Vol. 588 No. 2
16 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to take actions in response to overcharging by companies (detail supplied) with respect to roaming charges to customers, to ensure that this overcharging is not likely to happen in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19304/04]
22 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the wide range of schemes and pricing options offered by mobile phone companies, he will consider the introduction of regulations requiring companies to simplify the cost breakdown of charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19205/04]
54 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of a number of disclosures of cases in which mobile phone companies overcharged subscribers, he has satisfied himself that adequate procedures are in place to protect the interest of the consumer in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19204/04]
62 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the fact that mobile phone operators currently offer in excess of 30 different tariffs to consumers, he has plans to introduce an APR-style charge system to help consumers compare prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17940/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 22, 54 and 62 together.
The requirements relating to mobile phone charges and associated information are set out in the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Services and User's Rights) Regulations 2003, SI 308 of 2003, (USO Regulations). The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has responsibility for monitoring compliance by service providers with the aforesaid requirements. I have no statutory function in this regard.
In accordance with the regulations and following earlier public consultation, ComReg has issued a draft direction to operators relating to a code of practice for tariff presentation. Comments on the draft direction have been sought by 30 June next and I understand that ComReg intends to finalise the direction shortly thereafter. The core objective of the code is to ensure end-users have access to accurate and comprehensive tariff information on publicly available telephone services. Service providers shall ensure that tariff information is accurate, comprehensive and accessible. The purpose of the tariff information principles is to ensure that end-users have access to transparent and up-to-date information for services relevant to their telephony needs.
ComReg has sought a comprehensive report from each of the relevant mobile phone companies concerning alleged incidents of overcharging and will decide on the appropriate action it may take following the consideration of the reports. ComReg is also considering further initiatives to provide information to consumers on the range of communication services available. These steps will ensure that consumers are sufficiently informed to make the appropriate choices in terms of the service or package, which will best suit their needs.
17 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General on television licence fee collection; if he has had discussions with An Post arising from this report and its specific proposals to quit the television licence collection scheme; his plans to implement the Comptroller and Auditor General’s recommendations to revamp the scheme in view of its unprofitability; the alternative arrangements his Department will put in place should An Post decide to quit the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19208/04]
As the Deputy is aware, I recently received the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the efficacy of the television licence fee collection process.
The report considers how the Department evaluates the effectiveness of the television licence fee collection, how the agency relationship between the Department and An Post is organised and the efficiency of the collection procedures used by An Post as agent of the Minister. It identifies deficiencies in the collection process and the progress made in the past two years in improving the system. The report's key recommendations on the management of the collection process by my Department are that: it put in place a service level agreement with An Post; it adopt specific or measurable targets to be achieved through the contract; it should routinely produce estimates of the licence fee evasion rate; and it should put in place a coherent set of performance targets for sales, maintenance of data base and prosecution of evaders.
These recommendations are being carefully considered by my Department with a view to early implementation of the most useful of them. This is being done with the assistance of a liaison group I established in January 2003 comprised of representatives from An Post, RTE and my Department. The role of this group is to examine ways of improving the licence fee collection. The group is assisted in its work by an independent consultant from KPMG.
In September last, An Post placed a question mark over its wish to continue operating the television licence fee collection system in the context of its recovery strategy. However, it has since indicated its wish to continue to manage the system and my Department is currently negotiating a two–year contract with the company. We will separately consider longer term options for the provision of this service in the near future.
18 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that there are no adverse health effects from mobile phones and mobile phone antennae; the way in which he intends to limit the use of mobile phones by children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/04]
My Department maintains a watching scientific brief on health issues relating to electromagnetic energy, including those related to mobile phones and base stations.
In 2002 the health council of the Netherlands, after a detailed evaluation of the health effects of mobile telephones, concluded that there was no reason to recommend that mobile telephone use by children should be limited.
In 2003 the national radiological protection board of the United Kingdom, NRPB 2003, noted that little had been published on childhood exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. To examine the question of children's sensitivity to non-ionising radiation, the World Health Organisation held an expert workshop in Istanbul, Turkey, earlier this month. My Department's chief technical adviser participated in this workshop where the latest research in this field was reviewed. The workshop concluded that, while children were clearly more sensitive, no adverse health effects have been established despite extensive, focused research.
I am satisfied that my Department is in possession of the most up-to-date information available on this subject. The information indicates that there is no demonstrated adverse health effect from the use of mobile phones and their base stations, and therefore is no reason for me to act to limit the use of mobile phones by children. My Department will continue to monitor the scientific evidence and participate in the relevant international projects and committees.
The Deputy may be aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is planning an investigation of mobile telephones and any potential adverse health effects, commencing this autumn. My Department will provide whatever assistance is considered necessary by the committee in its work.
19 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to appoint a new member to the Commission for Communication Regulation; the procedure which will be used for making the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19210/04]
The Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 provides that ComReg shall consist of at least one and not more than three members. I propose to fill the position of commissioner which becomes vacant at the end of June. The new appointee will join Mr. John Doherty, chairperson, and Ms Isolde Goggin who were appointed as commissioners in December 2002.
As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I will appoint the new commissioner following the holding of an open competition on behalf of ComReg by the Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners. I expect this competition will be advertised shortly and the appointment will follow in due course after that.
20 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which the development of selective fishing gears is advanced which might qualify for the proposed new European support mechanism for environmentally friendly fishing methods; the examples of fishing gear which his Department would propose for inclusion in any such programme; the way in which they could be introduced; and the benefits that might be expected from their use. [19314/04]
With a particular perspective on the large quantities of fish that are caught each year and discarded by EU fishing vessels, and the catching of over-fished stocks as an unwanted by-catch, the Irish Presidency identified the need to promote and encourage fishermen to move towards more environmentally friendly fishing, including the use of more selective fishing gears. The principal benefit expected to flow from the development and use of such gear would be a significant reduction in such discards, which are estimated to amount to some 20 million tonnes of fish worldwide per annum.
Ireland's initiative was endorsed by all member states and the Commission at last week's Fisheries Council. The agreed conclusions set out a number of specific work assignments over the next two to three years in particular. There is also provision for a more long-term commitment in the context of new community funding arrangements post-2007.
Now that the EU has prioritised this matter, the immediate task for my Department is to undertake, in association with BIM, the Marine Institute, the fishing industry and other interested parties, the necessary planning and organisation of a national programme.
The focus of Ireland's programme will be on those fisheries of particular interest to Irish fishermen and also bearing in mind the over-riding requirement to assist recovery of key whitefish stock particularly. The development of this programme, which I hope can be significantly progressed within a few months, will be informed by work already under way in BIM on, for example, by-catch reduction measures in the Irish sea prawn fishery. This is a good example of the type of initiative that can be taken. I believe that we can in the coming months develop a range of other projects. The timeframe for use of any modified gears will be determined by the duration and outcome of what are likely to be multi-annual studies.
21 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to restructuring An Post in view of the company’s recent announcement that it recorded operating losses of €43 million in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/04]
Deputies will be aware of the precarious financial situation that I outlined in some detail to the House on 23 March in regard to An Post. On top of losses in 2001, the company has lost €60 million approximately between 2002 and 2003 and has forecast further losses this year. Losses on this scale and of this duration are simply unsustainable. It is neither in the interests of the company nor its employees or customers that the situation remains unchecked. If the company is to return to profitability, it needs to be restructured. If this is to be a success, it is crucial that all stakeholders play a constructive part in this process.
The current IR issues in An Post have been simmering for some time. The problems in An Post are long-standing and deep-seated and it is clear that the solution to the current issues must put the company on a long-term sustainable financial and operational footing. The full scale of the financial problems facing An Post became clear to myself and my Department during the second half of 2002 and to the then management of An Post sometime later. It is important that all stakeholders fully recognise the seriousness of the financial position and the threat this represents to the future of the company.
Once the scale of the financial difficulties became clear last summer a recovery strategy was approved by the board and presented to me. The strategy sets out a roadmap to return An Post to profitability by 2005. It includes significant restructuring and job losses amounting to approximately 1,500. However, buy-in from the unions is crucial to agreement and implementation. This has not been an easy process — change is not easy. Following the industrial dispute last March, the Labour Relations Commission put forward a framework to resolve the differences between management and unions. Both parties are currently in talks under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Although these discussions were due to finish in May, it was agreed by all parties to extend the process given the progress, albeit slow, that was being made. The talks are continuing and while some progress has been made, substantial issues remain to be resolved.
It is in all our interests that An Post continues to be a strong player in the Irish postal market and continues to provide quality services to customers and sustainable employment for staff. The recovery strategy approved by the board of An Post sets out the basis on which the company, in partnership with the trade unions, can move forward. While my Department is more than willing to assist in any way possible to facilitate an agreement, the responsibility for agreeing and implementing the plan rests primarily with the board, the management and unions in An Post.
23 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has urgent recommendations to extend pier facilities at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford, in view of the restricted access to Waterford Harbour to fishing boats and the importance of the fishing industry to County Wexford. [19010/04]
The harbour at Kilmore Quay is owned by Wexford County Council and responsibility for its development and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.
No proposals have been received from Wexford County Council to extend the pier facilities at Kilmore Quay, although I am aware of some local interest in such a development. My Department has, in the past, funded substantial development at the harbour including the provision of a new breakwater and dredging of the approach channel. Proposals for further development can only be entertained if the owners of the facility, Wexford County Council, make a submission to the Department and confirm that they are prepared to part fund the development. The only proposal on hand dates from April 2003 when Wexford County Council submitted an application for funding of €100,000 towards rock revetment and maintenance works at Kilmore Quay.
There is no funding available in 2004 under the fishery harbours development programme for works at Kilmore Quay. The question of funding the rock revetment works at Kilmore Quay will be addressed in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available going forward and overall national priorities.
As regards the question of restricted access to Waterford Port for fishing boats, the Port of Waterford Company operates under the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000. Under the Acts, the primary function of the company is the management, control, operation and development of its harbour ensuring that its revenues are sufficient to meet its expenditures. In the light of this statutory requirement the company informs me that it has been conducting a review of its non-core assets to determine the appropriateness of their retention in present circumstances.
The company now provides its core facilities for ships and goods at Belview, County Kilkenny. Accordingly, the property at the North Quays is one of the company's principal non-core assets and I am informed that the company is taking the preparatory steps necessary in order to be in a position to offer the property for sale. The only area in the port of Waterford where restricted access exists is in the North Quays. I am advised that access to the North Quays is to be extended for a period of one to two months on a week to week basis pending the resolution of outstanding issues in the preparation of the quays for sale.
I understand that investigations are ongoing regarding the provision of alternative facilities within the harbour for the large trawlers that have used the North Wharf and Frank Cassin Wharf as a refuge in bad weather. While initial negotiations were facilitated by a senior official from my Department, this is now a matter for the port company and the fishermen.
24 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to make funding available for the development of Adam’s Quay in Kinsale Harbour to facilitate the fishing fleet there in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19300/04]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €84.35 million is allocated for capital investment in fishery harbours infrastructure and facilities. Up to the end of 2003, my Department spent €83.44 million under this programme. Exchequer funding of €21.14 million is allocated in respect of fishery harbours and related facilities for 2004.
Adam's Quay is owned by Kinsale Harbour Commissioners and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. I am aware of the significance of Kinsale Harbour which includes Adam's Quay as a fishery harbour and its importance to the local economy. In 2001, the Department provided funding of €76,088 to Kinsale Harbour Commissioners towards studies and investigations for the proposed development of Adam's Quay, costing a total of €101,450. Early in 2002, Kinsale Harbour Commissioners submitted a geophysical survey report and a ground investigation report to my Department for consideration. The proposed works include a quay development and an ice plant building and the total cost of construction is estimated at €1.4 million.
There is no funding available to my Department in 2004 under the fishery harbour development programme for work at Adam's Quay. I intend to promote the larger fishing harbours such as the five fishery harbour centres under the control of my Department as centres of excellence where only the best facilities and best practice will become the order of the day.
The question of funding development works at Adam's Quay in the post-2004 period will depend on the amount of funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.
25 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans to decentralise his Department; if a site has been found; the percentage of employees in his Department wishing to move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19295/04]
38 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of surveys that have been undertaken, in regard to proposals for decentralisation, to establish the number of persons employed in his Department and in boards or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department who are willing to move to the new locations announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget 2004 speech; the results of any such survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19223/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 38 together.
As part of the Government's decentralisation plan, it is proposed to relocate my Department's Dublin-based headquarter staff and a number of its agencies as follows:
|
Location |
Approximate number of staff |
|
Cavan |
380 (Department) |
|
Clonakilty |
90 (Department) |
|
Drogheda |
49 (Maritime Safety Directorate and Coast Guard) |
|
Clonakilty |
90 (BIM) |
|
Dundalk |
45 (Sustainable Energy Ireland) |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
65 (Central Fisheries Board) |
As Deputies will be aware, civil servants and State agency employees have been invited to indicate their interest, in order of preference, in moving to any of the 51 decentralisation locations across 25 counties. This exercise is being carried out by the Civil Service Commission using a computer web-based mechanism called the central applications facility. After the first eight weeks of the central applications facility, the decentralisation implementation committee will analyse the levels of interest in the various locations and will submit its second report next month.
Until such time as the Flynn committee has submitted its second report, there will be no reliable data available on the numbers of staff interested in relocating. While some informal preliminary surveys were conducted very shortly after the Government's announcement on decentralisation, these can be best described as snapshots of the initial reactions to the announcement. They did not have the benefit of the up to date, detailed, specific information now associated with the central applications facility, nor were they informed by the work that has been carried out by the Flynn committee in moving the decentralisation agenda forward. I would not, therefore, attribute any validity to the outcome of such surveys, and suggest that it would be prudent to await the official data emerging in the next Flynn report.
26 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress that has been made on the proposed inclusion in the draft new television without frontiers directive to allow national Governments regulate the advertising inserted by outside satellite broadcasters specifically for that national advertising market. [19312/04]
The regulation of broadcasting services specifically targeted at one member state but are subject to the national regulations of another member state was raised by Ireland in its formal submission to the EU Commission as part of the Commission's review of the television without frontiers directive.
The issue was the subject of further discussion at the informal meeting of broadcasting Ministers held in Dublin and Drogheda from 1-3 March under the Irish Presidency of the EU, at which a number of member states indicated support for the Irish position.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers to hold a political discussion on some informal matters in an informal setting. In a very open, wide-ranging and provocative debate there was a marked divergence of views on the issue of jurisdictional competence. Some member states spoke forcefully against any change to the country of origin principle. Others argued strongly that broadcasting services that specifically target one member state but derive from a broadcaster in another should be subject to the regulation of the target country. Other member states indicated that while they had not adopted a position on the question they were in favour of the matter being explored further as part of the Commission's review of the directive.
At the meeting Ireland sought from the Commission a commitment that it would engage with the issue as it considers how the directive should be amended. While initially adopting a strong stance that there could be no concessions on the issue, the Commission recognised that a number of member states had serious concerns regarding jurisdiction and undertook to engage with the relevant member states concerned. This engagement will take place in the context of the review of the directive over the coming months. It is anticipated that this process will result in proposals for amendment of the directive, which will likely be brought forward by the Commission in 2005.
27 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to date to the Exchequer in respect of the sale of facilities (details supplied); the balance which remains outstanding; when he expects that this will be paid; if he has satisfied himself at the rate of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/04]
At present, it is estimated that the final net return to the Exchequer arising from the sale of the business and commercial assets of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation, INPC, will be in excess of some €30 million. The INPC has already paid €20 million to the Exchequer.
In November 2003, the board of the INPC, cognisant of its obligations under the Companies Acts to retain sufficient assets to meet potential liabilities, determined that it would not be appropriate to make a further payment to the Exchequer at that stage as a number of outstanding matters have still to be resolved.
These matters, comprising chiefly of environmental claims lodged against the INPC and a contractual dispute with a former customer, have potential financial implications and consequently the INPC is not currently in a position to divest itself of its remaining financial assets.
It has always been accepted that the total cash return to the Exchequer arising from the INPC transaction would be considerably less than the headline sale price of US$100 million as the INPC had, for example, to use some of the proceeds to discharge the company's debt.
I am satisfied however, that the transaction represented a very positive outcome for the State, particularly having regard to the fact that the Government also placed an obligation on the private owners to operate the facilities for a period of at least 15 years as a condition of the sale.
28 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information available to him regarding the industrial dispute involving sub-post office owners and An Post over bank holiday working and other issues; his views on whether it is in the interest of customers that sub-post offices should be open for as long a period as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/04]
The issue surrounding the obligations of postmasters to open their offices on a Saturday of a public holiday is clearly a contractual matter between An Post and each postmaster. The recognised representative body for postmasters is the Irish Postmasters Union.
My understanding on the matter is that in April this year approximately 43 out of a total of 1,400, postmasters closed their offices on the Saturday of the Easter bank holiday weekend. On 17 May last, An Post was granted a High Court order restraining 43 postmasters from closing their offices on the June bank holiday. The company also obtained an injunction against the Irish Postmasters Union.
A court date of 14 June was set for a mention of the case in which An Post maintained that all postmasters were the subject of contractual obligations to open their premises for five and a half days each week.
However, upon a request from the Irish Postmasters Union the hearing was adjourned for two weeks until 28 June last to provide parties with an opportunity to consider resolution proposals. The latest information I have is that the matter has been adjourned for a further two weeks to allow more time for negotiation.
On customer interests, the post office network has undergone restructuring in recent years on foot of recommendations made following a substantial examination of the network. The report, as part of its remit, considered the changing demographic, working and retailing trends of customers. However, in the final analysis, the opening hours of sub-post offices are matters to be determined between An Post management and the Irish Postmasters Union having regard to consumer requirements.
29 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the ESB results for 2003. [19197/04]
The year 2003 was a relatively good year for ESB as can be seen from the published financial results. Copies of the annual report and accounts have been laid in the Oireachtas Library.
The results revealed a healthy financial position for the company with turnover of €2,342 million being up by 9% over the previous year. Both the operating profit of €354 million and profit after tax of €249 million were also up on the previous year. Interest and taxation was €105 million and a total dividend of €67.1 million was declared. The dividend will be apportioned €63.7 million to the Exchequer and €3.4 million to the ESB employees who have a 5% stakeholding in the company.
The results also revealed a year end deficit of €1.07 billion in the pension fund based on the accounting standard FRS 17 retirement benefits. Valuations prepared in accordance with FRS 17 require scheme assets to be recorded at market values at the balance sheet date. These valuations are not indicative of the long term funding position of the scheme, which is formally assessed by way of triennial actuarial valuation.
An actuarial valuation of the scheme was conducted as at 31 December 2003 and it disclosed an actuarial deficit of €510 million. Discussions on appropriate measures to address this position are ongoing between the company and staff. ESB stated at its press conference that it was confident the issue could be overcome in consultation with staff and recalled that similar difficulties had been overcome through the company's internal partnership processes in the 1990s.
Although profit after tax was €249 million, it would be easy to assume this represented excessive profits but this would be ignoring the complete picture. First, the level of profits must be viewed in the context of the size of the company, which has fixed assets of nearly €5 billion. ESB's current level of debt stands at €1.9 billion and this debt, which is set to increase over the coming years, needs to be serviced. The level of profits also needs to be viewed in the context of the company's capital expenditure programme. In 2003, ESB invested more than €650 million in the network infrastructure in Ireland. The replacement and upgrading of almost 17,000 km of distribution network was completed and a record 77,000 new customers were connected to the system.
30 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by a person (details supplied) at the implications for coastal erosion of climate change; when he expects to bring forward the proposed coastal zone management legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19217/04]
My Department is aware of concerns expressed at the implications for coastal erosion of climate change. A report was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency on the general implications of climate change for Ireland and my Department provided coastal elevation data for the coastal part of that study. The results of the study are currently being examined by the Department in the context of the national coastal protection strategy study initiated by the Department in 2002 and which is currently in progress. This study will seek to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally in responding to particular instances and types of erosion in Ireland. It is expected that when this study is completed a more targeted approach to programme delivery will result in a fewer number of schemes being funded per year but will enable greater level of efficiency to be achieved.
In May 2002, a recommendation towards the development of an integrated coastal zone management strategy was adopted by the EU Council of Ministers for the Environment. This calls, in particular, on member states to carry out a stock take of the laws, institutions and actors that impact the coastal zone and to draw up a national strategy or strategies for integrated coastal zone management. The recommendation also establishes a number of broad principles on which such strategies should be based. A report on the action taken has to be submitted to the European Commission by February 2006.
My Department has indicated its intention to publish during 2004 legislative proposals for the consolidation and modernisation of the law on foreshore administration and to support the development and operation of more integrated approaches to the management of coastal areas and their resources.
31 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the lifting of the moratorium on new connections to wind farms and the recent advances in wind turbine technology which should overcome many of the network concerns expressed by our transmission operator, the level of wind capacity that he now believes could be given grid connections. [19309/04]
The question of the level of wind capacity which can safely be given grid connections is ultimately a technical matter to be determined by relevant experts.
The Commission for Energy Regulation has informed me that it hopes to publish a final decision on the lifting of the moratorium this week. I understand the general principle underlying this decision is that any obligations or restrictions on wind generators seeking connections to either the transmission or the distribution systems should be necessitated by the need to protect system stability and security. There is, therefore, not a new ceiling as such. I also understand that any objections or restrictions should be proportionate to the potential threat to system safety, stability and security posed by a continuation of the projected increase in wind connections which triggered the moratorium in the first place. Further modelling work may also be required by the system operator to ultimately determine the level of wind that can be safely and securely accommodated on the system.
On 6 May last I established the renewable energy development group. The group is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB national grid and the Economic and Social Research Institute of Ireland among others. The group will consider and make recommendations on the impact of renewable energy on the electricity supply system and any necessary actions with regard to investment including, codes, guidelines and security standards. This will take into account any required action following on from the wind connection moratorium.
32 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps his Department is taking to resolve the impasse within the ESB with regard to the establishment of Eirgrid; and if the industrial relations difficulties that have been encountered relate exclusively to executives within the proposed new company or to all the staff due to be transferred. [19306/04]
71 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to establishing an ESB national grid as an entirely separate entity; the reason for the failure to make progress on this issue to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19211/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 71 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000, S.I. 445 of 2000, made in December 2000, provided for the separation of the operation of the transmission system from the rest of ESB into a newly formed independent State owned company. This separate State company, Eirgrid, was formally incorporated in February 2001 but as yet it is not discharging the functions of transmission system operator.
The delay in establishing Eirgrid as a fully functioning and operational entity is attributable to various problems and disputes which arose in the course of the complex negotiations ensuing since the making of the regulations. However, despite the delay, the Eirgrid model, once in place, will be effective and beneficial to all players in the market and I therefore announced my intention, on 10 March 2004 having reviewed the situation, to retain Eirgrid as the independent TSO.
In order for Eirgrid to be able to operate the transmission system, the governing regulations provided that an agreement was to be made between Eirgrid and ESB, which would set out the respective roles and responsibilities as between Eirgrid, in its capacity as TSO, and ESB, in its capacity as owner of the transmission network.
The regulations also provided that the practical arrangements regarding the transfer of staff, rights, liabilities and contracts from ESB to Eirgrid be put in place in the form of a transfer scheme.
My Department has no direct role in the making of the infrastructure agreement or transfer scheme. These are a matter for the companies involved to agree, with the negotiation of both overseen by the Commission for Energy Regulation.
Neither the infrastructure agreement nor the transfer scheme is yet in place. It has been difficult to bring the process of operationally establishing Eirgrid to a satisfactory conclusion in the absence of a chief executive officer of the company being in situ which has been delayed through contractual difficulties.
I hope these contractual difficulties have been resolved and I can advise the Deputies that a revised draft CEO contract is currently with the company for determination subject to my consent and that of the Minister for Finance. I am disappointed that three years after its formal incorporation as a company, Eirgrid is still not up and running as the TSO and, as shareholder, I wish to see a speedy resolution to the outstanding issues. My Department is working closely with the company to facilitate progress. I expect all parties to the negotiations to use their best endeavours to bring this process to a speedy conclusion and to expedite the operational establishment of the company.
33 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the claim made by a person (details supplied) that the Government has given the kiss of death to social services provided by An Post by refusing to address the urgent need for State financial support for the company; his views on the claims made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19200/04]
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, An Post is a commercial State body with a statutory obligation to be financially viable. Toward that end, the board and management of the company are obliged to tackle the current loss-making situation and return the company to profitability. In October last year, the board of An Post presented me with a recovery plan for the company detailing a change management programme and cost saving measures aimed at turning the company around. The recovery plan is subject to union agreement and negotiations, in this regard, are ongoing.
With regard to the non-commercial aspects of the post office network, in 2001 the Government, with the approval of the EU Commission, agreed an equity injection of €12.7 million to An Post to ensure that a network of post offices could be maintained throughout the State delivering a range of services. In addition, the company has recognised that the best way to secure the future of post offices is to increase footfall by offering a range of services geared towards consumer needs. Significant progress has been made with utility bill payments and banking services now offered via the post office. Clearly the availability of attractive consumer products is the best way of securing a sustainable future for the post office network.
On the letterpost side, the company continues to enjoy a monopoly position in a substantial part of the postal market in order to compensate for non commercial postal services. However, this monopoly will be reduced in 2006 and may be gone altogether by the end of this decade. This only emphasises the need to restructure the cost base particularly in letterpost and this has been recognised by the major stakeholders as evidenced by the continuing discussions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Offering a high quality, competitively priced service is the only realistic strategy for the letterpost division of An Post.
An ongoing subvention by the State does not represent a long-term viable solution for An Post.
34 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider amending the Radio and Television Act 1988 in order to clarify the rights of independent radio stations to broadcast legitimate news stories on the day prior to an election and to ensure that radio stations are not subjected to undue pressure to drop stories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/04]
I do not propose to bring forward amending legislation on this matter. Broadcasting legislation imposes general obligations on broadcasters in relation to news and current affairs programming. These legislative provisions require the broadcaster to present such programming in an objective, impartial and fair manner. The legislation does not set out in detail what a broadcaster may or may not do on the day prior to an election. I am strongly of the view that primary legislation is not the place for dealing with such detail but that rather it should be addressed through codes and guidelines administered by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland as it is at present.
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is a statutory independent body established under section 3(1) of the Radio and Television Act 1988 and section 10(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2001. Section 9(3) of the 1988 Act provides that the commission shall draw up, and may from time to time as occasion requires, revise a code governing standards and practice for any matter specified in section 9(1) and 9(2) of the Act which deal with fairness and impartiality. The guidelines issued recently were in line with those issued over the past decade by the commission and its predecessor, the Independent Radio and Television Commission, in respect of previous elections and referendums.
35 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to the Silvermines tailing pond site; and when he expects remediation measures to take place which will prevent further toxic dust clouds and polluted leachate coming from the site. [19307/04]
The Department met with Mogul of Ireland Limited on 24 May last concerning the company's proposed remediation plans for the tailings pond and other sites at Silvermines, County Tipperary. More detailed plans are expected shortly from the company, and these will set out provisional time frames for commencement of remediation works.
Mogul also met a sub-committee of Silvermines Environmental Action Group with responsibility for Gortmore tailings pond on 28 May 2004.
There is an emergency action plan operated by Mogul and the local authority to deal with dust blows and other problems which may occur at the tailings pond. The Department has not received any notification of occurrences of serious dust blows or escapes of polluted leachate at the site in recent years. The last recorded serious dust blow occurred in the mid-1980's.
36 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that fishing efforts by foreign trawlers will not increase in the fishing area, outside of the new Irish box area, but in the area formerly referred to as the Irish box on the west and north west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19296/04]
The agreement reached at last week's Fisheries Council sets fishing effort limits on the fleets of the relevant member states in various areas in western waters. These limits were set on the basis of fishing activity by those fleets over the period 1998-2002, inclusive. Accordingly, as future effort levels are capped by this reference period, the question of increased fishing effort by any fleet either inside or outside the new Irish Box area does not arise.
The framework for establishing these effort limits was agreed by Fisheries Ministers last October and the finalisation of the effort ceilings last week was in accordance with this agreed framework.
The Irish industry has broadly welcomed the agreement, particularly for the new Irish box area to the west and south of Ireland where most of the Irish whitefish catch is taken — about two thirds of the total. The protection of fish stocks in this most sensitive and vulnerable area was therefore Ireland's main priority and I very much welcome and appreciate the industry's support for the measures now in place for this biologically sensitive area.
Overall, fishing effort limits agreed last week provide the necessary protection for fish stocks in waters around Ireland, both inside and outside the new Irish Box.
37 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information available to his Department regarding the proposed development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19214/04]
All relevant approvals/consents from my Department were issued in early 2002 in respect of the proposed development of the Corrib gas field. These approvals/consents include: plan of development approval dated 15 April 2002 under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960; consent to construct a pipeline dated 15 April 2002 under the Gas Act 1976, as amended; consent under section 5 of the Continental Shelf Act 1968, as amended, dated 15 April 2002; foreshore licence approval 17 May 2002 under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended.
Mayo County Council granted planning permission on 30 April 2004 for an onshore natural gas terminal at Bellanaboy, County Mayo. The decision by the council was appealed to An Bord Pleanála on 21 May 2004 by 14 parties, including an appeal on some of the conditions by Shell E & P Ireland Limited. Shell has until the 30 June 2004 to provide a response to An Bord Pleanála on the 13 other appeals lodged.
Under section 126 (2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 the statutory objective of An Bord Pleanála is to ensure that every appeal or referral is determined within a period of 18 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the board of the appeal or referral.
39 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to encouraging competition in the mobile phone market here; if he has plans to request ComReg to implement new policies calling for lower prices for mobile and fixed line telephone bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19202/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 68 of 12 May 2004.
40 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the findings of the report of a person (details supplied), commissioned by the Marine Institute, which was critical of marine policy and which, in particular, criticised the dual regulatory and developmental role of his Department as inappropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19221/04]
The Marine Institute is involved in the early stages of preparing a marine research and innovation strategy for 2005-10. The strategy is to be developed over the next 12 months and the approach being adopted includes, inter alia, extensive consultation with stake holders on various aspects of research and innovation in the marine sector. To support the development of the strategy, the Marine Institute commissioned a study to evaluate the socio-economic contribution of marine-related activities to the Irish economy. The deliverables from the study, which is being carried out by Peter Bacon and Associates, include a review of relevant policy — existing and future — at national and EU level. I am advised that the status of the material referred to by the Deputy has been misrepresented as a draft report. In fact it consisted of working papers from an initial consultation workshop, organised by the consultant, designed to stimulate debate among attendees. The study will take cognisance of the contributions of the participants to the workshop. Accordingly, no statement is warranted as necessary at this stage.
41 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of co-operation which exists between his Department and local authorities in relation to the development of the broadband telecommunications project. [19273/04]
43 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will liaise with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to formulating a co-ordinated approach to the development of the broadband project. [19274/04]
44 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount which has been spent to date on the broadband project. [19277/04]
48 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the towns which have no plans for the roll out of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19288/04]
50 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he estimates that the broadband project will be completed. [19276/04]
64 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the metropolitan area networks that are now in operation; and the initial figures for the level and nature of traffic on the fibre optic rings. [19310/04]
76 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average costs charged by local authorities on the installation of the broadband system. [19275/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 43, 44, 48, 50, 64 and 76 together.
Under the NDP 2000-2006, an indicative €200 million, part-funded by the ERDF, was set aside for regional broadband infrastructure projects. Of this funding €64 million has been invested in the construction of the metropolitan area fibre networks in 19 towns and cities, in association with the local authorities, who received grant assistance of 90%.
Officials of my Department have worked closely with other Departments, agencies and the local authorities, to ensure that the projects have been completed on time, within budget and with minimal delay or disruption. Full operational details of the individual projects, including construction costs for each of the MANs, together with maps and other information, are given on my Department's website www.dcmnr.ie. Thirteen MANs are now in a position to offer interim access and full details of these are also on the website.
Government funding has been secured until 2007 for a range of broadband roll-out projects. In December last I announced the next phase of the broadband action plan, which includes the roll-out of broadband to more than 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and over and the group broadband scheme for smaller towns and rural communities. Design details for the town MANs are currently being worked on, and work will commence on 41 of these in the autumn. The Management Services Entity, MSE, is the independent body that will manage, market and maintain the MANs. Earlier today I announced the award of the MSE contract to eNet. Details of eNet's product offerings and costs of access will be posted on eNet's website in the coming days.
42 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has received representations from the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation with regard to the management of wild salmon stocks here and our continued use of off shore driftnetting of wild salmon stocks; and if any organisations have made offers to his Department to share the cost of any buy-out scheme for driftnetting licences or if the Government has considered seeking outside financial assistance for such a buy-out. [19308/04]
As I previously advised the House in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 31 March 2004, my Department has received a number of items of correspondence from the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) in recent years. The most recent representation from NASF was received within the past week and basically reiterates the organisation's general concerns about the netting of wild salmon by Irish commercial fishermen. Neither the North Atlantic Salmon Fund nor any other organisation has made formal offers to my Department to share the cost of a buy-out scheme for driftnetting licences.
The overriding objective of the Government is to preserve the salmon resource in its own right and for the coastal and rural communities that it helps to support. The economic goals for a sustainable commercial salmon fishery based on quality and value rather than volume and the development of salmon angling as an important tourism product are both fully compatible with the primary objective.
Since publication of the salmon management task force report in 1996, my Department has introduced a range of conservation measures which have seen considerable advancements made in salmon policy and in particular the management of the drift net salmon fishery. As part of these measures, the drift net season is now confined to a two-month period in June and July on a four-day week basis. Fishing is only allowed during daylight hours and is confined to the area within the six-mile limit. My Department has also introduced the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations, which limits the total allowable commercial catch of salmon.
On the advice of the National Salmon Commission and the National Fisheries Management Executive, I set a total allowable commercial catch of 161,951 fish for the 2004 season. This represented a reduction of 20,049 fish or 11% cut on the total allowable commercial catch for 2003 -182,000 fish. This total allowable catch is consistent with the Salmon Commission's recommendation of last year that a three-year strategy should be put in place aimed at reaching the scientific advice on precautionary catch limits over the period 2003-05.
The current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice by next year holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long term sustainable fishery for both sectors.
There are serious reservations about a national buy-out as a cost efficient workable instrument. It is clear that buy-out is most attractive to those who take few salmon. It is not necessarily an effective means of achieving the shared objective of a restoration of salmon stocks. For some time now, the Government has ruled out buy-out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective.
As a result, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences but I intend to keep the matter under review and I am open to any relevant proposals in the context of the policy outlined.
45 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by staff of the Central Fisheries Board at the proposal to relocate the board to Carrick-on-Shannon; if no members of the staff have indicated a wish to relocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/04]
The proposal to relocate the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon is being pursued as part of the Government's wider decentralisation programme and as such will be undertaken in accordance with the proposals of the decentralisation implementation group's report. All public servants, including the Central Fisheries Board staff, have an opportunity to apply through the central applications facility, CAF, on a voluntary basis for the decentralised location of their choice and to rank their preferences for different locations.
Information gathered through the CAF during this first phase until 8 July 2004 will be analysed by the Civil Service Commission and passed to the decentralisation implementation group, providing it with the information required for the next phase of the implementation plan. I understand relevant information will be made available to individual Departments and agencies and staff interests, after which it will be possible to make an initial determination of the numbers of staff interested in relocating to various locations, including Carrick-on-Shannon.
I am advised that management of the Central Fisheries Board has been as proactive and supportive as possible in helping staff to consider all the options open to them recognising that the decision is ultimately a matter for each individual, having regard to his or her own circumstances and the entirely voluntary nature of the project.
46 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if an estimate has been made by his Department of the direct and indirect subsidies provided by the State to a sea vessel (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the claim by the chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, Deputy Perry, that these subsidies may have been worth up to €100 million; his views on this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19220/04]
No grant aid from the State or the European Union was paid towards the vessel referred to by the Deputy. The refrigerated sea water, RSW, segment of the Irish fleet, in which the vessel concerned is licensed and registered, has been excluded from grant aid support for renewal and modernisation for many years. I am not aware that the company concerned has received any assistance that could be described as an indirect subsidy.
By way of background, the European Commission's agreement to facilitate the introduction into the fleet of the vessel referred to was subject to resolution of outstanding over-capacity engine power in the Irish pelagic fleet segment. To address this long-standing problem, which was not caused by the company concerned, the company removed its other vessel from the Irish and EU registers and its engine power capacity was permanently deleted. The tonnage capacity of the pelagic segment was already within the EU capacity limit and, in the circumstances, the company was allowed to retain the tonnage capacity of the vessel removed from the Irish fleet. The use of this capacity is, however, subject to advance approval and must not conflict with legal or fleet policy obligations.
Sea fishing boat licensing policy permits the use of a maximum of 4,474 gross tonnes of the capacity formerly associated with the vessel removed from the fleet, subject to approval. I understand the Independent Licensing Authority has to date approved the assignment of specified quantities of that capacity to other vessel owners in the pelagic segment of the fleet for use as replacement capacity for the purpose of licensing of larger replacement vessels.
47 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the RTE charter recently published by him; the way in which it is intended to monitor compliance with the charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/04]
The purpose of the charter is to provide an understanding to the people of Ireland of what is expected of RTE in return for the significant public funds provided to RTE from the proceeds of the television licence fee. Broadcasting legislation requires RTE's radio and television services to have the character of a public service, to be offered free to air and to be universally available, where practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland.
Building on RTE's statutory remit, the charter is a statement of principles which clarifies what is expected of RTE as the national public service broadcaster, including RTE's accountability to its audience. The main guiding principles of the charter deal with RTE's public service remit, regional emphasis, children, Irish language programming, social inclusion, physical, sensory and intellectual disability and gender. In addition, RTE has made commitments in respect of the provision of services and accountability.
I will keep the charter under review so that it continues to reflect change in the nature of society and changes in the broadcasting environment. A formal review of the charter will be carried out in five years. The full text of the charter is available on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in both English and Irish.
49 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the planned new harbour development in Baltimore Harbour, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19301/04]
Officials from my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are considering the modalities for the transfer of Baltimore Harbour and certain other harbours operating under the Harbours Act 1946 to local authority ownership. I expect this work will take a number of months to come to fruition since it involves, inter alia, the undertaking of an audit of the assets and liabilities of the harbours to be transferred. As part of that audit process, plans for the further development of the harbours and the funding of such development will be taken into account. In the meantime, engineers from my Department are visiting the regional harbours, including Baltimore Harbour, to identify works which might be undertaken to protect the public and the fabric of the harbours with the limited resources available to my Department in 2004.
51 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information available to him regarding the industrial relations situation in the ESB and the threat of industrial action that may lead to electricity blackouts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19196/04]
The industrial relations situation in the ESB is a matter to be dealt with in accordance with the established industrial relations procedures within the company and is not one in which I have a function. As the Deputy will be aware, a ballot was undertaken by the ESB group of unions in May 2004, which provided a mandate for industrial action in circumstances where the company proposes or proceeds with structural or organisational change which impacts on staff without prior agreement. On foot of this mandate, the group of unions held a meeting yesterday to consider its position in the light of developments on a range of industrial relations issues. While no decision was taken at that meeting, a further meeting of the group of unions is scheduled for next Friday, 2 July 2004.
In a related development, the ESB Officers Association, ESBOA, served notice of industrial action on the company last Friday, 25 June 2004. This will take effect on 12 July 2004 and the union has indicated there will be a withdrawal of labour on that date. I view all of these developments with great concern and expect that the ESB management and unions will use all the industrial relations mechanisms available to them to ensure the situation does not escalate. In the meantime, I have asked my officials to keep me fully briefed on the situation as it develops.
52 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role his Department has with regard to the introduction of competition in the electricity generation market here; if the Government has reached an agreement with the board of the ESB and the relevant trade unions such that the company will be able to retain a certain percentage of power generation within the market here; the effect which the electricity market liberalisation directive, due for transposition in July 2004, will have on such an agreement; if reports have been carried out in regard to this matter; and if so, if he will make them available to the relevant opposition spokespersons. [18124/04]
The February 2000 tripartite agreement between the Government, the ESB and the ESB group of unions recognised that the issue of the ESB's dominance in the electricity market must be addressed by willingly facilitating real and substantive competition. Against this backdrop, the ESB has publicly stated on several occasions that it is committed to reducing its share of the generation market to 60% by 2005.
By virtue of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000, a new regulatory regime, under the oversight of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has been established in Ireland, designed to facilitate and stimulate properly regulated and fair competition. These two legal instruments implement EU electricity directive 96/92/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity.
The Electricity Regulation Act 1999 provided for the introduction of limited competition in the electricity market and for the establishment of the CER. Under the Act, any party can apply to the CER for the necessary authorisations to build new plan, a licence to generate and-or a licence to supply. The first phase of liberalisation was introduced with effect from 19 February 2000, in accordance with EU requirements. Ireland exceeded those requirements by opening 31% of the market, whereby 400 or more of the largest electricity customers were enabled to choose their supplier. All customers also became free to purchase electricity from any green or combined heat and power, CHP, licensed supplier from February 2000 and April 2001 respectively.
Further market opening took place on 19 February 2002 when 40% of the electricity market, representing 1,600 business customers, became free to shop around for keener prices in the competitive market. The latest market opening on 19 February last extended this from 40% to 56%. All large and many small and medium-sized businesses are eligible to buy their electricity from suppliers licensed by the CER. The full liberalisation of the electricity market on 19 February 2005 is provided for in the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Eligible Customer) (Consumption of Electricity) Order 2003. Every single customer will then be eligible to source their electricity from any licensed supplier and the entire market becomes contestable. This date is well in advance on the July 2007 deadline for full liberalisation set down in the recently adopted EU electricity directive 2003/54/EC. This Directive makes no provision on power generation retention within the market here.
53 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the serious public concern at the implications of the proposed sale of Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours; if his Department has made an assessment of the implications of the sale for marine policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19212/04]
I am aware of the concerns expressed regarding the decision by Dublin Port Company to place Balbriggan Harbour and Skerries Harbour on the open market to be sold by public tender. I am informed by Dublin Port Company that it has decided to offer the two harbours for sale because they constitute a burden on the users of Dublin Port as the company derives no revenue whatsoever from them. My Department has confirmed that the decision of the company to offer the harbours for sale is not incompatible with its commercial remit under the Harbours Act 1996. The two harbours are non-core assets of the company, the principal object of which is to provide facilities and services for ships, goods and passengers.
It is the long-standing policy of my Department that these harbours should be transferred to local control. The Harbours Act 1996 provides for the transfer of the two harbours to Fingal County Council. However, the order to commence the relevant provision of the Act has never been made. The principal reason the transfer has not taken place is that Fingal County Council states it is not in a position to agree to the transfer in the absence of a commitment to Exchequer funding of €10 million for remedial and maintenance works on the harbours.
As the deadline for the conclusion of the tender process by Dublin Port Company approaches, my Department is facilitating discussions involving public representatives, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Fingal County Council and Dublin Port Company. The focus of these discussions is on exploring whether there exists an alternative approach to the sale of the two harbours on the open market.
55 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the information available to him on the pilot survey carried out by An Post on the possible use of roadside post boxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19201/04]
Following the decision of the Commission for Communications Regulation last year that postal customers cannot be forced to accept roadside letter boxes, An Post ran a pilot programme in the Sligo mail area from October 2003 to January 2004 to assess the extent to which households would accept roadside delivery boxes on a voluntary basis.
The company undertook a comprehensive programme of engagement with customers informing them of the pilot scheme and to encourage their participation on a purely voluntary basis. Despite this extensive programme, take-up was very low, with only 32% of the targeted customers, those with letterboxes more than 10 metres from the public road, volunteering to take a delivery box. Delivery costs are one of the biggest operational costs to An Post and it was anticipated that the introduction of roadside delivery could significantly reduce these costs.
However, on the basis of the results of the pilot, the financial analysis indicates that the cost of installing the boxes would exceed the savings generated. Accordingly, I understand that the board of An Post decided that the roadside boxes will not be installed in the pilot area and the customers who volunteered were informed of this decision. The company is currently considering the implications of the results for its programme of reducing delivery costs nationally.
56 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to his plans to reduce roaming charges for mobile phone users in Border areas whose phones may stray on to UK networks; if his attention has been drawn to ComReg’s response to his recent policy directive on the issue that it can only be dealt with on a pan-European basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19203/04]
I am aware of ComReg's work on the issue of international roaming and acknowledge their efforts and that of some operators in addressing this issue to date, but it is not simply a matter of mobile operators introducing all-Ireland tariffs, although this in itself is welcome. The level of such tariffs and the terms and conditions attached also need to be examined in order to ensure that consumers are getting a fair deal and value for money.
The regulation of call roaming charges comes under ComReg's jurisdiction, but as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have responsibility for overall telecommunications policy. Moreover, as a Minister from a Border county, I am aware of the effect of high mobile call roaming charges on local people and local businesses and have expressed my dissatisfaction at the level of call roaming charges being applied by mobile operators in this State many times.
One appropriate mechanism for advancing this issue is the European one, and in this connection I am aware that ComReg participate within the Independent Regulators Group, IRG, and the European Regulators Group, ERG, with a view to agreeing a co-ordinated action plan on a market review for international roaming.
In addition I understand that the issue of inadvertent roaming when mobile users near the Border inadvertently cross on to another network, without actually crossing any border, has been discussed at a number of Ireland-UK bilateral meetings and that ComReg will continue to work with Ofcom on seeking further progress on this issue. ComReg has a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with the NI regulator, Ofcom, on cross-Border co-ordination of GSM and 3G frequencies and there is also a MoU in place between Irish and UK operators aimed at improving co-operation in the Border region. Minimising cross border roaming costs on the island of Ireland would be beneficial for all Irish mobile phone users, particularly those who live close to the border and I welcome the continuous work being done by ComReg in this area.
