatePension (Transition) qualified adults aged under 66 while State Pension (Non-Contributory) qualifiedadults received an increase of €7.90.Information CampaignA Budget telephone enquiry line operating from 9am to 9pm on the Thursday and Friday followingBudget day, was advertised in national and regional newspapers, providing information on the Budget.Following on the success of the Department of Social and Family Affair’s information stand at theOver 50s Show in the RDS in 2007, an information stand will be provided at the three Over 50s Showsscheduled for 2008.Long-term Care Services for Older PeopleCommunity and Home-Based CareBudget 2008 provided an additional €22m funding for community based service initiatives including:• 360 new Home Care Packages, benefiting an estimated 800 people• Over 200,000 additional Home-Help Hours• Approx. 1,000 additional Day/Respite placesHousing and Accommodation – Older PeopleThe Sustainable Energy Ireland/Combat Poverty Agency action research project, to improve heatingsystems and insulation in selected older private dwellings is a pre- and post-intervention householdsurvey. The pre-intervention survey has been completed and remedial work being carried out is almostcomplete. The post-intervention survey got under way in the last quarter of 2007 and initial results areexpected to be ready by summer 2008.33 People with DisabilitiesThe National Disability Strategy (NDS)A progress report on the implementation of the National Disability Strategy for the period July-December 2007 was discussed at the NDS Stakeholders Monitoring Group meeting on 29 January,2008.Reporting on the statutory requirement of public bodies to meet the 3% employment target for peoplewith disabilities has been completed and was submitted to Government and published on 4 January,2008.The accessibility provisions of the Act concerning heritage sites came into operation on 31 December,2007 and the Minister of State has requested the NDA to produce a new Code of Practice in this area.Additional funding of €50m was provided in the Budget for 2008 in respect of the Multi-AnnualInvestment Programme for Disability.13

Protocols Sub GroupA sub-group has been set up for Special Education under the auspices of the Cross Sectoral Team toagree protocols with the D/ES and the NCSE for the referral of children under 5 for educationassessment and to prepare for the commencement of Part 2 of the Act in respect of children aged 5-18to include the following actions:‣ The HSE to scope the current provision of health related supports to school-going children andto endeavour to quantify the demand for further supports‣ Develop a protocol between HSE, D/ES and NCSE to outline how requests for HSE supportshould be made‣ Agreement by the HSE, D/ES and the NCSE of the format of the sections of the IndividualEducation Plan, which are relevant to health related supports‣ D/ES, DOHC, NCSE and the HSE to examine how the IEP process and the assessment of needprocess can be aligned in the best interest of children.Comprehensive Employment StrategyThe Consultative Forum on an Employment Strategy established by the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment are considering key issues relating to the development of an overallemployment strategy. This includes conducting a systematic review of current job retention and returnto work practice following a disability acquired in the workplace. Consultants are currentlyresearching this issue.The operations of the pilot Wage Subsidy Scheme and the FÁS Supported Employment Programme arebeing reviewed by consultants respectively on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade andEmployment and FÁS to determine the potential for increasing their effectiveness.A proposal submitted by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the ESF for a cross-agencyprogramme to develop and assess new approaches to promoting participation in the economy on thepart of people with disabilities has been accepted. The initiative will concentrate on people withdisabilities who are of working age and in receipt of a social welfare disability payment but who arenot progressing into or within employment, accessing training, education or other progressionopportunities.WorkwayFÁS has developed a Training Plan and Training Programme Specification for a jobseekers module forpeople with disabilities based on Workway's 'A Guide for Jobseekers with Disabilities'. This has beenpilot tested as part of an initiative with Clare Supported Employment Services and was completed inSeptember 2007. The module has been evaluated and FETAC certification is now being investigated.The focus of this module will to be to develop, strengthen and/or enhance the employability skills ofdisabled job-seekers.Vocational Training & Employment ServicesFÁS have established a working group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations relatingto vocational training provision as set out in the consultancy Study of Efficiency and Effectiveness ofVocational Training Services for People with Disabilities provided by Specialist Training Providers.Department of Health and Children Sectoral PlanThe Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have undertaken the first ofthree annual reviews of progress on the Sectoral Plan. Further targets have been identified, specificallyin relation to planning for the commencement of the Act for 5-18 year olds and adults. This includeswork with the Health Services Executive, the Department of Education and Science and the NationalCouncil for Special Education and other relevant stakeholders. The Review was published in December2007.Department of Social and Family Affairs Sectoral PlanBudget 2008 maintained progress towards the commitments entered into by Government in the area ofincome support by increasing the rates of payment to people with disabilities by €12, approx. 6.5%.14

It is envisaged that the initial transfer of non-Supplementary Welfare Allowance schemes from theHSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs will take place in the first half of 2009. Thelegislative basis for the transfer of these schemes is being provided for in the Social Welfare andPensions Act, 2008.Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Affairs Sectoral PlanHousing Group for people with DisabilitiesWork has commenced on the development of a National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability.A protocol governing liaison between the HSE and the housing authorities on the assessment of theaccommodation needs of people with a disability is being implemented. Work continues on thedevelopment of a protocol governing support costs for housing projects provided for people with adisability.Department of Social and Family Affairs Sectoral PlanThe Citizens Information Board advertised the post of Director, Personal Advocacy Service inDecember 2007.Department of Transport Sectoral PlanPublic Transport AccessibilityThe second Progress Report (July to December 2007) on the implementation of Transport Access forAll was discussed by the National Disability Strategy Stakeholders Monitoring Group meeting on 29January, 2008.34. Implementation of the Lifecycle ApproachPromoting Social FinanceThe Towards 2016 Social Finance Advisory Group has been established by the Department of theTaoiseach and held its first meeting in November 2007.CHAPTER IV – Implementation ArrangementsDATA/InformationThe second meeting of the Technical Advisory Group for OSI was held on the 6 February, 2008.Integrating Delivery at Local LevelThe Indecon Review of the County/City Development Board Strategic Reviews and Proposals forStrengthening and Developing the Boards has recently been completed and will be submitted toGovernment for approval in February 2008.National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 – 2016Developing the Lifecycle ApproachFollowing a consultative meeting with Social Partners, the first annual Social Inclusion Report waslaunched by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs at the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) on 15November, 2007. As part of the European Union Social Exclusion Programme a Peer Review of theSIF was undertaken, details available at http://www.peer-review-social-inclusion.net/peerreviews/2007/the-napinclusion-social-inclusion-forum.15

Social Inclusion UnitsIn July 2007, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, announced theextension of the Social Inclusion Unit programme to nine more county/city local authorities (bringingthe total number of units to seventeen). The successful local authorities were selected following anassessment process, which was overseen by an Inter-Departmental Steering Group, chaired by theDepartment for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.Community & Voluntary ForaA further €1.4m will be provided in 2008 to support the operation of the County/City Community andVoluntary Fora.16