Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

351 Questions— 22 February 2005. Written Answers 352[Éamon Ó Cuív.]The provision of this once-off funding to theHealth Service Executive by my Department forthis improved service represents another positiveand significant measure in the practical implementationof the recommendations of Coimisiúnna Gaeltachta and will help to ensure that thelanguage is carried forward in the Gaeltacht as aliving spoken language to the next generation. Itshould be noted that the grant was sanctioned onthe understanding that the Health Service Executivewould assume full responsibility for fundingthe initiative after the first year.Proposed Legislation.49. Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community,Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status ofthe promised charities legislation; the proposalscontained in this legislation; when it will be published;and if he will make a statement on thematter. [5820/05]Minister of State at the Department of Community,Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N.Ahern): In accordance with the commitment inAn Agreed Programme for Government, a comprehensivereform of the law relating to charitieswill be brought forward to regulate the sector forthe first time in Ireland. As I informed the Houseon 14 December 2004, the content of the draftlegislation would be likely to reflect the proposalsin the Government-approved Consultation Paperon Establishing a Modern Statutory Frameworkfor Charities, which received a broad overallendorsement in the public consultation phaselast year.While it would not be possible at this stage forme to predict with certainty that the best estimatewhich I gave last year of end 2005 for publicationof the draft Bill can be met on the nail, I canassure the Deputy that work on preparation ofthe draft legislation is proceeding as speedily aspossible, and that it is being given priority withinmy Department. In the context of the overalltimeframe, I might also recall that I advised theHouse on the same occasion last December thatthe draft legislation would involve statute lawrevision and restatement, in addition to the newregulatory provisions. Going forward, therefore,we would be looking at a future charities regulationBill of substance in vision, content and size.Income Support Scheme.50. Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community,Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the publicpolicy initiative he has taken that will result inmuch needed income other than from mainstreamfarming for the many medium and smallscale farm families who will need this income ifthey are to stay in the countryside; and if he willmake a statement on the matter. [5805/05]Minister for Community, Rural and GaeltachtAffairs (Éamon Ó Cuív): The rural social schemewas introduced in 2004 to provide directlyimproved rural services and at the same time toensure an income and employment support forfarmers who can no longer make a viable livingon the land, within a working arrangement compatiblewith farming.The scheme was designed specifically for farmfamilies and its operations and structures areoperated in a farmer-friendly manner. Thescheme recognises that farmers have a wealth ofexperience and talents that need to be preservedfor future generations and these talents are beingharnessed for the good of the community. Thisscheme focuses on the provision of direct servicesin the community.There are 1,114 participants on the scheme atpresent. There are 36 implementing bodiesthroughout the country and of those 27 have commencedprojects under the rural social scheme todate. I expect the participant numbers will continueto increase and that all 2,500 places will beavailed of in the near future.Departmental Investigations.51. Mr. McCormack asked the Minister forCommunity, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if hisdepartmental investigation into allegations ofunprofessional conduct in Irish Waterways hasbeen completed; the findings of the investigation;if he intends publishing the report; and if he willmake a statement on the matter. [5831/05]Minister for Community, Rural and GaeltachtAffairs (Éamon Ó Cuív): As I outlined to theHouse in my reply to Question 38 of 14December 2004, a joint investigation into allegationsof bullying and harassment and relatedmatters in Waterways Ireland was carried out,with the consent of the parties involved, by independentinvestigators appointed by my Departmentand the Department of Culture, Arts andLeisure in the North. The report of the investigatorswas submitted to the Departments andactions to be taken on foot of the report havebeen agreed with the chief executive of WaterwaysIreland.The issue of a joint statement by the Departmentsin the matter is under consideration. I willarrange for a copy of any such statement to besupplied to the Deputy.I welcome this opportunity to again acknowledgethe efforts of the chief executive and staffof Waterways Ireland in advancing the work ofthis important North-South body, often in complexand difficult circumstances. As I stated in theHouse last December, the promotion of North-South co-operation in areas within my Department’sremit remains a high priority for me and Iwill continue, in particular, to support the workof the North-South bodies responsible for inlandwaterways and language matters in every waypossible.Questions Nos. 52 and 53 answered with QuestionNo. 10.