I have asked ComReg to report to me quarterly on the implementation of each of the policy directions I issued to it in March, including the one on national and cross border roaming, and I look forward to progress on this issue.
57 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that sufficient policing capacity on the water is available to enforce water safety legislation around our coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19297/04]
I recently signed into law new water safety regulations aimed at Ireland's growing marine leisure sector as part my campaign to continuously improve safety on water. The new regulations which are titled the Merchant Shipping (Pleasure Craft) Lifejackets and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2004, have immediate effect. They encompass all types of pleasure craft regardless of the means of propulsion.
It is now compulsory for everyone on board a pleasure craft of less than 7 m, 23 ft, in length to wear a lifejacket-personal floatation device and for all children up to the age of 16 years to wear a lifejacket while on board a pleasure craft.
On the enforcement of water safety legislation around our coastline, the Coastguard, officers of the Maritime Safety Directorate, the Garda and the public all have a major role to play.
To assist in this process two Coastguard vessels were deployed at Howth and Crosshaven as major boating activity areas in the country. Other vessels will be deployed on a random basis around the coastline during the coming months to promote safety awareness including the wearing of lifejackets.
The regulations have been widely welcomed and monitoring to date has shown a high level of compliance. However, I will look to expanding the policing capacity on water if there are significant levels of non-compliance. The public has a key role to play by taking personal responsibility for their own safety through wearing lifejackets and taking other sensible safety precautions when undertaking their water based leisure activities. Parents too have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that children wear lifejackets at all times.
As part of its ongoing programme of enforcement of safety rules and vessel licensing conditions, the Maritime Safety Directorate will continue to carry out a campaign of operational safety inspections on passenger ships and boats this summer. These inspections, including unannounced checks, will be undertaken around the country in relation to vessels at sea and on inland waters to determine compliance with licensing requirements. Licence conditions relating to manning levels, maximum passenger numbers allowed, the continued availability of safety equipment are among the issues which the inspectors will focus on.
58 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has investigated reports of illegal mussel dredging in the oyster beds of Lough Swilly; if this dredging is harming those oyster beds; if action has been taken on the promise made in 2001 to appropriately amend the granting of mussel licences in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19009/04]
Following the granting of two aquaculture licences for the bottom cultivation of mussels in Lough Swilly, local oyster fishermen claimed that parts of the areas licensed overlapped with wild oyster beds in the lough. In light of these complaints, the cross-Border aquaculture initiative, cbait, was asked to carry out a survey of the lough. The objective of the survey was to determine the location and extent of the oyster beds and to ascertain if there was any overlap between those areas and the sites licensed for mussel cultivation.
The results of the survey indicated that there was a minor degree of overlap. Following consultation with the persons to whom the aquaculture licences had been granted, it was agreed that they would surrender the parts of their areas that had been found to contain oysters. Arrangements were made to have the mussel seed removed from the areas concerned, and any oysters retrieved during this process were relaid. Since then, the oyster fishermen have applied for an aquaculture licence in respect of oyster beds in the lough. This application is being considered by my Department. I am advised that there is no evidence of any dredging activity which would be harmful to the oyster beds.
59 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of the proposed digital hub in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19290/04]
The digital hub, which is the Government's flagship project in the digital content sector, intends to provide a high quality environment for Irish and international new media companies, research and development and educational-community initiatives in the Liberties-Coombe area of Dublin. The digital content industry has been identified by our development agencies as a high growth, value added industry where this country already exhibits significant strengths. A substantial amount of progress, which I will outline, has been made in realising the aims of the project.
The Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003 was enacted in July of last year. The legislation has placed the Digital Hub Development Agency on a statutory footing. Property purchase amounting to €75 million has been completed. The digital hub is currently engaged in negotiations to select a preferred developer for the refurbishment of the properties. Three consortia were short listed for the development contract. The digital hub is at present evaluating the final bids received in May. It is envisaged that the evaluation committee will present its analysis to the board on 30 June before delivering a recommendation for my consideration. It is planned that when completed, the project will deliver 500,000 sq. ft. of enterprise, learning and educational, residential and retail space. The refurbishment of the print depot which has been progressed as a joint venture between the Digital Hub Development Agency, Enterprise Ireland and Dublin City Council is complete. Over 30 digital media companies have located in the hub, with continued growth forecast for 2004. Construction of a 3 km. high speed, fibre broadband network in the hub at a cost of €2.29 million is complete and the facility to offer high quality competitively priced telecommunications services to firms locating in the hub is now available.
The Liberties learning initiative is an education-community based programme, which uses technology to tackle social and educational disadvantage within the city centre. Supported by €1.3 million funding from Diageo Ireland, the programme is delivering a range of learning and showcasing projects focused on the creative use of digital media and reflects the national priorities of building a knowledge-based society and addressing the digital divide.
The schools programme of the Liberties learning initiative seeks to develop a range of programmes in 16 local primary and second level schools aimed at addressing the digital divide. These include providing information and communication technology, ICT, equipment and technical support to local schools providing professional training to teachers so they are fully informed about the education benefits of ICT and advising and informing the schools of employment opportunities in the digital sector. The schools programme aims to equip local children with the skills needed to live in a digital age, and to work in the digital media industry, which will be located on their doorstep.
The Liberties learning studio was opened in December 2002 and provides a flexible multipurpose space, which can be used for a range of learning activities including community, enterprise and showcasing events. The facility is being used for many purposes including the following: teacher training; digital community tutor training; awards ceremonies for local groups; exhibit launches; talk digital; digital media talks; and community events.
60 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU is proposing spending €10 million of EU funds for purposes such as improving digital literacy and upgrading the digital infrastructure over the 2000-06 period; his views on whether more funds should be invested in this area; and his further views on the gaps in digital literacy in the State. [19278/04]
Digital literacy programmes in Ireland are the primary responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science. However, my Department, together with the Department of Education and Science, is co-operating on an innovative and radical public private partnership venture under which it is proposed to transform the information and communications technology serving all Irish primary and post primary schools.
Earlier this year the Minister for Education and Science and I reached agreement with IBEC for the establishment of a three year, €18 million joint Government-telecommunications industry fund to resource the provision of high speed broadband connectivity to all first and second level schools nationwide. The case for such provision is compelling, particularly with regard to improving and ensuring the quality of the education experience; access to global information sources; the possibilities of communication and collaboration between school communities, at home and abroad; a seamless transition from second to third level education; the skills required for competitiveness of the economy; and the inclusion of geographically remote schools.
The conclusion and implementation of such an agreement will enhance Ireland's ability to meet its Lisbon Agenda objectives, and will drive demand and deployment of broadband technologies and ICTs within the wider community.
Under the proposed agreement, private telecommunications companies will contribute €15 million, that is, €5 million per annum, to a joint Government-IBEC-TIF fund of €18 million. This fund will be used to provide broadband connectivity to all schools over a three year period. The Government contribution of €3 million will be funded from departmental allocations.
A prior information notice has been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, which effectively initiates the public tendering process. The target is to award contract(s) to successful bidders in November 2004 and to complete roll out by September 2005.
The strategy will include the development of a centrally managed national schools broadband network. This network will link the broadband connectivity provided to all schools to a central point. The development of the network is a key recommendation of the Datanet International report commissioned by the Department of Education and Science and is the practice in a number of European countries. This approach offers a number of distinct advantages including central provision of content filtering, virus scanning, firewall and intrusion detection services for all schools allowing for significant cost economies and enhanced security; centralised network utilisation monitoring for rapid fault rectification and increases in schools bandwidth as required; facilitating schools in communicating with each other directly — in effect, using the schools network as a virtual private network; allowing for the provision of webmail accounts for all schools, teachers and pupils in the State; central hosting and delivery of curriculum-related digital content and applications; and allowing for onward connectivity to education networks in the US, Europe Asia and the rest of the world.
The Minister for Education and Science also intends to establish a national help desk facility that will provide advice and support to schools on connectivity, troubleshooting and other technical issues facing schools operating ever more complex ICT processes. This will seek to ensure that such issues do not become impediments to effective integration of ICT in schools.
By facilitating multi-user access to a wide range of multimedia applications through the Internet, much faster download of educational content and enhanced communications between school communities, the provision of broadband to the classroom will greatly enhance the potential of ICT in teaching and learning in schools. It is critical, however, that this resource is used effectively for the benefit of the learner. This will require a coherent integrated strategy across a range of issues including equipment provision and maintenance in schools, technical support and advice, enhancement of teacher skills and best practice in ICT applications, curriculum development, access to quality digital content for learning and fostering an e-learning culture within schools.
The Minister for Education and Science is considering proposals for a new strategic action plan for ICT integration in schools that will address these issues and build on developments to date. He intends to announce his plans in this regard in the near future.
61 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding an investigation into the aquaculture industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19291/04]
A comprehensive review of the procedures for monitoring, control and enforcement in respect of aquaculture has been undertaken in my Department. The work involved is substantially completed and will be finalised as soon as possible. The review has considered, in particular, whether the extensive programme of monitoring and inspection currently in place for fish farms needs to be refined or reinforced. If changes are required to legislation, procedures or practices on foot of the review, the necessary action will be taken as a priority.
63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the value of fish catches by Irish fishing vessels and others in each of the past five years; the extent to which the value is likely to fluctuate in the future with due regard to likely conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19271/04]
The value of landings by all Irish fishing vessels for the last five years for which statistics are available are as follows: 1998 —€192.3 million; 1999 —€189.5 million; 2000 —€189.0 million; 2001 —€253.6 million; and 2002 —€209.9 million. It is difficult to make forecasts as to the extent to which this value is likely to fluctuate in the future as it is dependent not only on volume of catches, but also on market conditions. At European level, I am working with the Commission and my European partners to secure the ongoing viability of stocks through measures such as the environmentally-friendly fishing initiative, effective control across all member states, and targeted stock recovery plans. At national level, my Department will continue to work with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the fisheries development agency, to further the development of the sector.
65 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he received responses from each coastal local authority to his request in July 2002 for their proposals for coastal protection work for the period 2003-06; the budget which has been allocated to such works; and the role his Department is taking in organising coastal protection in view of the concerns about climate change, rising sea levels and Dublin City Council alone estimates they may need €150 million for coastal defence work. [19305/04]
In July 2002 my Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals for coastal protection works for the period 2003-2006. In all, 195 proposals with an estimated total cost of over €120 million were submitted from all of the coastal local authorities.
Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 €52.01 million is identified. Expenditure under this measure in 2003 was €2.9 million and an allocation of €780,000 for the coastal protection programme has been made available to my Department for this year. Given the nature and importance of this issue going forward, I decided that we need to develop a more strategic approach to the whole issue of coastal protection. To inform that approach, I have allocated a half a million euros to a major coastal protection strategy study. The study will address the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seek to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. It is expected that when this study is completed a more targeted approach to programme delivery will result and will enable a greater level of efficiency in responding to coastal erosion change around the country.
66 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of exploration activity due to be carried out in Irish territorial waters this summer; and the reporting requirement that our licence operators required to the Government with regard to their work programme and discoveries. [19311/04]
The level of exploration activity is directly related to the number of authorisations issued. At present both licences and activity are at a relatively low level. This summer one exploration well and one seismic survey will be completed. The exploration well will be drilled in the Celtic Sea by Providence Resources plc under its Licensing Option 03/1. The seismic survey was undertaken by ENI in the Porcupine Basin under its Exploration Licence 1/99 and was completed on 16 June.
Under the terms of their authorisations, operators are obliged to give my Department a copy of all original data as it is acquired, and usually in electronic form. The operators are also obliged to make presentations on the data giving their interpretations and analyses of it to specialists in my Department, who analyse the data independently. In addition operators are obliged to submit six-monthly reports giving outline details of exploration activity both undertaken in the previous six-month period and to be carried out in the six-month period ahead.
67 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the safer Internet plan agreed by communications Ministers at their recent meeting, designed to combat child pornography on the net; the way in which the plan will operate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19207/04]
The safer Internet plus programme 2005-08 is the second of two European Union programmes to promote safer use of the Internet and new on-line technologies, particularly for children, and to fight against illegal content and content unwanted by the end user.
The first action plan covered a four year period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002. It had a budget of €25 million. That programme set up a European network of hotlines for reporting of illegal material, particularly child pornography, encouraged self-regulation and codes of conduct for the Internet industry, supported development of filtering and rating systems and stimulated awareness actions.
The new programme, which will have a budget of €45 million, was agreed by telecommunications Ministers at a Council chaired by me earlier this month. It will continue to promote safer use of the Internet and new on-line technologies particularly for children, and pursue the fight against illegal, harmful or unwanted content, building on the experience from the initial safer Internet programme.
However, the scope will be broadened to include new media, and new issues such as spam. The scope of the programme will expand to include accession countries, with action directed primarily at the end users, parents, educators and children.
The plan is administered by the European Commission's Information Society Directorate General. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for the implementation of the plan in Ireland.
68 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to take action to promote the use of wood biomass as an energy fuel source for power and heat generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19302/04]
In December 2003 my Department, in association with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, set up a bioenergy strategy group, BSG. The primary objective of the group is to consider the policy options and support mechanisms available to Government to stimulate increased use of biomass for energy conversion, and to make specific recommendations for action to increase the penetration of biomass energy in Ireland.
Biomass can be subdivided into waste categories and purpose grown energy crops including short rotation forestry and miscanthus grass. The use of biomass as fuel for generation of both electricity and heat are within the remit of the BSG.
Input to the group is from a wide range of interested parties, including those in the wood processing industry, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture and Food. The BSG will produce a strategy report for publication. It will contain a road map for the development of biomass energy with the identification of staged, achievable targets and recommendations for future action.
It is expected that this report will be available at the end of this year and will link in with the Department's renewables consultation process and newly formed renewables development group.
Ireland has an excellent growing climate and an ongoing supply of raw material for wood fuel. Wood residues are already being used to produce heat for sawmills across the country and the wood energy market is poised for growth, with a number of commercial start-ups and a supply chain emerging.
Wood residues can be broken down into four categories: pulpwood residues, sawmill residues, forest residues and recycled wood. Responsibility for commercial development would be a day-to-day decision for the commercial companies involved.
69 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the progress which has been made by RTE since the licence fee increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19279/04]
The television licence fee was increased by €2 from 1 January 2004 which brought the annual cost of a licence to €152. I approved the increase in the television licence fee so as to ensure that RTE would be in position to continue to deliver the quality of service it is mandated to and which the people of Ireland deserve and expect.
RTE has published its annual statements of commitments for 2004. This document taken together with RTE's change management commitments for 2004 will be key inputs when RTE's performance in 2004 is being evaluated for the purpose of the annual licence fee adjustment. RTE's annual report has been published and highlights a significant improvement in RTE's financial position in 2003, especially in light of significant deficits in 2001 and 2002. RTE's financial position shows a surplus of €2.3 million for 2003 compared to deficits of €46 million in 2001 and €22 million in 2002.
70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ireland’s international ranking in the telecommunications industry; when he expects this country to re-establish itself at the leading edge of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19272/04]
A range of indicators can be used to measure the position and rate of progress of a country's international rating in the telecommunications sector. No single measurement gives a comprehensive picture. The Deputy will be aware that Ireland is a leader in certain aspects of telecommunications development and lags in others.
He should also be aware of the fact that the rate of growth in key areas such as broadband penetration is one of the highest in the world. The Irish telecoms sector is highly rated in terms of international capacity and mobile penetration. The broad aim of Government policy is to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector generally. The development of the ICT in education programme is an important initiative in this regard.
73 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that Moneypoint power station will remain fuelled by coal into the future as part of the overall energy fuel mix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19299/04]
As a result of our peripheral location at the end of the European energy supply chain with few indigenous energy sources, the issue of maintaining a balanced fuel mix in electricity generation is of major importance to Ireland. It has been estimated that if Moneypoint's 915 MW of coal-fired capacity was replaced by the same amount of gas-fired plant, Ireland would be over 80% reliant on natural gas for its electricity generation needs by 2010. This could have very serious consequences for our national competitiveness in the event of a major spike in the price of gas or a crisis in global gas supply. That said, it is also important to ensure that our national electricity generating stock is as operationally and economically efficient as possible and does not add unduly to the cost of electricity to industry and the ordinary consumer.
The ESB has now finalised its proposals in regard to the future operation of the Moneypoint plant. These proposals, which envisage the plant continuing to operate as a coal-fired generating station, have been developed in the light of obligations under the EU large combustion plants and national emission ceiling directives. The proposals were formally submitted by the company to my Department on Friday last, 25 June 2004, for the necessary ministerial approval and they are now being examined in detail in that context.
74 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the restructuring of An Post; the further position regarding financial recovery; the number of times he has met with An Post in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19294/04]
I have met with An Post on 29 January, 4 February and on a number of occasions during the industrial relations difficulties in March. In addition, my officials meet regularly with An Post management and they brief me on general developments in the company.
Deputies will be aware of the precarious financial situation that I outlined in some detail to the House on 23 March in which An Post finds itself. On top of losses in 2001, the company is set to lose approximately €60 million between 2002 and 2003 and is forecast to be loss making in 2004.
Losses on this scale and of this duration are simply unsustainable. It is neither in the interests of the company, nor its employees or customers that the situation remains unchecked. If the company is to return to profitability, the company needs to be restructured. If this is to be a success, it is crucial that all stakeholders play a constructive part in this process.
The current IR issues in An Post have been simmering for some time. The problems in An Post are longstanding and deep seated and it is clear that the solution to the current issues must put the company on a long term sustainable financial and operational footing. The full scale of the financial problems facing An Post, became clear to myself and my Department during the second half of 2002 and to the then management of An Post sometime later.
It is important that all stakeholders fully recognise the seriousness of the financial position and the threat this represents to the future of the company. Once the scale of the financial difficulties became clear last summer a recovery strategy was approved by the board and presented to me.
The strategy sets out a roadmap to return An Post to profitability by 2005. It includes significant restructuring and job losses amounting to approximately 1,500. However, buy in from the unions is crucial to agreement and implementation. This has not been an easy process, change is not easy. Following the industrial dispute last March, the Labour Relations Commission put forward a framework to resolve the differences between management and unions.
Both parties are currently in talks under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Although these discussions were due to finish in May, it was agreed by all parties to extend the process given the progress, albeit slow, that was being made. The talks are continuing and while some progress has been made, substantial issues remain to be resolved.
It is in all our interests that An Post continues to be a strong player in the Irish postal market and continues to provide quality services to customers and sustainable employment for staff. The recovery strategy approved by the board of An Post sets out the basis on which the company, in partnership with the trade unions, can move forward. While my Department is more than willing to assist in any way possible to facilitate an agreement, the responsibility for agreeing and implementing the plan rests primarily with the board, the management and unions in An Post.
75 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that An Post is set to apply to ComReg for a 14.5% increase in the price of a stamp in an attempt to cut crippling losses at the company; when he expects that ComReg will make a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19209/04]
I understand that An Post has applied for a price increase to the Commission for Communications Regulation. Under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002, ComReg is the designated independent body responsible for pricing policy in the postal sector with regard to the universal service segment of the postal market. I have no function in any consideration of this matter nor on the timing of any decision by ComReg.
However, I have made it clear to An Post that having secured substantial price increases in the past, the company should refocus its efforts on providing quality services to customers which is part of its universal service obligations.
77 Mr. B. Smith asked the Taoiseach when the report of Mr. Justice Barron into the Belturbet bombing will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19031/04]
78 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he has acknowledged receipt of the letter before action which was sent on behalf of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19033/04]
81 Mr. Ferris asked the Taoiseach if he has acknowledged the receipt of a letter before action; and in light of the gravity of the situation facing the Government, would it not be appropriate to read the contents into the official record of Dáil Éireann. [19056/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 81 together.
I received the report on the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973 today. Mr. Justice Barron's consideration of a number of other events, including the Belturbet bombing will be annexed to the report and I expect to receive those annexes before the end of the week. Following necessary consideration by relevant Departments and the Attorney General, the report will be considered by the Government. It would be the intention that the report would be considered by the Oireachtas and published.
The letter before action was acknowledged on 18 June and the matter is under consideration. A response will issue shortly.
79 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of posts decentralised in the Central Statistics Office move to Cork; the number of posts filled on promotion and by staff maintaining their current grade in each case; the number that were already serving staff and the number in each case that were transferred from other Departments or semi-State organisations of the total number who decentralised; the period of time which elapsed between the initial announcement of the decentralisation plans and the date on which the decentralisation was completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19034/04]
83 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19094/04]
84 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19109/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 83 and 84 together.
A total of 383 posts were decentralised to Cork by the Central Statistics Office in 1994. Of these, 158 staff transferred in their existing grade, 59 from the CSO and 99 from other Departments. A total of 116 staff were transferred on promotion and 109 were recruited to the Civil Service. The decentralisation was announced in June 1991 and the subsequent move to Cork took place in two phases in January 1994, when about 300 staff moved to the Cork office. The remaining staff were appointed during the course of 1994.
The CSO began putting the professional management structure in place from February 1993 with the recruitment and training of statisticians. This early recruitment allowed for on the job training and overlap in Dublin before moving to Cork. Detailed manuals were prepared describing the work procedures, statistical processes and computer systems in all sections of the office and job descriptions were prepared for all posts from staff officer level upwards. The intake of volunteers from other Departments began in summer 1993. Training of new staff was mainly on the job and was conducted by serving staff and line management, with some courses also provided by the CSO training unit and the Civil Service training centre.
Details of salary costs, overtime and travel and subsistence for the CSO for the years 1991 to 1997, as published in the appropriation accounts, are set out in the following table. A comparable breakdown is not available in respect of activities which transferred to Cork. These figures include a number of large scale periodic activities such as the population and agricultural censuses in 1991, the household budget survey in 1994 and the census of population in 1996.
|
Year |
Salaries |
of which: overtime |
Travel & subsistence |
of which: home travel |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
1991 |
8.717 |
0.244 |
0.429 |
n.a.* |
|
1992 |
10.865 |
0.227 |
0.310 |
n.a. |
|
1993 |
11.160 |
0.226 |
0.364 |
n.a. |
|
1994 |
11.392 |
0.300 |
0.578 |
0.321 |
|
1995 |
11.306 |
0.301 |
0.519 |
0.350 |
|
1996 |
14.227 |
0.255 |
0.484 |
0.297 |
|
1997 |
15.580 |
0.366 |
0.565 |
0.376 |
*n.a. Details not available.
80 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the progress that has been made by his Department to date in implementing the recommendations of the Accenture report, Delivering a World Class Payments Environment, which was published in June 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19035/04]
Following publication of the Information Society Commission report, prepared by Accenture and entitled, Delivering a World Class Payments Environment, in June 2003, the e-strategy group of Secretaries General met to consider the commission's report and agreed to prioritise a response. The e-strategy group established an ad hoc group of senior officials from key Departments to consider the issues involved in greater detail, to shape an appropriate response and to bring forward proposals for the consideration of the Cabinet committee on the information society. This includes examining the feasibility of setting a target date by which all payments to and from public sector organisations would be capable of being supported electronically. It also involves putting in place a process of dialogue and consultation with the key public and private sector stakeholders to agree a shared way forward.
Subsequent to a general council agreement in July 2003, all new entrants to the Civil Service who take up their positions on or after 1 October 2003 are paid by electronic fund transfer or EFT. It was also agreed that there should be a drive to increase substantially the proportion of existing staff paid in this way. It is intended that a memo will shortly be brought to Cabinet outlining the issues involved in moving to e-payments.
82 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19079/04]
There are no proposals to decentralise any section of my Department or any of the bodies or agencies operating under its aegis. Having regard to this, it would be unnecessary to conduct either a risk analysis or cost benefit analysis in respect of decentralisation.
85 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the volume and value by commodity of dairy exports for each of the past five years. [18846/04]
The data requested by the Deputy is presented in the following tables. Table 1 shows the value of dairy exports identified by main commodity type while Table 2 shows the corresponding volumes for these goods. 2003 is the latest complete year for which data are available.
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Dairy exports by value |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
€(000) |
|
Butter |
361,510 |
356,408 |
329,374 |
319,143 |
351,320 |
|
Cheese |
273,424 |
294,915 |
388,808 |
355,994 |
296,098 |
|
of which: unprocessed cheese (i.e. Cheddar, Brie, Edam etc.) |
221,379 |
242,885 |
333,638 |
296,491 |
236,842 |
|
Processed cheese, not grated or powdered |
31,334 |
31,788 |
28,775 |
25,494 |
24,558 |
|
Fresh cheese including whey cheese, and curd |
11,421 |
10,269 |
16,745 |
24,506 |
22,571 |
|
Grated or powdered cheese |
9,219 |
9,964 |
9,524 |
9,478 |
12,030 |
|
Milk and cream |
291,983 |
400,376 |
247,323 |
176,044 |
207,026 |
|
of which: milk in solid form, with less than 1.5% fat content |
154,619 |
247,881 |
107,076 |
63,204 |
85,740 |
|
Milk and cream, in solid form, with fat content exceeding 1.5% |
91,257 |
107,450 |
101,566 |
77,237 |
89,323 |
|
Milk and cream, of a fat content of 1% to 6% |
34,404 |
34,783 |
28,262 |
26,168 |
17,185 |
|
Cream of a fat content exceeding 6% |
7,287 |
5,132 |
6,954 |
4,996 |
4,710 |
|
Milk of a fat content not exceeding 1% |
4,247 |
4,975 |
3,372 |
4,328 |
9,991 |
|
Whey |
40,572 |
49,225 |
58,234 |
49,638 |
45,926 |
|
Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir, etc. |
21,343 |
28,152 |
26,906 |
20,784 |
19,535 |
|
Ice cream and other edible ice |
11,914 |
19,882 |
13,270 |
11,672 |
11,496 |
|
Yoghurt |
3,694 |
6,607 |
11,648 |
10,251 |
14,915 |
|
Other products of natural milk constituents |
3,069 |
4,344 |
2,756 |
4,191 |
3,723 |
|
Birds’ eggs |
482 |
691 |
2,595 |
4,415 |
3,880 |
|
Overall total |
1,007,991 |
1,160,600 |
1,080,914 |
952,132 |
953,919 |
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Dairy exports by volume |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Butter |
126,114 |
120,997 |
113,701 |
104,199 |
124,846 |
|
Cheese |
86,651 |
90,588 |
116,543 |
114,629 |
99,017 |
|
of which: unprocessed cheese (i.e. Cheddar, Brie, Edam etc.) |
69,848 |
74,397 |
97,484 |
92,354 |
78,465 |
|
Processed cheese, not grated or powdered |
9,443 |
9,037 |
8,489 |
7,735 |
7,679 |
|
Fresh cheese including whey cheese, and curd |
4,974 |
4,652 |
8,080 |
12,038 |
9,837 |
|
Grated or powdered cheese |
2,370 |
2,501 |
2,465 |
2,497 |
3,023 |
|
Milk and cream |
244,163 |
290,706 |
175,335 |
157,353 |
189,208 |
|
of which: milk in solid form, with less than 1.5% fat content |
82,490 |
124,861 |
44,234 |
35,106 |
46,750 |
|
Milk and cream, in solid form, with fat content exceeding 1.5% |
46,272 |
47,865 |
39,944 |
34,093 |
44,138 |
|
Milk and cream, of a fat content of 1% to 6% |
93,210 |
94,819 |
72,679 |
63,157 |
38,455 |
|
Cream of a fat content exceeding 6% |
4,088 |
2,583 |
3,442 |
2,335 |
2,444 |
|
Milk of a fat content not exceeding 1% |
17,933 |
20,398 |
14,986 |
22,589 |
57,354 |
|
Whey |
41,355 |
50,928 |
55,474 |
45,132 |
51,234 |
|
Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir etc |
40,316 |
39,761 |
12,092 |
13,614 |
14,107 |
|
Ice cream and other edible ice |
7,421 |
11,135 |
7,322 |
6,471 |
7,183 |
|
Yoghurt |
1,754 |
3,758 |
6,501 |
5,562 |
9,690 |
|
Other products of natural milk constituents |
1,629 |
1,880 |
1,399 |
2,020 |
1,836 |
|
Birds’ eggs |
390 |
613 |
931 |
1,972 |
1,941 |
|
Overall total |
549,793 |
610,366 |
489,298 |
450,952 |
499,062 |
Note: It should be noted that, overall, approximately 3% of all trade is unclassified by commodity.
86 Mr. P. Breen asked the Taoiseach if his Department proposes, as part of the better regulation process, to prepare guidelines on consultation in like manner to the code of practice on consultation prepared earlier in 2004 by the Cabinet Office in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19175/04]
87 Mr. P. Breen asked the Taoiseach his views on whether, in all future instances involving proposed regulation or regulatory change whereby property rights are being restricted or curtailed, it will be necessary in keeping with the principles of better regulation both to consult fully all affected landowners and conduct a regulatory impact analysis with particular reference to the impact of the proposals on the stakeholders in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19176/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The Government White Paper on better regulation, "Regulating Better", sets out an action plan outlining the steps that will be taken to implement the principles of better regulation, including publication of guidelines on consultation and the piloting and introduction of regulatory impact analysis. The precise form and content of the guidelines on consultation will be a matter for the better regulation group of senior officials when it commences work in the coming weeks. I expect that it will have regard to all examples of good practice from other EU and OECD member states. I will ensure that the group is made aware of the document recommended by the Deputy.
With regard to regulatory impact analysis, RIA, it is proposed first to pilot and then mainstream a system, whereby Government Departments and offices can gain a better understanding of the likely impacts of proposed legislation. My Department has a role in developing the overall system that will be used. Beyond that, the application of RIA to specific legislative proposals is a matter for individual Departments and offices and it is one in which I have no function.
With regard to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, my Department has no plans to introduce legislation affecting the property rights of landowners. It will be a matter for the Department and office which is sponsoring the legislation to apply guidelines on consultation and on RIA in an appropriate fashion when they have been developed.
88 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which she has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects her Department. [19080/04]
My Department has recently prepared and submitted to the central implementation group, an initial implementation plan for the decentralisation of those sections/offices of the Department which have been approved by me for relocation to Carlow. The plan clearly demonstrates that risk minimisation and mitigation were a primary concern for the Department when making decisions in the context of decentralisation. In addition, many of the areas of the Department identified for relocation have recently undergone business process re-engineering exercises which will now be revisited in the context of decentralisation.
Officials of the Department are now planning to prepare an overall risk assessment framework to assess direct and indirect risks, threats to, and opportunities for the synergies between the Department and its agencies during and post decentralisation. My Department will undertake a detailed examination on the various issues which may impact on the cost of implementing the decentralisation programme in order to both quantify and, where possible, minimise the various costs involved. However, at this early stage in the decentralisation process it is important to be aware that crucial information, such as the outcome of the results of the central applications facility, will be a critical factor in the effective analysis of cost benefits in respect of the decentralisation programme and in the development of risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies.
The four agencies operating under the aegis of my Department which have also been identified for decentralisation — FÁS, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority and Enterprise Ireland — have also finalised their initial implementation plans and have indicated that they will undertake separate risk assessments within their organisations to identify potential issues with regard to their internal and external interfaces. It will also be the responsibility of the agencies to undertake any examination of the costs and benefits associated with their relocation under the decentralisation programme.
89 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by her Department. [19095/04]
To date the Patents Office is the only office in my Department that has decentralised. The Patents Office moved to Kilkenny in 1998. The total costs for salaries, overtime and travel for the three years prior to decentralisation — 1995, 1996 and 1997 — were €6,474,802. The comparable costs for the three years following decentralisation — 1998,1999 and 2000 — were €6,679,704. This represents an overall increase of 3.2%.
The average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel for this office in the two years preceding decentralisation, 1996 and 1997, were as shown in the tables. It should be noted that comparable 1994 figures are not available and, accordingly, no figure for increase in 1995 on 1994 is possible.
|
% |
|
|
Salaries |
+ 2.3 |
|
Overtime |
+ 123.2 |
|
Travel |
+ 22.6 |
The average annual changes over the subsequent three years 1998 to 2000 were as follows:
|
% |
|
|
Salaries |
— 3 |
|
Overtime |
— 3.4 |
|
Travel |
+ 45 |
90 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by her Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19110/04]
The Government decided on 14 March 1995 to relocate the Patents Office, an office of my Department, to Kilkenny. The Government decision required that the business services unit of the Department of Finance undertake a study of the Patents Office to establish the necessary management structure, business processes and information technology requirements to ensure a successful relocation to Kilkenny. The Department of Finance commenced its review in September 1995. After its completion in late 1996, my Department proceeded with arrangements in January 1997 for the move of the Patents Office to Kilkenny. The Patents Office relocated to Kilkenny on 1 September 1998, which involved the relocation of 68 posts in total.
Of the staff who transferred to Kilkenny in September 1998, 15 staff were relocated from within my Department, 43 were transferred from other Departments and four specialist staff were recruited directly to the Patents Office in Kilkenny. With regard to job and people changes required to achieve decentralisation of the Patents Office, the best estimate of the Department is that there were an average of 3.5 people changes for every job decentralised.
The training in period required for administrative staff varied across grades and was dependent on the specific duties involved, ranging typically from one month to three months. The overlapping of administrative staff also varied from a number of days to one month, the period being determined by the specific duties and grades involved. Three information technology unit staff for Kilkenny were in place one year in advance of the move. Staff vacancies and priorities elsewhere across the Department at the time also impacted on the period of staff overlap. Eight staff were designated as key trainers in advance of the move and each provided training to new staff arriving in the office from late 1997 until relocation on 1 September 1998. The period that key trainers overlapped with their direct replacements ranged from one month to three months.
The costs for overtime and travel and subsistence for the Patents Office for the period 1996 to 2002 are outlined in the following table.
|
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
|
Overtime |
16,548.81 |
58,486.56 |
104,732.19 |
48,200.25 |
31,145.14 |
26,960.97 |
24,278.28 |
|
Travel and Subsistence |
30,419.03 |
20,047.73 |
38,535.08 |
60,335.84 |
52,155.84 |
72,958.08 |
70,976.84 |
91 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the work permit renewal for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 can be expedited in view of the special circumstances. [19239/04]
I am informed that a permit in respect of the individual concerned was issued on 24 June 2004.
92 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further cuts in the jobs initiative scheme are planned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19255/04]
The average participation rate on job initiative in 2004 will be in the region of 2,100. The total funding allocation for employment schemes in 2004 has been fixed at €351 million, which is similar to the level of funding provided in 2003. This allocation will support up to 25,000 places across the three FÁS employment schemes: community employment, social economy and job initiative.
The number of places being funded is similar to the number of participants at year end 2003 and no reductions are planned on the overall participation levels on these schemes in 2004. FÁS has been given some flexibility in the management of its financial allocation for employment schemes in order to maximise progression to the labour market while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.
93 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the opportunities available for persons (details supplied) in County Donegal with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19380/04]
There are a number of interventions in place in County Donegal which would provide employment opportunities in the open labour market for people with disabilities. These interventions can be accessed through FÁS, the training and employment authority, the National Training and Development Institute — NTDI and the North Western Health Board. To this end, persons wishing to access employment should contact the local FÁS office in Letterkenny, where all options available to them will be explored and where they can receive advice on the most appropriate course of action to help them gain employment in the open labour market.
94 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of submissions she has received in the past 12 months in favour of removing the ban on below-cost selling. [19390/04]
During the past 12 months, I have received one written submission recommending the revocation for a trial period of the current prohibition on below-cost selling of grocery goods. In addition, I am aware that the chairperson of the Competition Authority, in a recent speech, has repeated an earlier recommendation that the groceries order be removed.
95 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a decline of 1.8% in the grocery market share of independent and owner managed stores here between 2003 and 2004; and her plans to address this. [19391/04]
I am not aware of the source of the data referred to in the question and, therefore, am not in a position to comment further, other than to say that fluctuations in market shares are a normal feature of competitive markets.
96 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the report, Ghost Town Britain, and if she has assessed its implications for the independent retail sector here. [19392/04]
The main implications of the report regarding policy matters falling within my Department's responsibility concern competition policy, particularly regarding predatory pricing and below-cost selling of food. These are matters for which legislative provision in this country is made in the Competition Act 2002 and the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987. I am currently reviewing the 1987 order and will take into account, in so far as may be appropriate, the conclusions and recommendations of the report concerned.
97 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects the County Clare local employment service to resume operations; if persons employed in the service up to its termination will be re-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19516/04]
Following the closure of Clare LES, FÁS, at my request, commenced a comprehensive review of the labour market needs of the Clare region in the context of the closure. The review is now complete and a report has been prepared and circulated.
The report recommends the establishment of a new service. In light of this recommendation, a meeting has taken place between FÁS regional management in the mid-west and Eirí Corca Baiscinn, an ADM funded group in County Clare, to discuss the proposed service. The board of management of Eirí Corca Baiscinn is currently preparing a submission on the service for discussion with FÁS, following which a decision will be made on the future operation of the service.
98 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs that have been created by the IDA in each of the six Border counties in each of the past seven years; if she has satisfied herself that sufficient progress has been made in this region in view of the Good Friday Agreement; if not, the ongoing problems that are hindering such progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19614/04]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment, FDI, to Ireland and its regions. The following table shows the number of jobs that have been created in IDA supported companies in each of the six Border counties for the years 1997 to 2003, inclusive. In summary, a total of 6,170 jobs have been created in IDA supported companies in the Border counties over the period from 1997 to 2003. Considerable progress has also been made in marketing the Border counties for FDI and IDA is continuing to do so at an accelerated rate for inward investment.
Since 2000, IDA has placed a major emphasis on the delivery of investment to the Border, midlands and west, BMW, region. It is hoped that, through the greatly enhanced infrastructure resulting from the implementation of the national development plan and the focus on the gateway and hub towns designated under the national spatial strategy, considerable investment can be secured for the region over the next few years. IDA has also contributed to, and greatly supports the Border regional authority's plan. This plan is geared towards the creation of a critical mass of industries in the region and to addressing the infrastructural and educational disadvantages of the region to enable it to compete on an equal footing with other regions. This process has been assisted by the fact that conditions for industrial development in the Border counties have been considerably enhanced as a result of the institutions and programmes established as a result of the Good Friday Agreement.
I am confident the strategies and policies being pursued by the IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development, will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the BMW region in the future.
|
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Cavan |
116 |
49 |
35 |
34 |
68 |
47 |
9 |
|
Louth |
406 |
162 |
351 |
1012 |
155 |
179 |
48 |
|
Monaghan |
28 |
24 |
0 |
1 |
22 |
57 |
10 |
|
Donegal |
80 |
54 |
67 |
308 |
353 |
179 |
141 |
|
Leitrim |
33 |
17 |
73 |
4 |
336 |
117 |
575 |
|
Sligo |
154 |
241 |
83 |
185 |
92 |
163 |
102 |
99 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19081/04]
The implementation plan for the decentralisation of my Department has been submitted to the central decentralisation implementation group. The plan addresses such issues as risk assessment and mitigation strategies, service and business continuity, timing and phasing issues and business processes and systems. The costs associated with the plan are not yet determined.
100 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19096/04]
The finance branch of my Department, comprising 176 staff in all, was decentralised to Galway in 1989. The comparative figures requested by the Deputy with regard to salary costs, overtime and travel are not readily available. Given that the decentralisation to Galway occurred in 1989, some 15 years ago, the compilation of such information would require a disproportionate allocation of staff resources.
101 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime, travel and subsistence incurred. [19111/04]
In July 1979, the Government decided that 166 staff of my Department should be decentralised to Galway. While an amount of preliminary work was carried out in the period following that decision, including the identification of a site on lands owned by my Department at Renmore, Galway, the project did not proceed at that stage. In 1987, the Government re-affirmed the decision to decentralise part of the Department to Galway. On foot of that decision, construction of the offices at Renmore commenced and 176 staff transferred to the new building in June-July 1989. Of the 176 staff who relocated, 43 were already serving in my Department.
Details of the number of internal transfers, the amount of time necessary to train personnel and the increase in overtime and travel costs are not readily available. Given that the decentralisation to Galway occurred in 1989, some 15 years ago, the compilation of such information would require a disproportionate allocation of staff resources.
102 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has structural insurance cover on a house (details supplied) in County Kildare; if so, if an assessment of the house has taken place; the position regarding the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19156/04]
The State carries its own insurance on properties in its ownership and, accordingly, my Department does not have commercial structural insurance cover on the house referred to by the Deputy. Following damage to the property, an assessment of the house was undertaken. However, the house is one of a number of houses which it had been decided to offer for sale and, in this regard, it is not the policy to carry out refurbishment but rather to sell such houses in the condition in which they stand.
103 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will grant forestry premiums due to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19555/04]
The 2004 forestry premium will be paid to the person in question next week.
104 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare will not qualify for milk quota from the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19066/04]
In 2000, I put in place a scheme for the allocation of 5 million gallons of the additional quota negotiated under Agenda 2000 to young milk producers who satisfied certain defined criteria. Furthermore, in 2001 an additional 4.5 million gallons was allocated to young farmers. Under those schemes the educational-training requirements were categorised at two levels, one level applying in the case of persons born before 1 January 1968 and another in the case of those born after that date. The person named applied under both schemes referred to above but as he did not satisfy the educational requirements appropriate in his case, he did not qualify for an allocation.
Allocations of milk quota from the national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the milk quota appeals tribunal. The tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system. The person named last submitted an application for additional quota on the grounds of hardship in the 2002-03 quota year and he received an allocation on that occasion. He may apply again to the tribunal in the current 2004-05 quota year when the forms become available in the autumn.
105 Mr. M. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the transfer of milk quota to a person (details supplied) in County Cork from the vendor will be finalised. [19075/04]
The transfer of the quota in this case will be finalised within the coming week and that transfer will have effect from the 2003-04 milk quota year.
106 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19082/04]
My Department established an implementation committee which is headed by an assistant secretary to oversee all aspects of the decentralisation programme. This committee has commenced the process of identifying and categorising the risks associated with decentralisation. The main risks are expected to come under the headings of service delivery, financial, human resources and accommodation. Proposals to deal with identified risks will be submitted to the Department's risk management committee and the audit committee. This process will be carried out in accordance with established procedures for risk management in the Department.
107 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19097/04]
The 1998 decentralisation of part of my Department to Johnstown Castle, Wexford, did not result in any increase in average annual salary costs or overtime. Expenses are paid in respect of travel to and from Johnstown Castle. However, the information is not recorded in the format required by the Deputy and would not be easily calculated.
108 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime, travel and subsistence incurred. [19112/04]
The last decentralisation by my Department took place in 1998 to Johnstown Castle, Wexford. To obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising 51 officers were relocated, 119 officers were transferred in from other Departments and 123 officers were directly recruited. As is normal practice, a general induction course was provided for all staff commencing with my Department and on the job training was given to all staff. The training provided varied from grade to grade and post to post but, on average, a month of on the job training and overlap was provided. No additional overtime costs were incurred and a separate figure for travel and subsistence is not readily available.
109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when beef premium will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19139/04]
The person named submitted three applications under the 2003 special beef premium scheme: one on 26 August 2003, in respect of nine animals, one on 18 November 2003, in respect of four animals, and one on 30 December 2003, in respect of 55 animals. The 80% advance payment has issued in respect of the first two applications. No payment has yet issued in respect of the third application, as five of the 55 animals applied on were not CMMS compliant at the date of application. My Department has been in correspondence with the person named with a view to resolution of these issues to facilitate the outstanding payments.
110 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application for funding by a co-operative (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19245/04]
The co-operative in question has submitted an application to my Department for grant aid from the 2004 call under the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products under the national development plan. This application, in respect of the installation of a sewerage treatment plant and improvement of facilities in the mart premises, which was received in my Department on 14 June is currently being processed and will be evaluated with other applications for grant aid for consideration by a selection committee. This will take place over the summer and the co-operative will be informed of the outcome.
111 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if, in view of the circumstances, the quota can be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19246/04]
The milk quota regulations provide that where a holding is transferred by sale, lease, gift or inheritance by a person to a relative, as defined, the milk quota attached to that holding is transferred to that person. The transfer of milk quota without land is not permitted, even between relatives, except in cases where there is a land and quota leasing arrangement in place. In that case, the milk quota may be purchased without the land so long as the lease has been in place for at least one year.
112 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when decisions will be made regarding force majeure or exceptional circumstances with regard to the establishment of entitlements under the single payment scheme under the mid-term review of Agenda 2000. [19247/04]
My Department is processing the applications received from farmers in respect of the force majeure or exceptional circumstances measure. Applicants are being notified directly of the decision in their case. In many instances, it is necessary to seek further information and or additional documentation from farmers in order that their applications can be fully assessed. I urge farmers to respond promptly to these requests. Any applicant who is dissatisfied with the decision in his or her case is entitled to appeal the decision to the single payment appeals committee.
113 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will increase staffing levels for his Department’s credit union buildings (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19248/04]
Arrangements have been made to assign an additional supervisory agricultural officer to the Killarney office. That officer will take up duty in the near future. In the interim, steps have been taken to ensure that undue delays do not occur by the temporary transfer of staff from other areas to deal with the issue of payments.
114 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will have cattle registered to his herd. [19249/04]
The person named has been recorded as the buyer of these animals.
115 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will make a REP scheme payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if his Department is unable to award same, the reason therefor. [19318/04]
My Department wrote to the person named on 16 June 2004, detailing a number of reasons his application could not be accepted. It is open to him to submit an amended application that deals with the issues referred to in the letter from my Department.
116 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food , further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 6 April 2004, the further action he is taking to address this issue which has been raised regarding the impact which the mid-term review of Agenda 2000 will have on the rights of participants in the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19374/04]
The position has already been set out in detail in my response to the Deputy in Question No. 198 of 6 April 2004.
The legal position laid down in the Council regulation is that all livestock premia and arable aid schemes are to be fully decoupled from production as and from 1 January 2005 and will be replaced by the new single payment scheme, to be introduced from 2005. The quota regime in respect of the livestock premia schemes will cease to be in existence from 31 December 2004. Consequently, quotas including individual suckler cow and ewe premium quotas will no longer exist for any farmer after that date and will not be required to ensure payment of the single payment scheme in the future.
Under the European Council regulation introducing the single payment scheme, a farmer may have access to the scheme if he was an active farmer during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 and received payments under the livestock premia and/or arable aid schemes in those years. In addition, farmers for whom entitlements will be established must activate those entitlements in 2005 by continuing to farm and submitting an area aid declaration in that year. In general, farmers must also have an eligible hectare of land for each payment entitlement.
Farmers who joined the early retirement scheme before the reference period and had leased out their holdings during the entire reference period will not have any entitlements established for them under the single payment scheme, as they were not farming in the specified reference period. The person who was leasing the land and was actively farming during the reference years will have entitlements established for him or her. It should be noted that entitlements are attached to the farmer who was actively farming during the reference period and are not attached to the land.
However, family members who take over a holding, by transfer free of charge or by a lease of five or more years, that was leased out to a third party during the reference period will be able to apply to the national reserve for payment entitlements under the single payment scheme. This will be of particular benefit in the case of farmers who joined the early retirement scheme before the reference period and where a family member now wishes to take over the holding that was leased out to a third party during the reference years.
Farmers who leased out their holding during or after the reference period, will, because they were active farmers in one or more of the reference years, have entitlements established for them. However, they will need to commence farming again in 2005 and continue to farm in order to activate their entitlements and draw down the single payment for themselves. If they do not return to farming and activate their entitlements the entitlements in question will revert to the national reserve.
During the course of negotiations on the detailed rules, Ireland secured agreement that a farmer who was farming during one of more of the reference years and who has since leased out his holding to another farmer can apply in 2005 to establish his entitlements and then lease those entitlements out to the farmer who has leased the land. To avail of this provision there must be a lease agreement in place in 2005, which includes a clause providing that the entitlements are to be leased out to the person who is leasing the land. This provision will also be of particular benefit to farmers who joined the early retirement scheme during or after the reference period.
117 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when area aid will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19386/04]
The person named included a number of forage parcels on his 2003 area aid application on which a number of over-claims was established. Two of the land parcels which were over-claimed were declared by the person as forage but, in fact, represented 17.61 hectares of forestry. An overall over-claim of 62.22 % was established.
Under EU rules when the over-claim is greater than 20% of the found area, a 100% penalty must be applied and no area aid linked payments can issue to the applicant.
118 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has finalised his proposals to compensate farmers affected by a landslide at Dooncarton, north Mayo; if a package of €100,000 was promised in respect of this in March 2004; if he has decided on its allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19387/04]
The guidelines for this scheme have been drawn up and application forms have been prepared. However, the scheme requires formal EU approval as a state aid before it can proceed. My Department is maintaining close liaison with the European Commission on this and I expect that approval will be forthcoming shortly.
119 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford missed out on the high rate of extensification; if there is an appeal system available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19388/04]
Under EU regulations, 2003 extensification premium at the higher rate of €80 per qualifying animal may only be paid where the stocking density of the holding is less than 1.40 livestock units per hectare. Where the stocking density is between 1.40 and 1.80 livestock units per hectare, both figures inclusive, the rate of premium payable per qualifying animal is €40.
A stocking density of 1.4077 livestock units per hectare was established for the holding of the person named. On 11 June 2004, two payable orders amounting to €1,440 issued to her, representing her full entitlement in respect of 36 qualifying animals. There is an appeals system available to the person named. She may appeal the decision to the agriculture appeals office, Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, County Laois. Any appeal made should be lodged with the appeals office within a period of three months.
120 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a report has been compiled on the impact which the increasing grocery market share of large supermarkets and retailers has had on farm prices; and if he will carry out an investigation into this phenomenon. [19389/04]
Various reports have been compiled on the factors influencing farm prices. A report by Agri-Aware detailed concerns that retailers had been the main beneficiaries of food price increases and that producers had not benefited proportionately. A report commissioned by RGDATA, IBEC and the grocery wholesalers organisation IADT found that the main influences on increasing food prices, albeit at less than the rate of inflation, were processing and distribution costs, overheads and exchange rate fluctuations rather than prices at farm gate. Other reports have compared farm gate prices with retail prices on a gross basis without analysing processing, marketing and distribution costs. The product which leaves the farm gate is usually transformed before it appears on the retail shelf. Continuous change in consumer demand has driven the increase in ready to go meals, prepared foods and a range of end products, which is far more extensive than that available 20 yearsago.
The vast bulk of the food we produce is exported and returns from export markets have a greater impact on farm prices and producer returns than the retail structure of the domestic market. Producer returns also only partly consist of market prices and cannot be seen in isolation from the direct supports under the Common Agriculture Policy. My Department will, for example, pay €1.6 billion under EU funded agricultural measures in 2004. This expenditure mainly consists of direct payments to farmers, worth on average €13,000 per farmer. The decision to decouple payments will allow farmers to focus more clearly on the demands of the market and of the final consumer. FAPRI Ireland's research forecasts some increase in prices and reduced input costs, which will impact positively on farm incomes.
My Department does not have any direct role in determining the prevailing prices charged for food products on the retail market. In a single market, food products are traded freely and governments do not have the authority to set the levels of mark up at different stages of processing and sale.
121 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of farm holdings scheduled to be inspected by his Department under the good farming practice programme during 2004; the measures of the good farming practice to which the inspections relate; the procedures governing the process through which the selection of farms for inspection is effected; if it is a requirement that farmers be individually advised prior to inspection of a holding being undertaken: the nature and extent of such notices; if decisions of inspecting officials may be appealed; if he will provide a copy of the guidelines as issued to officials with respect to the inspection of farm holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19402/04]
In accordance with EU regulations, good farming practice checks have been a feature of on farm inspections since 2001. My Department is obliged to inspect 10% of applicants for the ewe premium scheme and 5% of applicants under the bovine premia schemes and the area based compensatory allowance scheme.
The measures checked are matters that would be considered good practice in normal farming activity. Broadly, the checks relate to grassland management, protection of watercourses and wells, protection of wildlife habitats, maintenance of farm boundaries, use of pesticides and chemicals, visual appearance of the farm and farmyard and animal welfare. In accordance with the regulation, the selection process is by risk analysis and relates to scheme criteria, the amount of aid sought, the changes in declarations from year to year and findings in previous years. Under most schemes, the regulations provide that the inspection should be unannounced. In certain circumstances notice may be given but must be limited to 48 hours.
Under the protocol for direct payments to farmers applicants are entitled to seek a review of any decision taken. A person other than the person who made the original decision is assigned to carry out the review. In the event that a farmer is not satisfied with the outcome of the review he or she is then entitled to appeal to the appeals office in Portlaoise. This office is independent of the Department. In line with my commitment to ensuring the maximum level of transparency, a copy of inspection guidelines is provided to clients when requested. I am arranging to have a copy of the good farming practice manual forwarded to the Deputy.
122 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of a grant will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19404/04]
An application for grant aid on behalf of the person in question is currently being processed by the forest service of my Department. The site which was planted earlier this year is subject to a field inspection. I have asked that this process be expedited and a decision given on the application as quickly as possible.
123 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the outstanding suckler cow grants due to a person (details supplied) will be awarded; if a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19408/04]
My Department has been in communication with the person named regarding his eligibility for grants which he has been paid under the cattle headage and area based compensatory allowance schemes. Applicants for those schemes are required to be resident within 70 miles of the holding. It is believed that the person named was resident in America and was, therefore, ineligible for grants paid to him under those schemes. My Department's local office has written to the person named asking him to provide documentary evidence regarding his residency in Ireland. On receipt of this, a decision will be made regarding payment of grants due to him under the suckler cow scheme.
124 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether there is a need for major consolidation of holdings to allow farmers to achieve economies of scale in agricultural production to allow them to achieve incomes from farming comparable to those in the non-farm sector. [19507/04]
Over the ten-year period 1992 to 2002 there has been a gradual consolidation in farm size. The CSO figures show that there has been a gradual reduction in farm numbers, with the number of farms of less than 20 hectares declining by 30% over this period, while the number of farms over 20 hectares has remained stable. This has resulted in an increase in the average farm size from 27 hectares in 1992 to 32 hectares in 2002 which compares favourably with an EU average of 19 hectares.
One of the most significant trends in recent years has been the shift toward part-time farming, with 42% of holders having an off-farm job. Part-time farming must be recognised as providing an important option for those who wish to remain in farming while supplementing their income from other sources. This situation is not unique to Ireland, with 30% of EU farmers having an off-farm income. The Government has a number of policies in place to facilitate and encourage structural change, including measures such as installation aid, retirement, leasing and stamp duty. These measures bring about structural alterations that work for the betterment of farming and general society.
CSO data shows that on average farm households have marginally higher disposable incomes than other households, at 103% of the State average. This is supported by ESRI data which indicates that farm households have lower levels of consistent poverty than their urban or other rural counterparts.
125 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the number of broad leaf deciduous trees being planted in the country; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that just 4% of Coillte stock falls into this category; if his Department has a strategy to promote the planting of such stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19508/04]
Under the afforestation programme provided in the rural development plan 2000-2006, Ireland is committed to 30% of planting to broadleaves by 2006. In 2003, broadleaf planting amounted to 28% of total planting. I am confident the 30% target will be achieved by 2006.
I understand that Coillte's broadleaf stock represents 4% of the company's estate. More than 20% of the national forest estate is made up of broadleaves and I expect this level to increase in the years ahead.
126 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will award the balance of premiums due to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19509/04]
The person named submitted three applications under the 2003 special beef premium scheme: one on 21 February 2003, in respect of 15 animals; one on 26 November 2003, in respect of 68 animals and one on 31 December 2003, in respect of 97 animals. The 80% advance payment has issued in respect of 15 animals applied for under the first application.
During 2003, 113 animals eligible for the slaughter premium scheme were slaughtered under the herd number of the person named. Seven of these were also eligible for the national envelope top up on beef breed heifers. The 80% advance payment has issued in respect of all animals slaughtered. The person named applied for premium on 66 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. His 80% advance instalment, amounting to €11,835.12, issued on 9 December 2003.
All outstanding payments under the 2003 special beef premium, slaughter premium and suckler cow premium schemes, less a 10% deduction in respect of penalties for breaches of good farming practice, will issue shortly to the person named. A 10% deduction of the amount paid under the 2003 disadvantaged area compensatory allowance will also be made.
With regard to 2003 extensification premium, a stocking density of 1.2954 livestock units per hectare has already been established for the holding. Payment of this premium, less a good farming practice penalty of 10%, cannot be made to the person named until he is paid his entitlement under both the 2003 special beef premium and suckler cow premium schemes.
In regard to the good farming practice penalties, the person named was convicted under section 3 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, as amended by the Local Government (Water Pollution) Amendment Act 1990, on 5 March 2004 and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the schemes and the scale of penalties set out in my Department's booklet, entitled Good Farming Practice, he is subject to a 10% penalty on all livestock premium and disadvantaged area compensatory allowance payments. He has also been advised through his solicitor that he may appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office, Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, County Laois.
127 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received all the necessary documentation from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for their area aid and other schemes; and if same will be dealt with as soon as possible. [19510/04]
The person named did not apply under any of the bovine premia schemes, other than the suckler cow premium scheme. An application for premium for 26 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme was received on 27 June 2003. The 80% advance instalment, amounting to €4,662.32, issued to the person named on 20 October 2003 and the balancing payment of €1,165.58 issued on 30 March 2004. These represent payment in full in respect of the 26 animals applied on.
With regard to 2003 extensification premium, on 11 June 2004, a payable order for €2,080 issued to the person named, representing his full entitlement in respect of the 26 animals that had already qualified for payment of 2003 suckler cow premium on his holding. Payment under the 2003 ewe/supplementary premium and ewe national envelope was made to the person named on 21 October 2003 and 10 March 2004, respectively. The person named was paid his full entitlement of €3468.33 under the 2003 area based compensatory allowance scheme on 23 September 2003.
There is no record of an area aid application having been received from the person named under the 2004 area aid scheme. The closing date for receipt of suckler cow applications for 2004 is 30 June 2004.
128 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will go ahead with its action programme for the implementation of the EU nitrates directive even though his attention has been drawn to the fact that this proposal is unworkable and unaffordable and that the general feeling is that it will damage farming; his views on whether he should honour the Government’s commitments given in Sustaining Progress; if his attention has been drawn to the disastrous future effects if suppliers have to cut stocking rates, consequently leading to an increase in milk production costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19545/04]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland is legally obliged to put into effect an action programme for the further implementation of the nitrates directive. The European Court of Justice, in its judgment of 11 March 2004, held that Ireland had not fulfilled its obligations under the nitrates directive by reason of its failure to establish and implement an action programme in accordance with Article 5 of the directive. It is open to the court, on the application of the European Commission, to impose substantial fines against Ireland if early action is not taken to give full effect to the directive by establishing and implementing an action programme.
Furthermore, the terms of the action programme need to be finalised at an early date given that continued EU co-funding of major schemes such as REPS, disadvantaged areas compensatory allowances, early retirement and forestry is conditional on satisfactory implementation of the nitrates directive. The directive is also EU legislation with which farmers must comply under the single payment scheme.
While Ireland must meet its obligations under the directive, it is my objective and that of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to ensure that it is implemented in a way that will not impact adversely on the viability of Irish farmers or impose unnecessary restrictions or obligations on them. A draft action programme prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc, was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from 70 stakeholders, including all the main farming organisations. A revised draft is now being prepared and will be conveyed to the farming organisations in the near future.
The implementation of the nitrates directive has been the subject of discussion between officials of both Departments and the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress. Together with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I will meet farming organisations in the near future to discuss the matter further. The Government is committed under Sustaining Progress to using the flexibility in the nitrates directive to seek European Commission approval for organic nitrogen limits of up to 250 kg per hectare a year to be allowable in appropriate circumstances. When the draft action programme has been submitted to the Commission, Ireland will also submit a derogation proposal designed to take account of the unique characteristics of Irish agriculture. The objective will be to achieve approval for appropriate derogation arrangements in a manner that underpins the future of our commercial agriculture sector.
In keeping with other commitments in Sustaining Progress, I have already taken significant steps to address the possible costs at farm level of the implementation of the draft action programme. At the beginning of the year I made changes in the farm waste management scheme and the dairy hygiene scheme which will make these measures more accessible to a greater number of farmers and increase their monetary value. With effect from 1 June, I introduced changes to the rural environment protection scheme which will deliver an average increase of 28% in payments to participating farmers. In addition, the scheme of capital allowances for expenditure on farm pollution control has been extended to the end of 2006.
129 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of herds locked up under the tuberculosis and brucellosis schemes. [19579/04]
The latest statistics show that on 1 June 2004 there were 134 brucellosis restricted herds and on 16 June 2004 there were 2,983 TB restricted herds.
130 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19582/04]
The position is that European Commission Regulation 795/2004 provides that when single payment entitlements are being calculated for farmers affected by agri-environmental commitments during the reference period, care must be taken to avoid "double compensation". The Commission regulation gives farmers the option of either getting the single payment based on a reference period when no stock reduction was in place and getting a reduced agri-environmental payment or getting the single payment based on the reference period 2000 to 2002 and getting an agri-environmental payment which includes an element of compensation for destocking.
For those farmers who are currently participating in REPS and who had reduced sheep numbers during the reference period 2000-2002, my Department intends to use that reference period in calculating the single payment. This means that the single payment will be based on years when sheep numbers were reduced but the intention is that the farmers concerned, if they entered into REPS contracts before January 2005, will be entitled to keep the existing payment under measure A for the duration of those contracts. Individual farmers in this category will be able to apply to my Department to exercise the option outlined earlier.
My Department intends to use the average amount paid in the reference years 1997-98 for all farmers currently participating in the national compensation scheme. This means farmers concerned will get the benefit of the ewe numbers that they had prior to the destocking that took place at the end of 1998. This will have to be offset by a reduction in the level of compensation payable from 2005 onwards by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The farmers concerned will not therefore suffer any loss.
131 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19083/04]
My Department has completed its initial implementation plan as required by the decentralisation implementation group. This plan will require further development as additional information emerges about the people, property and business issues identified in the decentralisation implementation group's report. Business units have already identified possible risks which will have to be managed to ensure on time delivery of the decentralisation programme. Other risks may be identified as the plan goes through further iterations. Strategies to mitigate these risks will be incorporated into the plans of the individual business units. My Department will work to minimise the cost impact of decentralisation.
132 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19098/04]
133 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime, travel and subsistence incurred. [19113/04]
I propose to take Question Nos. 132 and 133 together.
No posts in the Department of Finance were decentralised as part of the last decentralisation programme.
134 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the interdepartmental report of the review group on the disabled drivers’ and disabled passengers’ scheme; when he received this report; when he expects to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/04]
I received the interdepartmental report of the review group on the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers', tax concessions, scheme in September 2002 and it has been under consideration in my Department. The report is a substantive one and needed to be studied carefully. This process has now been completed and the report will be made available shortly.
135 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have registered with the CAF to date; and the percentage of those who registered who did not select a location. [19134/04]
The central applications facility, CAF, was launched on 12 May 2004 and is being operated by the Civil Service Commission. Information and analysis on applications from the CAF will only become available after 8 July next and will be provided to the various interested parties, including the decentralisation implementation group, staff and management interests and so forth as soon as possible.
136 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance the reason for making a person sit an examination for the position of clerical officer in the public service for Dublin and making them sit a further examination if they wish also to go on the provincial list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19250/04]
137 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance when the appointments to the provincial list positions of clerical officer in the public service will next be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19251/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
The Civil Service Commission advertised a provincial competition for recruitment to clerical officer for appointment to 16 locations in March 2003. There were a total of 8,604 applications and a panel is in place for each of the 16 locations. Candidates can track the progress of the panels on the Civil Service website at www.publicjobs.ie. To date, 49 assignments to provincial locations have been made.
Vacancies in provincial locations are filled from two sources, existing transfer requests from civil servants and from panels set up for locations under provincial competitions run by the Civil Service Commission. There are no immediate plans to advertise another provincial campaign. In the medium to longer term, it will be necessary to consider the development of regional recruitment and promotion systems building on regional arrangements. This will be the subject of further discussions with the Civil Service unions.
The most recent Dublin competition was advertised in September 2003. There was a total of 3,703 applications and, to date, 158 assignments have been made. This is a separate competition with its own regulations governing the competition process. While some candidates may have applied for both the Dublin and provincial competitions, it is necessary for all candidates to undergo the selection process set out in the regulations for that particular competition. This is to ensure that all applicants for a competition go through the same recruitment process and the order of merit that is produced reflects the outcome of the selection procedures conducted from the eligible pool of candidates who applied for the post.
138 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of buildings in the Dublin area which are currently allocated for decentralisation under the Government’s plans which have been renovated by the OPW during the past five years; the nature of the renovation and the cost associated with renovating the various Departments concerned in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19252/04]
The OPW is currently in the process of compiling and analysing a range of information in respect of the office space in Dublin, both owned and leased, which is occupied by Departments and State-sponsored bodies earmarked for decentralisation. The result of this analysis will form the basis for the formulation of options for the rationalisation of State accommodation in the Dublin area post decentralisation. These options are likely to include: disposal of State owned buildings; redevelopment of buildings; early termination of leases; relocation of Departments/offices within the Dublin portfolio.
The criteria that will be used in the rationalisation assessment process will include, inter alia, the rental costs of leased properties, the market values of owned properties, the location of the various properties concerned and an appraisal of their general condition.
139 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the total amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; if additional action has been taken by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the report of the Ansbacher inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18611/04]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has inquired into 289 cases to date and 75 of these cases have concluded settlements with the Revenue Commissioners. The 289 cases, taking account of spouses and connected companies, consist of 300 names. The 289 cases are made up of 179 cases listed on the High Court inspectors' report and 110 similar cases discovered by the Revenue Commissioners or listed on the authorised officer's report.
A total of 211 cases have been under active investigation. The remaining cases consist of 62 non-resident persons, including 17 former Irish residents, 12 individuals who claimed the 1993 amnesty provisions and four cases with insufficient identity information. The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities to cases under investigation is now nearly 700.
The Revenue Commissioners continue to make use of their legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available. The Revenue Commissioners have made five successful applications to the High Court for the production by financial institutions and third parties of books, records and other documentation relevant to liabilities of Ansbacher account holders. Some 150,000 documents have been received under the terms of the High Court orders. Advanced investigative computer software is used in controlling and managing the documentation.
To date a total of €42.79 million has been received, mostly by way of payments on account, in respect of 87 cases. This is made up of the following.
|
€ |
||
|
Cases involving Ansbacher or Ansbacher type arrangements |
75 Cases |
34.55 million |
|
Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits |
12 Cases |
8.24 million |
|
Total |
87 Cases |
42.79 million |
The 75 cases which have concluded settlements with the Revenue Commissioners consist of 40 cases which were settled on payments of €25.89 million, included in the amount outlined, 25 non-resident cases which are covered by the provisions of double taxation agreements, eight which had no additional liability and two which were covered by the 1993 amnesty provisions.
The Revenue Commissioners made an application under section 11 of the Companies Act 1990 for a copy of the High Court inspectors' report, which was made available on 6 July 2002. The information in this report has been carefully considered as regards the tax liabilities of the persons concerned. In addition, the Revenue Commissioners made a further application to the High Court for access to the supporting papers to the High Court inspectors' report. Judgment was delivered by the President of the High Court on 25 May 2004 to allow access to the supporting papers relating to clients of Ansbacher named in the High Court inspectors' report and those persons and companies, including members of the board, found by the High Court inspectors to have failed to co-operate with their inquiry.
The judgment also allows for the Revenue Commissioners to make application and grounding affidavit for the obtaining of information and documents relating to any other individual or company. Access to documents is subject to the direction of the High Court. The matter as to the precise terms of the High Court order was adjourned for further directions by the High Court. The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that the investigations are time consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.
140 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance/NIB inquiry at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the total amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18612/04]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance/NIB inquiry, 452 cases have been targeted for investigation. To date, 291 cases have been settled on payment of tax, interest and penalties amounting to a total of €45.35 million. A further 113 cases have been finalised with no additional liability arising. The remaining 48 cases are the subject of ongoing investigation, in respect of which €5.02 million has been paid on account.
In the course of 2003, three cases were prosecuted, with fines being imposed in two cases and a suspended sentence imposed in the other. The individuals concerned have also settled their tax affairs and paid the outstanding tax, together with interest and penalties. A further case is currently under investigation with a view to prosecution.
Aggregate results of the ongoing investigations have been published each year since 1998 in the annual reports of the Revenue Commissioners. Individual details of settlements have also been published where the provisions of section 1086 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 applied.
141 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to departmental correspondence (details supplied), if the report has been completed; its recommendations; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19377/04]
The report has not yet been completed. I expect that it will be available for publication in the next two to three months.
142 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will use the €47 million collected from tax defaulters to end, once and for all, the day care, respite care and residential waiting lists for persons with intellectual disabilities. [19393/04]
With regard to how the amount referred to by the Deputy should be used, it is important to realise that provision for receipts from ongoing investigations is made each year as part of the projections for total tax revenue. As such, they are included in the total resources that underpin the Government's expenditure targets for the year. To the extent that any of the figure to which he refers may have been realised from special investigations, such receipts are once-off in nature and cannot be treated as "ordinary" or ongoing resources. This fact has been recognised in the past when such once-off receipts from, for example, tax amnesties or the sale of State assets, have been used mainly to meet liabilities with no recurring costs, such as reducing our debt burden or providing for future pension needs.
I remind the Deputy that I provided €10.1 billion in the 2004 Estimates allocation for the Department of Health and Children, which represented an increase of 8% on the 2003 outturn. For the most part, it is for the Minister for Health and Children to allocate these resources in whatever way he sees fit with regard to the provision of health services. In 2004, some €1.9 billion is being invested in services for persons with disabilities, covering the intellectual, physical, sensory, autism and mental illness areas. This represents an increase of €1.2 billion since 1997.
143 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will be made regarding the transfer location of civil servants working in ICT in the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19394/04]
A decision on the decentralised locations for ICT staff in the Department of Social and Family Affairs will be made by the Government as soon as possible. The decision will take full account of the conclusions outlined in paragraph 5.19 to 5.22 of the report of the decentralisation implementation group, dated 31 March 2004.
144 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider an abatement of stamp duty to encourage farmers to swap land, with no or little cash changing hands, to facilitate consolidation of fragmented holdings into workable units. [19528/04]
Stamp duty is a tax on documents, mostly legal documents, used in the transfer of property. When a property is purchased or swapped, stamp duty is paid on the document that transfers ownership. Stamp duty is a significant contributor to the Exchequer. Its receipts allow for a broader tax base than would otherwise be possible and form an important element of State revenues.
The stamp duty code contains a significant exemption for transfers of land to young trained farmers, under the age of 35 years, provided they have attained relevant educational qualifications. It encourages the more productive use of agricultural land. In the 2004 Finance Act I updated the list of educational qualifications and made certain changes to the standards that must be attained in order to qualify for the exemption.
The proposal suggested by the Deputy would narrow the tax base. It would also inevitably lead to calls for other concessions to be introduced into the stamp duty code. I do not intend to introduce an abatement.
145 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in decentralising the offices of the Revenue Commissioners to Newcastle West, County Limerick. [19610/04]
Progress on the decentralisation of Revenue staff to the location is dependent on a number of factors, including the availability of suitable accommodation. Negotiations are ongoing with OPW. I hope to have a decision on a site in the near future.
146 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the assessment that was undertaken within his Department of the proposal for a Tobin tax; if it was submitted to an international agency for consideration; the countries that have offered to support it; and the position that Ireland has adopted. [19615/04]
The Tobin tax was considered in a number of fora, including the informal ECOFIN meeting at Liege on 22 September 2001. The Belgian Presidency indicated that it wished to pursue the matter in the context of a general study to be carried out by the Commission on the issue of globalisation. Most Finance Ministers, myself included, continue to have reservations about the proposal. We believed that it was not clear that a further examination of the issue by the Commission would ensure that satisfactory answers would be given to the many questions concerning the tax, including the difficulties relating to practical implementation of the tax; its doubtful effect on short-term speculative capital movements; its conflict with the basic tenet of free capital movement in the EU; its disproportionate effect on small business and consumers; the probability that the tax would simply drive participants into other non-taxable alternatives; and the negative impact on liquidity in the foreign exchange market.
At a formal ECOFIN meeting on 16 October 2001 it was agreed that the Commission would carry out a study on globalisation and examine the arguments for and against a Tobin tax. On 14 February 2002 a study, entitled Responses to the Challenges of Globalisation, was published. It concluded that the Tobin tax, "while as a source of additional revenue a currency transaction tax may look appealing, its feasibility is, however, not demonstrated". There have been no further developments at EU level on the possible introduction of the Tobin tax. The European Commission has not presented a formal proposal on the topic. I am not aware of any specific developments by an international agency nor am I in a position to comment on the current policy position of other governments.
Apart from consideration in an EU context, the issue was discussed by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs on 12 January 2000. Officials from my Department attended the meeting. Its chairman acknowledged that Ireland could not act unilaterally in the matter. He also pointed to the practical difficulties that would be caused at EU level by such a tax given that not all EU members participate in the euro. Ireland must be mindful that we have a much higher level of trade and capital flows with currencies outside the eurozone compared to other euro countries. Therefore, the tax would be likely to have a disproportionate impact on Irish business and consumers. As indicated in replies to previous questions, I do not propose to introduce such a tax as I remain unconvinced of its feasibility.
147 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the medical attention that is being given to a person (details supplied) to relieve their medical condition. [19070/04]
I am aware of the case to whom the Deputy refers. On 10 April 2003 and again on 11 June 2004, the Irish embassy in London contacted the governor's office of HMP Full Sutton in relation to the health of this person. The governor's office confirmed that his medical needs were assessed, that he was referred to and under the care of NHS consultants, and he was receiving the recommended medication for his condition. On my instructions, the Irish embassy in London again contacted the governor's office in the past week. It was confirmed that the individual concerned was taken to an outside hospital on 23 June for a CT scan and that action will be taken on any recommendations arising from this test. My Department will continue to keep in contact with the prison authorities. It will provide all appropriate consular assistance to the individual concerned.
148 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the risk analysis and the cost-benefit analysis that he carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19084/04]
In accordance with the timetable set out in the report of the working group on the accountability of secretaries general and accounting officers, the Mullarkey report, my Department is putting in place a risk management programme. As the Mullarkey report envisaged, the risk management programme will identify and address strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks and establish procedures for mitigating those risks.
Under the Government's recently announced decentralisation programme, my Department's development co-operation directorate shall decentralise to Limerick. Work on the establishment of a formal risk management system for the directorate's overseas aid programme commenced in 2002. Following a pilot programme in Zambia, a series of risk management workshops was held in the programme country missions and risk registers were developed. Risk reporting is now integrated into the regular aid mission reporting system. The assessment and management of risk has become a key element of programme approval procedures. The roll-out of formal risk management throughout the DCD at headquarters is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of 2004.
The Department plans to hold a further workshop in September to deal specifically with the risks associated with decentralisation. It will take account of the wider implications of decentralisation for the Department in general as well as for DCD. The aim will be to identify key risks, identify and assess the adequacy of existing controls, consider how these controls can be improved and identify those responsible for putting controls in place. Some preliminary risk analysis has already been undertaken in the context of preparation of my Department's decentralisation implementation plan. Further work will be done in advance of the workshop. In developing and putting into effect our implementation plan, we will seek to maximise the potential benefits accruing to the Department and its staff while minimising any additional costs that may arise.
149 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19099/04]
150 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff that was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19114/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs established a passport sub-office in Cork city in 1987. Two of the original three posts were filled from within the Department. The third officer came from another Department. The three officers were given appropriate training in the passport office in Dublin before taking up duty in Cork. The staffing complement of the office was increased in the intervening years as a consequence of its upgrade to full passport issuing status with responsibility for processing all applications from the Munster area. This was done in line with significant annual increases in passport demand since 1987. Its current staff complement is 56 posts.
The Office of Public Works is responsible for the provision of office accommodation. No significant costs arose for my Department in connection with the establishment of the Cork office. It was established as a new business unit. Therefore, the type of cost comparisons sought by the Deputy cannot be made.
151 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that was made during Ireland’s EU Presidency in regard to having Irish recognised as an official EU language; if he expects that Irish will be recognised as an official EU language within the lifetime of the Government, in view of the fact that it is a commitment in the Programme for Government. [19142/04]
152 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that was made during Ireland’s EU Presidency in regard to having Irish recognised as an official EU language; if he expects that Irish will be recognised as an official EU language within the lifetime of the Government, in view of the fact that it is a commitment in the programme for Government. [19143/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
The question of the status of Irish in the EU is not specifically connected with Ireland's EU Presidency or with the recently agreed constitutional treaty. The Irish language already has full treaty status in the EU. Earlier this year we established an interdepartmental working group to analyse all the issues involved in this complex area with a view to identifying opportunities to further enhance the status of the Irish language in the EU. Ministers are studying the working group's report to identify how we might best proceed in the matter with the EU institutions and other member states. The recognition of Irish as an official and working language of the EU would require an amendment of Regulation 1/1958 that governs the EU's translation system. Its amendment by the Council of Ministers would require the unanimous support of member states.
153 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the most recent EU summit in Brussels. [19254/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 8 on 24 June.
154 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants employed in the non-proliferation section of his Department; the salaries of same; and the annual cost of running the section. [19395/04]
A total of four officers are normally assigned to the disarmament and non-proliferation section. They fill posts at counsellor, first secretary, third secretary and clerical officer level. The staffing complement of the section was temporarily increased for the duration of the EU Presidency by two additional first secretaries-assistant principal officers, a stagiaire and an additional clerical officer.
The following salary scales apply:
|
Grade |
Core number |
Salary scale |
|
€ |
||
|
Counsellor |
1 |
69,194-85,589 |
|
First Secretary |
1 |
52,919-65,985 |
|
Third Secretary |
1 |
28,312-50,112 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
18,736-30,384 |
Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal Civil Service regulations.
155 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will make representations to the Israeli authorities regarding the restrictions being placed on a person (details supplied) despite the recent court decision in their case. [19396/04]
The restrictions placed on the person named are the subject of proceedings before the Israeli courts. Outside interference would not be helpful or appropriate while those proceedings are in train.
156 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and grade of personnel in his Department dealing with Latin America; their role and function; and his views on whether the full potential in trade, manufacturing and investment of the region can be achieved. [19604/04]
A total of four officers are normally assigned to the Latin America and Caribbean section of the political division of my Department, filling posts at counsellor, first secretary, third secretary and clerical officer level. Its staffing complement was temporarily increased for the duration of the EU Presidency by one additional first secretary-assistant principal officer and will return to its normal level in the near future.
The section's role and function is to advise the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government on developments in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also contributes to the formulation of Irish foreign policy for the region in line with the Department's strategy statement for 2003-2005. In consultation with my Department's EU, bilateral economic relations, cultural and development co-operation divisions, the section works to pursue closer bilateral relations with Latin American countries. Through active participation in EU common foreign and security policy meetings it also contributes to the development of EU policy on Latin America.
A first secretary, third secretary and a clerical officer are assigned to the section of the bilateral economic relations division that deals, inter alia, with Latin America. The division has overall responsibility for the enhancement of Ireland’s trade and economic relationships. It was closely involved in preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to Mexico in January 2003 and the President’s visits to Argentina, Chile and Brazil last March. Those visits were accompanied by trade missions.
Latin America accounts for a relatively small proportion of total Irish trade. On an individual country basis, Mexico ranks first as Ireland's largest trading partner in the region. Latin America accounts for a relatively small proportion of total Irish trade. Irish exports to Mexico stood at €500 million in 2003, compared with €141 million to Brazil, €42 million to Chile and €24 million to Argentina. Economic prospects for the entire region are improving and may offer new trade and investment opportunities for Irish companies. Improvements in the world economy, together with increased trade growth, should boost Latin America's economic growth over the medium term. The United Nations has forecast growth in the region at around 4% in 2004, as well as positive growth in the region's per capita gross domestic product, after six years of decline or stagnation. Ireland has resident embassies in Brasilia, Buenos Aires and Mexico City.
157 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of bilateral trade between Ireland and Cuba for each of the past five years; and the trade sectors involved. [19605/04]
In 2003 trade between Cuba and Ireland reached over €1.7 million. Our trade with Cuba is modest and tends to fluctuate considerably, as shown in the following tables for the years 1999 to 2003, inclusive.
Irish exports to Cuba were valued at €521,000 in 2003. Imports from Cuba were valued at €1.265 million, an increase of 34% over 2002. Last year Ireland's principal exports were in the categories of cork and wood manufactures and beverages. Imports from Cuba in 2003 were primarily in the fruit and vegetable category, though tobacco products made up one fifth of total imports.
|
Exports €000 |
Imports €000 |
Balance €000 |
Total Trade |
|
|
1999 |
677 |
603 |
+74 |
1,280 |
|
2000 |
2,057 |
801 |
+1,256 |
2,858 |
|
2001 |
880 |
1,211 |
—331 |
2,091 |
|
2002 |
189 |
945 |
—756 |
1,134 |
|
2003 |
521 |
1,265 |
—744 |
1,786 |
158 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of visits by Irish ministers to Cuba in the past five years; the Ministers involved in each case; and the number of official invitations issued by Cuban authorities. [19606/04]
One official visit was made in the past five years. At the invitation of the Cuban Government the then Minister of State at the Department of Finance and Office of Public Works, Deputy Cullen, visited Cuba to attend the South Summit of the group of 77 on 10 to 14 April 2000. I am aware of 11 more official invitations to visit Cuba in that period that Ministers did not accept.
Since 5 June 2003 Ireland and its EU partners have decided to limit bilateral high level governmental visits to Cuba in protest at the continuing flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of members of the peaceful opposition. The measure was reaffirmed by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 14 June 2004.
159 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of bilateral agreements that exist between Ireland and Cuba; and if agreements exist in the area of drugs control and movement of drugs and in the area of prisoner transfer. [19607/04]
An agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Cuba on air transport entered into force on 8 June 1991. It provided for the establishment of air services between and beyond our respective territories. Proposals for agreements on combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, mutual assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of sentenced prisoners have been received in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform from the Cuban authorities. Draft agreements are being considered in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and its consultations with relevant agencies and interested parties are ongoing. Following completion of these processes, matters will be decided in the context of the outcome of aforementioned consultations and the need for such agreements with third countries generally.
160 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts being made through the Irish Presidency to have arts in education given a focus in either the year 2005 or a year soon after in line with the designation in 2004 of the sport in education topic. [19370/04]
The Irish Presidency in the education sector had a full agenda. It succeeded in making substantial progress on a number of important areas such as lifelong guidance and the Europass framework for transparency of qualifications and competencies. The Netherlands Presidency will discuss the importance and position of education and culture in a Union of 25 member states. Proposal for actions at EU level regarding education in the arts could be considered in this context.
161 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps his Department intends to take to deal with overcrowding in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in which enrolment continues to rise; and when the proposed extension to the school will be allowed to proceed. [19012/04]
173 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) for capital funding. [19041/04]
174 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention was drawn to the fact that in September 120 first year students will join a school (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking capital funding for an extension and that this figure is 30% greater than any other year in the school’s history; and if his attention was further been drawn to the effect that such numbers will have on the safety and security of the school and the problems in organising classes due to the positioning of prefabs. [19042/04]
175 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention was drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with a catchment area of 17 primary schools, including two primary schools in the town, applied either years ago for capital funding and is still on his Department’s list; and his plans to advance the application. [19043/04]
176 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention was drawn to the support for and concerns of a number of multinational companies about the development of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and his views on overcoming the concerns of such companies. [19044/04]
178 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the meetings his Department had with a local authority in determining the population figures for an area (details supplied) when a school seeks capital funding for a project. [19046/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 173 to 176, inclusive, and 178 together.
The large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputies is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, detail design and bill of quantities. It was assigned a band 2 rating in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large scale projects.
The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the schools building programme. It will give greater clarity on projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement during the year. Three prefabricated classrooms were approved for the school as an interim measure and to alleviate accommodation difficulties. Its school authority, County Kildare vocational education committee, is aware of the measure.
The country is divided into post-primary catchment areas and each area has a post-primary education centre. The areas were drawn up in the late 1960s in the context of the free education scheme. The catchment boundaries were determined following consultation with local educational interests and the intention was that certain primary schools would feed exclusively into each centre. My Department endeavours to provide accommodation to meet the educational needs of the catchment area.
As much as 47% of the school's intake comes from outside the catchment area. Apart from the fact that this is not a sustainable position, taking almost half of the pupil intake from outside of its catchment area impacts negatively on at least one other local school in the general area. It is a matter for the school's management authority to limit its enrolment to within its catchment area. Ongoing dialogue with local authority officials is an integral element of the workload of officials of my Department's school planning section. They work on a broad range of issues, including the changing demographics of an area.
162 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress achieved in acquiring a site for a school (details supplied). [19013/04]
The OPW's property management section acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally. It is exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the school. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on a specific site due to the commercial sensitivity of site acquisitions. The relevant information will be placed on my Department's website when a site is acquired.
163 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been achieved in the proposed amalgamation of the three existing post-primary schools in Kildare town; and if a site was acquired for a new community school. [19014/04]
My Department has agreed to amalgamate the three post-primary schools and to purchase a site to facilitate it. The process of identifying and acquiring a suitable site is ongoing.
164 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department proposes to use the public private partnership process in the delivering of new school buildings in County Kildare. [19015/04]
Consideration of any new PPP project will be based on an evaluation of the completed pilot PPP schools project. A thorough assessment of affordability of any new project will also take place in the context of the competing demands on the capital funding envelopes going forward.
165 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he received a business plan for a school building (details supplied) in County Monaghan; when the college can expect to have the necessary building work carried out either by Community Enterprise Limited or by his Department to make it a single campus school; and if he is aware that the school straddles both sides of the N2 national primary road and this is extremely dangerous for everyone concerned. [19016/04]
My Department's school planning section received documentation from the school's authorities. All capital projects are being reviewed with a view to inclusion as part of a multi-annual schools building programme from 2005, details of which will be announced later this year.
166 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take immediate and effective action in respect of the serious concerns of the local community regarding ongoing vandalism at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention was drawn to the clear need to fast-track a response to deal with these difficulties on an important local educational campus; and if officials of his Department will visit the school and meet parents and staff to discuss options. [19017/04]
168 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention was drawn to the vandalism carried out at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and the measures he proposes to introduce to support the pupils, parents and teachers associated with the school. [19036/04]
169 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if over €24,000 in repairs was spent after attacks on (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if preventative measures are a priority for his Department; and if an application from the school’s management is being considered. [19037/04]
170 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention was drawn to the different groups and Departments associated with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if, in the interest of co-operation he will initiate a meeting to discuss the ongoing vandalism and attacks on the school. [19038/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
I can appreciate the concern of the school community at the wanton vandalism of school property. In the first instance though, the management authorities of the school should report the matter to local gardaí. Local gardaí are best placed to provide practical advice and support and to make recommendations as to how best to mitigate the potential risk to the school. Most Garda stations have a crime prevention officer on the staff who will work with management authorities. If the Garda recommend equipment that cannot be procured from normal funding sources an application for contingency funding can be made to the schools building section.
The school may apply for funding for long-term security measures required at the school as recommended by the Garda. The school's management authorities may apply for funding under the 2005 summer works scheme. Details of the scheme will be announced later this year.
167 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science about a special needs assistant appointed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [19018/04]
My Department received an application for a special needs assistant for the pupil. My officials are liaising with my Department's inspectorate and a response will issue to the school shortly.
171 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department received an application from the committee of a school (details supplied) in County Galway asking for a site to be acquired for an educate together secondary school in Galway; if he sanctioned the application; and its position. [19039/04]
Correspondence was received from City of Galway Vocational Education Committee on post-primary provision on the east side of Galway city. Officials in my Department are reviewing the provision of post-primary education in the City and all information will be taken into account.
172 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 on 6 May, the position of an application for funding to provide a special classroom with modifications for wheelchair access for a school (details supplied) in County Louth. [19040/04]
Recently my Department's technical staff visited the school. They noted the modifications required to facilitate the special class for September. The schools building section is examining the technical report. My Department will contact the school authorities very shortly.
177 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for a school to move from board two to board one of the scale as adopted by his Department in administering the capital funding for schools. [19045/04]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the criteria used for prioritising large-scale schools building projects. They are published in the schools building programme and available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The guidelines are used in assessing the priority to be afforded to projects. They are applied at the initiation of each project and reviewed as necessary at each stage up to construction.
179 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application was made under the summer works programme by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 for securing grills on windows. [19049/04]
The school did not make an application under the scheme. It is open to the school's management authorities to apply for security measures under the 2005 summer works scheme. Details of the scheme will be announced later this year. In the meantime the authorities may expend funding under the grant scheme for minor works to address urgently required security measures.
180 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department was contacted about the need for a primary school in Westbrook-Saggart Abbey; and if he is aware that the local community wants a school. [19058/04]
My Department's planning section meets the planning department of the South Dublin County Council on a regular basis. They discussed the need for additional educational provision. As a result sites for primary schools were reserved at Fortunestown and Saggart. Further consultations on new schools are needed with the local authority. Topics for discussion is the rate and likely timescale of housing developments and the capacity of existing schools in the area to meet the anticipated demand.
The overall enrolment trend in schools in the Tallaght area is downward. In light of the proposed additional housing in the area, my Department will continue to monitor developments. Any needs identified will be addressed by increasing existing school capacity or providing new schools, as appropriate.
181 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in payment by his Department to contractors employed on a school project (details supplied) in County Waterford. [19059/04]
The client is County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee. It is responsible for the management and delivery of the project. Recently my Department received the final account for the project and my technical staff are examining it. My Department will keep the VEC advised of developments.
182 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the provisions being made to accommodate children and adults with special needs sitting their State examinations. [19063/04]
I formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. It is statutorily responsible for all operational matters for the certificate examinations. The commission operates a scheme of reasonable accommodations for candidates with special needs at the examinations. The range of accommodations available to candidates includes the use of readers, scribes, tape recorders and the use of computer technology in certain cases. The students may also apply to have a part of an examination waived and to be marked out of 100% on the balance. The school authority, on behalf of its candidates, applies for accommodations. Each case is considered on its merits. School authorities may also approve rest periods, taking of medicine into the examination hall and the use of low vision aids without recourse to the commission. I am satisfied that there are appropriate arrangements to accommodate students with special needs sitting the examinations.
183 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for a higher education grant by a person (details supplied) in County Louth can be reviewed. [19064/04]
Under the terms of my Department's grant scheme, maintenance grants are available to eligible students pursuing approved undergraduate courses in other EU member states, including the UK. Students attending approved courses in other member states are subject to the same conditions of funding as students attending approved courses in the State. The main conditions of funding relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
The scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992. These Acts define a mature student to mean a person: Of not less than 23 years of age, or such other age as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, who have secured places in approved institutions and have reached that age on the 1st day of January, or such other date as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, in the year of entry to such institutions. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the Acts specify that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. The provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student. Generally speaking, candidates continue to be assessed under the terms and conditions of the scheme appropriate to their year of entry. Accordingly, candidates who were not classified as independent mature students at the time of entry to an approved course may not generally be assessed as such for the duration of their course.
There is provision for candidates who are re-entering as mature students, following a break in study of at least one year, to pursue or complete an approved course for the first time. Such candidates may be assessed under the terms of the scheme appropriate to the year in which they re-enter. Candidates who were not independent mature students at the time of entry to an approved course may be reclassified as same for the purpose of completing a course or commencing a subsequent course. Unless students meet the prescribed age requirement at the time of entry or re-entry to an approved course, they may not be assessed as an independent mature student under the terms of the scheme.
The candidate in question does not meet the requirements to be assessed as an independent mature student. His reckonable income exceeds the prescribed income limits for a grant. I regret that it is not possible to allow grant aid in this case.
184 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be made available for the new Ennistymon community school, County Clare. [19069/04]
When I published the 2004 schools building programme I outlined that my strategy would be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects that were not authorised to proceed as part of the 2004 schools building programme. This is being done with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual schools building programme from 2005. I expect to make further announcements during the year. The proposed project in County Clare will be considered in this regard.
185 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the risk analysis and the cost-benefit analysis that was carried out or proposed to be carried out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19085/04]
The first report of the decentralisation implementation group recommended that each decentralising Department or agency should prepare an implementation plan and identify the risks associated with decentralisation and the means of mitigating them. My Department's implementation plan includes a risk analysis and suggested mitigation measures.
The Deputy will be aware from the group's first report that Office of Public Works is due to prepare a public sector benchmark for value for money purposes. A more detailed analysis will be undertaken when the information is available.
186 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19100/04]
The last decentralisation arrangement involving my Department took place in 1995. The information requested is no longer available. Such details are not normally retained for longer than seven years.
187 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers that were required to obtain the requisite number of persons for decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff that was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19115/04]
My Department last decentralised to Tullamore in 1995 and there are 187 posts at that location at present. Some of the staff moved from my Department's Dublin offices of my or from other Departments. Some were promoted and some were recruited for Tullamore. My Department does not keep personnel statistics in a format that would indicate the number of staff in each of these categories.
Training periods would have varied considerably depending on the degree of knowledge of the specific area of work and the previous experience of the staff members being trained. Some of the training took place prior to a transfer and some afterwards. I do not have detailed statistics on the duration of the training, the periods of overlap required or the costs involved.
188 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the need to develop specific programmes in secondary schools to assist children who had special help in primary school; and if he will develop programmes to track them in the secondary school system and to provide them, when possible, with additional help particularly for literacy skills. [19131/04]
My Department allocates teacher posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. Applications for such support are made to my Department by the relevant school authority. Each application is considered on the basis of the assessed needs of a pupil. The nature and level of the support provided is determined by the advice of the psychological service. Learning support or remedial teacher services are provided to all second level schools. The service is focused on students with literacy or numeracy difficulties.
My Department's teacher education section has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of personnel working with children with special educational needs. It involves a major expansion of the range of postgraduate professional training programmes available to teachers in the special needs area and the establishment of the special education support service to support school staff locally. I am confident that the advent of the national council for special education will prove of major benefit in developing policy in the area. It will ensure that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require when and where they require it.
189 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 received no decision on its application for resource teaching hours for two persons; if his Department proposes a change of policy to allocate a support teacher for every 150 children on a school’s roll; and the way in which this would apply to this school that has around 100 pupils. [19132/04]
My Department received applications from the school for special education resources. Applications for resource teacher support were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003. The applications were considered and all schools have been notified of the outcome. Schools were notified of the resources that may be put in place immediately. I intend that all applications for SER received by 30 June, including the two applications from the school, will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-2005 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system that I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. It will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with a higher incidence of special educational needs. For example, students with borderline, mild and general learning disability, specific learning disability and with learning support needs. It will also allow for allocations in respect of pupils with a lower incidence of special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows. In the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils in all boys schools; one for every 150 pupils in mixed schools or all girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys; one for every 200 pupils in all girls schools, including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall. The details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular. It will be issued to all schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with a higher incidence special educational needs. It will obviate the need for schools to submit applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. The Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
190 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Science when a reply on school transport from the Claregalway-Carnmore area to the secondary school in Oranmore will be provided. [19148/04]
The transport liaison officer, County Galway Vocational Education Committee was asked to submit a report on the case. The Deputy will be advised of the position when it is assessed.
191 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [19155/04]
My Department contacted Coláiste Dhúlaigh about the matter. Its principal advised that a subscription on the college's book rental scheme was received for the pupil concerned. The college informed about any hardship. It deals with all hardship appeals as they arise.
My Department operates a grant scheme that contributions towards the cost of school textbooks for needy pupils in post-primary schools. A needy pupil is defined as a pupil from a family where there is genuine hardship because of unemployment, prolonged illness of a parent, large family size with inadequate means, single parenthood, or other family circumstances such as substance abuse that would indicate a similar degree of financial hardship. Principal teachers administer the book grant schemes in schools in a flexible way under the terms of the schemes based on their knowledge of circumstances.
192 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if the contracts of the 11 special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will be immediately confirmed; and his views on whether, in view of the fact that this school is in a severely disadvantaged area and caters for a large number of children with behavioural and emotional difficulties, it is unacceptable to consider reductions in the number of special needs assistants at the school. [19179/04]
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil with a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's circular 7/02. It may be accessed on my Department's website under the heading children with special needs. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. A review ensures that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Since 1998 the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. Special needs assistant posts will be retained in schools where there is a continuing care need in accordance with circular 7/02. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
193 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 and their parent; and the measures put in place to address the issue. [19180/04]
The issue is a matter for the national educational welfare board. It was established under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The board's general function is to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or receives a certain minimum education. I am arranging to pass the Deputy's query to the NEWB for direct reply to him.
194 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will comment on special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15, in particular the threat by his Department to revoke two special needs posts from 31 August 2004; and if he is aware that the school, for the past decade, focused on the provision of special needs for children in the Huntstown, Clonee and Dublin 15 area. [19182/04]
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's circular 7/02. The circular may be accessed on my Department's website under the heading children with special needs. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Since 1998 the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. Special needs assistants posts will be retained in schools where there is a continuing care need in accordance with circular 7/02. I intend that all applications for special education resources received by 30 June will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
195 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the school transport in a catchment area (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19183/04]
My Department does not propose to carry out a review of the catchment area referred to by the Deputy.
196 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if the application for resources to support the transition and ongoing needs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be expedited. [19184/04]
My Department received an application for special educational resources for the person. It is being considered and a response will issue to the school shortly.
197 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science about an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for home tuition. [19185/04]
On 18 June my Department sanctioned ten hours' home tuition per week for the month of July for the pupil.
198 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for refurbishment and new accommodation; when these works will be sanctioned; and if he is aware of the poor conditions at the school. [19186/04]
An application was received from the school's management authority. All projects not proceeding to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme are being re-evaluated with a view to including them in a multi-annual programme from 2005 onwards. The school's application will be included in the review.
199 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements in place for September for resource hours and special needs assistants for a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19187/04]
My Department received applications for special education resources from the school. I intend that all applications for SER received by 30 June will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 were considered. Schools were notified of the outcome and whether resources may be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future. The outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19188/04]
A report was requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as it is assessed.
201 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full-time support teacher will be provided for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of the particular needs of the children attending the school; and his views on whether it should be accorded disadvantaged status, in view of the catchment area. [19189/04]
A detailed review of all disadvantaged initiatives is nearing completion. It will impact on existing initiatives. I hope to announce the outcome of the review shortly.
202 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will complete a review of schools building projects that will form part of his multi-annual budget; and when his review will be published. [19260/04]
Officials in my Department's school planning section are reviewing all of the projects that were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme. When the review is completed I will publish details in the context of a multi-annual programme of works.
203 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the independent education appeals board that deals with the issue of allocation of teachers was set up and by whom; and the number of persons on the board and their details. [19280/04]
I established an appeals committee for the 2003-04 school year. It considers appeals by school authorities against decisions of the Department of Education and Science in regard to teaching staff allocations for second level schools and vocational education committees. It also operates independently of my Department and its decision is final. The committee comprises three members nominated by my Department who have relevant experience and expertise. The three members of the current committee are: Mr. Jim Lyons, Ms Elspeth Henderson and Mr. Parthalán Ó Ceilleachair.
204 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science when an additional resource teacher will be appointed to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that some hours have been granted since September 2003 to one student who will enter third class in September 2004. [19283/04]
My Department received an application for special education resources for the pupil at the end of January. I intend that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 have been considered. Schools were notified of the outcome and whether resources could be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future. The outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system that I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. It will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, for example, those with borderline, mild and general learning disability, specific learning disability, and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows. In the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all boys schools the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all girls schools, including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils. I intend that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher incidence special educational needs and this will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department now proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. My Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
205 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will sanction three special needs assistants for a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19319/04]
My Department received applications for three special needs assistants from the school. Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's circular 7/02.
I refer the Deputy to circular SP ED 9/04. It may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie under the heading, Children With Special Needs. It advises schools that they will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year.
206 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the transport pick-up point for persons (details supplied) in Lower Termon, Dungloe, County Donegal will be revised. [19321/04]
A report was requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the position when it is assessed.
207 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is proposed to carry out remedial work on a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [19322/04]
My Department received an application for improved accommodation from the school. When publishing the 2004 schools building programme, I outlined that my strategy will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects that were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 schools building programme. This is being done with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual schools building programme from 2005. I expect to make further announcements during the year. The application from the school will be considered in this regard.
208 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science , further to Question No. 120 of 13 May, when he intends to lay the list of additional institutions before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [19324/04]
My Department received correspondence from individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002. Discussions between my Department and other Departments took place that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities to ascertain whether they are eligible for inclusion. In some cases the initial information received was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since the institutions were closed. Therefore, the process of verifying each of them was time consuming and is continuing. Inquiries into all of the institutions have not been completed. I am considering proposals that will enable progress to be made on the institutions where inquiries have been completed. The proposals are at an advanced stage.
209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the reply of the Minister of State of 19 May 2004, the progress to date on the implementation of the McIver report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19326/04]
The recommendations in the McIver report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals that extend beyond post leaving certificate provision. During the past 12 months, officials in my Department have had meetings with the management and staff representative interests in the sector to examine their respective priorities and to consider issues surrounding a number of the recommendations of the report. Further meetings with all the relevant stakeholders in the sector will be necessary in the period ahead in connection with this report.
One of the recommendations in the report envisaged the formation of a council of further education colleges to engage with the National Adult Learning Council and the Department of Education and Science on policy and research, provide for a leadership mechanism within the sector, animate inter-college planning processes and co-ordinate joint initiatives among colleges. As an initial step, on Tuesday, 4 May 2004, my Department facilitated a meeting of the stakeholders in the sector with a view to having them prepare proposals about the composition and remit of the council. In June 2004, the Department asked the parties involved to reflect again on the issue of the composition of the council in the light of recent discussions. My Department is continuing to facilitate discussions between the sides on this matter.
210 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on progress in the implementation of the Donnellan report on a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when he proposes to recruit a new director; if the situation will not be allowed to drift, thereby causing uncertainty and instability among staff and residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19328/04]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department issued the review of the Finglas child and adolescent centre, carried out by Mr. Michael Donnellan, to all the stakeholders at the centre and sought their views on the recommendations and conclusions contained in the report. Most of the stakeholders have responded and a number of meetings have taken place between my officials and the relevant parties. This consultation process will be completed this week and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the future of the centre in the near future.
211 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a special needs assistant which was submitted in May 2003 for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; the reason for the further delay; when he proposes to make a decision in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19344/04]
My Department has received an application for 12.5 hours part-time special needs assistant support and 2.5 hours resource teaching support for the pupil to whom the Deputy refers. It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 for which a response is outstanding have been considered and schools have now been notified of the outcome. This outcome indicates to schools the resources that may be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future and the outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system which I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. This system will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs such as, for example, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows. In the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all-boys schools, the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all-girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all-girls schools including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils. It is intended that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher incidence special educational needs and this will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department now proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. The Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
Schools which have applied for special needs assistant support will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned.
My Department recognises the difficulties some schools have been experiencing while awaiting the outcome of applications for special educational resource and the introduction of the weighted model. The process has been complex and time-consuming and I am endeavouring to have all aspects completed as quickly as possible. I also wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support of schools in this regard.
212 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the recent announcement by him, if he will give approval to an application for a resource teacher for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19345/04]
My Department received an application for 3.5 hours resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 for which a response is outstanding have been considered and schools have now been notified of the outcome. This outcome indicates to schools the resources that may be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future and the outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system which I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. This system will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs such as, for example, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows. In the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all-boys schools, the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all-girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all-girls schools including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils. It is intended that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year. It is intended that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher incidence special educational needs and this will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department now proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. The Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
My Department recognises the difficulties some schools have been experiencing while awaiting the outcome of applications for special educational resource and the introduction of the weighted model. The process has been complex and time-consuming and I am endeavouring to have all aspects completed as quickly as possible. I also wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support of schools in this regard.
213 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science , further to Question No. 106 of 11 March 2004, if his officials have engaged with the school authorities regarding the decline in enrolments and the future viability of the school in regard to determining the way forward for it, especially in view of the fact that stage two development for the school promised before the general election in 2002 has yet to be sanctioned. [19348/04]
Official from my Department have engaged with the school authority in this regard. When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy going forward would be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year.
214 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the information requested in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, of 22 October 2003. [19349/04]
The letters referred to form part of a substantial correspondence from the person concerned over a number of years outlining a range of concerns and allegations concerning a young offenders centre and related matters. I have been made aware of the general content of this correspondence.
Departmental records indicate that a meeting was held in March 1988 between officials of my Department and management at the Finglas children's centre to pursue complaints made to the Department by a then serving member of staff. The complaints related chiefly to matters involving financial management and control aspects of the centre but also included allegations of physical abuse of young people. The Department's records indicate that the Department officials advised the director that all such matters should be brought to my Department's attention immediately and should be investigated thoroughly.
The only identifiable allegation regarding physical abuse related to an alleged assault of a boy by a staff member at the centre in 1985. Staff in the Department interviewed the then director of the centre in late 1992 in this regard. The director assured my Department that this incident had been investigated at the time and it had been found that the incident was a necessary case of physical restraint of a disruptive young person, which was misinterpreted by a staff member.
Following further allegations of abuse at Finglas children's centre and Trinity House school, a Garda investigation was carried out in 1994. On foot of that investigation, in 1994 the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that there was no evidence to support allegations of abuse. On receipt of further correspondence in 1996, the matter was referred from my Department to the Garda for investigation. In addition to this investigation, as the Deputy is aware, the Garda, in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, my Department and the management of Finglas children's centre were engaged in a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse in relation to this centre. Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the centre. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Garda and made available all relevant records in this regard.
Allegations of financial irregularity were also investigated by the Department. Although many of these were not substantiated, the investigations into these allegations was a contributory factor in later identifying weaknesses in the financial systems on Trinity House school which were addressed.
The letter of February 1993 referred to in the question, was received from the person in question enclosing copies of correspondence with the then Minister for Finance and the then Minister for Enterprise and Employment. As these matters were the subject of consideration by the Committee of Public Accounts, the Department of Finance would have been briefed on developments taking place in this regard.
215 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é an dul chun cinn atá deánta go dáta maidir le hiarbhunscoil a chur ar fáil ar Oileán Thoraí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19350/04]
Nuair a chuireas an scéim tógála scoile 2004 i gcló, chuireas in iúl go mbeadh mo stráitéis i ndul chun chinn bunaithe ar dháiliú ilbhliantúil i bhfuilleamh caipitiúil. Tá mo oifigigh ag déanamh athbhreithniú ar na tionscnaimh uile nach bhfuil údarás tógála faighte acu go fóill mar chuid de scéim tógála scoile 2004, le súil go mbeidh siad san áireamh mar chuid d'fheachtas ilbhliantúil tógála scoile 2005 agus táim ag súil go mbeidh ar mo chumas breis eolais a fhógairt faoin ghnó seo le linn na bliana. Cuirfear an t-iarratas ó Choláiste Pobail, Oileán Thoraí san áireamh sa chomhthéacs seo.
216 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an extension to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19351/04]
A large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This project is at early stages of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. It is planned to progress this project to the next stage of architectural planning during 2004.
The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which, in turn, will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme, such as the project in question. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
217 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension or renovation to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19352/04]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, as part of the devolved initiative contained in section 2 of the 2004 school building programme, the school in question has accepted a maximum grant of €275,000 to fund the provision of additional school accommodation and improvement works.
218 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has been in contact with the Office of Public Works in a effort to identify a site for a new primary school in Gortahork, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19353/04]
When I published the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy going forward will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects, which were not authorised to proceed as part of the 2004 school building programme, including projects requiring the acquisition of a site, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005 and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year. The proposed project at Gortahork will be included in this review.
219 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances under which non-nationals whose parents reside here on work permits may qualify for reduced third level fees; if such reductions in fees apply to all third level colleges, including institutes of technology; if the three-year residency rule means three full years of two years and part of a third year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/04]
The main conditions of my Department's free fees initiative are that students must be first-time undergraduates and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course.
I emphasise the distinction between the criteria that determine eligibility under the free fees initiative and the criteria by which individual third level institutions establish what rates of tuition fees should be charged in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees. Third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in cases where the free fees initiative does not apply. The classification of a student as an EU or a non-EU applicant is a matter for each institution to determine in this regard.
220 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason rural disadvantaged schools are only entitled to 50% of the resource teacher allocation of the urban disadvantaged schools as per Department circular SP ED 09/04; if he will review this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19373/04]
The differentiated system of weighted allocation teacher allocation referred to in circular SP ED 09/04 is intended to recognise the evidence that factors such as disadvantage and gender have a bearing on the incidence of special educational need. The new arrangements also take full account of the 350 posts I secured to facilitate their introduction. I should point out also, that the needs of pupils in lower incidence categories of disability will continue to be met on an individual basis.
221 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department’s inspectorate contacted a family in County Mayo, as promised in the reply to Question No. 315 of 27 April 2004; the progress that has been made on the placement of a person with special needs (details supplied) in County Mayo in the education system; and the education that has been offered to them to date. [19401/04]
I understand that my Department's inspectorate has a vacancy in the area that the pupil referred to by the Deputy resides. However, my officials are making arrangements for an alternative member of the inspectorate to contact the parents concerned shortly.
222 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a definitive decision will be made regarding the allocation to a school (details supplied) of a special needs assistant to ensure that the school will have adequate time to advertise the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19403/04]
I wish to refer the Deputy to Circular SP ED 09/04 which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, under “Children with Special Needs”. The circular advises schools that have applied for special needs assistant support that they will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year.
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's circular 07/02. This circular may be accessed on my Department's website.
Since 1998, the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
223 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the situation regarding the provision of a resource teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [19405/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received five applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school to which the Deputy refers. All applications for special educational resources received after 31 August 2003, including the applications from the school in question are being considered by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. In those cases, it is intended that the applicant schools will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible in advance of the commencement of the next school year.
224 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to address the backlog of 8,000 applications for special educational resources; if he intends to carry out an assessment of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19331/04]
It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 for which a response is outstanding have been considered and schools have now been notified of the outcome. This outcome indicates to schools the resources that may be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future and the outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system which I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. The new system will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, for example, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability, and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows: In the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all-boys schools, the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all-girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all-girls schools including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils. It is intended that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher incidence special educational needs and this will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department now proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. The Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
Schools which have applied for special needs assistant support will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned.
My Department recognises the difficulties some schools have been experiencing while awaiting the outcome of applications for special educational resource and the introduction of the weighted model. The process has been complex and time-consuming and I am endeavouring to have all aspects completed as quickly as possible. I also wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support of schools in this regard.
225 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in providing funding to a college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for a community leisure and recreation facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19511/04]
An application for a PE hall at the school to which the Deputy refers is being assessed in the context of the school's long term projected enrolment. All projects that are not proceeding to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme will be included as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005 onwards, further details of which will be announced later.
226 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with regard to a teaching post through Kildare Vocational Education Committee; if a suitable teaching position will be offered to them in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19512/04]
The appointment of teachers by vocational education committees, VECs, is a matter for the relevant VEC, subject to agreed procedures. As my Department has no role in the appointment of individual teachers in the VEC, it would not be appropriate for me or my Department to intervene in any such case.
227 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a submission from the steering committees of the national induction project, primary and post-primary, in respect of phase 3 of the project; if he has considered the proposals submitted; his intentions regarding the continuance or otherwise of the national induction project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19513/04]
The national pilot project on induction covers primary and post-primary levels. The project operates under the aegis of a steering committee which includes representatives from my Department along with representatives from the teacher unions as well as the universities and colleges of education.
The primary and post-primary project teams have made a joint submission to my Department in relation to the continuation of the national pilot project via an additional phase, namely, phase 3. Consideration of this submission and any decision on the future of the national pilot project will be informed by evaluation reports on phase 2 of the project by the primary and post-primary project teams. It is understood that these reports are currently in progress.
228 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a request earlier in 2004 by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for extra hours for two of its part-time staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19514/04]
I am aware of the application to which the Deputy refers. I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate the issue in question as a matter of urgency. My officials will inform the school authorities of the outcome of the application as soon as possible.
229 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if Bus Éireann has furnished the report to his Department regarding the provision of a school bus service to a national school (details supplied) in County Kerry; the current situation regarding this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19515/04]
My Department is examining a Bus Éireann report in respect of the application for school transport to the school referred to in the details supplied. When the examination is completed the Deputy will be advised of the decision.
230 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications that were received from schools under the 2004 summer works schemes for schools; the number of applications that were successful and the amount of money disbursed under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/04]
The total number of applications received under the 2004 summer works schemes for schools was 1,212. In all, 442 projects will be carried out under the scheme this year, 292 in primary schools and 150 in post-primary schools. The scheme will be funded to the amount of €31 million.
231 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide every assistance to schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in obtaining assistance for new windows. [19537/04]
The scope of the works required at the school referred to by the Deputy are appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme which was announced in December last. The closing date for applications under the scheme was 30 January 2004. I note that the school in question did not make an application for replacement windows under this scheme.
Subject to a review of the summer works scheme 2004, it is planned to invite applications for the 2005 scheme later this year. Full details will be posted on my Department's website at www.education.ie as soon as possible. In the interim, the school authority should use their devolved grant to deal with urgent works required.
232 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a special needs assistant in September 2004 in view of the concerns of the consultant child psychiatrist in regard to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19548/04]
I wish to refer the Deputy to circular SP ED 09/04 which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, under the heading, Children With Special Needs. The circular advises schools that have applied for special needs assistant support that they will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. I can confirm that my Department has received an application for a full time special needs assistant for the pupil referred to by the Deputy.
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support are outlined in my Department's circular 07/02. This circular may be accessed on my Department's website.
Since 1998 the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from approximately 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
233 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in receipt of an education at primary and at second level, respectively, in a place other than at a recognised school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19560/04]
The arrangements for monitoring education provided in places other than recognised schools are contained in the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The National Educational Welfare Board was established to implement the provisions of the Act. The NEWB is currently implementing a system of registration for children being educated at home or who attend non-recognised schools.
No definitive information is available to the Department at present on the numbers involved. However, initial estimates have been made that between 300 and 500 families may be educating their children at home. In addition, the latest published data in my Department's annual statistical report indicates that the numbers of students attending non-aided primary and post-primary schools are 6,400 and 2,700 respectively.
234 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of young persons registered by the National Educational Welfare Board in the register of young persons in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19561/04]
Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, any young person aged 16 or 17 who wishes to leave school to enter employment must apply to the National Educational Welfare Board to have their name included in a special new register. The purpose of the register is to safeguard the educational welfare of young people who leave school early to take up employment.
Prior to registration, the board will prepare a plan in consultation with the young person and other relevant parties for the purpose of assisting him or her to continue to avail of educational and training opportunities. When the young person is registered, a certificate is issued to him or her by the board. An employer must inspect this certificate before employing the young person. The certificate may be withdrawn where the board forms the opinion that the young person is failing to make all reasonable efforts to carry out the education plan prepared for him or her and that it would not be in the young person's best interests to continue in employment without also continuing to carry out the plan. The board is obliged to give notice in writing to the young person, his or her parents and his or her employer of its intention to withdraw the certificate and to invite them to make representations to the board concerning the matter. I am informed by the board that a number of expressions of interest in the register has been received and are being followed up. No names have been entered on the register to date.
235 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of scheme attendance notices issued by the National Educational Welfare Board since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19562/04]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 became fully operational with effect from 5 July 2002. The Act provides for the repeal of the previous school attendance legislation under which responsibility for the enforcement of school attendance rested with four local authorities in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Waterford and with the Garda for the remainder of the country.
Under the Act, the National Educational Welfare Board was established to ensure that every child attends school regularly or otherwise receives an education. At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have now been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed since early December in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. A total of 13 towns with significant school going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. These towns are Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo and Letterkenny. In addition, the board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
The Act provides that a parent may be prosecuted where the board forms the opinion that he or she is failing in his or her duty towards a child's education. This is a step of last resort after every possible step to improve attendance has been taken and where the board feels that a prosecution will bring about change.
My Department has been informed by the board that there have been no scheme attendance notices issued since its establishment. However, the practice and procedures for issuing such notices are being developed by the board at present and it is intended that they will be in place from the commencement of the next school year.
236 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students expelled from primary and second level schools in the school year 2003-04; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19563/04]
The National Educational Welfare Board has issued its first annual attendance report questionnaire to all schools. In the questionnaire schools are asked to state the number of students expelled in the school year 2003-04. Post-primary schools have been asked to submit their returns by 30 June and primary schools have until 16 July to reply.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal to the Secretary General of my Department where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses to enroll a student, suspends a student for a cumulative total of more than 20 days in an academic year or expels a student from the school. In the calendar year 2003, there were 34 appeals against expulsion in the post-primary sector and one in the primary sector. To date in 2004 there have been 28 appeals against expulsion in the post-primary sector and one in the primary sector. The number of appeals taken in any year does not necessarily reflect the total number of expulsions in that year as some parents may choose not to appeal the decision.
237 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if all sections of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 are being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19564/04]
All sections of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 came into operation on 5 July 2002. The Act provides a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. It also established the National Educational Welfare Board on a statutory basis as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, educational welfare officers, EWOs, are being appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally.
The board has appointed a chief executive officer, directors of corporate services and educational welfare services and a management team of eight staff. To date, 62 educational welfare officers have been appointed. I understand that the board will shortly be making a further EWO appointment which will bring the service delivery staff to its authorised complement of 63 service delivery staff.
At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas, including areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have now been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and an educational welfare service is now available, for the first time, in the cities of Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny. A total of 12 towns with significant school going populations, 11 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. These towns are Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo and Letterkenny. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally.
The board has also moved to provide a service to families who decide to have their children educated in places other than in recognised schools. A small number of people with the appropriate skills have been allocated to this work and assessments will commence shortly. My Department has recently issued guidelines to assist the board in meeting its responsibilities in this area. An information leaflet and an application form have issued to families who are educating their children at home. Work is also proceeding on the establishment of the register for 16 and 17 year olds who leave school to enter employment.
The board has recently written to all primary and post primary schools requesting an annual attendance report for the school year 2003-04 which will provide comprehensive data on the levels of non-attendance by pupils. The data are essential for the planning of the future development of the national educational welfare service and for the development of services-programmes designed to prevent non-attendance. My Department will examine any recommendations and advice on school attendance and early school leaving received from the NEWB following an analysis of the annual attendance data.
238 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the personnel or consultants involved in the review of educational disadvantage schemes; the modus operandi used in this review; if individual schools involved in these schemes have been consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19583/04]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. By ensuring that available educational resources are targeted at the most disadvantaged people in the education system at all levels, my objective is to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
My Department operates a wide range of programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage and one of my key concerns is to ensure that a fully integrated and cohesive overall strategy is adopted in this area for the future. To this end, the educational disadvantage committee, which is an independent statutory body chaired by Professor Áine Hyland, vice-president and professor of education, University College Cork, undertook a root and branch review of the Department's existing educational disadvantage programmes at my request. The recommendations from this process, and those arising from a forum on educational disadvantage organised by the committee, have helped to inform the review. The Educational Research Centre has also been engaged to assist in this regard. Individual schools involved in educational disadvantage schemes have had an input to the review process. The review is currently being finalised and I will be making an announcement in this regard once it has been completed.
239 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 51 Down’s syndrome children are awaiting assessment by his Department for provision of full-time learning assistants for the school year beginning in September 2004; if his attention has further been drawn to the urgency of having this dealt with and of the deep concern felt by the parents of these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/04]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to applications for special needs assistant support for children with Down's syndrome. I refer him to circular SP ED 09/04 which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, under the heading, Children With Special Needs. The circular advises schools that have applied for special needs assistant support that they will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year.
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support are outlined in my Department's circular 07/02. This circular may be accessed on my Department's website.
Since 1998 the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
I am anxious to ensure that special education support services are properly targeted at the children who require them and that the substantially increased resources which are being made available in the special educational area have the desired effect of ensuring that all children assessed as having special needs receive the support they require.
240 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases being assessed in the special education section of his Department; the number of cases being assessed by the national educational psychological service section of his Department; the proposals he has to relieve this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19609/04]
It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 for which a response is outstanding have been considered and schools have now been notified of the outcome. This outcome indicates to schools the resources that may be put in place immediately. Applications received after 31 August 2003 and by 30 June 2004 will be processed in the near future and the outcome will be notified to schools before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.
The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system which I announced recently. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. The new system will involve a general weighted allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, for example, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability, specific learning disability and also those with learning support needs. It will also allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
The weighted allocation will be made as follows: in the most disadvantaged schools as per the urban dimension of Giving Children an Even Break, a teacher of pupils with special educational needs will be allocated for every 80 pupils to cater for the subset of pupils with higher incidence special needs; in all-boys schools, the ratio will be one teacher for every 140 pupils; in mixed schools, or all-girls schools with an enrolment of greater than 30% boys, one for every 150 pupils; and in all-girls schools including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils. It is intended that the details of the new model will be set out in a comprehensive circular to issue to schools for the commencement of the new school year.
The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher incidence special educational needs and this will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in the higher incidence categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence disabilities. My Department now proposes to devise clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the weighted model. Sanction for the filling of posts will be considered in the context of these clusters and the weighted arrangements. The Department will communicate with schools in this regard before the commencement of the coming school year.
Schools which have applied for special needs assistant support will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned.
My Department recognises the difficulties some schools have been experiencing while awaiting the outcome of applications for special educational resource and the introduction of the weighted model. The process has been complex and time-consuming and I am endeavouring to have all aspects completed as quickly as possible. I also wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support of schools in this regard.
241 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage it is at; the amount of money it will cost to deal with the problem of asbestos in the school in summer, 2004; if it would be more prudent to move this school to the next stage and put it out for tender to build a new school premises. [19611/04]
The large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This project is at stage 4-5, detail design-bill of quantities, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
The school planning section is currently reviewing all projects, which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005. The proposed project and its advancement including the current band rating assigned to this project, will be considered as part of this review. The Department cannot indicate the estimated cost for the asbestos removal as this is regarded as commercially sensitive.
242 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will issue on an application for the provision of a sports hall at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [19612/04]
An application for a sports hall at the school referred to by the Deputy is at early architectural planning and is included in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme. All projects that will not go to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being re-evaluated with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005 onwards. Scoil Ruain will be included in this review.
243 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he or his Department staff have taken to solve the ongoing dispute at Drumcrave national school outside Cavan town where parents have withdrawn the majority of the 57 pupils; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that without independent intervention between the parents and management of this school its future could be at risk and permanent damage will be done to the 57 children involved if a resolution is not found; his views on whether this is unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19613/04]
I am aware of the difficulties arising from the dispute in the school to which the Deputy refers. I am concerned at the impact of the dispute on the education of the pupils in the school and I have asked my Department's inspectorate to monitor the situation. The resolution of the dispute is a matter for the authorities of the school in the first instance. However, I would urge all involved to take all the necessary steps to resolve the dispute as speedily as possible, having due regard to the rights of all concerned.
244 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he received responses from each coastal local authority to his request in July 2002 for their proposals for coastal protection work for the period 2003-06; the budget that has been allocated to such works; the role his Department is taking in organising coastal protection in view of the concerns regarding climate change and rising sea levels (details supplied). [19553/04]
Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it be a local authority or a private individual. In July 2002 my Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals for coastal protection works for the period 2003-06. In all, 195 proposals with an estimated total cost of over €120 million were submitted from all of the coastal local authorities.
Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €52.01 million is identified. Expenditure under this measure in 2003 was €2.9 million and an allocation of €780,000 for the coastal protection programme has been made available to my Department for this year.
I have allocated €500,000 this year to a major coastal protection strategy study which my Department commenced in 2002. The study is addressing the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seeking to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. Last year, expenditure on the study focused on an aerial survey of the Irish coastline using oblique digital video photography. The purpose of the survey was to obtain a comprehensive and up to date record of the present coastal erosion situation around the entire coastline of Ireland in order to facilitate the identification of priority areas for future expenditure. The completed survey also provides a useful baseline for the preparation and commissioning of future surveys. It is expected that when this study is completed a more targeted approach to programme delivery will result and will enable a greater level of efficiency in responding to coastal erosion change around the country.
I can confirm that Dublin City Council submitted proposals to my Department for funding costing in the region of €28.15 million. The council undertook a coastal zone risk assessment study during 2003, towards which my Department contributed €80,000.
The question of providing funding for coast protection works in the post-2004 period will depend on the outcome of the coast protection strategy study, the amount of Exchequer funding available for such works and overall national priorities.
245 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the stage of advancement of the development of selective fishing gears which might qualify for the proposed new European support mechanism for environmentally friendly fishing methods; if he will provide examples of fishing gear which his own Department would propose for inclusion in such a programme, indicating the timeframe within which they might be introduced and the benefits which might be expected from their use. [19554/04]
With a particular perspective on the large quantities of fish that are caught each year and discarded by EU fishing vessels, and the catching of over-fished stocks as an unwanted by-catch, the Irish Presidency identified the need to promote and encourage fishermen to move towards more environmentally friendly fishing, including the use of more selective fishing gears. The principal benefit expected to flow from the development and use of such gear would be a significant reduction in such discards, which are estimated to amount to some 20 million tonnes of fish worldwide per annum.
Ireland's initiative was endorsed by all member states and the Commission at last week's Fisheries Council. The agreed conclusions set out a number of specific work assignments over the next two to three years in particular. There is also provision for a more long-term commitment in the context of new EU funding arrangements post-2007.
Now that the EU has prioritised this matter, the immediate task for my Department is to undertake, in association with BIM, the Marine Institute, the fishing industry and other interested parties, the necessary planning and organisation of a national programme. The focus of Ireland's programme will be on those fisheries of particular interest to Irish fishermen and also bearing in mind the overriding requirement to assist recovery of key whitefish stock particularly.
The development of this programme, which I hope can be significantly progressed within a few months, will be informed by work already underway in BIM on, for example, by-catch reduction measures in the Irish Sea prawn fishery. This is a good example of the type of initiative that can be taken. I believe that we can, in the coming months, develop a range of other projects. The timeframe for use of any modified gears will be determined by the duration and outcome of what are likely to be multi-annual studies.
246 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation with regard to the proposed Doolin Coastguard search and rescue centre; when he envisages the centre to commence; the funding that has been allocated towards the centre; if a site has been acquired for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/04]
The Irish Coastguard of my Department operates a station house building programme for coastal units around the coast. The Office of Public Works manages this programme for the Coastguard.
The current position regarding the proposed new search and rescue station house at Doolin, County Clare, is that while financial sanction has been granted in principle for the development the OPW have not yet been able to acquire a suitable site. It is not possible, therefore, to state a commencement date for the centre. However, the OPW is in negotiations for acquisition of a site near Doolin and, as soon as a suitable site has been acquired, the construction process, including building design, planning permission application and tendering, will be proceeded with as quickly as possible. Until the process of site acquisition is completed no specific funding can be allocated for the Doolin project. The Irish Coastguard and the OPW are giving top priority to the project for a Doolin search and rescue centre in their work under the station house building programme.
247 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the proposed scheme for the regulation of standards in electrical contracting, to be operated by the Commission for Energy Regulation, will be established; the reasons for the delay in establishing the scheme; if he will bring forward new measures to deal with the regulation of electrical contractors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19077/04]
I have recently been informed by the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, that all parties have agreed to implement interim measures, on a voluntary basis, for the regulation of the electrical contracting industry. This interim measure is the first in a two-phase proposal advocated by the CER in a report to my Department, which it presented in March 2002.
The CER undertook a review of the current system for regulating electrical contractors, identified any shortcomings and considered options to address the deficiencies taking account of the cost effectiveness, efficiency, and impact on the quality and safety of electrical installations of each option. The interim measures involve the commission assuming the role of supervisory regulator for the proposed scheme; and the distribution system operator, DSO, being required to assume responsibility for the day to day operation and monitoring of the scheme.
The DSO was tasked with developing new and more detailed criteria which, when underpinning legislation is in place, applicants to the commission for a licence to act as an electrical contracting regulatory body will be obliged to meet. In this regard, the DSO held discussions on the proposed new criteria with all relevant stakeholders, including the Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland, AECI; the Electrical Contractors Safety and Standards Association, ECSSA; the Electrical Contractors Association, ECA; the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland, ECTI; and the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland, RECI.
The CER has confirmed that all parties have now agreed the general criteria which are based on internationally recognised product certification and quality systems standards. These criteria will address specific electrical contracting industry requirements and ensure that the industry is operated in a manner which meets the highest standards of public safety. They take effect immediately and the commission will be undertaking a widespread publicity campaign over the coming months to alert the general public to the scheme.
The second of the phases proposed involves the interim measures being underpinned by legislation and specifically providing for: authorising the commission to licence self-regulatory bodies within the sector, in line with criteria submitted by the distribution system operator, DSO; access by authorised officers to premises to inspect electrical installations in respect of public safety requirements; and a penalties regime for non-compliance. In so far as this is concerned, the Government has approved the heads of a comprehensive electricity Bill which will provide, inter alia, for statutory authority for the commission’s role as regulator of the electrical contracting industry. The Bill is currently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
248 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19086/04]
My Department has prepared an initial decentralisation plan which encompasses risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity. The plan sets out a number of strategies and actions which are being progressed in light of developments at the centre. As part of the plan, a costing exercise is being undertaken.
249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19101/04]
250 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime, travel and subsistence incurred. [19116/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
The last decentralisation of a business unit for which I have responsibility was the transfer of my Department's accounts branch to Castlebar, County Mayo. In 1976, approximately 50 staff in the accounts branch of the then forest and wildlife service were decentralised to Castlebar. As a result of departmental reconfigurations over time, the accounts branch of my Department based in Castlebar today consists of 18 staff. Given the number of years that have elapsed, the extent of reconfiguration of departmental boundaries since this decentralisation and the consequent relocation of records, my Department is not in a position to source the specific information requested by the Deputy in respect of the Castlebar decentralisation.
251 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the decentralisation of the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon; if his attention has been drawn to the statement by SIPTU indicating the deep dissatisfaction of the staff who are proposed for decentralisation and the attendant risk of industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/04]
The proposal to relocate the Central Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon is being pursued as part of the Government's wider decentralisation programme and, as such, will be undertaken in accordance with the proposals of the decentralisation implementation group's report.
While I am aware of ongoing discussions regarding the decentralisation programme between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions State agencies sub-group and the Department of Finance, I am not a party to those discussions. I am also aware of the continuing policy adopted by SIPTU confirmed, I understand, at its recent meeting with shop stewards advising members not to co-operate in any way with implementation mechanisms, plans, etc., but also expressing the earnest wish to resolve the matter through dialogue and discussion. I sincerely hope that these issues can be resolved through collaborative discussion at national and local level.
252 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role he has had in the ongoing negotiations in An Post with regard to the future development of the company. [19379/04]
As Minister with responsibility for An Post, I have taken a significant interest in the company, especially since the scale of the financial difficulties became apparent. The financial difficulties being experienced by An Post are the outward manifestation of long-standing and deep-seated structural problems within the company.
The board of An Post submitted a recovery strategy to me last September. This strategy sets out a road map to return the company to profitability by 2005 and the way forward is the agreement and implementation of the recovery strategy. I outlined this view to the board of the company when I met it last September and reiterated it to company management since then. In addition, my officials meet An Post management on a monthly basis and formal reporting structures have been established.
While my Department will continue to assist in any way possible the necessary restructuring, the agreement and implementation of the recovery strategy is primarily a matter for the board and management of An Post and the trade unions, and in this regard negotiations are ongoing between management and unions under the auspices of the LRC.
253 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted the lobster pot licence for which they applied in July 2003. [19399/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to applications for sea-fishing boat licences submitted under the scheme for the licensing of traditional pot-fishing boats in the Irish inshore fleet. The programme for Government contained a commitment to introduce a new fleet licensing policy to ensure equity, transparency and an independent appeals process. Following on from that commitment, the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 was enacted. Among other things, this Act transferred the function of sea-fishing boat licensing from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats which operates on an independent basis, subject to criteria set out in section 3 of the Act. For this reason, all applications for sea-fishing boat licences are now considered by the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats. The head of the licensing authority is Mr. Aidan Hodson, registrar general of fishing boats, and the office of the authority is at the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. I understand from the licensing authority that the process of consideration of the large number of applications received under the scheme is nearing conclusion and all applicants, including the person referred to by the Deputy, will receive a written response within the next few weeks.
255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he proposes to take to improve the quality of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19565/04]
256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had contact with or received communication from the telecommunications regulator regarding the need to improve the quality and extent of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19566/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
In common with other Deputies, I understand the importance of citizens and businesses having access to a high quality mobile telephone service with coverage across the country. The responsibility for achieving this rests with the mobile phone operators, which are regulated by ComReg. While I am responsible for setting policy in the telecommunications sector, the key role on the ground of ensuring the operators provide quality signals and satisfactory signal coverage rests with ComReg. My officials are in regular communication with ComReg on a variety of issues. However, the specific issues that the Deputy raises are the responsibility of ComReg to regulate. The Irish mobile penetration rate now stands at 88%, with approximately 3.5 million mobile subscribers at the end of March 2004. The average European Union mobile penetration rate is just above 80%.
257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to address deficiencies in the telecommunications network with particular reference to the need to bring the quality of service here into line with that in other neighbouring and competing jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19567/04]
Quality of service in the telecommunications sector is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, and I have no function in the matter.
258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to meet at an early date the communications requirements of both the industrial and domestic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19568/04]
The immediate responsibility for meeting the communications requirements of the industrial and commercial sector in Ireland lies with the private companies which operate in a liberalised market under the regulatory supervision of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent of research or exploration currently ongoing in respect of identification of deposits of oil, gas or other minerals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19570/04]
262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the oil, gas or mineral exploration sites currently showing greatest promise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19572/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 262 together.
The level of petroleum exploration activity is directly related to the number of authorisations issued. At present, both licences and activity are at a relatively low level. This summer one firm exploration well is planned and one seismic survey has been completed. The exploration well will be drilled shortly on the Blackrock prospect in the Celtic Sea area by Providence Resources plc under its licensing option 03/1. The seismic survey was undertaken by Eni Ireland BV in the Porcupine Basin under its exploration licence 1/99 and was completed on 16 June.
In addition to petroleum exploration, the industry carry out joint research projects in the Irish offshore under the chairmanship of my Department. This research is aimed at promoting a greater knowledge and understanding of the Irish offshore and topics include geology and geophysics, engineering and the environment. Several projects have been completed under the joint research effort and many more are underway or at the planning stages.
With regard to non-petroleum minerals, as the Deputy knows, exploration in this country is undertaken by private enterprise holders of prospecting licences granted under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. There were 281 current prospecting licences at the end of May 2004. Continuous exploration activity is one of the requirements for holding a prospecting licence. My Department continues to be actively engaged in promoting investment interest in minerals exploration from overseas companies, in order to keep the level of exploration in the country as high as possible, and has undertaken several initiatives in this regard.
The Dooish exploration well, which was drilled in 2002 by Enterprise Energy Ireland, now Shell E&P Ireland, off the Donegal coast and which discovered a gas condensate accumulation, was re-entered and deepened in 2003. Both my Department and Shell E&P are continuing to analyse the well results and integrate them with other data from the area. However, it is extremely encouraging that this well, only the second to be drilled in the Irish sector of the Rockall Basin, proved to be a significant discovery, and my Department has emphasised the positive implications of this discovery for the prospectivity of the basin as a whole.
The mineral exploration sites currently showing the greatest promise are largely adjacent to existing base metal mines at Navan, County Meath — Tara Mines Limited — Lisheen. County Tipperary Anglo American and Galmoy, County Kilkenny — Arcon Mines Limited. Additional resources have been discovered which have the potential to extend the life of those mines, and applications for additional State mining facilities for these are currently being dealt with in my Department. Another very promising area where significant zinc mineralisation has been found is east County Limerick, while gold exploration in County Monaghan continues to provide encouragement.
261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent of direct investment or tax foregone in respect of oil, gas or other mineral exploration in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19571/04]
In respect of oil and gas, while I or my Department does not have the costs of exploration activities, these activities included the drilling of six offshore and two onshore exploration wells. In addition to these there have been 24 3D and 14 2D seismic surveys. Costs would also include the acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation of the data from these surveys.
In respect of non-petroleum minerals, the total exploration expenditure by holders of prospecting licences from 1998 to 2002, the most recent five year period for which figures are available, was €48.33 million. With regard to tax foregone, in respect of petroleum and non-petroleum minerals, this is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
263 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the Irish fishing fleet has been modernised and equipped in line to meet modern standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19573/04]
The Government recognises the overriding importance of securing a safe, modern and competitive Irish fleet and to this end €95 million is being invested under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Fleet development has been a particular implementation priority and the Government has delivered on this priority by approving 60 renewal and modernisation projects and 111 safety projects under the current programme.
264 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the capacity of the Irish fishing fleet has been enhanced in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19574/04]
Ireland's fleet capacity levels are set by the EU. The position at 31 December 1996 was 72,334 gross tonnes and 208,179 kw. This was increased on 31 January 2001 to 83,704 gross tonnes and 213,409 kw. and, with effect from 1 January 2003, this limit was again increased to 86,981 gross tonnes and 230,226 kw. The latter tonnage and power amounts are subject to revision.
265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the beneficial effect of EU fish conservation policies to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19575/04]
Under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, conservation policies are directed towards long-term stock recovery and management plans. These plans aim towards a progressive recovery of certain stocks to a safe biological level over a period of time and may include such elements as limitations on catch and fishing effort, strengthened control and enforcement and seasonal closures. Recovery plans have recently been agreed for certain cod stocks including the Irish Sea and waters to the north-west of Ireland and for northern hake. Two further plans have been proposed by the Commission and further proposals are expected shortly. As these plans are long-term in nature, their effects will not become apparent for some time. However, I am confident that they will succeed in their aims of conserving stocks as they are a multi-faceted and tailored approach to the problem.
I am nonetheless very conscious of the need to develop further measures to assist stock recovery. For this reason, in the context of the Irish Presidency, I launched the environmentally-friendly fishing initiative, which began with a conference in Dundalk in March and culminated with agreement on Council conclusions in Luxembourg last week. The agreed conclusions set out a number of specific work assignments during the next two to three years, in particular, to promote and encourage the achievement of more environmentally-friendly fishing and a resultant conservation dividend.
266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if adequate health and safety standards currently apply to all passenger and cargo sea-going vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19576/04]
I have previously advised the House that standards for all sea-going vessels are developed and adopted at international level. These standards apply to passenger and cargo sea-going vessels and include health and safety standards at an operational level on board these vessels.
Under Irish and international law all passenger and cargo vessels, trading into and out of Irish ports are required to carry the appropriate certification to demonstrate compliance with International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and International Labour Organisation, ILO, requirements. All vessels are subject to surveys and inspections under the relevant flag state or port state control inspection system. The international conventions covered by these inspections include the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, the STCW convention. All crew on board a vessel must have proper certification to ensure that they are suitably trained and can adequately and safely discharge the duties of the positions they hold.
The surveyors attached to the maritime safety directorate of my Department conduct regular inspections of vessels, including unannounced checks, to ensure compliance with the relevant conventions and regulations. Safety conditions relating to manning levels, maximum passenger numbers allowed, the continued availability of safety equipment are among the issues which inspectors focus on.
The monitoring of vessels by regular inspections is proving to be an effective measure in encouraging full compliance and implementation of the health and safety standards and is an effective method in ensuring that the vessels operating into and out of Irish ports and waters are complying with international convention requirements.
267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are available to meet requirements in terms of fisheries protection and coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/04]
Control and enforcement is a fundamental element for the effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. The newly reformed CFP, agreed in December 2002, provides for strengthened control and enforcement measures. I fully endorse this enhanced commitment to control and enforcement.
Effective enforcement of conservation rules is a priority for all member states and each member state has a clear responsibility to monitor and control fishing activity within their respective jurisdictions. The challenge of achieving effective control and enforcement of fisheries' rules is ongoing and requires close collaboration and co-operation between member states. It is clear that fisheries enforcement throughout the EU must continue to improve if the conservation imperatives facing the management of our European fish stocks are to be met and this will require the continued commitment of resources to meet this challenge successfully.
Ireland invests heavily in this regard with increased resources allocated to monitoring and surveillance activity both onshore and at sea. In particular, the number of sea fisheries protection officers has been increasing significantly in recent years and they are deployed at coastal ports. Overall, I am satisfied that adequate resources are available for fisheries protection but the matter will be kept under ongoing reivew. I will continue to work for more effective control in all member states in order to ensure a level playing field for the fishing industry.
268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the need of fishing families are being met following the introduction of catch restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19578/04]
Ireland's national quotas for 2004 show an overall growth of approximately 8%, in volume terms, on the equivalent figure for 2003. While this figure includes a modest reduction in the whitefish and shellfish quotas, from 37,635 tonnes in 2003 to 36,005 tonnes in 2004, this is more than offset by increased pelagic quotas. In addition, the quotas of whitefish and shellfish available to Irish fishermen in 2004 exceed the landings figure for the Irish fishing fleet in 2002, the latest year for which figures are available.
The catching sector, together with associated processing industries onshore, continues to make a major contribution to employment and income in our coastal regions. It is my policy to maximise these economic and social benefits within a framework aimed at ensuring stability and sustainability in the industry going forward.
269 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19087/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the decentralisation implementation group, chaired by Mr. Phil Flynn, in its first report on 31 March 2004 recommended that each organisation participating in the decentralisation programme should prepare its own implementation plan and submit it to the group. My Department has submitted its initial implementation plan which addresses the main issues arising from the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney.
The plan identifies the main risks associated with the move and outlines strategies to mitigate such risks. I am particularly conscious of the issues such as service and business continuity, efficiency and effectiveness and financial implications and intend that strategies are put in place to minimise any such risks. The plan also sets out the significant advantages for the organisation and for the staff who will move to Killarney.
At this stage, it is not possible to undertake a cost benefit analysis of the decentralisation of my Department. The further development of the plan as additional information becomes available in respect of the issues relating to people, property and business as identified in the Flynn report will entail appropriate cost benefit and risk analysis of the decentralisation of my Department to Killarney.
270 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19102/04]
271 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime, travel and subsistence incurred. [19117/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
To date, no section of my Department has been decentralised under a Government decentralisation programme. Accordingly, no information of the nature sought by the Deputy exists.
272 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the organisations that applied for sports capital grants in 2004; the organisations which were successful; the amount they received; and the amount applied for and received on a county basis in each case. [19372/04]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
The 2004 national lottery-funded sports capital programme was advertised in the national newspapers on 30 November and 1 December 2003. The deadline for receipt of applications was 16 January 2004. A total of 1,304 applications were received before that deadline and these were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. Following this evaluation process, last month I announced provisional funding allocations totalling €50.8 million to 717 projects. The following schedule lists the provisional grant allocation and the amount sought by each applicant under the 2004 sports capital programme. Where the "Sought" column is blank this indicates that the applicant did not supply this information on the application form.
I will shortly be making further announcements under the 2004 sports capital programme in respect of funding for projects of major significance which, while meeting local needs, will also add considerably to the national and regional sporting infrastructure which is required both for increasing levels of participation and improving standards of performance. Where the grant column is blank it should indicate where the decision on a grant allocation has not yet been made.
In keeping with Government policy, the allocations reflect special priority for the development of sports and recreational facilities in areas designated as disadvantaged, that is, RAPID, CLÁR and local drugs task force areas. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, whose Department administers the CLÁR programme, recently announced additional top-up funding of over €1.3 million from CLÁR to projects that were provisionally allocated funding under the 2004 sports capital programme. The Minister will also shortly be announcing top-up funding for projects that were provisionally allocated funding under this year's sports capital programme which were located in RAPID areas and were endorsed by their local RAPID area implementation teams.
|
County |
Applicant |
Grant |
Sought |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
632,000 |
1,415,490 |
|
|
Bagenalstown Soccer/Tennis/Pitch and Putt Club |
60,000 |
74,000 |
|
|
Ballon GAA Club |
40,000 |
53,568 |
|
|
Ben Mulhall Memorial Park Association |
60,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Carlow Golf Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Carlow Sports and Social Club |
20,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Dr. Cullen Park Committee c/o Coiste Condae Ceatharloch CLG |
200,000 |
||
|
Éire Óg GAA Club |
200,000 |
262,823 |
|
|
Myshall-Drumphea Sports Council Ltd |
0 |
170,000 |
|
|
New Oak Boys Football Club |
2,000 |
3,124 |
|
|
Old Leighlin Basketball Club |
10,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
Old Leighlin GAA Club |
10,000 |
10,460 |
|
|
Palatine GAA (Cnoc Arda) |
45,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Rathanna Community Group |
0 |
90,000 |
|
|
Rathvilly GAA Club |
45,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s Boys AFC |
70,000 |
95,000 |
|
|
Tinryland GAA Club |
70,000 |
94,515 |
|
|
Cavan |
925,000 |
2,849,130 |
|
|
Bailieborough Swimming and Leisure Centre |
0 |
143,752 |
|
|
Baillieborough Shamrocks GAA Club |
0 |
33,800 |
|
|
Ballinagh Leisure and Sports Complex Trust Ltd |
70,000 |
105,000 |
|
|
Ballyhaise Multi-purpose Sports Facility |
20,000 |
92,414 |
|
|
Ballyjamesduff Soccer Club |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Castlerahan GAA Club Ballyjamesduff |
0 |
90,000 |
|
|
Cavan Amateur Boxing Club |
0 |
5,000 |
|
|
Cavan Town Council — Tullacmongan Pitches |
50,000 |
120,651 |
|
|
Coiste Bhreifne uí Raghallaigh an Cábhan |
200,000 |
||
|
Cootehill GAA Club |
20,000 |
36,580 |
|
|
Crosserlough GAA Club |
70,000 |
105,000 |
|
|
Drumalee GAA Club |
15,000 |
25,500 |
|
|
Drumgoon GAA Club |
0 |
130,000 |
|
|
Drung GAA Club |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Kill Community Development Limited |
60,000 |
92,600 |
|
|
Killeshandra Leaguers GAA Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Kingscourt Handball and Racquetball Club |
100,000 |
134,254 |
|
|
Lacken Celtic GAA Club |
150,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Laragh Area Development Group Limited |
0 |
98,998 |
|
|
Loch Gowna GAA Club |
0 |
152,296 |
|
|
Mullahoran GAA Club |
80,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Shercock Sports & Recreation Facilities Ltd |
65,000 |
103,285 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Brass and Reed Band |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Templeport St. Aidan’s GAA Club |
100,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Virginia Rugby Football Club |
75,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Clare |
1,027,000 |
4,168,664 |
|
|
Banner GAA Club |
30,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Burren Sub Aqua Club Ltd |
20,000 |
28,484 |
|
|
Clonlara Leisure Athletic & Sports Society Ltd. |
150,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Corbally United Football Club |
0 |
230,000 |
|
|
Corofin Community GAA Development |
20,000 |
27,000 |
|
|
Cratloe GAA Development Committee |
150,000 |
190,000 |
|
|
East Clare Golf Club |
0 |
165,325 |
|
|
Ennis RAPID Community Assembly |
90,000 |
154,869 |
|
|
Ennis Sub Aqua Club |
20,000 |
31,272 |
|
|
Ennis Town Council — Lees Road Centre |
1,314,428 |
||
|
Ennistymon Recreation and Leisure Centre |
22,000 |
25,000 |
|
|
Killaloe Ballina Tennis Club |
25,000 |
33,000 |
|
|
Killmurry GAA Club |
25,000 |
28,000 |
|
|
Kilmaley Sports and Leisure Complex |
0 |
187,972 |
|
|
Lifford Oldtown Football Club |
50,000 |
85,000 |
|
|
Meelick GAA Club |
45,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Park Rangers AFC |
5,000 |
6,500 |
|
|
Parteen St Nicholas GAA Club |
30,000 |
37,000 |
|
|
Scariff GAA Club |
0 |
110,000 |
|
|
Seanchonill Sports Centre |
0 |
396,388 |
|
|
St. Breckan’s GAA Club Lisdoonvarna |
40,000 |
80,426 |
|
|
St. Senan’s Rugby Football Club |
160,000 |
210,000 |
|
|
Tulla Soccer Club |
70,000 |
255,000 |
|
|
Wolfe Tones Camogie Club |
75,000 |
97,000 |
|
|
Wolfe Tones na Sionna GAA Club |
0 |
176,000 |
|
|
Cork |
4,874,000 |
23,696,715 |
|
|
Aghada GAA Club |
0 |
295,000 |
|
|
Ardfield/Rathbarry Rowing Club |
7,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
Ballincollig GAA Club |
70,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Ballydehob Community Association Limited |
0 |
93,055 |
|
|
Ballyhea GAA Club |
90,000 |
121,000 |
|
|
Ballymartle GAA Club |
0 |
152,000 |
|
|
Ballyphehane Community Association |
0 |
350,000 |
|
|
Baltimore Sailing Club |
35,000 |
52,483 |
|
|
Banteer Community Sportsfield Ltd |
45,000 |
54,429 |
|
|
Banteer Youth Club |
1,000 |
2,100 |
|
|
Bantry Rowing Club |
8,000 |
14,911 |
|
|
Bishopstown Hurling and Football Club |
50,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Blackpool Community Co-op Service Centre Ltd |
40,000 |
55,356 |
|
|
Blackrock National Hurling Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Blarney GAA Club |
50,000 |
126,000 |
|
|
Boherbue GAA Club |
25,000 |
29,400 |
|
|
Ból Chumann Na hÉireann |
160,840 |
||
|
Brian Dillon’s GAA Club |
100,000 |
151,040 |
|
|
Carrigaline United AFC |
0 |
44,098 |
|
|
Casement Celtic Football Club |
26,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Castlelyons GAA Club |
65,000 |
77,000 |
|
|
Castletown Kinneigh Table Tennis Club |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Charleville Rugby Club |
60,000 |
72,675 |
|
|
Clonakilty Enterprise Board Ltd |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Clonakilty GAA Club |
100,000 |
226,467 |
|
|
Clonakilty Rugby Club |
70,000 |
81,232 |
|
|
Coachford Soccer Club |
75,000 |
85,000 |
|
|
Cobh GAA Club |
80,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Cobh Pirates R.F.C |
0 |
51,212 |
|
|
Cobh Ramblers Football Club |
265,000 |
||
|
College Corinthians AFC |
250,000 |
1,930,388 |
|
|
Community and Renewal Enterprises |
150,000 |
225,000 |
|
|
Cork Amateur Weightlifting Association |
0 |
1,000 |
|
|
Cork Boat Club |
0 |
25,997 |
|
|
Cork City Council — Fairfield Dressing Rooms |
90,000 |
130,000 |
|
|
Cork City Council — Mahon Sports Project |
100,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
Cork City Council — Togher Community Association/Ballyphehane Community Association |
80,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Cork Co. Council — Powerscourt Housing Estate, Mallow |
70,000 |
112,000 |
|
|
Cork County Cricket Club |
4,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
Cork CSI Campsite Activity and Sports Centre |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Crosshaven Rowing Club |
6,000 |
11,300 |
|
|
Crosshaven Rugby Football Club |
0 |
31,500 |
|
|
Cuman Peile Mhichil Naofa |
40,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Cumann Camogaíochta Iniscartha |
40,000 |
58,908 |
|
|
Cumann Iománaíochta agus Peile Baile na mBocht (Mayfield GAA) |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Cumann Iománaíochta Cloch Dhubh (Cloughduv Hurling Club) |
180,000 |
217,341 |
|
|
Davis College Community Facility, Mallow |
0 |
194,964 |
|
|
Dolphin Swimming Club |
0 |
2,027 |
|
|
Donoughmore Hurling and Football Club |
20,000 |
26,200 |
|
|
Dromina GAA Club |
50,000 |
64,000 |
|
|
Dromtariffe GAA Club |
40,000 |
56,000 |
|
|
Durrus and District Community Council |
150,000 |
240,000 |
|
|
Fermoy Boys/ Girls Amateur Boxing Club |
5,000 |
7,000 |
|
|
Fermoy Concert Band |
0 |
19,355 |
|
|
Fermoy GAA Complex |
0 |
60,800 |
|
|
Fermoy Rowing Club |
35,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Fishermen’s Rowing Club, Cobh |
0 |
4,200 |
|
|
Freemount GAA Club |
35,000 |
41,669 |
|
|
Glandore Harbour Yacht Club |
10,000 |
14,744 |
|
|
Goleen and District Community Council |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Harlequins Cricket Club |
0 |
8,961 |
|
|
INE Church of Ireland Cork Young Mens Association |
200,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Irish Amateur Rowing Union |
1,500,000 |
||
|
Kanturk AFC |
60,000 |
70,560 |
|
|
Kanturk Cycling Club |
15,000 |
24,272 |
|
|
Kilcrohane Development Association |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Kilmacabea & Glandore Rowing Club |
8,500 |
12,770 |
|
|
Kilshannig GAA Club |
€250,000 |
400,000 |
|
|
Kinsale and Dock Rowing Club |
0 |
11,232 |
|
|
Kiskeam GAA Club |
30,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Leeds AFC |
25,000 |
30,955 |
|
|
Leevale Athletic Club |
15,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Lisgoold GAA Club |
30,000 |
34,782 |
|
|
Lismire GAA Club |
40,000 |
47,000 |
|
|
Lismire Youth Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Lombardstown Tennis Club |
20,000 |
24,500 |
|
|
Lyre Community Sports & Cultural Association |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Lyre Rovers FC |
35,000 |
52,210 |
|
|
Mahon Association Ltd |
4,186,949 |
||
|
Mallow GAA Club |
400,000 |
500,000 |
|
|
Mallow RFC |
0 |
148,000 |
|
|
Mallow Town Council — Gymnasium |
0 |
324,000 |
|
|
Mallow Town Council — Sandfield Playing Pitch |
25,000 |
30,400 |
|
|
Mallow Town Council — Woodview Drive Playing Pitch |
40,000 |
56,800 |
|
|
Mayfield United AFC |
361,275 |
||
|
Millstreet Town Park |
15,000 |
24,830 |
|
|
Mitchelstown Rugby Team |
2,500 |
3,080 |
|
|
Mourneabbey Community Council |
100,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Munster Branch IRFU — Musgrave Park |
1,000,000 |
||
|
Munster Football Association — Turner’s Cross |
800,000 |
||
|
Myross Rowing Club Ltd |
0 |
9,350 |
|
|
Na Piarsaigh Hurling and Football Club |
300,000 |
800,000 |
|
|
Nemo Rangers GAA Club |
200,000 |
2,000,000 |
|
|
Newmarket GAA Club |
0 |
110,000 |
|
|
Newtown Shandrum GAA Club |
60,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Old Christians Rugby Football Club |
0 |
190,000 |
|
|
Páirc Na Coláistí, Charleville |
0 |
€500,000 |
|
|
Passage Soccer Club |
50,000 |
€76,000 |
|
|
Passage West Rowing Club |
0 |
13,475 |
|
|
Rapthpeacon GAA Club |
0 |
36,725 |
|
|
Rathluirc GAA Club |
65,000 |
83,000 |
|
|
Ringmahon Rangers |
100,000 |
161,840 |
|
|
Riverstown Amateur Boxing Club |
0 |
5,600 |
|
|
Rockchapel GAA Club |
50,000 |
66,458 |
|
|
Roscarbery Rowing Club |
6,000 |
8,290 |
|
|
Rushbrooke Rowing Club |
7,000 |
10,683 |
|
|
Rylane Boxing Club |
4,000 |
5,950 |
|
|
Schull Yawl Rowing Club |
4,000 |
7,700 |
|
|
SMA Parish Community Sports Centre, Cork City |
0 |
500,000 |
|
|
Sovereign Dive Club |
0 |
24,000 |
|
|
Spirit of Kinsale Yawl Rowing Club |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
St. Anne’s Pitch & Putt Club, Blarney Road |
15,000 |
17,000 |
|
|
St. Catherine’s GAA Club |
40,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
St. Colman’s College Fermoy |
0 |
26,950 |
|
|
St. Finbarr’s Pipe Band, The Glen |
0 |
8,000 |
|
|
St. James’ GAA Club, Clonakilty |
0 |
294,000 |
|
|
St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville |
70,000 |
86,430 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Association Football Club |
15,000 |
19,732 |
|
|
St. Oliver Plunkett GAA Club |
50,000 |
63,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s Youth Group Band, Bandon |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
St. Vincent’s Hurling & Football Club |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Sunnyside Amateur Boxing Club |
5,000 |
6,000 |
|
|
Tadhg Mac Carthaigh GAA Club |
15,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Togher Athletic Club |
0 |
4,040 |
|
|
Tullylease Community Council |
0 |
55,000 |
|
|
Whitechurch & Waterloo Community Association |
25,000 |
38,590 |
|
|
Whitegate Rowing Club |
0 |
8,635 |
|
|
Youghal GAA Club |
€50,000 |
96,000 |
|
|
Donegal |
1,802,000 |
13,030,440 |
|
|
Aodh Ruadh GAA Park Development Committee |
100,000 |
151,500 |
|
|
Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club |
0 |
68,139 |
|
|
Ballyshannon Leisure Centre Management Limited |
0 |
320,000 |
|
|
Buncrana Golf Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Buncrana Youth & Community Development |
0 |
500,000 |
|
|
Bundoran GAA Club |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Cappry Rovers FC |
30,000 |
52,164 |
|
|
Castlefinn Partnership Initiative Ltd |
0 |
490,598 |
|
|
CLG Carndomhnaigh (Carndonagh GAA) |
0 |
375,000 |
|
|
CLG Ghleann Fhinne (Glenfinn GAA) |
50,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
CLG na Cealla Beaga (Killybegs GAA) |
65,000 |
76,149 |
|
|
Cockhill Celtic Football and Youth Club |
0 |
47,110 |
|
|
Convoy Arsenal F.C. |
0 |
47,000 |
|
|
Creeslough 2000 Project |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Curragh Athletic/CAKE Ltd |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Deele Community Sports Development Committee |
0 |
56,000 |
|
|
Desertegney Youth Club |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
Donaghmore GAA Setanta Hurling Club |
0 |
18,500 |
|
|
Donegal Motor Club |
0 |
28,000 |
|
|
Donegal Town Basketball Club |
0 |
||
|
Donegal Town Soccer Club |
25,000 |
31,978 |
|
|
Dunkineely Celtic F.C. |
0 |
88,000 |
|
|
Eany Celtic Football Club/ Inver Community Development Co-Op |
0 |
51,200 |
|
|
Erne Enterprise Development Company Ltd. |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Finn Harps Co-Op Society Ltd. |
2,179,489 |
||
|
Foresters Sport & Social Club, Killybegs |
0 |
1,000,000 |
|
|
Gaeil Fhanadha CLG |
130,000 |
178,435 |
|
|
Glenswilly GAA Club |
80,000 |
128,000 |
|
|
Greencastle Community Development Company |
0 |
241,833 |
|
|
Gweedore Celtic Football Club |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Inishowen Football League |
100,000 |
176,750 |
|
|
Inishowen Sub-Aqua Club |
15,000 |
26,512 |
|
|
Inniskeel Athletics Club / Parents Association |
0 |
110,833 |
|
|
Letterkenny & District Caledonia Pipe band |
0 |
20,938 |
|
|
Letterkenny Athletic Club |
0 |
20,400 |
|
|
Letterkenny Blaze Basketball Club |
3,000 |
5,322 |
|
|
Letterkenny Community Centre Ltd |
0 |
||
|
Letterkenny Golf Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Letterkenny Rugby Club/Letterkenny Gaels GAA Club |
0 |
712,268 |
|
|
Lifford Athletic Club |
175,000 |
247,078 |
|
|
Manorcunningham Orange Hall Bowling Club |
10,000 |
11,295 |
|
|
Milford Park Development Committee |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Moville Celtic FC |
90,000 |
117,859 |
|
|
Moville Community Complex Development Company Ltd |
0 |
10,026 |
|
|
Naomh Conaill (St. Connel’s) GAA Club |
70,000 |
115,500 |
|
|
Naomh Pádraig GAA Club, Muff |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Ozanam Community and Sports Centre, Dunfanaghy |
170,000 |
227,198 |
|
|
Quigleys Point Community Centre Ltd |
135,000 |
165,312 |
|
|
Raphoe Hockey Club |
8,000 |
11,000 |
|
|
Ray Athletic Youth Club |
0 |
60,000 |
|
|
Red Hughs GAA Club, Killygordon |
85,000 |
102,000 |
|
|
Redcastle Community Development Ltd |
70,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Robert Emmets GAA Club |
20,000 |
25,000 |
|
|
St. Catherine’s Accordion Band — Killybegs |
0 |
3,000 |
|
|
St. Eunan’s GAA Club |
150,000 |
2,600,000 |
|
|
St. John Bosco Club, Milltown |
40,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
St. Johnston Cricket Club |
5,000 |
6,300 |
|
|
St. Michael’s GAA Club |
75,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s GAA Club, Malin |
0 |
128,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s Park Trust, Carndonagh |
0 |
107,119 |
|
|
Twin Towns Amateur Boxing Club |
1,000 |
1,635 |
|
|
Whitestrand Football Club |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Dublin |
11,941,000 |
62,586,888 |
|
|
Aerlingus Divers |
0 |
24,000 |
|
|
Aquamarine Divers |
0 |
18,200 |
|
|
Athletic Union League |
35,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Aughrim Street Scout Unit |
0 |
9,960 |
|
|
Avoca Hockey Club and Newpark Comprehensive School |
250,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Ayrfield Community Association |
0 |
26,000 |
|
|
Ayrfield United FC |
0 |
23,000 |
|
|
Balbriggan Rugby Football Club |
0 |
600,000 |
|
|
Baldoyle United |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Ballinteer St. John’s GAA Club |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Ballyboden St. Enda’s GAA Club |
200,000 |
600,000 |
|
|
Ballyboden Wanderers GAA Club |
100,000 |
125,000 |
|
|
Ballybrack Football Club |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Ballybrack/Loughlinstown Boxing Club |
80,000 |
110,000 |
|
|
Ballyfermot Leisure Co-operative Ltd |
150,000 |
323,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Kickhams |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Regeneration Ltd — Balcurris Park |
40,000 |
55,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. — Coultry Park |
40,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. — Meakstown Equestrian Arena |
0 |
2,250,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. — Poppintree Centre |
0 |
2,000,000 |
|
|
Ballymun Regional Youth Resource |
300,000 |
471,555 |
|
|
Ballymun United FC |
300,000 |
1,272,588 |
|
|
Basketball Ireland |
150,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Bay City Amateur Boxing Club |
2,000 |
4,000 |
|
|
Belgrove Football Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Blakestown Mountview Youth Initiative and Blakestown Mountview Neighbourhood Youth Project |
15,000 |
30,312 |
|
|
Bushido Kickboxing Karate Palmerstown |
4,000 |
10,500 |
|
|
Cabra Panthers Amateur Boxing Club |
2,000 |
3,570 |
|
|
Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club |
0 |
375,185 |
|
|
Catholic Youth Care outdoor bounds programme |
5,000 |
11,158 |
|
|
Cherry Orchard Football Club |
0 |
225,000 |
|
|
City of Dublin YMCA |
250,000 |
528,936 |
|
|
Citywise, Jobstown |
0 |
48,575 |
|
|
Clann Mhuire GAA Club |
65,000 |
101,599 |
|
|
Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAC |
0 |
295,600 |
|
|
Clondalkin Athletic Club |
2,000 |
2,174 |
|
|
Clondalkin Gymnastics Club |
3,000 |
6,500 |
|
|
Clondalkin Rugby Football Ltd. |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Clondalkin Sports & Leisure Centre |
300,000 |
384,000 |
|
|
Clonsilla Historical Society |
0 |
13,920 |
|
|
Clontarf Cricket Club |
20,000 |
21,500 |
|
|
Clontarf GAA Club — Seafield Road grounds |
140,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Clontarf GAA Club — St Anne’s Park pitches |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Clontarf Lawn Tennis Club |
50,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club |
0 |
180,000 |
|
|
Coiste Átha Cliath CLG (Dublin Co. GAA Board) — Parnell Park |
225,000 |
||
|
Commercial Rowing Club |
65,000 |
86,000 |
|
|
Coolmine Community School Sports Complex |
200,000 |
306,503 |
|
|
Coolmine Rugby Football Club |
350,000 |
366,000 |
|
|
Croí Ró Naofa GAA club |
140,000 |
224,000 |
|
|
Crumlin Bowling Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Cuala GAA Club |
80,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Cumann Báire Setanta |
150,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Cumann Naomh Maur |
60,000 |
99,451 |
|
|
Cumann Rás Tailteann — FBD Milk Rás |
5,000 |
7,623 |
|
|
Cycling Ireland — Corkagh Park |
387,207 |
||
|
Cycling Ireland — National Cycling Safety School, Eamon Ceannt Park |
85,000 |
102,250 |
|
|
DCC — Northway Estate |
0 |
7,000 |
|
|
DCC — Albert College Park |
0 |
7,000 |
|
|
DCC — Brickfield Park Dressing Rooms, Drimnagh |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
DCC — Bushy Park pitches |
0 |
56,000 |
|
|
DCC — Bushy Park Skateboard Park |
100,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
DCC — Edenmore Pitch and Putt |
0 |
28,000 |
|
|
DCC — Irishtown Stadium |
350,000 |
1,033,387 |
|
|
DCC — Johnstown Park, Finglas |
1,770,400 |
||
|
DCC — Longmeadows Pitch and Putt, Inchicore |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
DCC — Mellowes Park pitches |
15,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
DCC — O’Devaney Gardens Sports and Community Centre |
700,000 |
1,000,000 |
|
|
DCC — Sheriff Street Park |
65,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
DCC — St Anne’s Park |
40,000 |
56,000 |
|
|
DCC — Tolka Valley Pitch and Putt, Finglas |
20,000 |
32,000 |
|
|
DCC — Williams Park Leisure Centre, Rathmines |
4,550,000 |
||
|
DCC — Willie Pearse Park, Crumlin |
100,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
DIT Aquatec Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
DLRCC — Dundrum Family Recreation Centre |
120,000 |
255,000 |
|
|
DLRCC — Loreto Park |
0 |
56,800 |
|
|
DLRCC — Loughlinstown Leisure Centre |
160,000 |
208,000 |
|
|
DLRCC — Loughlinstown Wood |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
DLRCC — Meadowbrook Park Pitches |
40,000 |
56,800 |
|
|
DLRCC — Monkstown Pool & Fitness Centre |
400,000 |
1,017,483 |
|
|
DLRCC — Newtown Park Tennis Courts |
30,000 |
37,246 |
|
|
DLRCC — Shanganagh Cliffs Sportsfields |
40,000 |
56,000 |
|
|
DLRCC — Snorkel Mania Project |
4,000 |
4,500 |
|
|
Drumcondra Football Club |
15,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
0 |
393,600 |
|
|
Dublin Postal Sports and Social Club |
200,000 |
500,000 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire Kenpo Karate Club |
2,000 |
5,500 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club |
0 |
25,000 |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire Playcentre |
0 |
25,892 |
|
|
Dundrum Athletic Football Club |
40,000 |
68,500 |
|
|
East Wall Water Sport Group Ltd |
250,000 |
360,000 |
|
|
Erins Isle Pitch & Putt Club |
9,000 |
11,000 |
|
|
Esker Celtic Football Club |
120,000 |
196,000 |
|
|
Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine |
33,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Fifth Port Dollymount (Watersports Centre) |
350,000 |
450,000 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Balbriggan Town Park |
0 |
35,391 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Balheary Park |
0 |
328,468 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Balheary Reservoir Park |
0 |
52,500 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Balrothery Park |
0 |
34,125 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Broomfield Open Space |
0 |
260,820 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Carrickhill Park, Portmarnock |
0 |
67,928 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Grace O’Malley Park |
0 |
4,200 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Hartstown Park |
40,000 |
54,720 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Ladyswell Park Pitches, Blanchardstown |
8,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Mountview Road Pitches, Blanchardstown |
5,000 |
8,000 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Newbridge Demesne Pitches |
60,000 |
237,552 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Porterstown Park Pitches |
20,000 |
31,178 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Skerries Community Centre |
130,000 |
260,820 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Skerries Town Park |
0 |
13,776 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — St Catherine’s Park, Rush |
0 |
37,737 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Swords Manor |
0 |
59,052 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Tolka Valley Linear Park Pitches |
16,000 |
22,544 |
|
|
Fingal Co. Co. — Ward River Valley Park, Swords |
0 |
21,952 |
|
|
Fingal Ravens GFC |
0 |
126,000 |
|
|
Football Association of Ireland |
100,000 |
126,561 |
|
|
Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig |
0 |
69,000 |
|
|
Garda Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
21,832 |
|
|
Garristown Gaelic Football Club |
100,000 |
180,000 |
|
|
Go Skydive |
0 |
20,515 |
|
|
Grange Woodbine Football Club |
0 |
23,103 |
|
|
Greenfield Park Boys Club |
25,000 |
42,500 |
|
|
Hamilton United FC |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
Herbert Park Bowling Club |
75,000 |
95,664 |
|
|
Hercules Amateur Wrestling & Weightlifting Club |
0 |
89,000 |
|
|
Home Farm Football Club |
400,000 |
1,030,000 |
|
|
HWA — Rang Taekwondo Youth Group |
0 |
7,900 |
|
|
Innisfail GAA Club |
0 |
900,000 |
|
|
Institute of Technology Tallaght |
0 |
257,600 |
|
|
Irish Cricket Union |
50,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Irish Gymnastics Limited, National Basketball Arena and IRFU |
5,942,200 |
||
|
Irish Hockey Association & UCD Sports Department |
|||
|
Irish Sub Aqua Club |
6,000 |
51,268 |
|
|
Irish Underwater Council |
35,000 |
38,000 |
|
|
Irish Youth Diving Association |
0 |
28,762 |
|
|
Janz Gymnastics Club |
6,000 |
23,500 |
|
|
Kilbarrack and District Community Association |
0 |
664,370 |
|
|
Kilcross residents and development group |
0 |
||
|
Kilnamanagh Family Recreation Centre Ltd. |
200,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Larkin Sports & Leisure Complex |
140,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Larkview Football Club |
0 |
261,800 |
|
|
Leicester Celtic FC |
70,000 |
138,000 |
|
|
Leinster Branch IRFU |
250,000 |
||
|
Longmeadows Pitch and Putt Company Limited |
0 |
971,974 |
|
|
Loreto Hockey Club |
7,000 |
12,842 |
|
|
Loughlinstown / Ballybrack Kickboxing Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Loughlinstown Boys Football |
10,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
Loughlinstown Community Rooms Ltd |
0 |
12,000 |
|
|
Lourdes Celtic Football Club |
200,000 |
608,946 |
|
|
Lucan Harrier and Athletic Club |
0 |
3,500 |
|
|
Lucan United Football Club |
100,000 |
135,000 |
|
|
MAAN Group |
100,000 |
358,000 |
|
|
Malahide Cricket Club, Application 1 |
20,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Malahide Cricket Club, Application 2 |
0 |
173,000 |
|
|
Marlin Sub Aqua Club |
15,000 |
32,000 |
|
|
Mellowes BDS Football Club |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Merrion Cricket Club |
70,000 |
110,432 |
|
|
Morton Stadium Management Committee |
245,000 |
384,300 |
|
|
Mountwood Fitzgerald Park Community Development Project |
560,000 |
||
|
Na Fianna GAA Club |
250,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
North County Cricket Club, Application 1 |
32,000 |
35,871 |
|
|
North County Cricket Club, Application 2 |
0 |
233,583 |
|
|
O’Connell School |
0 |
270,000 |
|
|
Oscar Traynor Coaching Development Centre Limited |
70,000 |
206,225 |
|
|
Our Ladies of Victories Youth Centre, Ballyfermot |
0 |
15,000 |
|
|
Our Lady of Good Counsel GAA and Camogie Club |
100,000 |
170,000 |
|
|
Palmerstown United Football Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Pembroke Cricket Club |
10,000 |
14,000 |
|
|
Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club |
150,000 |
210,570 |
|
|
Phoenix Cricket Club |
17,000 |
24,550 |
|
|
Phoenix Swimming Club |
0 |
3,600 |
|
|
Portmarnock Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
21,799 |
|
|
Priorwoods Youth Project/Outreach Celtic FC |
0 |
6,000 |
|
|
Railway Union Cricket Club |
7,000 |
11,160 |
|
|
Rathcoole Boys Football Club |
70,000 |
85,000 |
|
|
Rathcoole Community Council Ltd |
0 |
44,492 |
|
|
Rathgar Tennis and Bowling Club |
40,000 |
45,562 |
|
|
Round Towers GAA Club |
0 |
347,000 |
|
|
Royal Dublin Society |
5,588,450 |
||
|
Royal Irish Yacht Club |
0 |
427,418 |
|
|
Rush Cricket Club |
25,000 |
26,619 |
|
|
Rush Sailing Club |
70,000 |
131,145 |
|
|
Sacred Heart Football Club |
130,000 |
235,679 |
|
|
Sailing In Dublin Club |
11,000 |
13,839 |
|
|
Santry Community Association |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Aylesbury Pitches, Tallaght |
19,000 |
24,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Ballyowen Park |
40,000 |
48,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Bancroft Park, Tallaght |
0 |
28,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Beechfield Park, Walkinstown |
15,000 |
21,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Chapel Hill Park, Lucan |
30,000 |
42,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Clondalkin Park |
0 |
36,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Clondalkin Park Athletic Track |
0 |
360,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Corkagh Park |
0 |
32,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Dodder Valley Linear Park, Application 1 |
0 |
126,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Dodder Valley Linear Park, Application 2 |
0 |
52,500 |
|
|
SDCC — Elkwood Park, Rathfarnham |
0 |
42,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Esker Park, Lucan |
0 |
84,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Firhouse Linear Park |
0 |
63,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Greenhills Park All-Weather Pitch |
80,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Greenhills Park, Walkinstown |
0 |
21,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Griffeen Valley Park, Lucan |
0 |
32,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Kilnamanagh Open Space |
0 |
42,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Kiltalown Pitches, Tallaght |
30,000 |
36,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Liffey Valley Park |
0 |
32,000 |
|
|
SDCC — McGee Park Soccer Pitch |
30,000 |
36,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Tymon Park soccer pitches |
0 |
63,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Tymon Park Trim Trail |
0 |
32,000 |
|
|
SDCC — Tymon Park Walking Routes |
0 |
5,600 |
|
|
Sheriff Youth Club |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Skerries Community Centre |
0 |
263,307 |
|
|
Skerries Sailing Club |
0 |
56,815 |
|
|
Slade Valley Golf Club |
0 |
1,237,141 |
|
|
Spinal Injuries Association |
60,000 |
65,000 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s GAA Club |
350,000 |
426,700 |
|
|
St. Catherine’s Tae Kwon Do and Aerobics |
4,000 |
5,600 |
|
|
St. Ciaran’s Community Centre, Hartstown |
0 |
||
|
St. Dominic’s Sports Club, Ballyfermot |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
St. Helena’s Rivermount Boys |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
St. James Gaels/Robert Emmets GAA |
0 |
4,628 |
|
|
St. John’s Indoor Bowling Club |
1,000 |
2,000 |
|
|
St. Kevin’s Boys FC |
50,000 |
||
|
St. Mark’s GAA Club |
0 |
790,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Boys Football Club |
0 |
140,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Church, Clonsilla |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
St. Matthew’s Boxing Club Ltd, Ballyfermot |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
|
St. Michael’s CBS/Lissadel United FC |
7,000 |
10,500 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s GAA Club Palmerstown |
150,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
St. Paul’s Youth Club, Artane |
22,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
St. Peregrine’s GAA Club |
50,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
St. Vincent’s & J’seph's Karate Club, Fairview |
2,000 |
2,375 |
|
|
St. Vincent’s Basketball Club |
60,000 |
88,169 |
|
|
St. Vincent’s GAA Club |
0 |
1,217,438 |
|
|
Straight Blast Wrestling Club |
0 |
6,000 |
|
|
Suttonians RFC |
130,000 |
154,000 |
|
|
Templeogue United/FAI Regional Development Centre |
350,000 |
||
|
Terenure College Rugby Football Club |
0 |
360,000 |
|
|
The Hills Cricket Club |
25,000 |
26,600 |
|
|
Thomas Davis GAA Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Tolka Rovers Sports Club |
50,000 |
76,727 |
|
|
Trident Sub Aqua Club |
10,000 |
14,700 |
|
|
Trinity Sports and Leisure Football Club |
100,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Trojan Gymnastic Club |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Tru Blue Sub-Aqua Club |
15,000 |
21,917 |
|
|
Tymon Athletic Sports Club |
0 |
592,000 |
|
|
UCD AFC |
1,197,600 |
||
|
UCD Boat Club |
40,000 |
64,614 |
|
|
Viking Sub Aqua Club |
14,000 |
21,700 |
|
|
Weston Hockey Club |
100,000 |
149,144 |
|
|
Wexford Centre Project |
75,000 |
169,845 |
|
|
Whitehall Rangers AFC |
36,000 |
40,400 |
|
|
YMCA Cricket Club |
38,000 |
59,000 |
|
|
York Road Table Tennis Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Galway |
2,702,000 |
16,037,685 |
|
|
Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club |
100,000 |
305,000 |
|
|
Annaghdown GAA |
0 |
84,000 |
|
|
Athenry Golf Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Ballinakill Field Committee |
85,000 |
101,400 |
|
|
Ballincurry Leisure Centre Co. Ltd. |
0 |
32,432 |
|
|
Ballygar & District Co. Ltd. |
0 |
105,000 |
|
|
Ballymoe Development Centre Ltd. |
130,000 |
195,000 |
|
|
Belclare Community Council |
0 |
387,929 |
|
|
Caherlistrane GAA Club |
0 |
63,000 |
|
|
Cappataggle Community Sportsfield |
50,000 |
123,837 |
|
|
Carnmore GAA Club |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Castleblakeney Community Development Association |
0 |
26,499 |
|
|
Claddaghduff Hall Co. Ltd. |
50,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Clarinbridge Hurling Club |
20,000 |
82,600 |
|
|
Clonberne Community Centre Co. Ltd. |
130,000 |
196,000 |
|
|
Connemara Pony Breeders Society |
0 |
58,703 |
|
|
Creggs Development Association |
95,000 |
141,675 |
|
|
Creggs RFC |
0 |
148,000 |
|
|
Dynamo Blues AFC |
0 |
170,000 |
|
|
Eyrecourt Sports & Social Development Co. Ltd. |
0 |
117,000 |
|
|
Father Sammon Community Centre Ltd. |
50,000 |
80,750 |
|
|
Fohenagh & Districts GAA Club |
110,000 |
137,572 |
|
|
Galway & District Football League |
186,000 |
||
|
Galway Bay Sailing Club Limited |
100,000 |
142,576 |
|
|
Galway Corinthians RFC |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Galway County Council — Cappagh Road, Knocknacarra |
150,000 |
344,000 |
|
|
Galway Lawn Tennis Club |
0 |
108,635 |
|
|
Galway Rowing Club |
0 |
1,000,000 |
|
|
Galway Sub Aqua Club |
20,000 |
22,000 |
|
|
Glen Celtic AFC |
0 |
208,000 |
|
|
Gort Basketball Club |
3,000 |
3,000 |
|
|
Gort GAA & Camogie Club |
50,000 |
182,000 |
|
|
Headford GAA Club |
100,000 |
157,000 |
|
|
Irish Underwater Council — Hyperbaric Chamber |
173,000 |
||
|
Killannin Community Centre |
50,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Killimor GAA Club |
50,000 |
109,610 |
|
|
Killimordaly GAA Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Kinvara Bay Sailing Club |
8,000 |
10,472 |
|
|
Liam Mellowes Hurling Club |
0 |
306,250 |
|
|
Loughrea Tennis Club |
8,000 |
13,393 |
|
|
Maree Basketball Club |
0 |
89,912 |
|
|
Maree Sports Acrobatics/Gymnastics Club |
0 |
6,000 |
|
|
Menlough GAA Club |
0 |
||
|
Merbhiu Bailebhán GAA Club |
0 |
54,000 |
|
|
Milltown Community Council Ltd. |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Monivea RFC |
60,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Mountbellew Community Sport & Leisure Co. Ltd. |
280,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Moylough Parish Sportsfield |
40,000 |
49,000 |
|
|
Mullagh GAA Club |
0 |
158,874 |
|
|
New Inn Community Council |
0 |
280,000 |
|
|
Newcastle Combined Community Association |
0 |
320,000 |
|
|
Oranmore Community Development Association |
100,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Oughterard Community Centre |
100,000 |
163,500 |
|
|
Oughterard GAA Club |
50,000 |
52,000 |
|
|
Rainbow Rinks Project |
5,100,000 |
||
|
Regional Sports Centre, Galway |
492,720 |
||
|
Renmore Gymnastics Club |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
S.N. Creachmhaoil Board of Management |
0 |
6,000 |
|
|
Salthill Devon F.C. |
500,000 |
||
|
Scoil Pádraig Naofa Board of Management |
50,000 |
135,000 |
|
|
Scout Hall, 2nd Galway Tuam Scouts SI |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Shiven Rovers F.C. |
80,000 |
241,330 |
|
|
St Joseph’s (The Bish) Rowing Club |
20,000 |
24,924 |
|
|
St. Cuana’s N.S. Kilcoona |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
St. Michael’s GAA Club |
120,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
St. Thomas’ GAA Club |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Sylane Hurling Club |
0 |
6,400 |
|
|
Tuam Athletic Club |
3,000 |
3,136 |
|
|
Tuam Rugby Club |
70,000 |
96,000 |
|
|
Tuam Stadium Association |
360,000 |
||
|
Tuam Stars GAA Club |
250,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Williamstown GAA Club |
50,000 |
52,442 |
|
|
Woodford Youth Club |
0 |
24,114 |
|
|
Kerry |
2,976,000 |
16,225,336 |
|
|
Abbeydorney Community Centre Building Committee |
40,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Abbeyfeale Karate Club |
0 |
||
|
Acard Limited |
0 |
240,000 |
|
|
Anabla National School, Kilcummin |
0 |
18,500 |
|
|
Ballyduff Co-op Development Society Limited |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Ballyduff GAA Club |
0 |
245,852 |
|
|
Ballyhar Dynamos AFC |
100,000 |
298,207 |
|
|
Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Beale GAA Club |
20,000 |
31,500 |
|
|
Beaufort Community Council |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
Brosna GAA Club |
50,000 |
98,518 |
|
|
Caherciveen Community Resource Centre |
50,000 |
204,000 |
|
|
Cahersiveen Rowing Club |
100,000 |
145,000 |
|
|
Callinafercy Pier Rowing Club |
0 |
23,042 |
|
|
Callinafercy Rowing Club |
0 |
28,000 |
|
|
Cashen Vale Boxing Club |
4,000 |
5,800 |
|
|
Castleisland Community Centre Development Committee |
100,000 |
266,000 |
|
|
Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Castlemaine Community Services Group Ltd. |
0 |
160,000 |
|
|
Churchill ABC |
3,000 |
3,437 |
|
|
Commercial Rowing Club |
0 |
128,000 |
|
|
Cordal Community Centre and Sports Hall |
25,000 |
49,886 |
|
|
Craobh Cumann Emmett CLG |
0 |
526,096 |
|
|
Cromane GAA Club |
30,000 |
55,000 |
|
|
Cromane Rowing Club |
0 |
12,300 |
|
|
Cumann Peile Abha Na Scáil (Annascaul GAA) |
80,000 |
114,852 |
|
|
Dooks Golf Club |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Dr. Crokes GAA Club Killarney |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Duagh Family Centre Sports Hall |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Duagh GAA Club |
15,000 |
42,000 |
|
|
Finuge GAA Club |
100,000 |
234,000 |
|
|
Firies/Ballyhar GAA Club |
0 |
104,096 |
|
|
Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney |
175,000 |
||
|
Fossa Community Centre Ltd. |
10,000 |
||
|
Glenbeigh Glencar GAA |
120,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
Gleneagle Squash Club |
0 |
44,800 |
|
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
0 |
495,000 |
|
|
John Mitchels Hurling & Football Club |
35,000 |
45,273 |
|
|
Kenmare ABC |
1,000 |
1,200 |
|
|
Kenmare Rowing and Boat Club |
0 |
||
|
Kenmare Shamrocks Hurling & Football Club |
200,000 |
315,299 |
|
|
Kerins O’Rahillys Hurling & Football Club |
100,000 |
380,000 |
|
|
Kerry Aero Club Ltd. |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Kerry District League |
30,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Kilcummin GAA Club |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Killarney Athletic F.C. |
70,000 |
94,500 |
|
|
Killarney Celtic AFC |
0 |
177,726 |
|
|
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club |
0 |
275,690 |
|
|
Killarney Gymnastics Club |
0 |
36,327 |
|
|
Killarney Town Council |
2,000,000 |
||
|
Killorglin Sports and Leisure Club |
50,000 |
70,862 |
|
|
Knocknagoshel GAA Club |
50,000 |
123,667 |
|
|
Laune Rangers GAA |
200,000 |
244,072 |
|
|
Lenamore Rovers F.C. |
7,000 |
9,500 |
|
|
Lispole GAA Club |
0 |
54,335 |
|
|
Listowel Celtic Soccer Club |
50,000 |
120,800 |
|
|
Listry GAA Club |
20,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Mercy Secondary School, Tralee |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Milltown/Castlemaine GAA Club |
60,000 |
103,000 |
|
|
Moyvane GAA Club |
90,000 |
335,064 |
|
|
Muckross Rowing Club Ltd. |
20,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Over the Water Rowing Club |
30,000 |
40,800 |
|
|
Portmagee Rowing Club |
0 |
24,000 |
|
|
Rathmore GAA Club |
50,000 |
168,615 |
|
|
Rathmore Social Action Group |
0 |
60,000 |
|
|
Rattoo Rovers F.C. |
14,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Renard GAA Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Shanakill Family Resource Centre |
50,000 |
64,280 |
|
|
Sneem Community Sports Hall Committee |
0 |
60,000 |
|
|
Sneem Rowing Club |
80,000 |
95,000 |
|
|
South Kerry Sports Centre |
250,000 |
400,000 |
|
|
Spa GAA Club |
150,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
St. Brendan’s Park F.C. |
70,000 |
225,900 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Asdee GAA Club |
30,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GAA Club, Caherciveen |
0 |
224,000 |
|
|
St. Michael’s College/Listowel Basketball Club |
25,000 |
33,800 |
|
|
St. Senan’s GAA Club |
0 |
550,000 |
|
|
Tarbert GAA Club |
0 |
165,000 |
|
|
Templenoe Rowing Club |
0 |
16,000 |
|
|
Tralee Bay Sailing Club |
50,000 |
189,000 |
|
|
Tralee Dynamos AFC |
60,000 |
113,345 |
|
|
Tralee Regional Sports and Leisure Centre |
3,000,000 |
||
|
Tralee RFC |
40,000 |
80,535 |
|
|
Valentia Community Health & Welfare Association Ltd. |
110,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Valentia Regatta Committee |
7,000 |
11,420 |
|
|
Valentia Young Islanders GAA Club |
0 |
47,000 |
|
|
Waterville GAA Club |
10,000 |
15,000 |
|
|
Waterville Rowing Club |
0 |
13,440 |
|
|
Workmens Rowing Club |
20,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Youth Rowers Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Kildare |
2,857,000 |
13,511,779 |
|
|
9th Kildare CSI Kilcullen |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
Allenwood GAA Club |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Athy Town AFC |
25,000 |
32,000 |
|
|
Ballyteague GAA Club |
100,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
Castledermot/Kileen Basketball Club |
5,000 |
7,500 |
|
|
Celbridge Athletic Club |
0 |
302,840 |
|
|
Celbridge Badminton Club |
2,000 |
2,437 |
|
|
Celbridge Community Centre Ltd |
0 |
330,000 |
|
|
Clane United AFC |
70,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Clonmullion Football Club |
140,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
Confey GAA Club |
50,000 |
177,250 |
|
|
Craddockstown Golf Club |
0 |
340,000 |
|
|
Crookstown-Millview Athletic Club |
15,000 |
23,750 |
|
|
Cuan Mhuire Teo |
50,000 |
73,671 |
|
|
Dunmurray Springs Golf Club PLC |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Eire Og Corrachoill Hurling Club |
250,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Eire Og Corrachoill Hurling Club — Application 2 |
0 |
660,000 |
|
|
Golfing Union of Ireland — National Coaching Academy |
1,108,754 |
||
|
Kilcock Canoe Polo Club |
60,000 |
80,125 |
|
|
Kilcullen Canoe & Outdoor Pursuits Club |
15,000 |
16,638 |
|
|
Kilcullen Community Centre Ltd. |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Kildare County Council — Liffey Valley Regional Park |
100,000 |
175,000 |
|
|
Kill GAA Club |
200,000 |
685,832 |
|
|
Leixlip Amenities Centre |
0 |
3,000,000 |
|
|
Leixlip Tennis Club |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Lord Edward’s Own Pipe Band |
0 |
45,000 |
|
|
Milltown GAA Club |
40,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Moorefield GAA Club |
200,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Naas Rugby Football Club |
100,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
Naas Sub Aqua Club |
25,000 |
31,010 |
|
|
Newbridge Athletic Club |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Newbridge Town FC/Kildare County FC |
350,000 |
||
|
Newbridge Volleyball Club |
0 |
3,000 |
|
|
Nurney GAA Club |
80,000 |
160,000 |
|
|
Racing Academy & Centre of Education |
0 |
170,250 |
|
|
Rathcoffey GAA Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Robertstown GAA Club |
200,000 |
322,215 |
|
|
Round Towers GAA Club |
400,000 |
500,000 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s CYMS |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
St. Conleth’s Vocational School, Newbridge |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
St. Laurence’s GAA Club |
250,000 |
615,608 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GAA Club, Leixlip |
0 |
532,619 |
|
|
St. Michael’s Boxing Club |
250,000 |
314,400 |
|
|
Woodlands Golf Club |
0 |
1,111,880 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
850,000 |
2,864,495 |
|
|
Black and Whites GAA Club |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Carrigeen GAA Community Group |
70,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Castlecomer Golf Club |
0 |
383,883 |
|
|
Castlecomer Lakes Company Limited |
0 |
35,000 |
|
|
Cloneen GAA Club |
45,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Coon Hall Development Fund |
20,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
Dicksboro GAA Club |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Fenians GAA Club |
0 |
122,318 |
|
|
Freshford Community Club |
10,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Graignamanagh GAA Club |
55,000 |
69,000 |
|
|
Highview Athletic FC |
30,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Johnswell Development Committee |
20,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Kells Resource Centre Limited |
0 |
350,000 |
|
|
Kilkenny Flying & Gliding Club |
0 |
53,000 |
|
|
Kilkenny Sub Aqua Club |
25,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Kilmacow Hall Committee |
130,000 |
170,000 |
|
|
Muckalee Community Centre |
35,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Mullinavat Parish Finance Committee |
20,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Paulstown Development Association |
40,000 |
44,500 |
|
|
Piltown Community Centre |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Piltown GAA Club |
20,000 |
24,000 |
|
|
Scanlon Park |
90,000 |
120,417 |
|
|
St. Lachtain’s GAA Club |
75,000 |
109,872 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s GAA Club Ballyragget |
85,000 |
97,000 |
|
|
Thomastown United Athletic Football Club |
0 |
525,505 |
|
|
Laois |
786,000 |
1,811,493 |
|
|
Abbeyleix Golf Club |
0 |
35,000 |
|
|
Ballylinan GFC Community Sports Centre |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Ballyroan GAA Club |
7,000 |
8,000 |
|
|
Ballyroan Juvenile GAA Club |
10,000 |
13,000 |
|
|
Clonaslee Billiard Club |
3,000 |
3,117 |
|
|
Clonenagh Parish Hall |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Clonin Sports Field Committee |
35,000 |
48,000 |
|
|
Graiguecullen GAA |
190,000 |
290,560 |
|
|
Hawthorn Community Development Association |
90,000 |
113,125 |
|
|
Heywood Sports Facilities Committee |
55,000 |
66,300 |
|
|
Kilcotton GAA Club |
30,000 |
42,834 |
|
|
Killeen Community Hall Development Association |
30,000 |
37,806 |
|
|
Lions FC |
35,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Mountmellick Macra na Feirme Sports Club |
24,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
Mountrath Golf Club |
0 |
350,000 |
|
|
O’Dempsey’s GAA Football Club |
80,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Portarlington Community Centre |
25,000 |
30,145 |
|
|
Portlaoise Boxing Club |
2,000 |
2,263 |
|
|
Portlaoise GAA Club |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Rathdowney GAA Club |
28,000 |
103,000 |
|
|
St. Bernadette Community Hall, Errill |
0 |
18,500 |
|
|
St. Colmcille’s NS & Errill GAA CLub |
5,000 |
6,843 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Community Hall, Portlaoise |
70,000 |
95,000 |
|
|
The Heath GAA Club |
17,000 |
27,000 |
|
|
Vicarstown Community Hall |
0 |
66,000 |
|
|
Leitrim |
479,000 |
4,636,640 |
|
|
Allen Gaels GAA Club |
100,000 |
270,000 |
|
|
Annaduff GAA Club |
0 |
395,768 |
|
|
Aughavas GAA Club |
40,000 |
65,000 |
|
|
Aughnasheelin Park Committee |
40,000 |
77,000 |
|
|
Ballinamore Basketball Club |
4,000 |
5,221 |
|
|
Bee Park Resource Centre Ltd |
0 |
75,000 |
|
|
Carrigallen GAA Club |
0 |
93,600 |
|
|
Childhood Days Ltd |
0 |
2,563 |
|
|
Cloone GAA Club |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Cluanin Vol Housing & Tenants Ass. |
0 |
22,000 |
|
|
Drumkeeran Handball Sports & Leisure |
0 |
160,000 |
|
|
Drumshanbo Community Development Co Ltd |
0 |
160,000 |
|
|
Eslin GAA Club |
20,000 |
65,000 |
|
|
Fenagh Handball Club |
30,000 |
86,400 |
|
|
Gortletteragh GAA Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Keshcarrigan Development Association Ltd |
0 |
360,000 |
|
|
Killargue Development Association |
0 |
7,125 |
|
|
Kiltoghert Development Group |
0 |
13,000 |
|
|
Kiltubrid GAA Club |
70,000 |
120,597 |
|
|
Kinlough Development Co. Ltd. |
0 |
90,000 |
|
|
Leitrim County Council — Attfinlay, Carrick on Shannon |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Leitrim Co. GAA Board — Páirc Mac Diarmada |
1,200,000 |
||
|
Leitrim Gaels Community Field Development Ltd |
80,000 |
236,018 |
|
|
Manorhamilton Rangers AFC |
15,000 |
29,960 |
|
|
Manorhamilton Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
12,200 |
|
|
Sean O’Heslin’s GAA Club |
80,000 |
146,188 |
|
|
St. Hugh’s Park/Ballinaglera GAA Club |
0 |
144,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GAA Club, Carrick-On-Shannon |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Limerick |
1,925,000 |
5,873,622 |
|
|
AAI Limerick County Board |
0 |
76,059 |
|
|
Ardagh Hall Committee |
0 |
10,500 |
|
|
Askeaton AFC |
100,000 |
246,000 |
|
|
Askeaton Swimming Club |
0 |
350,000 |
|
|
Ballingarry AFC |
0 |
104,000 |
|
|
Ballingarry GAA Club |
35,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Broadford United AFC |
125,000 |
134,000 |
|
|
Cappamore Development Association |
0 |
437,936 |
|
|
Croagh-Kilfinny Development Organisation |
140,000 |
184,000 |
|
|
Croom United Soccer Club |
80,000 |
178,025 |
|
|
Cumann Athain CLG (Ahane GAA Club) |
0 |
340,000 |
|
|
Desmond Ability Resource Complex Ltd |
200,000 |
270,000 |
|
|
Dromcollogher Broadford GAA Club |
140,000 |
222,023 |
|
|
Dromore Angling Club |
0 |
21,800 |
|
|
Fairview Rangers AFC |
125,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Feohanagh-Castlemahon GAA Club |
25,000 |
31,490 |
|
|
Galbally Coursing Club |
0 |
60,000 |
|
|
Garryowen Football Club |
0 |
172,000 |
|
|
Garryowen Sports Group |
0 |
70,000 |
|
|
Geraldines AFC |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Glenroe GAA Club |
75,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Glin Rovers AFC |
20,000 |
25,000 |
|
|
Herbertstown GAA Club |
65,000 |
81,120 |
|
|
Hill Celtic AFC |
100,000 |
500,000 |
|
|
Kilcornan Soccer Club |
14,000 |
16,800 |
|
|
Killeaney AFC |
55,000 |
60,643 |
|
|
Kilmallock United AFC |
85,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Knockainey Sportsfield Co-Op Society Ltd |
0 |
65,245 |
|
|
Limerick Boat Club |
15,000 |
18,200 |
|
|
Limerick Desmond League |
65,000 |
145,000 |
|
|
Limerick District League |
65,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Limerick Marine Search & Rescue Service |
0 |
45,000 |
|
|
Monagea GAA Club |
30,000 |
51,177 |
|
|
Mungret Regional Football Club |
40,000 |
49,000 |
|
|
Murroe AFC |
25,000 |
26,000 |
|
|
Newcastle West Golf Club |
0 |
280,000 |
|
|
Old Christians GAA Club |
14,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Old Cresent Rugby Football Club |
0 |
308,421 |
|
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group |
50,000 |
286,468 |
|
|
Rathkeale Boxing Club |
0 |
3,500 |
|
|
South Liberties GAA Club |
170,000 |
227,840 |
|
|
Southill Weight Powerlifting Club |
4,000 |
5,375 |
|
|
St. Kieran’s GAA Club |
40,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Racing Pigeon Club |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Star Rovers Soccer Club |
23,000 |
26,000 |
|
|
Longford |
545,000 |
4,167,602 |
|
|
Abbeylara GAA Club |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Abbeyshrule Flying Club |
0 |
45,000 |
|
|
Ballymahon AFC |
0 |
35,000 |
|
|
Ballymahon GAA Club |
70,000 |
110,000 |
|
|
Ballymore GAA Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Carrickedmond GAA Club |
0 |
46,285 |
|
|
Cashel GAA Club |
80,000 |
128,500 |
|
|
Clonguish GAA Club |
25,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
Colmcille GAA Club |
0 |
25,000 |
|
|
County Longford Golf Club |
0 |
316,916 |
|
|
County Longford VEC |
0 |
400,000 |
|
|
Dromard GAA Club |
0 |
70,975 |
|
|
Edgeworthstown Development Association |
0 |
13,000 |
|
|
Fr. Manning Gaels GAA Club |
70,000 |
82,551 |
|
|
Irish Wheelchair Association |
0 |
360,000 |
|
|
Killoe Young Emmets GAA Club |
0 |
128,000 |
|
|
Longford County Board of the GAA |
675,000 |
||
|
Longford Lawn Tennis Club |
0 |
96,531 |
|
|
Longford Rugby Football Club |
40,000 |
55,000 |
|
|
Longford Town Council — The Mall All-Weather Pitch |
100,000 |
175,257 |
|
|
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club |
45,000 |
62,250 |
|
|
Midland Cubhunter Horse Shows |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
Sean Connolly’s GAA Club |
0 |
151,000 |
|
|
St Columba’s Mullinalaghta GAA Club |
100,000 |
150,874 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s Football Club |
0 |
58,000 |
|
|
St. Joseph’s Community Centre |
15,000 |
32,577 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GAA Club and Community Development |
0 |
560,386 |
|
|
Templemichael-Ballymacormack Shooting and conservation |
0 |
14,500 |
|
|
Torpedo Basketball Club |
0 |
5,000 |
|
|
Louth |
1,294,000 |
5,764,395 |
|
|
Ardee Celtic Football Club |
70,000 |
83,407 |
|
|
Blackrock Athletic Club |
1,000 |
1,990 |
|
|
Boyne RFC Development Project |
150,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Carlingford Community Development Ltd |
50,000 |
64,507 |
|
|
Coiste Chontae Lú (Louth County GAA Board) |
174,000 |
||
|
Collon Pitch and Putt Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Cooley Kickhams GFC |
100,000 |
172,000 |
|
|
Cooley Kickhams Ladies Development Squad |
0 |
3,000 |
|
|
Cretegaff Marina Club |
0 |
90,000 |
|
|
Cross Border Centre for Community Development |
0 |
1,105,000 |
|
|
Dowdallshill GF & AC |
140,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Dundalk & Carlingford Sailing Club |
70,000 |
115,000 |
|
|
Dundalk District Minor League |
0 |
229,541 |
|
|
Dundalk Sub Aqua Search and Recovery |
4,000 |
5,250 |
|
|
Dundalk Town Council — Muirhevnamor Park |
664,495 |
||
|
Dundalk Young Irelands GFC |
80,000 |
120,264 |
|
|
Dundealgan Athletic Club |
0 |
||
|
Glenmore Athletics Club |
0 |
325,000 |
|
|
Glenmuir United Football Club |
100,000 |
150,431 |
|
|
Golden Dragon Wado-Kai Karate Club |
1,000 |
1,500 |
|
|
John Mitchels GFC |
90,000 |
116,900 |
|
|
Kilkerley Bowling Club |
0 |
4,500 |
|
|
Kilkerley Emmets GFC |
20,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Lannleire & District Recreation Centre |
8,000 |
9,470 |
|
|
Mattock Rangers GFC |
100,000 |
139,000 |
|
|
Muirhevnamor Football Club |
0 |
52,800 |
|
|
Naomh Malachi GFC |
50,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Omeath Sports Club |
0 |
394,000 |
|
|
O’Raghallaighs GFC Sports and Social Centre |
60,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Quay Celtic Club |
30,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
St. Fechin’s GAA Club, Drogheda |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
St. Joseph’s GFC, Commons |
0 |
340,900 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GFC Ardee |
40,000 |
59,000 |
|
|
St. Nicholas’ GFC, Rathmullen |
30,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s GFC |
0 |
204,040 |
|
|
St. Paul’s Table Tennis Club, Drogheda |
0 |
1,400 |
|
|
Walshestown Juvenile Football Club |
100,000 |
155,000 |
|
|
Mayo |
1,594,000 |
7,083,189 |
|
|
Achill Island Golf Club |
0 |
41,547 |
|
|
Balla GAA Club |
90,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Ballina Golf Club |
0 |
400,000 |
|
|
Ballinrobe Community School |
0 |
265,125 |
|
|
Ballinrobe Rugby Football Club |
45,000 |
93,415 |
|
|
Ballinrobe Town Soccer Club |
60,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Ballycastle Community Hall Ltd |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Ballycastle GAA Club |
0 |
42,365 |
|
|
Ballycroy Commnity Council Ltd. |
0 |
495,000 |
|
|
Ballycroy Field Management Co. Ltd. |
0 |
86,295 |
|
|
Ballyglass Association Football and Social Club |
50,000 |
67,310 |
|
|
Ballyheane Football Club |
45,000 |
65,300 |
|
|
Ballyvary-Keelogues Development Company |
90,000 |
135,000 |
|
|
Bangor Hibs FC Ltd |
25,000 |
50,744 |
|
|
Barnacarroll Cuiltibo Enterprises Ltd. |
0 |
19,000 |
|
|
Belcarra Sports Centre |
0 |
400,000 |
|
|
Breaffy GAA Club |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Carracastle Community Council |
35,000 |
50,790 |
|
|
Castlebar Celtic Football Club |
0 |
286,023 |
|
|
Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club |
0 |
265,000 |
|
|
Castlebar Rugby Football Club |
0 |
58,000 |
|
|
Charlestown Bellaghy & District Sports Complex |
0 |
107,390 |
|
|
Claremorris AFC |
55,000 |
74,497 |
|
|
Conn Rangers AFC Ltd |
0 |
61,600 |
|
|
Eastern Gaels GAA Club |
45,000 |
59,200 |
|
|
Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre |
200,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Glenans Irish Sailing Association |
0 |
125,311 |
|
|
Glencorrib Community Sportsfield Trustees/ Glencorrib and Border Ramblers GAA Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Graine Uaile Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
24,490 |
|
|
Kilmaine Boxing Club |
4,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
Kiltane GAA Community Complex |
0 |
105,000 |
|
|
Kiltimagh/Knock United Soccer Club Ltd |
0 |
205,064 |
|
|
Knockmore GAA Club |
170,000 |
212,962 |
|
|
Knockmore/Rathduff Economic & Social Development Company Ltd. |
0 |
306,550 |
|
|
Lacken Development Association Ltd |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Lacken Sports and Recreation Association Ltd |
30,000 |
69,500 |
|
|
Lahardane McHales GAA Club |
80,000 |
146,410 |
|
|
Manulla Sporting Club |
0 |
273,889 |
|
|
Mayo Gaels GAA Club |
25,000 |
30,000 |
|
|
Mulranny Western Holdings Ltd |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Newport Handball Club |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
Snugboro United Football Club Ltd |
0 |
158,000 |
|
|
St. Louis’ Community School Kiltimagh |
0 |
500,000 |
|
|
St. Patrick’s GAA Club Westport |
90,000 |
125,500 |
|
|
Straide and Foxford United AFC |
100,000 |
143,688 |
|
|
Swinford Amenities Development Company Ltd |
200,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Swinford Handball Club |
10,000 |
14,000 |
|
|
Swinford Soccer Club |
40,000 |
76,000 |
|
|
Vally Rovers Football Club |
0 |
142,624 |
|
|
Western Lakes Cycling Club |
5,000 |
5,600 |
|
|
Meath |
1,160,000 |
11,504,468 |
|
|
Alphadive Sub-Aqua Club |
5,000 |
7,694 |
|
|
Athboy Social Needs & Recreational Co Ltd |
300,000 |
400,000 |
|
|
Ballinabrackery GAA Club |
0 |
26,282 |
|
|
Bhulf Tón GAA Club |
50,000 |
63,585 |
|
|
Blackhall Gaels GAA Club |
130,000 |
202,000 |
|
|
Carnaross GAA Club |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Castletown GAA Club |
0 |
105,000 |
|
|
Clann na nGael Athboy GAA Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Donaghmore-Ashbourne GAA Club |
150,000 |
300,000 |
|
|
Dunboyne Ladies GAA |
40,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Dunboyne Tennis Club |
30,000 |
35,350 |
|
|
Dunderry Football and Hurling Club |
0 |
560,000 |
|
|
Irish Aquatic Sports Centre |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Kells Tennis Club |
20,000 |
29,357 |
|
|
Kilbride GAA Club |
20,000 |
32,000 |
|
|
Kilmainhamwood GAA Club |
0 |
67,533 |
|
|
Meath G.A.A. County Board |
5,000,000 |
||
|
Moynalty Football Club |
0 |
237,462 |
|
|
Moynalvey GAA Club |
0 |
36,000 |
|
|
Navan Road Club |
5,000 |
6,000 |
|
|
Newtown United Football Club |
0 |
157,955 |
|
|
Oldcastle GAA Club |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Ratoath Community Centre Development Group |
0 |
700,000 |
|
|
Ratoath GAA Club |
100,000 |
300,000 |
|
|
Seneschalstown Community Sports Centre |
150,000 |
265,000 |
|
|
St. Colmcille’s GAA Club |
100,000 |
135,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s GAA Club (East Meath) |
0 |
98,000 |
|
|
St. Michael’s GAA Club Carlanstown |
15,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Stackallen National School Field Committee |
0 |
66,000 |
|
|
Stamullen Cycling Club |
5,000 |
6,250 |
|
|
Trim Area Recreation and Social Needs Company Limited |
2,200,000 |
||
|
Wilkinstown Community Centre |
0 |
28,000 |
|
|
Monaghan |
996,000 |
3,770,063 |
|
|
Aughnamullen Sarsfields GAA Club |
90,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Ballybay Development Association Ltd |
0 |
148,313 |
|
|
Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA Club |
130,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Ballybay Recreation Committee |
100,000 |
115,000 |
|
|
Castleblayney Arts and Community Development Co. |
0 |
262,469 |
|
|
Clara Community Playground Project |
25,000 |
33,000 |
|
|
Clones Town Association Football Club |
0 |
292,000 |
|
|
Clontibret O’Neills GAA Club |
55,000 |
75,000 |
|
|
Corduff Gaels Gaelic Football Club |
70,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Cremartin GFC |
60,000 |
112,800 |
|
|
Currin GFC |
50,000 |
65,000 |
|
|
Donagh Parish Finance & Maintenance Committee |
0 |
25,000 |
|
|
Doohamlet Sports |
15,000 |
20,053 |
|
|
Drumhowan Geraldines GFC |
80,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Emyvale Cycling Club |
1,000 |
1,416 |
|
|
Gaeil Triucha CLG |
70,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Glaslough Youth Club |
0 |
2,500 |
|
|
Inniskeen Pitch & Putt Club |
0 |
122,532 |
|
|
Killeevan Development Association |
50,000 |
75,000 |
|
|
Killeevan Gymnastics Club Ltd |
20,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
Monaghan Collegiate School |
0 |
||
|
Monaghan GAA Training & Development Centre |
1,300,000 |
||
|
Oram GFC |
0 |
175,000 |
|
|
Phoenix Regional Sports & Leisure Centre |
50,000 |
79,980 |
|
|
Sean McDermott’s GFC |
70,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
St. Mary’s Park Development Committee |
60,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Offaly |
857,000 |
5,187,263 |
|
|
1st, 10th, 11th Offaly Scout Troops |
0 |
17,380 |
|
|
Ballinamere GAA Club |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Banagher Shannon Bank Park Development Group |
40,000 |
51,310 |
|
|
Birr and District Auto Club Ltd |
15,000 |
19,845 |
|
|
Birr Development Company Limited |
300,000 |
343,000 |
|
|
Birr Rugby Football Club |
45,000 |
51,419 |
|
|
Birr Town Football Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Cloghan Hall Committee |
0 |
16,100 |
|
|
Coolderry GAA Club |
45,000 |
54,000 |
|
|
Crinkill GAA Club |
30,000 |
41,800 |
|
|
Drumcullen GAA Club |
20,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Edenderry GAA Club |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Ferbane GAA Club |
15,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
Gallen United Soccer Club |
0 |
70,000 |
|
|
Irish Parachute Club Limited |
0 |
352,000 |
|
|
Kilclonfert GAA Club |
35,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Kinnitty GAA Club |
0 |
175,000 |
|
|
Kinnitty National School |
0 |
16,772 |
|
|
Lusmagh GAA Club |
0 |
189,644 |
|
|
Offaly GAA County Board |
1,500,000 |
||
|
Rhode GAA Club |
0 |
232,000 |
|
|
St. Brendan’s Sportsplex Birr |
15,000 |
23,000 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s GAA Club — North Offaly Training Centre |
80,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
St. Rynagh’s Football Club |
20,000 |
22,007 |
|
|
Tubber GAA Club |
15,000 |
16,870 |
|
|
Tullamore AFC |
125,000 |
142,816 |
|
|
Tullamore Canoe Club |
7,000 |
7,300 |
|
|
Tullamore GAA Club |
0 |
345,000 |
|
|
Tullamore Town Council/Swimming Pool Committee/Tullamore Harriers |
1,050,000 |
||
|
Roscommon |
1,027,000 |
4,857,256 |
|
|
Ballaghadereen Community Sports Park Ltd. |
0 |
140,392 |
|
|
Ballinagare FC |
40,000 |
51,554 |
|
|
Boyle Celtic Football Centre |
75,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Boyle GAA Club |
100,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Castlerea Brass and Reed Band |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Castlerea Celtic Football Club |
80,000 |
110,000 |
|
|
Church View Residents Association, Boyle |
18,000 |
23,560 |
|
|
Dysart Community Sports Centre |
80,000 |
168,000 |
|
|
Eire Og GAA Club |
40,000 |
116,598 |
|
|
Elphin Social Centre |
0 |
225,000 |
|
|
Frenchpark Boxing Club |
4,000 |
5,180 |
|
|
Fuerty GAA Club |
0 |
231,000 |
|
|
Hodson Bay Celtic F.C. |
0 |
148,930 |
|
|
Irish Wheelchair Association |
10,000 |
26,570 |
|
|
Keadue Development Company |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Kilbride Community Centre Company Ltd |
0 |
15,000 |
|
|
Kilbride GAA & Social Clubs |
0 |
||
|
Kilglass Gaels and Community Group |
0 |
195,000 |
|
|
Kilmore GAA Club |
85,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Kilteevan Community Development Group |
0 |
475,000 |
|
|
Lisacul Handball Club |
5,000 |
8,000 |
|
|
Loughglynn Community Centre Ltd |
50,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Pádraig Pearse’s GAA Club |
80,000 |
143,000 |
|
|
Roscommon Gaels GAA Club |
0 |
122,500 |
|
|
Roscommon Golf Club |
0 |
170,450 |
|
|
St. Barry’s Gaelic Football Club |
0 |
148,000 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s GAA Sports and Social Club |
0 |
217,000 |
|
|
St. Faithleach’s GAA Sport & Leisure Club |
80,000 |
336,800 |
|
|
St. Kevin’s GAA Club |
0 |
205,377 |
|
|
St. Ronan’s GAA Club |
20,000 |
32,633 |
|
|
Strokestown Co-operative Community Centre Ltd |
20,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Strokestown GAA Club |
0 |
390,400 |
|
|
Strokestown United Football Club |
200,000 |
336,348 |
|
|
Taughmaconnell Sports Coalition |
10,000 |
38,964 |
|
|
Tisara Community Sports Park |
30,000 |
56,000 |
|
|
Sligo |
1,253,000 |
6,149,693 |
|
|
Ballisodare Community Council |
0 |
483,000 |
|
|
Cloonacool Community Park Ltd |
30,000 |
57,008 |
|
|
Coláiste Iascaig & West Sligo Sport and Recreation Centre |
0 |
392,000 |
|
|
Coolaney Development Company Limited |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
County Sligo Golf Club |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
County Sligo Tennis Club Ltd |
30,000 |
34,000 |
|
|
Cully Ball Ally Committee |
0 |
50,000 |
|
|
Curry GAA Club and Community Park |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Drumcliffe Rosses Point GAA Club |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
Easkey Community Council Ltd |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Fr Kevin Brehony Memorial Park Committee |
40,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Geevagh Community Resource Group |
200,000 |
391,000 |
|
|
Irish Surfing Association |
10,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
Mercy College Sligo/Sligo All Stars |
500,000 |
701,616 |
|
|
Mullaghmore Sailing Club Centre |
12,000 |
18,548 |
|
|
Mullinabreena-Coolaney GAA Club |
13,000 |
17,000 |
|
|
North-West Parents and Friends Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability |
0 |
||
|
Oxfield Playing Grounds |
18,000 |
25,000 |
|
|
Riverstown Community Park Development Committee |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Skreen & Dromard Community Council |
180,000 |
270,000 |
|
|
Sligo Borough Council — Garravogue Villas |
170,000 |
374,044 |
|
|
Sligo Co. GAA Board/Markievicz Park Committee |
|||
|
Sligo County Board and Coolera-Strandhill GAA |
500,000 |
||
|
Sligo Rovers Development Association |
218,280 |
||
|
Sligo Rugby Football Club |
0 |
1,000,000 |
|
|
Sligo Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
18,600 |
|
|
Sligo-Leitrim District Soccer League |
0 |
395,200 |
|
|
St. John’s Community Development Association |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Tubbercurry GAA Club |
50,000 |
82,397 |
|
|
Tipperary |
2,048,000 |
9,008,006 |
|
|
Ballinahinch GAA Club |
75,000 |
95,000 |
|
|
Ballinderry Sportsfield |
0 |
95,085 |
|
|
Ballingarry GAA Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Ballyporeen — Skeheenarinky GAA Club |
75,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Blackcastle United FC |
75,000 |
86,240 |
|
|
Borrisokane District Development Association Limited |
0 |
2,000,685 |
|
|
Borrisokane GAA Club |
0 |
78,484 |
|
|
Borrisoleigh Town Park Ltd |
90,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
Cappawhite Community Council Ltd. |
100,000 |
167,500 |
|
|
Carrick on Suir Community Resource Centre |
0 |
2,500 |
|
|
Carrick on Suir Golf Club |
0 |
120,000 |
|
|
Carrick United AFC Ltd |
0 |
22,148 |
|
|
Carrig/Riverstown GAA Club |
30,000 |
46,324 |
|
|
Cashel Town FC |
30,000 |
70,000 |
|
|
Clonmel Athletic Club |
50,000 |
72,800 |
|
|
Clonmel Boxing Club |
5,000 |
6,000 |
|
|
Clonmel Celtic FC Ltd |
150,000 |
250,879 |
|
|
Clonmel Rugby Club |
80,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Clonmore NS |
0 |
29,775 |
|
|
Duneske Leisure Limited |
300,000 |
1,023,105 |
|
|
Eire Og Annacarty GAA Club |
50,000 |
73,339 |
|
|
Fethard Community Sports Field Ltd |
30,000 |
46,000 |
|
|
Fr. Sheehy GAA Club |
60,000 |
85,000 |
|
|
Glengoole Community Development Association |
0 |
101,557 |
|
|
Gortnahoe / Glengoole GAA Club |
25,000 |
37,200 |
|
|
Horse & Jockey Handball Club |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
JK Brackens GAA Club |
13,000 |
19,500 |
|
|
Kilbarron Hall Committee |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Kilcash Ballypatrick Killurney Sportsfield |
0 |
20,000 |
|
|
Kilfeacle & District Rugby FC |
45,000 |
54,000 |
|
|
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA Club |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Knockshegowan GAA Club |
0 |
52,500 |
|
|
Lough Derg Yacht Club |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Moycarkey Borris GAA Club |
0 |
378,275 |
|
|
Moyglass Sport & Leisure Centre Ltd |
0 |
70,000 |
|
|
Mullinahone GAA Club |
150,000 |
330,823 |
|
|
Nenagh Lawn Tennis Club |
35,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
Newcastle GAA Club |
0 |
125,500 |
|
|
O’Connor’s Field Development Committee, Cashel |
0 |
65,000 |
|
|
Rearcross FC |
0 |
10,505 |
|
|
Rock Rovers FC |
0 |
250,000 |
|
|
Roscrea Golf Club |
0 |
49,400 |
|
|
Rosegreen Development Association/Rosegreen Rangers FC |
0 |
4,200 |
|
|
Sean Kelly Sports Centre |
384,000 |
||
|
Sean Treacy’s GAA Club |
50,000 |
210,000 |
|
|
South Tipperary GAA Board |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
St. Joseph’s College/Newport Handball Club |
50,000 |
63,371 |
|
|
St. Michael’s AFC |
140,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
St. Molleran’s GAA Club |
80,000 |
119,856 |
|
|
Templederry Kenyons GAA Club |
180,000 |
269,955 |
|
|
Templemore Athletic Club |
80,000 |
134,000 |
|
|
Thurles Community Sports Campus Project |
580,000 |
||
|
Tipperary Town Athletic Club |
0 |
52,500 |
|
|
Two Mile Borris St. Kevins F.C. |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Waterford |
1,580,000 |
7,537,974 |
|
|
Affane Cappoquin GAA Club |
40,000 |
78,600 |
|
|
Ballinameena Community Centre |
20,000 |
30,103 |
|
|
Ballyduff Lower GAA Club |
50,000 |
278,665 |
|
|
Ballygunner GAA Club |
0 |
242,197 |
|
|
Blackwater Community School/Lismore GAA |
70,000 |
99,000 |
|
|
Boatstrand Dunabrattin Fishermens Community |
50,000 |
174,000 |
|
|
Bohemians Football Club |
75,000 |
125,000 |
|
|
Brideview United AFC Limited |
40,000 |
58,515 |
|
|
Butler Community Centre Ltd |
50,000 |
133,317 |
|
|
Cappoquin Community Development Company Ltd |
200,000 |
569,701 |
|
|
Cappoquin Playground Committee |
0 |
35,000 |
|
|
Cappoquin Rowing Club |
20,000 |
34,938 |
|
|
Cappoquin Salmon & Trout Anglers Association |
15,000 |
19,166 |
|
|
Children’s Group Link Waterford |
45,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Cunnigar Pitch and Putt Club |
5,000 |
6,960 |
|
|
De La Salle Hurling and Football Club |
175,000 |
507,850 |
|
|
Dungarvan Boxing Club |
10,000 |
10,166 |
|
|
Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club |
0 |
17,055 |
|
|
Dungarvan Hurling & Football Club |
90,000 |
147,151 |
|
|
Dunhill Squash Club |
10,000 |
11,159 |
|
|
Ferrybank AFC |
80,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Fourth Waterford Unit Scouting Ireland |
0 |
13,000 |
|
|
Hibernian Football Centre |
70,000 |
90,000 |
|
|
Joseph & Therese White-Finisk Valley |
0 |
481,600 |
|
|
Kilgobnet Sports Club |
0 |
145,000 |
|
|
Rathgormack GAA Club |
10,000 |
22,320 |
|
|
Seaview Celtic FC |
55,000 |
70,268 |
|
|
Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club |
0 |
215,000 |
|
|
Southend United Football Club |
45,000 |
54,323 |
|
|
St. Brigid’s Hall, Kilrossanty |
50,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
St. Paul’s Boxing Club |
5,000 |
6,400 |
|
|
Stradbally AFC Club |
20,000 |
29,900 |
|
|
Stradbally GAA Club |
0 |
90,740 |
|
|
Tallow Hurling & Football Club |
0 |
57,280 |
|
|
Tourin GAA Club |
80,000 |
96,600 |
|
|
Tramore Amateur Boxing Club |
0 |
||
|
Tramore GAA Club |
60,000 |
127,000 |
|
|
Waterford City Council — Regional Sports Centre |
2,600,000 |
||
|
Waterford Harbour Sailing Club |
0 |
70,000 |
|
|
Waterford Local Economic Development Co Ltd |
140,000 |
180,000 |
|
|
Waterford Motorboat & Yacht Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Westmeath |
1,083,000 |
3,245,980 |
|
|
Athlone GAA Club |
150,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Athlone Tennis Club |
10,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Athlone Town Stadium Ltd. |
800,000 |
||
|
Ballinahown Community Sports Centre |
50,000 |
82,453 |
|
|
Ballinlough Castle Golf Club Ltd |
0 |
72,000 |
|
|
Boher Hall Community Development Association Ltd |
0 |
40,000 |
|
|
Bunbrosna GAA & Community Services |
150,000 |
520,500 |
|
|
Castlepollard Community Centre |
30,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Clonkill Hurling Club |
0 |
770,000 |
|
|
Coralstown/ Kinnegad GAA Club |
65,000 |
75,000 |
|
|
Delvin Handball Club |
80,000 |
210,000 |
|
|
Lough Ree Yacht Club |
40,000 |
57,410 |
|
|
Loughnavalley Gaelic Football Club |
80,000 |
107,208 |
|
|
Milltown Community Centre Association & Milltown GAA |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Moate All-Whites GAA Club |
20,000 |
||
|
Mullingar Athletic Football Club |
80,000 |
110,430 |
|
|
Mullingar Canoe Club |
6,000 |
7,700 |
|
|
Mullingar Karate Kyokushinskai Club |
0 |
||
|
Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club |
0 |
85,000 |
|
|
Mullingar Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
10,500 |
|
|
Mullingar Tennis & Badminton Club |
7,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
Mullingar Town AFC |
90,000 |
112,442 |
|
|
Multyfarnham Park Development |
0 |
23,366 |
|
|
Rosemount Community Centre |
30,000 |
39,938 |
|
|
Shandonagh GAA Club |
100,000 |
183,818 |
|
|
St. Francis FC |
75,000 |
96,000 |
|
|
St. Loman’s Foroige |
0 |
||
|
St. Paul’s GFC |
0 |
30,000 |
|
|
Temple Villa AFC |
20,000 |
22,215 |
|
|
Westmeath Show Society Ltd |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
Wexford |
1,887,000 |
4,590,762 |
|
|
Ajax Athletic AFC |
0 |
80,000 |
|
|
Ballaghkeen Community Project Ltd |
0 |
34,090 |
|
|
Bree Community Development Group |
17,000 |
20,296 |
|
|
Bunclody AFC |
20,000 |
33,118 |
|
|
Castlebridge Reading Rooms |
0 |
15,750 |
|
|
Castletown Liam Mellows GAA Club |
0 |
70,000 |
|
|
Cloughbawn AFC/Community Group |
0 |
150,000 |
|
|
Courtown Hibernian AFC |
120,000 |
170,000 |
|
|
Crossabeg-Ballymurn Hurling & Football Club |
45,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Curracloe United AFC |
70,000 |
120,406 |
|
|
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club |
8,000 |
14,998 |
|
|
Enniscorthy Rugby Football Club |
225,000 |
336,000 |
|
|
Faythe Harriers GAA Club |
25,000 |
36,800 |
|
|
Ferns St. Aidan’s GAA Club |
100,000 |
272,918 |
|
|
Ferns United AFC |
85,000 |
102,900 |
|
|
Fethard/St. Mogue’s GAA Club |
80,000 |
140,000 |
|
|
Glynn Barntown GAA Club |
40,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Gorey Boxing Club |
0 |
108,130 |
|
|
Gorey Rangers AFC |
150,000 |
300,000 |
|
|
Hook Sub Aqua Club |
0 |
25,000 |
|
|
Horeswood GAA Club |
100,000 |
275,000 |
|
|
Killenagh Wanderers AFC |
80,000 |
161,000 |
|
|
Kilrush Askamore GAA Club |
45,000 |
55,000 |
|
|
Monageer Boolavogue GAA |
120,000 |
344,254 |
|
|
Moyne Rangers AFC |
65,000 |
96,898 |
|
|
New Ross Celtic AFC |
25,000 |
30,800 |
|
|
New Ross Coarse Angling Ltd |
0 |
70,160 |
|
|
New Ross District Pipe Band |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
North End United AFC |
0 |
144,437 |
|
|
Rapperees/Starlights GAA Club |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Rosslare Rangers AFC |
100,000 |
227,600 |
|
|
Sarsfields GAA Club |
40,000 |
50,823 |
|
|
Shamrocks Hurling & Football Club |
40,000 |
77,303 |
|
|
Shielbaggan Outdoor Educational Centre |
0 |
143,148 |
|
|
St. John’s Volunteers Community Centre |
0 |
100,000 |
|
|
St. Kearn’s Rowing Club |
10,000 |
15,550 |
|
|
St. Michael’s Pipe Band |
0 |
21,335 |
|
|
St. Mogue’s Rural Community Centre Ltd |
7,000 |
||
|
Tintern Community and Sports Complex Commission |
150,000 |
367,115 |
|
|
Wexford Christian Brothers Secondary School |
0 |
39,200 |
|
|
Wexford Sub Aqua Club Ltd |
20,000 |
30,733 |
|
|
Wicklow |
1,700,000 |
5,307,247 |
|
|
Arklow Boxing Club |
15,000 |
18,000 |
|
|
Arklow Geraldines/Ballymoney GAA Club |
65,000 |
111,161 |
|
|
Arklow Rock Parnell GAA Club |
0 |
127,664 |
|
|
Arklow Town FC |
346,700 |
||
|
Ashford Rovers Soccer Club |
10,000 |
10,695 |
|
|
Avondale GAA Club |
40,000 |
65,000 |
|
|
Avonmore Football Club |
50,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Ballinacor Community Project |
0 |
117,000 |
|
|
Ballywaltrim Community Centre Limited |
200,000 |
300,000 |
|
|
Baltinglass Golf Club |
0 |
103,285 |
|
|
Blessington GAA Club |
500,000 |
750,000 |
|
|
Bray Wanderers Football Club |
493,735 |
||
|
Bullfrog Racing Club, Bray |
5,000 |
9,000 |
|
|
Carnew Emmets GAA Club |
100,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Coillte Teoranta Cycling Trail, Roundwood |
0 |
91,105 |
|
|
Dunlavin GAA Club |
0 |
91,797 |
|
|
Eire Og GAA Club Greystones |
200,000 |
350,000 |
|
|
Greystones Community Centre Project |
0 |
||
|
Greystones Rugby Football Club |
30,000 |
60,000 |
|
|
Greystones United Football Club |
0 |
500,000 |
|
|
Hollywood Community Development Association |
200,000 |
384,986 |
|
|
Lakers Social & Recreation Club |
0 |
200,000 |
|
|
Newcastle GAA Club |
0 |
25,750 |
|
|
Newcastle Judo Club |
0 |
2,000 |
|
|
Newtown GAA Club |
60,000 |
120,000 |
|
|
Rathdrum Rugby Football Club |
0 |
163,212 |
|
|
RC Girl Guides of Ireland Carnew Branch |
0 |
3,000 |
|
|
Shillelagh GAA Club |
0 |
22,757 |
|
|
St. Brendan’s College, Bray |
0 |
300,000 |
|
|
Tiglin Adventure Sports Training Trust Ltd |
75,000 |
85,400 |
|
|
Tinahely GAA Club |
150,000 |
175,000 |
|
|
Wicklow County Camogie Board |
0 |
10,000 |
|
|
Woodlands Development Commitee |
0 |
273 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a grant of €20,000 was approved for Wicklow town soccer club; if this information was communicated to the club; if so, when; the current status of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19463/04]
A grant of €20,000 was provisionally allocated to the club in question under the 2002 sports capital programme towards the upgrading of dressing rooms. The club was formally informed of the provisional grant offer by way of a letter issued by my Department on 7 May 2002. The grant offer was subject to the terms and conditions of the programme and all documentation was requested to have been submitted to my Department and the project completed by 27 June 2003.
As the club did not submit any of the required documentation, my Department issued a second letter to it in May 2004 outlining again the documentation required. To date, the club has not responded to this letter. Unless the club responds comprehensively to the correspondence as a matter of priority, the Department will have to consider whether the grant should be withdrawn.
274 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a speech assessment has not been carried out on a person (details supplied) in County Galway in order to determine their suitability to attend national school in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19347/04]
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, for people with a physical and/or sensory disability is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that she examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
275 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is still waiting for clearance to obtain their stair lift; and if the occupational therapist will urgently resolve this matter. [19019/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Dublin 5 area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Northern Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him as a matter of urgency.
276 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the delay in orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and when treatment will commence. [19020/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Dublin rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
277 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was kept on a trolley for six days in the Mater Hospital and then was forced to sit on a chair. [19021/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
278 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for a person needing a speech therapist in the various health board areas; the positions vacant; and the crisis measures being taken to fill those vacancies. [19047/04]
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, to people with a physical and/or sensory disability is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. The chief executive officers of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards have been requested to provide the information in respect of each board and forward it directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
279 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the position regarding the proposed drug treatment centre on the North Road, Finglas. [19052/04]
The provision of drug treatment services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. In this case, the responsibility rests with the Northern Area Health Board of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has requested the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to look into the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
280 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the status in relation to development plans for the completion of phase 2B at Mullingar Regional Hospital; when a decision will be made to allow the project to proceed to tender in view of the long-standing nature of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/04]
A development control plan for this project has been submitted to my Department by the Midland Health Board. The next stage is the appointment of a design team to prepare relevant tender documentation. The project is at present being considered by my Department in the context of determining capital priorities to be progressed in 2004 or beyond, in line with overall available funding resources.
281 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19088/04]
282 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19103/04]
283 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19118/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 to 283, inclusive, together.
While preliminary work has been taking place on decentralisation, my Department and the bodies established under the aegis of my Department, are not required at this stage to undertake a risk assessment exercise in respect of the public service decentralisation programme. Until such time as there is a final decision by Government on the location of the headquarters of the Health Service Executive and associated agencies the information request by the Deputy cannot be provided. This decision is expected shortly.
On foot of a Government decision in 1992, a portion of my Department, namely the General Register Officer, GRO, decentralised to Roscommon in 1996. In order to retain an acceptable level of service to the public and to allow time for the roll out of the GRO modernisation programme, incorporating major legislative change and the provision of electronic registration it was decided to proceed with the decentralisation on a phased basis.
There are now 40 staff employed in the decentralised office. Of this number, seven staff transferred from my Department, two staff were directly recruited and the balance of 31 transferred from other Departments over a number of years. The Roscommon office has, to date, been dedicated to new and additional preparatory work in the form of the capture of several million entries of historic registration data, for conversion to an electronic format, including an extensive quality assurance process. This work while facilitating decentralisation primarily arises due to the GRO modernisation programme, led by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in association with my Department, as distinct from decentralisation alone. For this reason, the GRO Dublin office has continued to operate to full capacity to date, including the provision of service to the public and the roll out of electronic registration.
The preparatory work carried out in Roscommon is now nearing completion and this will allow for the work traditionally done in Dublin to transfer to the decentralised office by mid 2005. Overlap training for the finalisation of the project has recently commenced, on a phased basis. For this reason, and in particular the fact that the work being undertaken at both locations to date has not been one and the same or overlap work of any kind, comparison of increases in annual average costs over periods of three years is neither feasible nor appropriate in this particular instance.
284 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on his efforts to bring Monaghan General Hospital back on call, as promised, in the first week of July 2002; the details of his most recent involvement; the status of the hospital, that is, if an ambulance can bring a stroke or heart attack patient for treatment or admission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19124/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
I have had discussions with the chief executive officer and management of the board in regard to the provision of hospital services across the Cavan/Monaghan hospital group. I understand a steering group has been established to determine the level of service to be provided at both hospital sites. I am advised that this group is meeting on a regular basis with a view to progressing the issues involved.
285 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided to the North Eastern Health Board to fully service the new health board unit for the elderly in Cootehill, County Cavan; when it will open; and the services which will be available. [19125/04]
The provision of health services in County Cavan is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board, in the first instance. Following a visit to the area, I arranged for further discussion between the board and the local voluntary group aimed at making progress in regard to the opening of the unit. I am hopeful these discussions will have a positive outcome.
286 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued without delay to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a decision will be expedited. [19126/04]
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
287 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 11 May 2004, the reason no response has been received from the chief executive officer in regard to the issue raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19127/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Galway rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has again asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
288 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department’s attention has been drawn to a signed deal between the Mid-Western Health Board and the Limerick trust fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19128/04]
I am advised that the Mid-Western Health Board and the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust have signed an agreement for licence relevant to the provision of a radiotherapy facility on the site of Limerick Regional Hospital. Under this agreement, the trust has been given a licence for land for the purpose of the construction of a radiotherapy facility. The trust intends to make arrangements with a private hospital to operate the facility on its behalf. My understanding is that it is intended to treat public and private patients at this facility. However, I have been assured that the development will not require revenue or capital resources from my Department.
I have advised the representatives of the Mid-Western Health Board of the establishment of a national radiation oncology co-ordinating group which will advise, inter alia, on the national co-ordination and delivery of existing and planned radiation oncology services, including agreeing quality assurance protocols and guidelines for the referral of public patients to private facilities.
My plans for the development of radiation oncology services are in line with the report of the expert working group on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland, which I launched in October 2003. Its recommendations have been accepted by Government. The Government agrees that a major programme is now required to rapidly develop clinical radiation oncology treatment services to modern standards. Furthermore, the Government has agreed that the first phase of such a new programme should be the development of a clinical network of large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway. The development of these centres as a clinical network is of paramount importance and will, in the shortest possible timeframe, begin to address the profound deficit in radiation therapy capacity that has been identified in the report. The implementation of the report's recommendations is my single most important priority in cancer services in the acute setting.
In regard to patients in the mid-western region, significant progress is being made to ensure improved access to radiation oncology services that are in line with best international practice at the supra-regional centres at Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital, Galway. The immediate developments in Cork and Galway will result in the provision of an additional five linear accelerators. This represents an increase of approximately 50% in linear accelerator capacity. I have provided for the appointment of an additional five consultant radiation oncologists. Recruitment for these posts is under way. Two of these posts will have significant sessional commitments to the mid-western region. We currently have ten consultant radiation oncologists nationally. This will result in a significant increase in the numbers of patients receiving radiation oncology in the short term.
289 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards in 2004, 2002 and 1997. [19159/04]
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Year |
Number of Cards Issued |
Number of People Eligible |
% of Population Covered by Medical Card Scheme |
|
% |
|||
|
1997 |
736,798 |
1,219,852 |
33.64 |
|
2002 |
757,601 |
1,168,745 |
29.84 |
|
2004 (May) |
766,596 |
1,154,861 |
29.48 |
290 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Kildare rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
291 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the mental health service provision in Ballyfermot is adequate; his plans to upgrade the current building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19190/04]
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to her directly.
292 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide respite for the families of patients suffering from schizophrenia, many members of which are often full-time carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/04]
293 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has plans to review the housing needs of schizophrenia patients, in order that they can live independently with a house parent present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy rests, in the first instance, with the relevant health board. As a result of capital investment in the mental health services since 1997, there are now 411 community psychiatric residences in the country providing 3,146 places compared to 391 residences providing 2,878 places in 1997. The provision of these extra residences provides the means for more patients to live independently in the community. My Department also provides financial assistance through the health boards to Schizophrenia Ireland which provides support to people with schizophrenia and their families.
The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services will be considered in the context of the work of expert group on mental health policy. It is expected that the expert group will report in 2005.
294 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the incident raised in Dáil Éireann on 22 June 2004 with regard to a person (details supplied) and their treatment in Tallaght Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/04]
Services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital at Tallaght are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine this issue and to reply to the Deputy directly.
295 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he is taking to provide more public long-term care beds in order to relieve the problems in acute hospitals; the initiatives introduced to encourage patients to transfer to private nursing homes or to return to their own homes instead; if new guidelines have issued to health boards from his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19226/04]
As the Deputy may be aware, there is a commitment in the national health strategy to provide 1,370 additional assessment and rehabilitation beds, plus 600 additional day hospital beds with facilities encompassing specialist areas such as falls, osteoporosis treatment, fracture prevention, Parkinson's disease, stroke prevention, heart failure and continence promotion clinics. In addition, the strategy proposed the provision of an extra 5,600 extended care/community nursing unit places over a seven year period which will include provision for people with dementia. Provision of the above facilities was contingent on the provision of the necessary resources.
As the Deputy may also be aware, public private partnerships, PPPs, are currently being piloted in the health sector. PPPs are based on the concept that better value for money for the Exchequer may be achieved through the exploitation of private sector competencies to capture innovation and the allocation of risk to the party best able to manage it. Initially, the focus will be mainly in the area of community nursing units, CNUs, for older people. It is anticipated that 17 new CNUs will be developed when the initial pilot programmes are complete, providing up to a maximum of 850 new beds in Dublin and Cork. Services offered in these units to patients will include assessment and rehabilitation; respite; extended care; convalescence; and, if the PPP pilot demonstrates success, it is intended to use it as a means of providing additional community nursing units in other locations throughout the country.
Under the acute bed capacity initiative, my Department has provided additional funding of €17.6 million this year, €13.8 million to the ERHA and €3.8 million to the Southern Health Board, to facilitate the discharge of patients from the acute hospital system to a more appropriate setting thereby freeing up acute beds. This initiative provides for funding, through the nursing home subvention scheme, of additional beds in the private nursing home sector and ongoing support in the community. My Department has provided significant funding for the nursing home subvention scheme, and that over €443 million has been allocated to the scheme over the past five years. In 2000, the budget available for the scheme was €48.439 million, and this year €115 million was made available which equates to an overall increase of 137% in funding. Approximately 350 people have benefited from this funding resulting in their discharge from acute hospitals in the eastern region to private nursing homes and to their own homes. In the Cork area, the initiative has resulted in the discharge of 270 patients from acute hospitals to more appropriate settings. Both the ERHA and the Southern Health Board are actively monitoring the situation and working with hospitals, the area health boards and the private nursing home sector to ensure that every effort is made to minimise the number of delayed discharges from the acute hospital system.
The Deputy may be interested to note that I have been meeting with administrative and medical representatives of the ERHA, the area health boards and the Dublin academic teaching hospitals, DATHs, on a regular basis and that at the most recent meeting I was advised by the authority that it has commenced a programme to re-open public extended care beds which were closed for a number of reasons.
296 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if orthodontic treatment will be made available for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19227/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Cork rests with the Southern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
297 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been on a waiting list for cataract surgery; and when they will be called for surgery. [19228/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in regard to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
298 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the average length of time spent by autistic children on the waiting list for speech and language therapy in the various health board areas; and the immediate new measures he proposes to introduce to reduce the waiting time for those requiring attention. [19262/04]
300 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the support mechanisms in place for parents of children with autism in need of speech therapy and other services. [19264/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 300 together.
As the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department, my officials have asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to investigate the matters raised by the deputy and reply directly to him.
299 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant speech and language therapist posts in the various health board areas; and the emergency measures he proposes to introduce to deal with those vacancies which are having a negative effect on the children waiting. [19263/04]
As the Deputy may be aware, intensive efforts have been undertaken to improve staffing levels in speech and language therapy, both at local and national level. The success of these measures has contributed to an increase of 93 whole-time equivalents, WTEs, in the public health service from 399 WTEs at end-2001 to 492 WTEs at end-2003. This represents an increase of almost 20% over the period complementing the increase of 13.5%, 345 WTEs to 399 WTEs, which took place over the two year period from end-1999 to end-2001.
The continued implementation of the recommendations of the report of the expert group on various health professions which included new pay scales and career structures, enhanced opportunities for professional and career development, the availability of the fast track working visa scheme and the streamlining of procedures for the validation of overseas qualifications are designed to help sustain the improvements in staffing levels achieved for speech and language therapy services, both at local and national level.
In addition, as the Deputy may be aware, three new speech and language therapy courses commenced in the 2003-04 academic year in UCC, NUIG and UL. In total, these courses will provide an additional 75 training places in speech and language therapy. This expansion in training numbers has been identified in the Bacon report as sufficient to meet the long-term demand-supply balance for speech and language therapists in Ireland.
Responsibility for human resource planning, including the monitoring and filling of vacant speech and language therapist posts in each health board area, rests with the chief executive officer, CEO, of each board. Each CEO, in managing the workforce in his or her region, is responsible for determining the appropriate staffing mix and the precise grades of staff to be employed in line with service plan priorities, subject to overall employment levels remaining within the approved regional employment ceiling. Therefore, my Department does not routinely collect information on vacant speech and language therapy posts and has asked the chief executive of each health board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
301 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 21 October 2003 his plans to amend the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2001 (Additional Functions Order, 2001) (details supplied) which empowered the commission to inquire, through its investigation committee, into the circumstances, legality, conduct, ethical propriety and effects on the subjects of the three vaccine trials referred to in the chief medical officer’s report; if he will conduct similar inquiries into any other trials that took place in an institution during the period 1 January 1940 to 31 December 1987 in view of the fact that the Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding the vires of this statutory instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/04]
The recent judgment handed down by the courts is currently being examined. When this examination is completed a decision will then be made in regard to this matter.
302 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will be called to the Mater Hospital; and if they can be admitted as a matter of urgency. [19320/04]
Responsibility for the provision of acute hospital services to residents of County Cavan rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
303 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 6 May 2004, if he will provide the capital resources to ensure that works are carried out at Ivy House, Castlerea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19325/04]
The position with regard to the refurbishment of Ivy House, Castlerea, is as outlined in my reply of the 6 May 2004, which stated that this is a matter for the Western Health Board. As the Deputy is aware from my previous reply, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board to reply directly to him.
304 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a hip replacement operation will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick at the Mid-West Regional Hospital. [19356/04]
The provision of hospital services for people living in County Limerick is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in regard to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
305 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he intends to deal with the huge waiting list for children in the mid-west region for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19357/04]
The provision of orthodontic services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards or authority in the first instance.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have taken a number of measures to increase the treatment capacity of orthodontic services in the Mid-Western Health Board, MWHB, area and on a national basis.
The grade of specialist in orthodontics has been created in the health board orthodontic service. In 2003, my Department and the health boards funded 13 dentists from various health boards for specialist in orthodontics qualifications at training programmes in Ireland and at three separate universities in the United Kingdom. These 13 trainees for the public orthodontic service are additional to the six dentists who commenced their training in 2001. Thus, there is an aggregate of 19 dentists in specialist training for orthodontics. These measures will complement the other structural changes being introduced into the orthodontic service, including the creation of an auxiliary grade of orthodontic therapist to work in the orthodontic area.
Furthermore, the commitment of the Department to training development is manifested in the funding provided to both the training of specialist clinical staff and the recruitment of a professor in orthodontics for the Cork Dental School. This appointment at the school will facilitate the development of an approved training programme leading to specialist qualification in orthodontics. The chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board has reported that the professor commenced duty on 1 December 2003. In recognition of the importance of this post at Cork Dental School my Department has given approval in principle to a proposal from the school to further substantially improve the training facilities there for orthodontics. This project should see the construction of a large orthodontic unit and support facilities; it will ultimately support an enhanced teaching and treatment service to the wider region, including the MWHB, under the leadership of the professor of orthodontics.
In June 2002, my Department provided additional funding of €5 million from the treatment purchase fund to the health boards and authority specifically for the purchase of orthodontic treatment. This funding is enabling boards to provide both additional sessions for existing staff and purchase treatment from private specialist orthodontic practitioners. The MWHB was allocated an additional €0.451 million from this fund for the treatment of cases in this way.
The chief executive officer of the MWHB has informed my Department that there were 2,597 and 601 patients awaiting assessment and treatment, respectively, at the end of the March quarter 2004; this means the assessment and treatment waiting lists in the board have been reduced by 999 and 404, respectively, between December 2001 and March 2004. The chief executive officer has also informed my Department that at the end of the March quarter 2004, there were 1,827 children receiving orthodontic treatment in the board.
The chief executive officers of the health boards and authority have informed my Department that at the end of the March quarter 2004, there were 21,033 children receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This means that there are over twice as many children receiving orthodontic treatment as there are children waiting to be treated and almost 4,000 extra children are getting treatment from the health boards and authority since the end of 2001.
306 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19358/04]
Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the Mid-Western Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
307 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of the use of antidepressant pills among young persons and children here; his views on whether the extent of usage of such pills is excessive and inappropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19359/04]
Prescriptions are issued by health professionals based on the symptoms of the presenting patient at the time of consultation. The level of medication prescribed, therefore, is a matter of clinical decision for the particular doctor involved. Prescriptions for anti-depressants may be issued by either general practitioners or consultants in a variety of locations, for example, general practice, community psychiatric facilities or private or public psychiatric hospitals.
Statistics on the extent of the use of antidepressants among young persons and children are not available. Figures provided by the General Medical Services (Payments) Board for the year ending 31 December 2003 show that 205,764 medical cardholders were prescribed anti-depressants in that year. A total of 1,178 people were prescribed anti-depressants under the long-term illness scheme while statistics for the drugs payment scheme, DPS, indicate that 92,022 people were prescribed anti-depressants.
The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services will be considered in the context of the work of expert group on mental health policy which was established in August 2003 to prepare a new national policy framework for the mental health services, updating the 1984 policy document, Planning for the Future. It is expected that the expert group will report in 2005.
308 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the responsibility of his Department, through the South Eastern Health Board to provide psychiatric services for a special school (details supplied) in County Waterford; his proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19360/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health-related services in the south-east region is a matter, in the first instance, for the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.
309 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a wheelchair will be provided immediately for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the number of persons waiting for wheelchairs in the South Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19361/04]
The provision of aids and appliances in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer, South Eastern Health Board, to investigate this case and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
In regard to the Deputy's query on the number of persons waiting for wheelchairs in the South Eastern Health Board area, this information is not readily available in my Department. Therefore, my Department has asked the South Eastern Health Board to respond directly to the Deputy regarding this matter.
310 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 receiving speech and language therapy from their health board; and the further length of time they will have to wait before a speech therapist becomes available in view of the recognised importance of early intervention. [19362/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health-related services to people with an intellectual disability or autism in the Dublin region is a matter, in the first instance, for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.
311 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a report in a newspaper (details supplied) stating that the paediatric unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has been left dangerously understaffed due to the North Eastern Health Board having being unable to fill a number of positions. [19363/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
312 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of prisoners who were admitted on a voluntary basis to the Central Mental Hospital each year between 1998 and 2004 inclusive. [19364/04]
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
313 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 2 March 2004, when details of the preliminary review of the schemes will be published; if he will establish a vaccine damage compensation scheme; the actions he has taken to date following his meeting with the Irish vaccine injury campaign representatives in April 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19375/04]
The matters raised by the group concerned at the meeting in April 2002 were considered by my Department. A preliminary review of the schemes in place in a number of other countries was subsequently undertaken by my Department; this preliminary review involved a general overview of details of schemes in place in a number of other countries. This review was done in order to establish general details of schemes already in existence; however, a detailed examination of such schemes has not yet been undertaken. This preliminary overview is a working document which forms part of the deliberative process and it would not be appropriate to release the details thereof at this stage.
My Department is keeping the position in regard to the possible establishment of an alleged vaccine damage compensation scheme under review.
314 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a one year waiting period for speech and language therapy for children in Bray and a four-year waiting period in Wicklow; if the recruitment embargo will be lifted to ensure proper staffing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/04]
The provision of health services, including speech and language therapy, to people with a physical and/or sensory disability is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
315 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the services that will be available for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo when they return to their home; if services will be provided to ensure care at home 24 hours a day; and the services available for a person such as this. [19400/04]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Mayo area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him as a matter of urgency.
316 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be called for a hip operation to Sligo General Hospital in view of the deterioration in their condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19409/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Leitrim rests with the North Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
317 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he can take action to bring forward an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if he has satisfied himself that this is the type of service that should be available to a person such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19416/04]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Monaghan rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
318 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the doubling of the cost of the Dunne inquiry in the six months to June 2004. [19417/04]
In reply to a parliamentary question on 19 November 2003, I informed the House that as at 31 October 2003, the post mortem inquiry chaired by Anne Dunne SC, had incurred costs of €7.237 million. This figure included the fees of the chairman and legal staff in the inquiry and administrative salaries and costs.
In reply to a parliamentary question on 15 June 2004, I advised that the cost of the inquiry was €15.3 million at the end of May 2004. The latter figure includes expenditure under a number of headings that were not covered in the earlier reply. The following is a breakdown of the expenditure of €15.3 million.
|
€ |
||
|
1. |
Premises/Furniture/Equipment/Services/Rental |
|
|
Fit out of premises |
750,809 |
|
|
Furniture, supplies, systems and services. |
440,000 |
|
|
Rental Payments |
839,846 |
|
|
Sub-Total |
2,030,655 |
|
|
2. |
Legal Fees |
|
|
Inquiry Team fees to end May, 2004 |
6,180,855 |
|
|
Kelly Noone Solicitors to Parents for Justice |
667,704 |
|
|
Departments legal fees |
3,871 |
|
|
Sub-Total |
6,852,430 |
|
|
3. |
Administrative costs |
|
|
Salaries, of Inquiry Staff, heat, power, light, maintenance, cleaning, security etc. to end May 2004 |
||
|
Sub-Total |
2,027,448 |
|
|
4. |
Health Service Costs |
|
|
Grant to Eastern Regional Health Authority towards expenditure associated with Post Mortem Inquiry 2000-2003 |
3,810,000 |
|
|
Grant to Parents for Justice |
650,811 |
|
|
Total |
15,371,344 |
319 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the staff who have been recruited for CAMP West; the number still in place; the number who have left the service to date; if the CAMP West facility is operational at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19420/04]
CAMP West is a joint venture between the local authorities of Connacht, Donegal and the Western Health Board. The contracting authority for the project is Mayo County Council. Accordingly, the Deputy may wish to take the matter up with the council.
320 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was placed on the orthodontic treatment list; and when they can expect to be called for the commencement of orthodontic treatment. [19421/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Mayo rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
321 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, in the wake of the Lindsay tribunal report, no consultant haematologist with an interest in haemophilia has been appointed to the Southern Health Board; the further reason recommendations 4, 5 and 7 of the tribunal are not being implemented in the Southern Health Board area; the further reason an application for the appointment of a haemophilia consultant which was sent to his Department in autumn 2003 has not been sanctioned and no explanation has been given for the delay. [19467/04]
The provision of hospital services, including the appointment of staff, at Cork University Hospital, CUH, is a matter for the Southern Health Board. The board has submitted an application to my Department for a new post of consultant haematologist with an interest in haemophilia at CUH. This is one of a number of consultant posts which the board has submitted. The question of funding of additional consultant posts can only be considered in the context of available resources and the Southern Health Board's priorities for services in the acute hospitals sector. The matter is under consideration and my Department will revert to the Southern Health Board.
Officials of my Department are working with the Irish Haemophilia Society and the treating physicians under the auspices of the National Haemophilia Council to progress the implementations of the recommendations in the Lindsay report. The establishment of the National Haemophilia Council was one of the key recommendation in the report. I assure the Deputy that the needs of the Southern Health Board, together with the needs of the other regions, will be fully taken into account in the implementation process. Moreover, a consultant from CUH is the nominated representative of the Irish Haematology Society on the National Haemophilia Council and the product selection and monitoring advisory group, which are the two principal representative bodies advising me on haemophilia care.
The major recommendation made by Judge Lindsay in her report is that persons with haemophilia must have continued access to blood products which are of the highest standard and of the safest nature available. In 2003 priority was given to the work of the product selection and monitoring advisory group. As a result of the considerable time and effort which was dedicated to ensuring that the views of the stakeholders were given due consideration, the group was in a position to advise the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on the safest and most efficacious products for the treatment of haemophilia nationally for the period 2003 to 2005. This represents a major achievement for the collaborative process undertaken by all concerned.
I was also pleased to be invited by the National Haemophilia Council to launch a major quality initiative in the delivery of haemophilia care in April of this year. This project, which will meet a number of the recommendations of the Lindsay tribunal, will provide a new international standard to ensure excellence in the storage, delivery, prescription and administration of haemophilia products. The project will help ensure that the care provided to persons with haemophilia will be of a consistently high standard regardless of where they live. Another initiative which is well under way is the development of a national viral assessment programme and haemophilia database which will meet key concerns in the Lindsay report. This programme will support the delivery of patient care both in the national centre for hereditary coagulation disorders at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, and in treating centres nationwide. The Irish Haematology Society is working with the National Haemophilia Council on the development of national treatment protocols. A patient information day is being planned for November to launch these protocols.
322 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19520/04]
): The provision of health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, to people with a physical and/or sensory disability is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
323 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 23 June 2004, if at least an additional €1 million will be provided under the Caredoc co-op after hours service heading for 2005 of the SEHB in order that the introduction of the Caredoc co-op after hours service to Waterford city and county can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19529/04]
I refer to my answer of 23 June 2004 in which I outlined the moneys awarded to the South Eastern Health Board for Caredoc between 2000 and 2004.
Due to budgetary constraints it is not possible at this time to allocate a further €1 million to the South Eastern Health Board for the expansion of Caredoc to Waterford. I again remind the Deputy that all decisions in regard to the geographical areas to be covered by co-operatives and the order of their commencement are matters for the relevant health board to make, having regard to the range of financial and other issues involved in any such expansion.
324 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide for a standardised application and assessment procedure for the disabled persons housing grant across the State, in view of the regional and local variations in procedures which lead to inequality; and if he will widen the scheme to ensure that it covers 100% of the cost of approved works. [19538/04]
The operation of the disabled person's housing grant is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
325 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the assessment of the Medical Defence Union, MDU, that discussions with his Department have been frustrating and non productive and that a negotiated solution is now impossible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19551/04]
The discussions which my Department has been engaged in with the Medical Defence Union in regard to historic obstetric liabilities have been long and difficult. This, in part, reflects the difficult and complex nature of the problem which both sides are attempting to address. I do not accept the MDU's contention that a negotiated agreement is impossible to achieve. I have just written to the MDU indicating the Government's interest in negotiating a solution to this problem which is fair to patients, doctors and Irish taxpayers. I expect an equally positive response from the MDU.
326 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the provision of services for the survivors of symphysiotomy particularly the provision of a national helpline and special services cards. [19596/04]
At a meeting with the Survivors of Symphysiotomy, SOS, group late last year, I agreed that a range of measures would be put in place by the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and the health boards to support the group. My Department is advised that the current position is as follows: The health boards and the relevant voluntary hospitals in the eastern region have appointed liaison officers, who are meeting with patients who have undergone symphysiotomy to discuss their health care needs; an exercise is ongoing, in conjunction with the SOS group, to profile patients in order to assist in formulating a needs assessment for each individual; the CEOs group is finalising arrangements for the establishment of care pathways and for a multi-disciplinary medical team to be made available to patients; independent clinical advice is available, on request, to patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. This has already been availed of by a number of members of SOS; independent counselling services are being made available to patients where requested; an information leaflet has been prepared in consultation with SOS and is expected to issue from the ERHA and health boards to general practitioners and patients shortly; the ERHA and the health boards are also trying to ascertain the number of symphysiotomies carried out in hospitals throughout the country. It may take some time to complete this process as the procedures were carried out some years ago and may have been undertaken in maternity units or in hospitals that no longer exist; the chief executive officers of the health boards and the ERHA have agreed to grant GMS eligibility, based on medical grounds, to SOS patients who do not have such eligibility; arrangements are being made to issue a special patient identifier card to allow for the fast-tracking of patients requiring hospital appointments and treatments.
My Department is advised that the issue of the establishment of a helpline was discussed with the SOS group, and that it was agreed with the group to prioritise the implementation of arrangements in relation to the special services card and the medical management of patients. The question of a national helpline will be reviewed by the ERHA and the health boards in consultation with the SOS group.
In addition to the above measures, the chief medical officer of my Department has contacted an international expert who has expressed an interest in undertaking a review of the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. It is hoped that this review can commence in the near future.
327 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received an application from the Mayo Cancer Support Association for national lottery assistance; if this application has been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19597/04]
My Department received an application for a grant from the health and children allocation of national lottery funds on 5 April 2004 from the Mayo Cancer Support Association. The association applied for €50,000 towards the cost of building an extension.
There is a protocol in my Department for processing applications for national lottery grants. When the completed application form is received in my Department it is registered in the finance unit and forwarded to the relevant services division for its assessment, evaluation and recommendation. All applications are then considered in the context of the recommendation and the overall level of funds available to me. The assessment process for this application is currently ongoing. The application is one of many under consideration for a grant from my Department and the organisation will be informed as soon as a decision has been made.
328 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the six-month delay in having routine ultrasound abdominal tests carried out at Mayo General Hospital; his views on whether a six-month waiting period is excessive for a basic investigation; if his attention has further been drawn to details supplied by a local practitioner, two of whose elderly patients died during the waiting period; the proposals he has to deal with this problem; the extra number of ultrasound machines which will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19598/04]
The provision of services at Mayo General Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in regard to the issues raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
329 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on mandatory fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/04]
331 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has plans to change the process and method of providing fluoridation to public water supplies; the scientific evidence available to him in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19602/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 331 together.
The use of fluoride technology is known to manifest a positive oral health outcome. Local and national surveys and studies conducted since the introduction of fluoridation in this country attest to the reduced dental decay levels of children and teenagers in fluoridated areas compared to those residing in non-fluoridated areas. For example, in the Western Health Board, the fluoridation forum reported that the average number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth in 12 year old children was 4.2 in 1961; in 1992, a further study of 12 year old children in the board showed that the average number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth among lifetime residents of fluoridated communities was 1.6.
Furthermore, the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation has been endorsed by a number of international and reputable bodies such as the World Health Organisation, WHO; the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; the United States Public Health Service, and; the United States Surgeon General.
As the Deputy is aware, I established the forum on fluoridation to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland; its main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure; it also concluded that the best available and most reliable scientific evidence indicates that at the maximum permitted level of fluoride in drinking water at one part per million, human health is not adversely affected.
The forum on fluoridation reported that the chemicals used to fluoridate public piped water supplies are manufactured to exacting quality standards; in fact, the fluoridation agent currently used in Ireland to fluoridate water is a primary product of a specific manufacturing process: it is not an industrial waste product as declared by opponents of fluoride technology.
Concerns were expressed about the presence of heavy metals in the fluoridating agent; therefore, the forum investigated the metals contents of a small number of samples of the agent; and it reported that the residual metals concentrations would be a tiny fraction of the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organisation. On the basis of these scientific findings, there are no requirements to change the method of fluoridating public piped water supplies.
The forum consisted of people with expert knowledge spanning the areas of public health, biochemistry, dental health, bone health, food safety, environmental protection, ethics, water quality, health promotion and representatives from the consumer and environmental areas. This diversity of professional backgrounds and representation was reflected in the comprehensive way the forum conducted its work and research; ultimately, the forum took an evidence based approach to its examination of water fluoridation.
In all, the report of the fluoridation forum made 33 recommendations covering a broad range of topics such as research, public awareness, and policy and technical aspects of fluoridation. The expert body that was recommended by the forum has been established. Its terms of reference are to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum on fluoridation; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research, including new emerging issues, on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required; and to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his or her request or on own initiative.
The expert body has broad representation, including from the areas of public health medicine, engineering, management, environmental protection, environmental health, dentistry, and health promotion. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the body will have a strong consumer input in terms of members of the public and representatives of consumer interests, in addition to the necessary scientific, managerial and public health inputs. The expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride going forward.
330 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will include in the long-term illness scheme, persons suffering from late effects of polio, otherwise known as post-polio syndrome. [19600/04]
Under the 1970 Health Act, a health board may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition under the long-term Illness scheme. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness, for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to amend the list of eligible conditions.
Other schemes provide assistance towards the cost of approved drugs and medicines for people with significant ongoing medical expenses. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. In determining eligibility, the CEO has regard to the applicant's financial circumstances. Health boards use income guidelines to assist in determining eligibility. However, where a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may be awarded if the CEO considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis. Non-medical card holders, and people with conditions not covered under the LTI, can use the drugs payment scheme. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €78 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.
332 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if this will be made a priority issue. [19616/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 5 rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
333 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if urgent assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if this will be made a priority issue. [19617/04]
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 5 rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
334 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a breast cancer unit at Waterford Regional Hospital for symptomatic breast cancer; and if the unit will provide for non-symptomatic patients picked up through BreastCheck. [19620/04]
The national breast screening programme commenced in March 2000 to implement a scheme for the early diagnosis and primary treatment of breast cancer in women in the 50 to 64 age group. Phase 1 of the scheme operates in the eastern part of the country. Last year, I announced the extension of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the national roll out to the west and southern parts of the country. Under the BreastCheck scheme, women will have their diagnosis, investigation and primary treatment managed by a multi-disciplinary team.
Two centres currently operate in the eastern region, one at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and the other at the Mater Hospital, Dublin. In 2002, the European reference organisation for quality-assured breast screening and diagnostic services, EUREF, evaluated the BreastCheck programme at these centres. EUREF concluded that the programme operated to a very high standard. The overwhelming majority of women whose breast cancer is detected by BreastCheck will receive their primary treatment and follow up at the BreastCheck clinical unit for their region. Women also have an option of treatment and follow up at their regional designated centre for symptomatic breast disease. BreastCheck organises its services to ensure integrated clinical pathways are in place to effectively treat and care for women with breast cancer which involves close linkages with the symptomatic services.
BreastCheck is developing a similar model of treatment and care as part of the national extension of the programme which will require a further two centres. The centre in the south, which will provide services for women in County Waterford, will be located at the South Infirmary Hospital, Cork and the centre in the west will be located at University College Hospital, Galway. Both of these centres are at the planning stages.
335 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will give a response on the enclosed query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19534/04]
349 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport his views on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 regarding the proposed decentralisation of the Bus Éireann head office to Mitchelstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19527/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 349 together.
The process of managing the decentralisation applications programme is being organised through the central applications facility, CAF, that is being run by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission. This facility, which is accessible on the Internet, has details of the jobs which have been identified for decentralisation and the locations to which they are going to move.
The policy governing the decentralisation programme allows all civil and public servants to apply for a transfer to a decentralised provincial location and those who do so may state their preference in respect of: internal transfers at their current grade to posts being decentralised in their parent Department or organisation; and transfer at their current grade to posts in other Departments and organisations being decentralised as part of the programme.
Only employees of Bus Éireann may formally apply for a decentralised position in Bus Éireann. At this point, anyone indicating a wish to transfer to Mitchelstown is merely expressing a preference rather than making a firm application. The mechanism for finalising transfers has not yet been completed and will be subject to further discussion with the public service unions.
The decentralisation programme will operate on an entirely voluntary basis. Those who do not wish to transfer to a decentralised location will be assigned to alternative public service posts in Dublin and the procedures that will apply in such cases will be the subject of discussions with the public service unions.
All change brings with it an element of risk. I am confident that with good planning and management any risk will be reduced to the absolute minimum. It is for this reason that all organisations involved in the decentralisation programme have prepared implementation plans which will be refined and amended as the process moves forward.
336 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in regard to the proposed decentralisation of Bus Éireann; the number of staff that have volunteered to transfer; the number of staff that do not intend to transfer; the arrangements that have been made to accommodate those who will not transfer; the position regarding the staff that have skills or experience which apply principally to the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19065/04]
As there are no results available as yet from the central applications facility it is not possible to state the number of staff in Bus Éireann who have expressed an interest in relocation or those who have not.
Public servants who do not wish to relocate will be assigned to alternative posts in Dublin. The exact procedures that will apply will be dealt with as part of the implementation process and will be discussed with the public service unions.
337 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19089/04]
A risk analysis, as it affects my Department, is being completed as part of my Department's decentralisation implementation plan. No formal cost benefit analysis has been carried out.
338 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19104/04]
339 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19119/04]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.
My Department has not been involved in any decentralisation process to date. The Public Enterprise (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2002, which came into operation on 19 June 2002, altered the name of the Department of Public Enterprise to the Department of Transport.
340 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the number of new buses which were purchased by Dublin Bus in each of the years 2000 to 2003; and the expected number of buses the company will be able to purchase in 2004. [19138/04]
I understand from Dublin Bus that the number of new buses purchased each year by the company is as follows: 2000, 225; 2001, 56; 2002, 53; 2003, 90. Dublin Bus has purchased 36 buses in 2004 and the company has no plans to purchase any further buses this year.
341 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 162 of 14 October 2003, the main conclusions reached by his Department in respect of the European Commission’s proposals of 1 October 2003; if the Council of Ministers has considered these proposals; and the outcome thereof to date. [19168/04]
On 29 April 2004, the European Council of Ministers and the European Parliament adopted, through the co-decision procedure, a decision on revised Community guidelines for the development of trans-European transport networks. Ireland has had two specific priority projects: the Cork-Dublin-Belfast road corridor and the Cork-Dublin-Belfast rail corridor included in the list of priority projects in the revised guidelines. In addition, Ireland has the possibility of submitting specific maritime-related projects as part of the motorway of the sea of western Europe priority project.
342 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, further to Question No. 326 of 25 May 2004, his attention has been drawn to the fact that this threshold is shown both on sheet No. 8 of the Fingal County development plan of 1999 and on the maps forming part of the recently released draft Fingal development plan 2005-11 as being some 250 metres west of the Kingston Cross Road; his views on whether a major discrepancy thus exists between the Aer Rianta and the revised ERM maps on the one hand, and the Fingal maps on the other; if he will clarify the precise magnitude of a discrepancy which can only be described as astounding and inexplicable that has left residents in large areas of north County Dublin utterly perplexed and bewildered with respect to whether their lands or portions thereof are within the existing red zones or the proposed public safety zones associated with proposed runway 10-28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19171/04]
Notices of the preparation of the draft Fingal County development plan 2005-11 have recently appeared in the press, as part of Fingal County Council's public consultation on that draft development plan. Comments or observations on the draft plan are invited until 23 August 2004. It should be noted that in its introduction to the maps section of the draft development plan, Fingal County Council states that, "The maps give a graphic representation of the proposals of the Plan, indicating land use zoning and other control standards together with various objectives of the Council. They do not purport to be accurate survey maps from which site dimensions or other survey data can be determined". Moreover, the final site of the proposed runway 10-28 is a matter for Aer Rianta and the planning authorities.
343 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 454 of 15 June 2004, the number of landowners in County Clare, other than the landowner from whom the site was acquired, affected by SI 205 of 1993; if these unsuspecting landowners will be informed of such fact and, arising from his reluctance to provide them with a copy map, each will be supplied with the relevant website details in order that they can download copies of the map in question; the reason his Department failed to honour the solemn commitment given by Mr. Cosgrave to Mr. Hawkins on 8 March 1950, particularly given that the amendment in question which was not put to a vote, was put down by the latter with particular reference to such potential landowners in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19172/04]
The Irish Aviation Authority does not have any information about the number of landowners who own land in the vicinity of the site in County Clare affected by SI 205 of 1993. However, the authority states that the owner of the land directly affected by that SI did receive a copy of the order, including the map. As I indicated in my previous reply, all of the three orders — SIs 284 of 1988, 114 of 1989 and 205 of 1993, including their maps, are available free of charge on the Attorney General's website, under the link to the Irish Statute Book. The website addresses for each of those orders are: For SI 284 of 1988 —http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZSI284Y1988.html; for SI 114 of 1989 — http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZSI114Y1989.html; for SI 205 of 1993 — http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZSI205Y1993.html.
344 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, further to Questions Nos. 111 to 116 of 27 February 2002, the protected area concept contained in section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950 was specifically enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas for the very same purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19173/04]
As I have indicated in earlier replies, Section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950 empowers the Minister for Transport or the Irish Aviation Authority to make an order to declare that a particular piece of land in the vicinity of an aerodrome was to be a protected area, if the unrestricted use of that land would interfere with the navigation of aircraft. To date, section 14 orders have been made on only three occasions, in 1988, 1989, and 1993, in each case dealing with circular protected areas of 300 metres radius from the IAA's DVOR-DME equipment at Rowlestown West, County Dublin; Kilgarriff West, Charlestown, County Mayo and Knockaun, Shannon, County Clare.
The High Court, in a judicial review case between Mr. Sean Liddy and the then Minister for Public Enterprise, the Irish Aviation Authority, Aer Rianta Teoranta, Ireland and the Attorney General, ruled in February 2003 that the use of either section 14 orders or the planning process is permissible for restricting development in the vicinity of airports.
345 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, further to Question No. 453 of 15 June 2004, any of the numerous private but significantly smaller developments at each of the three State airports had the potential to breach any ICAO associated surface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19174/04]
The question of objections to private developments at the State airports to which the Deputy refers, is a matter between Aer Rianta, the Irish Aviation Authority, and the relevant planning authorities.
346 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had recently with his counterparts to resolve outstanding issues surrounding extension of the runway at Derry City Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19371/04]
My Department is considering two separate proposals concerning the runway, and other infrastructural developments, at City of Derry Airport. The first proposal is for a runway safety improvement project originally approved in 1999. In the context of the programme for peace and reconciliation in 1999, the Department paid €1.9 million towards safety-related improvements to the runway. The Northern Ireland authorities made a similar contribution to the project. However, the project suffered from cost increases arising from environmental objections and various technical problems. Derry City Council, the owner of the airport, is now seeking further assistance from both administrations to meet the additional, unforeseen costs associated with the project. The Department is discussing this issue with counterparts in the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland.
The other proposal is for a major runway extension and the provision of enhanced airport infrastructure and navigational aids. The entire project, if approved, could cost in the region of €30 million. Derry City Council has requested a joint funding arrangement between the two administrations, as applied in the case of the earlier project. Officials from my Department are participating in a steering group, comprising officials from relevant departments and agencies in Northern Ireland and representatives from the local chamber of commerce. The steering group, which was established at the request of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will examine all aspects of the proposed development of the airport, including, the technical need for the proposed runway extension, the current and projected financial position of the airport company, the business case supporting the proposed capital investment and the wider issue of balanced economic development for the entire north west region. The steering group has met three times in recent weeks and a report on findings and conclusions is expected to be finalised by the end of July 2004.
347 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the category of staff he has in mind for his proposed relocation of 200 Bus Éireann staff to Mitchelstown and their current location; the future prospects for staff who choose not to relocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19397/04]
Categories of posts to be relocated to Mitchelstown include clerical officers, staff officers, executive officers and various technical and professional posts. These posts are located in Bus Éireann's head office. The future prospects for staff who choose not to relocate is outlined in the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy's reply to Question No. 97 answered on 17 February 2004.
348 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 under the taxi hardship payment scheme in view of the financial circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19398/04]
Area Development Management Limited has been engaged to administer and manage the implementation of the taxi hardship payments scheme. It is undertaking the processing and consideration of applications under the scheme independently of my Department which has no details of individual applications made to Area Development Management under the scheme. Inquiries made with Area Development Management reveal that an application was received from the person in question on 1 April 2004. It was incomplete and a letter issued to the applicant on 5 April 2004 seeking clarification and requesting further information. The same letter was sent to the applicant again on 15 June 2004 requesting a response within 30 days. Area Development Management has received no response to date. Further consideration of the application cannot proceed until it receives the requested information.
350 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will arrange for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to undertake the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19533/04]
A driving test will be arranged in due course for the person concerned.
351 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to take action regarding the ground rent legislation in view of the fact that some ground rent landlords are demanding €60,000 from households following the sale of their property; and if he will make a statement on the ground rent issue. [19032/04]
The Government legislation programme which was published on 26 April 2004 makes provision for a Bill to abolish ground rents. Publication of the Bill is subject to the resolution of possible constitutional and practical difficulties. The constitutional difficulties concern the respective rights of ground rent tenants and landlords while the practical difficulties concern land law generally and in particular the land registration system.
352 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the central policy unit notices concerning the administration and handling of requests under the Freedom of Information Acts which state that it is good freedom of information practice, on receipt of a request, to consider whether the records sought are such that they can be released outside freedom of information and that when this is so, the record should be offered to the requester outside of freedom of information; if such central policy unit notices were adhered to by his Department in handling a request made by Deputy Kenny in his request for the minutes of meetings held with the masters of the maternity hospitals; if such directions were deviated from, the reason for so doing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19022/04]
The central policy unit notices to which the Deputy refers provide general guidance on the release of information sought outside the terms of the Freedom of Information Act. As such, they have no statutory basis and are not binding on departmental freedom of information officers. In keeping with standard practice, my Department's freedom of information unit in deciding to process the request in question in accordance with section 7 of the Act, had regard to the terms of these guidelines. Any decision to process a freedom of information request under the terms of section 7 of the Act does not prohibit the release of the information sought outside the terms of the Act. This was confirmed to me in a recent letter from the Information Commissioner which was copied to the Deputy.
353 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be granted a green card in view of the fact that he meets all criteria to hold such a card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/04]
The person in question arrived in the State in March 2000 and made an unsuccessful application for asylum. He subsequently married an Irish national in October 2001 and applied for permission to remain in the State based on that marriage. This application is under consideration and it is expected that it will be finalised shortly.
354 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has resided here for four years. [19024/04]
The person referred to in the question, a national of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was refused refugee status in the State following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. A notification under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999 issued to the person on 10 October 2002 in which she was advised that the Minister had decided to refuse her a declaration as a refugee and setting out the options now open to her, namely, to leave the State voluntarily before the Minister decided whether or not to make a deportation order in respect of her; to consent to the making of a deportation order in respect of her; or to make written representations to the Minister setting out reasons she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
The case file in this matter must be examined having regard to the criteria set down in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). In this latter respect, refoulement has been an issue in respect of DR Congo and consideration of the file has been postponed pending developments in this regard. It is noted that the situation in that country is improving and other EU member states have begun returning persons there. I expect therefore that the case file will be submitted to me for a decision shortly.
355 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has resided here for more than two years. [19025/04]
The person in question arrived in the State on 12 November 2001 and made an application for asylum. Her husband arrived on 17 December 2001 and also made an asylum application. The following month, 13 January 2002, the wife gave birth. Both withdrew their asylum applications and applied for residency on the basis of parentage of that Irish-born child. Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the cases of L and O, the separate procedure which then existed to enable persons to apply to reside in the State on the sole basis of parentage of an Irish-born child ended on 19 February 2003. The Government decided that the separate procedure would not apply to cases which were outstanding on that date. Many such cases are outstanding, including the case to which the Deputy refers.
Since the persons in question do not have an alternative legal basis for remaining in this jurisdiction the issue of permission to remain will be considered — but only in the context of a ministerial proposal to make a deportation order. In that context, a notification of a proposal to make a deportation order will issue to the persons in question and they will be given an opportunity to make representations in that regard. If, in the light of those representations and the range of factors set out in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, the Minister decides not to make a deportation order they will be given leave to remain on a humanitarian basis. Due to the number of such cases on hand I am unable to say at this stage when the file will be further examined.
356 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to close Cabra and Mountjoy Garda stations; and if there is a reference to these stations in the report recently referred to by him. [19054/04]
The Garda authorities inform me that there are no plans either to close Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region or to reduce their opening hours. The optimum use of Garda stations was considered as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative programme of modernisation which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The Garda strategic management initiative implementation steering group's final report, which is available on my Department's website, does not refer to the closure of any specific Garda station, but makes recommendations to assist policy-making on the management and use of all available resources, including Garda stations. This report is under examination within my Department and I will give careful consideration to all of the steering group's recommendations.
357 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is in order for a person (details supplied) to visit their ill father in China and return safely to Ireland without any complication. [19060/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 191 on 16 June 2004. I have nothing further to add.
358 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19090/04]
359 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19105/04]
360 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19120/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 to 360, inclusive, together.
The agencies and organisations under the aegis of my Department selected for decentralisation have prepared and submitted implementation plans to the implementation group appointed by my colleague the Minister for Finance. The plans incorporate specific risk assessments in the case of each agency due to decentralise and examines the best ways of ensuring maximum effectiveness of services. The last decentralisation of my Department was completed in 2002 when the Legal Aid Board relocated to Caherciveen, County Kerry. The decision to decentralise to Caherciveen was announced in July 1999, following the completion of an impact assessment report. An interim office was opened in July 2001, the board's new offices were occupied in January 2002 and the final transfer of staff took place in February 2002. Thirty nine staff were decentralised to Caherciveen. There are also three dual location posts where staff divide their time between the Dublin and Caherciveen offices. Of the 39 staff in Caherciveen one was an existing staff member who opted to decentralise; four transferred from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and 22 transferred from other Departments. The final 12 posts were filled by recruitment via the Civil Service Commission.
It is not possible to provide accurate information on the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons as the amount of training time varied considerably, depending on the level of expertise and prior work experience of the individuals involved and no specific records were maintained in this regard. It is also not possible to give an overall figure on the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required as this varied greatly and in many instances depended on the work requirements of the Legal Aid Board and the other Departments involved.
Detailed cost breakdowns for the business units which decentralised are not available in the format sought. However, the following table shows total salary, overtime and travel costs for the board's headquarters for the years in question. Staffing numbers increased from 44 to 53 from 2001, as recommended in the impact assessment report.
|
Year |
Salary |
Overtime |
Travel Expenses |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1999 |
1,112,939 |
35,099 |
25,933 |
|
2000 |
1,098,533 |
41,584 |
20,605 |
|
2001 |
1,942,008 |
27,437 |
138,132 |
|
2002 |
2,114,654 |
31,156 |
102,083 |
|
2003 |
2,068,011 |
4,431 |
59,103 |
361 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the death of a person (details supplied) and the circumstances surrounding his death; if he has proposals to assist the victims of the legal profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19130/04]
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that I have no responsibility for the death of the person concerned nor the circumstances surrounding his death and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment.
I have received some correspondence from the Victims of the Legal Profession Society and in response to the correspondence, my office has outlined to it how persons who may feel aggrieved at the actions of members of the legal profession may have their complaints investigated. Several measures are in place to deal with complaints against solicitors. There are two committees which consider complaints against solicitors, the registrar's committee of the Law Society of Ireland and the disciplinary tribunal which is appointed by the President of the High Court under section 16 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994. The tribunal examines allegations of misconduct by solicitors and reports to the High Court. The registrar's committee may determine complaints lodged directly to it by members of the public. The Law Society has appointed an independent adjudicator to deal with complaints about the handling by the society of complaints against solicitors. He is Mr. Eamon Condon and his address for correspondence is 26-27, Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2.
The Solicitors (Amendment) Act 2002, the relevant provisions of which came into operation on 1 January 2003, strengthened the disciplinary regime for solicitors in a number of respects. It doubled the size of the tribunal to cater for an increased workload and the speedier processing of cases. The tribunal is also required to make a separate finding on each ground of alleged misconduct. In addition, regard must be had to previous findings of misconduct by a solicitor when imposing a sanction in a current case. The maximum amount which a solicitor, in respect of whom there has been a finding of misconduct, may be ordered to pay to an aggrieved party or to the Law Society's compensation fund has been increased from £5,000 to €15,000. There is a right of appeal to the High Court on all aspects of the tribunal's work. The Act also provides for remedies against solicitors who fail to co-operate with investigations.
In addition, the circumstances in which the Law Society may refuse to issue a practising certificate or impose conditions on a certificate are spelt out in more detail than before. The circumstances in which the society can send an investigator to inspect documents at a solicitor's office are also extended.
362 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 4 May 2004, the position regarding the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19149/04]
I advised the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 244 on 4 May 2004 that the application of the person concerned should be finalised later this year. This is still the position.
363 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet a person (details supplied) over the next few weeks regarding their case and before the protest against the justice system gets out of hand. [19153/04]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 742 of 27 April 2004.
364 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a visa application by a person (details supplied); if this can be dealt with in a speedy manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19157/04]
The visa application in question, received in my Department on 11 June 2004, was to enable the son of a non-EEA national employed in the State under the work permit scheme to join her. A worker employed under this scheme may be joined by their spouse and minor children after the worker has been in the State for one year and has been offered a contract for a further year. The worker must also be able to fully support the family members in question without the need to have recourse to public funds. The application in question was refused as the supporting documentation did not show that the worker was in a position fully to support her son. It is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department. Any appeal should include payslips and P60 as evidence of income.
365 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made in filling the vacancy (details supplied) at Moneygall Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19238/04]
The Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that a Garda is due to be allocated to Moneygall Garda station on 30 June 2004.
366 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to fund Garda projects which intervene with young persons during 2004 in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/04]
My Department funds three Garda youth diversion projects in the Tallaght district, namely, the key to engaging youth, Killinarden, Fettercairn and Glenshane; the Jobstown action for youth and the youth enhancement in Whitechurch projects. Funding of €154,000 has been allocated to the key to engaging youth project to meet its anticipated expenditure in the current year. Interim payments for 2004 have been allocated to the Jobstown and Whitechurch projects pending final examination of these projects' accounts. It is not envisaged that additional Garda youth diversion projects will be established in the short term. However, the possibility of funding of further projects in the future in the light of prevailing budgetary conditions will remain under review.
367 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will list the various types of releases and transfers for which prisoners can apply; the procedures in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/04]
Prisoners may apply for a transfer to any prison or place of detention within the State, providing they meet any age or other requirements that may apply to the particular establishment. Temporary releases may be authorised for sentenced prisoners on humanitarian grounds or for the purpose of rehabilitation under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1960. I have no powers to release remand prisoners who may be released only by order of the courts. Any remand prisoner who wishes to obtain release should consult with his legal advisers.
Applications for temporary release or inter-prison transfers are normally made through the prison governor. Decisions on requests for a such a transfer are normally made by a senior prison service official. However, where such a request is made by a prisoner who is serving a sentence for a very serious offence, such as murder, and the transfer would involve a reduction in the security regime for the prisoner, it would normally be referred to me. Decisions on requests for temporary release may be made by me, or by a senior official acting on my behalf.
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995 and 1997 provide a mechanism whereby non-nationals serving sentences in Ireland may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in their own countries and, similarly, Irish persons who are imprisoned overseas may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in Ireland. Such transfers may be facilitated where the other country has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Transfer requests under the convention are normally made by a prisoner through the governor of the prison in which he or she is detained. I decide on all such requests following the collation of a reports from various agencies setting out the consequences of such a transfer. The consent of the three parties in the process is required prior to any transfer, namely, the sentencing state, the receiving state and the sentenced person.
368 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for family reunification made two months ago by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19243/04]
The refugee in question made an application for family reunification in April 2004. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. Upon completion of this investigation by the RAC a report will be prepared and forwarded to my Department for decision.
369 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the dealings for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be completed in the Land Registry Office. [19244/04]
The Registrar of Titles informs me that this is an application for voluntary transfer which was lodged on 21 February 2002. Dealing Number D2002SM002434D refers. A query was issued to the lodging solicitor on 23 June 2004 and the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved. On receipt of a satisfactory reply, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry.
370 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons charged regarding the illegal use of off-load dumpers in 2003 and to date in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19269/04]
The Garda authorities have informed me that it is not possible to indicate the number of proceedings which apply to off-load dumpers as statistics are compiled based on offence type rather than in such a way as to distinguish between vehicle types found to have been used in an illegal manner.
371 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will complete land registry dealings on schedules (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19317/04]
The Registrar of Titles has informed me that the details supplied by him refer to two Land Commission Schedule applications, Schedule No. V0000WS093482V, which was lodged on 16 March 2000 and Schedule No. V0000WS093484V, which was lodged on 11 April 2000. Land Commission Schedule applications are deemed to be registered as of the date of vesting which is prior to the date of lodgement of the documents in the Land Registry. Accordingly, registration in the Land Registry of Land Commission cases is afforded a lower priority than the registration of other dealings. The applications are receiving attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
372 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 381 of 9 March 2004, if persons (details supplied) in County Louth will be granted permission to remain here. [19382/04]
The wife arrived in the State on 13 July 2002. She gave birth six days later, 19 July 2002. She then made an application for asylum on 22 August 2002. The husband arrived in the State in September 2002, accompanied by their then four year old son, and made an asylum application. They subsequently withdrew their asylum applications and applied for residency on the parentage of the Irish child born. Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the cases of L and O, the separate procedure which then existed to enable persons to apply to reside in the State on the sole basis of parentage of an Irish-born child ended on 19 February 2003. The Government decided that the separate process would not apply to cases which were outstanding on that date. There are a many such cases outstanding, including the case to which the Deputy refers.
The persons concerned were informed on 3 June 2004, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 as amended, that it was proposed to make a deportation order in their case. They were given the options of making representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons why they should be allowed to remain in the State, to voluntarily leave the State or to consent to the making of a deportation order. Their case will be considered within the terms set out in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999. I expect the case to come before me for decision shortly.
373 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a residency visa by a person (details supplied) can be considered on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19383/04]
The immigration division of my Department has recently written to the sponsor of the person referred to by the Deputy seeking documentation about this application. Upon receipt of the requested documentation a decision can be made on the case.
374 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has applied for permission to stay in the State; the reason applications such as this person’s which are straightforward take up to 12 months to process; if he has a plan to deal with this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19384/04]
The person in question has been granted a further period of permission to remain in the State. There is a continuous increase number of applications received by the immigration division of my Department of the type referred to by the Deputy. There were 156 in 2001, 271 in 2003, and 124 up to 31 May 2004. Applications of this type are dealt with on a strict chronological basis and are currently taking approximately 12 months to process. The resources allocated to process such applications depend on the prioritised work requirements of the immigration division of my Department at any one time.
375 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of admissions from prisons to the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin, in each year between 1998 and 2004, inclusive of persons who were certified clinically insane by prison doctors or by consultants from the Central Mental Hospital immediately prior to, or at the time of their admission to the hospital. [19385/04]
The latest figures available to me for offenders who transferred from prisons to the Central Mental Hospital are set out in a table as follows:
|
Year |
Total No. of Admissions |
Certifications |
Voluntary |
Total number of Prisoners involved |
|
1998 |
No figures available |
No figures available |
No figures available |
No figures available |
|
1999 |
434 |
100 |
334 |
N/A |
|
2000 |
347 |
107 |
240 |
N/A |
|
2001 |
231 |
136 |
95 |
126 |
|
2002 |
207 |
149 |
58 |
113 |
|
2003 |
305 |
259 |
46 |
122 |
|
2004(up to 25 June) |
106 |
94 |
12 |
68 |
Some offenders transferred to the Central Mental Hospital on more than one occasion during the year.
376 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a visa will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19518/04]
The immigration division of my Department has no record of a visa application from the person referred to by the Deputy.
377 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a post-nuptial citizenship application will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19521/04]
My Department received a declaration of acceptance of Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship on 2 June 2004 from the person to whom the Deputy's question refers. Such declarations take approximately eight months to process from the date of lodgement and it is likely, therefore, that processing of the declaration will be finalised in the early part of 2005.
378 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons in each of the past five years and to date in 2004 who have been imprisoned arising from the non-payment of civil debts. [19530/04]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and the compilation of these statistics would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources. The Deputy may, however, be interested to know though that on 28 June 2004, there were only 11 persons in prison custody for debtor offences out of a total prison population of 3,218.
379 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will comment on the future of a Garda Station (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [19535/04]
The Garda authorities inform me that there are no plans either to close Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region or to reduce their opening hours. The optimum use of Garda stations was considered as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative programme of modernisation which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The Garda strategic management initiative implementation steering group's final report, which is available on my Department's website, does not refer to the closure of any specific Garda station, but makes recommendations to assist policy-making on the management and use of all available resources, including Garda stations. This report is under examination within my Department and I will give careful consideration to all of the steering group's recommendations.
380 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding will be allocated to a community play group in County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in approximately 29 miles from Ballisodare to the Mayo border there are two play schools and no other child care facilities; if funding will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19581/04]
This group applied for a substantial capital grant of more than €1.7 million in February 2004. The equal opportunities child care programme 2000-06 is a seven year development programme, the progress of which was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of the regional operational programmes and the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Expenditure under the programme covers the period to end 2007 and must take place in a planned manner, as must grant approvals to ensure that the programme can meet its financial commitments at all times.
There has been considerable demand from community-based groups for capital grant assistance under the programme and every county has benefited from significant grant commitments to provide new and enhanced community-based child care facilities and to support capital developments in the private child care sector. Area Development Management Ltd., ADM, on behalf of my Department, is carrying out an extensive review of the programme's capital commitments to date, numbering more than 1,100 and valued at €114 million, to ensure that grant commitments previously entered into will be realised. Projects may be awaiting planning permission or the completion of tender processes before reasonable assurance can be taken that they will proceed and, if they do not, the funding set aside can be decommitted and made available to another project.
In addition, my Department has recently reviewed the different budget lines under the equal opportunities child care programme, including the capital programme, to ensure that the most effective use is made of all remaining funding in accordance with the programme's objectives. Some transfers between measures were recommended and require the approval of the regional assemblies. I expect this technical process will be completed shortly and will bring to at least €157 million the total allocation for the capital development of child care under the present equal opportunities child care programme. This amount includes an element for the administration by ADM of the capital programme. At the same time, an extensive review of child care provision on the ground has taken place to identify obvious service gaps, the filling of which will be a priority using the remaining capital funding which amounts to about €35 million.
I intend to allocate the remaining capital funding under this strand of the Government's commitments to child care to address the most immediate service gaps. As a result, ADM is reviewing again all the projects in the pipeline on the basis of geographical need, the range of services being offered and the capacity of the groups to complete a project before the end of the programme. Those projects which best meet the criteria will receive priority. The review process will be repeated as necessary to maximise the benefits deriving from this phase of the equal opportunities child care programme. ADM also conducts the day-to-day administration of the programme, and my Department has engaged it to carry out thorough assessments against the programme criteria of all applications for grant assistance under the programme, on my behalf. ADM refers all large-scale capital projects such as this proposal to an independent external building specialist to assess the suitability of the proposal and its value for money. This application for capital grant assistance is under appraisal. On completion of the assessment process, all applications are considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, which makes a funding recommendation to me before I make a final decision on the matter.
The review of the applications in the pipeline, including the project in Enniscrone to which this question refers, will be concluded as speedily as possible to facilitate the development of additional child care places at the earliest opportunity and to ensure that the funding is drawn down in the planned manner I have described before the end of 2007. The success of the present strand of the programme and the need to continue to make child care available to support the needs of our still growing workforce will support my case for ongoing capital and current funding from Government for this key sector. Should any additional funding become available before the end of the national development plan, the programme may again benefit from transfers.
381 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fires attributed to electrical causes since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19078/04]
Information supplied by the fire authorities to my Department on fire and emergency incidents attended by fire brigades indicate that some 1,488 fires in 2000, 1,730 fires in 2001 and 1,264 fires in 2002 were attributed to electrical causes. Complete information in respect of causes of fires in 2003 is not yet available. Detailed statistics for 2000-02 are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, and in the Oireachtas Library.
382 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the application for a new scheme at Castletown-Geoghegan, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if he will take steps to ensure that the maximum number of persons is facilitated by the installation of such scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19050/04]
Tenders have been invited from shortlisted contractors for the Castletown-Geoghegan sewerage scheme which is being advanced under a pilot programme being undertaken by the national rural water monitoring committee to test a range of new, small scale waste water collection and treatment systems. One objective of the pilot programme is to explore the potential for group sewerage schemes to extend domestic wastewater services to households outside the immediate catchments of the new collection systems. The collection systems are, accordingly, initially confined to the core areas of each of the locations involved. However, sufficient treatment capacity will be provided in each case to accommodate all households that may eventually be served by these schemes.
383 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the upgrading and refurbishing works being undertaken by Westmeath County Council at Ennell Court Estate, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if a timetable has been set out for the completion of the aforesaid works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19051/04]
Proposals for a pilot phase of remedial works at Ennell Court, Mullingar, were recently submitted for approval to my Department by Westmeath County Council. These proposals are under examination and a decision on the matter will be made shortly.
384 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding was provided for environmental work in an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare after remedial work was completed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19062/04]
No proposals for environmental works at this location have been received in my Department.
385 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19091/04]
My Department's decentralisation implementation plan, which has been submitted to the decentralisation implementation group, includes an initial assessment of the risks and risk mitigation strategies relating to the decentralisation programme. These strategies will be further developed during the implementation of the programme.
386 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19106/04]
387 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19121/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
The last decentralisation programme directly affecting my Department was announced in April 1987 and involved the transfer of a number of sections to Ballina. The transfer of 115 staff took place in November 1989.
The additional information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
388 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason agreement has not been reached with the farming community in the Shannon callows area of counties Galway and Offaly concerning compensation for a huge loss of income due to areas designated as special areas of conservation and other such designations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19137/04]
394 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if further to Parliamentary Question No. 797 of 27 April 2004, the progress to date on the matter; the date and agenda of the last meeting; when he intends to hold a further meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19323/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 394 together.
Outstanding issues on the Shannon callows are being addressed within the wider discussions under Sustaining Progress on the review of the 1997 habitats regulations. Following the reply to Question No. 797 of 27 April 2004, the meeting referred to therein took place on 11 May. While it was hoped that agreement would be reached on all outstanding issues at that meeting, this did not prove possible. A further meeting on the review under Sustaining Progress is scheduled for today, 29 June 2004.
In the meantime the revised rural environment protection scheme, REPS 3, has been introduced by the Department of Agriculture and Food, and includes provisions, of particular relevance to the Shannon callows, concerning corncrake conservation.
Further consultations have taken place between officials from my Department and from the Department of Agriculture and Food and representatives of the farming organisations on compensation issues on special areas of conservation and other designated areas, including issues specific to the Shannon callows. The present position on these matters is expected to be considered further at today's meeting.
389 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a vacancy (details supplied) in County Donegal will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19144/04]
The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners were requested some months ago by my Department to hold a public competition to fill this and other conservation ranger vacancies in the national parks and wildlife service of the Department. While the commissioners exercise this function independently, they have been asked to expedite the matter.
390 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the funding has been provided to Mayo County Council for the construction of the Srah to Westport water scheme extension; and when works will commence on this project. [19256/04]
The extension of the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme from Srah to Westport is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 to commence construction in 2005 at an estimated cost of €12.7 million. I approved the design report for the scheme earlier this month and my Department is now awaiting the submission of contract documents by Mayo County Council.
391 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person born in Northern Ireland and therefore a British citizen but resident here must take out Irish citizenship before they may vote in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19257/04]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 258, 266, 267 and 268 of 22 June 2004. Under the Constitution, the right to vote at a referendum is confined to Irish citizens.
392 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 3 June 2004, if he will sanction the raising of a loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19259/04]
My Department has recently conveyed sanction to this loan, in an amount of €1.25 million.
393 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the necessary information from Kerry County Council to provide for a recycling centre in Dingle, County Kerry; if so, if approval has been granted for this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19261/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 413 of 2 March 2004. No further information has since been received from Kerry County Council. The application will be further considered when the information requested is provided.
395 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is proposed to have the Portumna Castle Project, Portumna, County Galway, completed; if the completed building will contain a library as has been proposed by local interests over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19367/04]
A capital improvement project at Portumna Castle was completed in 2003 at a cost of €253,000. No further capital improvement works are scheduled to be commenced at the castle at this time.
396 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the input Irish officials had into the research prior to the framing of the Nitrates Directive. [19368/04]
Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources was unanimously adopted by the Council of Ministers on 12 December 1991. The initial proposals brought forward by the European Commission for this directive were based on research carried out by or on behalf of the Commission. Irish authorities were aware of all available research and participated fully in the development of the proposals. There was close consultation between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Food in the matter, supported by Teagasc.
While the directive provides for a general limit of 170 kg per hectare of organic nitrogen for the land spreading of livestock manure, it was a key objective of the Irish authorities that the directive should incorporate a mechanism whereby higher amounts could be allowed where these were justified. This objective was achieved and the mechanism is provided by the derogation procedure set out in Annex III of the directive, which provides for higher land spreading limits based on specified criteria.
397 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available to improve a local authority house at a location (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19369/04]
My Department has not received a proposal from Limerick County Council for improvement works to a local authority house in this area.
398 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will approve funding for a submission made by Roscommon County Council 12 months ago to address flood prone roads within the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19376/04]
No such submission has been made to my Department by Roscommon County Council within the time period mentioned in the question. In general, the maintenance and improvement of non-national roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. The initial selection of works to be funded under the various grant categories is also a matter for local authorities.
In 2004, discretionary maintenance and improvement grants of €1.087 million and €920,000 respectively have been allocated to Roscommon County Council. These grants are intended to cover, inter alia, contingencies arising from flooding, storm damage and other severe weather conditions. My Department’s Memorandum on Grants for Non-National Roads states that the cost of remedial works necessitated by such conditions must be met from local authorities’ own resources and discretionary grants and that local authorities should set aside contingency sums from these resources to finance such works.
My Department is also prepared to consider sympathetically any request from local authorities to adjust their multi-annual restoration programmes to prioritise work necessitated by flood damage to particular roads or to carry out works to prevent future flooding.
399 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be approved for a sewerage scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19378/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 209 of 31 March 2004.
Further information requested from Roscommon County Council in the meantime, which was received in my Department in May, is under consideration and the matter is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
400 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of meetings of each interdepartmental committee or body on which his Department is represented; the frequency and location of its meetings; the locations at which it is intended these meetings will take place after decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19418/04]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 218 of 20 May 2004, which set out detailed information regarding interdepartmental committees and bodies under my Department's aegis.
Officials of my Department also serve on a range of interdepartmental committees and groups operating under the auspices of other Departments and bodies. Details of these committees are listed at Table A. Lists of the number, frequency and duration of such meetings as have already taken place are not readily available and the compilation of these would require a disproportionate allocation of staff resources. It is not possible to predict the pattern of meetings for interdepartmental groups into the future.
Name of Committee
Administrative Officer Exchange Programme Review Group
Advisory Group on the Conservation of Agricultural Genetic Resources
Assistant Secretaries E-Strategy Implementation Group
Bio-Energy Strategy Group
British-Irish Council Working Group
Bus Priority Measures
Cabinet Committee on Asylum Seekers
Cabinet Sub-Committee on Infrastructure and Housing and Public private Partnership
CAP Rural Development Plan Monitoring Committee
Carlow Heritage Forum
CCMA Roads and Transportation Committee
CEN Implementation Committee
Change Management Network
CHP Policy Group
Cleaner Greener Production Working Group
Cohesion Fund Monitoring Committee
Committee for Public Management Research
Committee on Integrated Transport Policy
Committee to Monitor the 3% Target for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Public Sector
Construction and Safety Partnership
Co-Ordination Group on Prisoner Reintegration
Core Pay User Group
Cross Compliance Group
Crosscutting Team on the NSS Land use and Integrated Urban Transport
Cross-Departmental Group on Interoperability
Cross-Departmental Review of Expenditure on Roads Safety Steering Committee
Cross-Departmental Team on Infrastructure, Housing and Public Private Partnership
Cycle Forum
Decentralisation Liaison Officers Network
Departmental Liaison Officers Group for the Sustaining Progress Partnership Committee
Donegal Heritage Forum
E-Cabinet Stakeholders Group
E-Cabinet Technical Group
Employment and Human Resource Development OP Monitoring Committee
Environment and Health Inter-Departmental Working Group
E-Procurement Network
Equal Community Initiative Monitoring Committee
Equal Opportunities and Social Inclusion Co-Ordinating Committee
ESIOP Monitoring Committee
E-Strategy Group of Secretaries General
Expert Group on Farm Structures
FAPRI Ireland Partnership
FÁS Community Employment Monitoring Committee
FÁS Construction Industry Group
FÁS Expert Group on Future Skills Needs
FÁS Roads Training Steering Group
FÁS Training Course Development
Fixed Charges Processing System Overarching Group
Freedom of Information Civil Service User Network
Freedom of Information Inter-Departmental Working Group
Funding Review Group for Local Authority Veterinary Service
Garda Fixed Charges Processing System (FCPS) Working Group
GCC Services and Supplies Sub-Group
Genetically Modified Crops Inter-Departmental Working Group
Geological Survey of Ireland Consultative Committee
Government Construction Contract Committee
Government Liaison Committee — Digital Hub Project
Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning
Greater Dublin Area Travel Demand Study Steering Group
Green Tax Group
GSI Landslides Working Group
High Level Group on Regulatory Reform
High Level Group on Road Safety
High Level Group on Traveller Issues
HSA Construction Advisory Committee
HSA Dangerous Substances Advisory Committee
Human Resources Management Systems User Group
ICT Managers Framework
ICT Managers Sub-Group on Recruitment/Retention of ICT Staff
Implementation Group of Secretary Generals
Industry and Climate Change Group
Informal Public Private Partnership Advisory Group
Inter-Departmental Committee on Proposed International Centre for Local & Regional Development
Inter-Departmental Committee on Railway Emergency Planning
Inter-Departmental Co-Ordinating Committee on EU Affairs
Inter-Departmental Freedom of Information Statistics Group
Inter-Departmental Freedom of Information Working Group
Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs
Inter-Departmental Group on the Needs of Older People
Inter-Departmental Public Art Co-ordination Group
Inter-Departmental Public Private Partnership Committee
Inter-Departmental Working Group on Draft EU Directives on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Inter-Departmental Working Group on Draft EU Directives on Services in the Internal Market
Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning
Inter-Departmental Working Group to consider the Recommendations of the Task Force on the Policy regarding Emigrants
Irish Expert Body on Fluoride and Health
Kildare Heritage Forum
Legal Quarter Steering Group
Leitrim Heritage Forum
Level Crossing Working Group
Lisbon Group
Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme Expenditure Review Group
Management Committee for Common Systems in Accounts Branches
Management Committee for the Irish Flood Studies Update
Management Information Framework Consultative Committee
Management Information Framework Project Management Group
Metrication of Speed Limits Review and Implementation Group
Modern Biotechnology Inter-Departmental Group
Monitoring Committee on Implementation of Recommendations of the Task Force on the Travelling Community*
Monitoring Committee on the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation
Mullarkey Report Implementation Group
National Advisory Committee on GMOs
National Anti-Poverty Strategy — Technical Advisory Group
National Assessment Committee on Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund
National Consultative Committee on Racism and Inter-Culturalism
National Drugs Strategy Team on Homelessness and Drugs
National Flood Hazard Mapping Stakeholders Steering Committee
National Monitoring Committee for the RAPID Programme
National Monitoring Committee on the BMW Regional Operation Programme
National Monitoring Committee on the EU Urban II Community Initiative
National Monitoring Committee on the S&E Regional Operation Programme
National Monitoring Committee on the Social Economy Programme
National Roads Authority Technical Advisory Group
National Steering Committee on Violence against Women
National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee
National Youth Work Advisory Committee
Native Woodlands Committee
NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee
North-South Co-ordinators Working Group
NSAI Environmental Standards Consultative Committee
OECD Inter-Departmental Committee
Offaly Heritage Forum
OPW Flood Policy Review Group
Personnel Officers Network
Plenary Group on Sustaining Progress
PMDS Network
Productive Sector OP Monitoring Committee
QCS Officer Network
QCS Working Group
Regional Operational Programmes Monitoring Committee
Renewable Energy Development Group
Review Group on Childcare (Pre-School) Services and Regulations 1996 and Amendment Regulations 1997
Review of the Community and Local Development Schemes Group
Roads Standards Committee
Science and Technology Inter-Departmental Committee
Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion
Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion and Health
Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion Sub Group on Expenditure
Shellfish Water Directive Working Group on metals and organo-halogenated substances
Sligo Heritage Forum
Social Inclusion Consultative Group
Social Partners Group on Rent Supplement
State Aids Co-ordinating Committee
Sub-Group on Cryptosporidium of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the NDSC
Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative Contact Group
TL 226 — Road Equipment
Training and Development Committee
Training Officers Network
Utilities Group — Co-ordinating the re-instatement of Roads following Trench Work (DTO)
VELO 2005 Technical Committee (DTO)
Water Framework Directive — Hydrology Working Group
Westmeath Heritage Forum
Wexford Heritage Forum
WFD National Co-ordination Committee
WFD Technical Co-ordination Group (Lead by EPA) plus Various Associated Working Groups
Wicklow Heritage Forum
Woodlands of Ireland Steering Group Committee
Woodlands of Ireland Technical Advisory Group
Working Group on Flooding and Hydrology
Working Group on Pre-cast Concrete Structures Code of practice
Working Group on Professional Indemnity Insurance (Construction)
Working Group on the National Anti Poverty Strategy (NAPs) and Health
Working Group to Discuss Public Safety Zones at Airports
Youth Homeless Strategy Monitoring Committee
401 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the CAMP-WEST facility is operational at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19419/04]
Mayo County Council is acting as management authority for the CAMP-WEST project. My Department understands that the project is not yet operational but that the council intends to bring it into operation as soon as possible.
402 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received submissions from Kildare County Council in regard to the provision of a new sewerage treatment system for Rathangan, County Kildare; if his Department proposes to fund this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19517/04]
In January 2001, my Department approved Kildare County Council's application for funding for a proposed sewerage scheme at Rathangan under the serviced land initiative. The council subsequently requested the inclusion of the scheme as a major capital project in the water services investment programme where it would attract a higher level of Departmental funding.
The proposal was ranked fourth in the list of wastewater schemes submitted by Kildare County Council in November 2003 in response to my Department's request to all local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital water services works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The priority lists were taken into account in the framing of the Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006 published in May 2004. In view of the priority afforded to the scheme by the council, it has not been possible to include it in the programme. However, the approval of the scheme under the serviced land initiative remains in place.
403 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a new sewerage scheme for Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19547/04]
I understand that Kildare County Council's proposals to provide sewerage facilities in Ballymore Eustace under the serviced land initiative are in abeyance because the proposed residential development to be served by the scheme is not proceeding. No other proposals in respect of Ballymore Eustace were included in the wastewater infrastructure requirements identified by Kildare County Council in November 2003 in response to my Department's request to all local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital water services works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The priority lists were taken into account in the framing of the Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006 published in May 2004. In the absence of a prioritised proposal for Ballymore Eustace no provision has been made for it in the programme.
404 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce necessary legislative changes to ensure that persons struck down by illness may more easily obtain a postal ballot, for example, a measure whereby persons can be issued with a postal ballot if they decide to apply for same one month before an election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19549/04]
Electors with a physical illness or disability who are eligible for, but not included in, the postal voters list may apply for entry in the supplement to the list which is published prior to each election and referendum. While an application can be made at any time, the latest date for receipt of supplementary applications by registration authorities before a poll is two days after the date of dissolution of the Dáil at a general election or two days after the date of the order appointing polling day at a presidential, European or local election or a referendum. I have no proposals to amend these arrangements, which allow time for any necessary checking and validation of applications.
405 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are very few prosecutions for dog dirt offences; if he intends to change legislation to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19550/04]
Local authorities submit statistics on their enforcement of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 to my Department every six months; these figures refer to all prosecutions taken and are not broken down according to specific offences. These data have been made available to the Oireachtas Library. Primary responsibility for enforcement of the litter laws, including section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, which relates to dog fouling, rests with the local authorities. There are no proposals to change the law in this regard.
406 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allocate funding to Sligo County Council to ensure that it can expand its services at Sligo Fire Station to allow storage facilities for the Sligo sub aqua search and rescue team; when money will be sanctioned; the amount that will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/04]
No proposal in this matter has been made to my Department by Sligo County Council.
407 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has studied the report, Heroin — The Mental Roof Over Your Head, commissioned by Tallaght homeless advice unit and funded by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs; if his attention has been drawn to the important recommendations made in this report and the need for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19057/04]
As the Deputy is aware, this report was funded as part of the community grants research scheme which is an initiative of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, NACD, which operates under the aegis of my Department. Projects under this scheme primarily examine local drugs related issues.
I will be examining the report both from a drugs perspective and also in my capacity as Minister of State in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with responsibility for housing. The director of the housing agency attended the launch of the report on 21 June and commented on a number of the recommendations.
The NACD intends to publish a summary of the projects under this scheme in September.
408 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which he has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects his Department. [19092/04]
As stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 277 and 280 of 2 June 2004, my Department has carried out an initial examination of corporate risks of decentralisation, having regard to the risk categories identified at paragraph 6.31 in the Mullarkey report. A more detailed risk assessment is currently under way within divisions in my Department. It is not proposed to carry out a cost benefit analysis in my Department.
409 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department. [19107/04]
410 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by his Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19122/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 410 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 513 of 24 February 2004. In 1980 the Gaeltacht division of my Department was decentralised to Na Forbacha, County Galway, where the number of staff now employed is 46. My Department in its present format was established in June 2002. The detailed records sought by the Deputy are not readily available, given the passage of time and the various changes of departmental functions since 1980.
411 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made during Ireland’s EU Presidency in regard to having Irish recognised as an official EU language; if he expects that Irish will be recognised as an official EU language within the lifetime of the Government, in view of the fact that it is a commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19135/04]
412 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made during Ireland’s EU Presidency in regard to having Irish recognised as an official EU language; if he expects that Irish will be recognised as an official EU language within the lifetime of the Government, in view of the fact that it is a commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
I refer the Deputies to the reply given to Priority Question No. 1 on 3 June 2004. As indicated in that reply, the working group set up by Government to examine this issue has now reported. The report is being examined by relevant Ministers and I expect the issue will be brought formally to Government in the near future.
413 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the legislation transferring to Government the function of disbursing the funds in the dormant accounts fund for the independent Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19265/04]
The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published last Thursday, 24 June 2004. This fulfils a commitment given by Government on 19 December last, following its review of arrangements for dormant accounts funding. At that time, the Government committed to maintaining an open, transparent and accountable process for dealing with applications for dormant accounts funding.
These commitments have been honoured in the draft legislation in the following ways: the objectives of the disbursements scheme will remain unchanged; disbursements will continue to be within the framework of objectives and priorities set out in the dormant accounts disbursements plan; application processes for dormant accounts funding will be transparent and publicised; decisions on disbursements will be made and publicised by Government; appropriate arrangements will be put in place so that the spend from the dormant accounts fund is clearly separate and additional; and the future role of the board will focus on preparation of the disbursements plan, reviewing progress in achieving objectives and assessing the additionality and impact of spend.
The Bill will be debated in the Seanad this week.
414 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Question No. 288 of 22 June 2004 when his next scheduled meeting with Minister Angela Smith MP will take place; if the proposed decentralisation of Foras na Gaeilge will be on the agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/04]
As I outlined in my response to Question No. 288 of 22 June 2004, progress on the proposed decentralisation of staff of Foras na Gaeilge to Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, is subject to and awaits the agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council.
As outlined previously, I met Minister Angela Smith MP on 12 May and we agreed to meet again. Arrangements to this end have yet to be finalised. In the meantime, my Department is in regular contact with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure to progress a range of matters of mutual interest.
415 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an application by an organisation (details supplied) for funding to provide computer tuition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19464/04]
My Department provides support by way of a scheme of grants to locally-based voluntary and community groups with a focus on tackling poverty and disadvantage. The scheme was advertised on 29 April with a closing date of 31 May. Assessment of applications is under-way in my Department. All applications received, including the application in question, have been acknowledged and applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications on completion of the assessments.
416 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the hours of free travel will be extended to facilitate persons who are required to attend early morning hospital appointments at 9 a.m.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19055/04]
The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by semi-State companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as services provided by more than 80 private transport operators. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services.
Time restrictions have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception. The central issue in regard to time restrictions is that of capacity constraints and the pressure on the transport system from commuters travelling to and from work and school in the morning and evening. However, time restrictions do not apply in the case of people with learning disabilities, people attending long-term rehabilitation courses or certain work experience programmes and certain other people with disabilities. These people are issued with an unrestricted free travel pass, which enables them to travel during the normally restricted travel times. Also, there are no peak time travel restrictions on DART, suburban rail services, and on services provided by private transport operators in other parts of the country. In addition, free travel pass holders will be able to travel free of charge on Luas at all times.
Any general lifting of the existing time restrictions could cause capacity problems for transport operators. In exceptional circumstances, where hospital appointments cannot be arranged out of peak travel time, my Department can issue a temporary unrestricted free travel pass. Requests for such passes are considered on a case-by-case basis and passes are only granted in exceptional circumstances.
417 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the risk analysis and the cost benefit analysis which she has carried out or proposes to carry out in respect of decentralisation as it affects her Department. [19093/04]
422 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the assessment which has taken place to date of the proposed move of the social welfare appeals office to a new location; her assessment of the risk of losing experienced personnel and of the risk of undermining the impartiality of the office by housing it in the same building as other social welfare activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19469/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 422 together.
The relocation of business areas from Dublin to provincial centres involves a major programme of work for my Department and a formal project management structure has been established to ensure this programme is delivered in an efficient and effective manner. A key objective of this programme is to ensure that decentralisation is implemented with minimal disruption to customer service and to the 1,300 staff involved.
A preliminary implementation plan for decentralisation of my Department has been prepared. The plan includes an overall analysis of the risks involved and the proposed measures required to manage those risks. A more detailed risk analysis will be undertaken by each business unit involved in the programme over the coming months. Details of the costs which will be involved will be a matter for discussion with the Department of Finance in the context of the overall programme and in the Estimates process but in my view the long-term benefits of the programme will far outweigh the short-term costs which will be involved.
Following decentralisation, the social welfare appeals office will continue to provide an independent adjudication service to the public on all scheme entitlement decisions made in my Department. The question as to where this office should be located was given careful consideration as part of the decentralisation planning process. Following this analysis, while it is my intention to locate the appeals office headquarters in Drogheda, I do not agree that this will impact on the independence and impartiality of the office and, in that regard, appropriate accommodation arrangements will be made to ensure that the necessary degree of separation is applied. Furthermore, a comprehensive training and support programme will be put in place to redress any loss in staff experience arising from the relocation programme.
418 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average annual increase in salary costs, overtime and travel to, from and in the decentralised offices in the three years following decentralisation compared to these costs for those business units in the three years preceding decentralisation, in respect of the last decentralisation by her Department. [19108/04]
The accounts branch of my Department, comprising more than 90 staff, was decentralised to Dundalk at the end of May 2002. The salaries, overtime and domestic travel figures for the accounts branch set out below are based on comparisons of the average costs for the three years prior to decentralisation, from June 1999 to end May 2002 and the average costs of the two years following decentralisation, June 2002 to end May 2004. All punt amounts were converted to euro for ease of comparison.
The annual average salaries cost increased by about €93,000. This increase is mainly due to salary increases paid to staff under the benchmarking and Sustaining Progress agreements in the period since the decentralisation. The annual average overtime cost decreased by €42,000. The annual average domestic travel cost increased by €24,500. This takes account of increases in mileage, subsistence and public transport costs over the period. It also includes €9,600 which arose due to exceptional and non-recurring circumstances in 2003.
419 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons decentralised and the full duration of the project, in respect of the last decentralisation by her Department; the number of internal and external transfers which were required to obtain the requisite number of persons decentralising; the amount of time necessary to train decentralising persons and the percentage and duration of overlapping staff which was required; and the additional costs for overtime and travel and subsistence incurred. [19123/04]
The most recent decentralisation programme undertaken by my Department was the relocation of some 95 posts of the accounts branch to Dundalk. A canvass of the staff serving in my Department took place in January 2000 to ascertain the level of interest in relocation to Dundalk. Subsequently, in November 2000, civil servants from other Departments were invited to apply for transfer. Some 36 posts were filled by the relocation of staff from within the Department, 45 posts were filled by the redeployment of staff from other Departments and 14 staff were recruited directly.
The assignment of staff to the accounts branch was achieved on a gradual basis between late 2000 and May 2002 when the relocation to Dundalk took place and during which training took place. It is estimated that the average period of overlap was in the region of four to six weeks. An allocation of €200,000 was provided for in respect of overtime and travel and subsistence in connection with the project.
420 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be dealt with immediately. [19411/04]
The person concerned has been refused carer's allowance on the grounds that her weekly means derived from her husband's earnings exceed the statutory means limit for receipt of carer's allowance. She has been notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
421 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been refused supplementary welfare allowance towards his rent; and the location at which this person can obtain accommodation for €83 per week based on his family size. [19414/04]
The Southern Health Board has advised that the person concerned applied for a rent supplement in July 2003. One of the conditions for receipt of rent supplement relates to the maximum amount of rent on which a supplement can be paid. The maximum reasonable rent limit appropriate in the case of a single man is €95. At that time he had an entitlement of €1 per week based on the appropriate maximum rent level and his income.
He recently made inquiries about rent supplement and was informed that he would not qualify as the rent being sought, €150, is significantly in excess of the appropriate reasonable rent limit. The level of rent being sought can be accounted for by the fact that the person concerned is currently the sole occupant of a two-bedroom house.
In the opinion of the board, accommodation is available at the rent level appropriate to his circumstances and the board has further advised that there are no exceptional circumstances involved which would warrant payment of rent supplement as an exceptional measure in this case.
