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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 2004

Vol. 588 No. 4

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.

Tourism Review Report.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

12 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the recommendations of the tourism review report which have to date been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19694/04]

Joan Burton

Question:

29 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of meetings there have been to date of the Tourism Action Plan 2003-2005 implementation group; the actions taken as a result of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19735/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 29 together.

The high level tourism action plan implementation group, which I appointed to advise on and drive forward the recommendations made by the tourism policy review group, has had five meetings to date. The first meeting of the group was in February 2004 and its next meeting is scheduled for 19 July 2004.

In line with its terms of reference, the implementation group will report to me on a six monthly basis. As I advised the House on 25 May last, the first report of the group is due in August and will outline its work to date and set out progress in implementing the action plan. I understand that the intention is that the first report will include an activity update on the actions recommended by the tourism policy review.

National Conference Centre.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

13 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the report to the chairman of the national conference centre steering group by the assessment panel considering the four submissions for the provision of the national conference centre is complete; if he has received a copy of this report; the latest situation with regard to the development of the conference centre in view of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19728/04]

Michael Ring

Question:

27 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will be in a position to make a decision with regard to the provision of a national conference centre before the end of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19705/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 27 together.

I understand that the national conference centre, NCC, steering group met on 21 June last and considered the reports of the NCC financial and economic standing/technical ability panel and the NCC site assessment panel. In line with the recommendations set out in the two reports, I am informed the steering group has taken decisions as to the qualification of candidates and their sites and has so advised the Office of Public Works which will notify candidates accordingly.

In the meantime, as I informed the House on 25 May last, the Office of Public Works and its advisers are continuing to work on the preparation of the very detailed documentation required before that next stage can be initiated. In addition, consultants have been engaged by the OPW to undertake a public sector benchmarking exercise, as required by the Department of Finance's interim guidelines for the provision of infrastructure and capital investments through public private partnerships. I am told this is likely to take some weeks to complete.

The timeframe prepared following the Government's decision to secure the provision of a national conference centre, and which envisaged that a final decision from Government could be secured in the autumn, was an indicative timeframe, based on the information and assumptions available at the time. The procurement process that was subsequently undertaken is, as one would expect for a project of this scale, necessarily complex. In addition to the procedural requirements of the PPP process itself, the development of the detailed design and contract documentation is demanding, with details requiring careful scrutiny and consideration.

As I previously informed the House, it is now unlikely that the procurement process will be sufficiently advanced to facilitate a Government decision in the autumn and while I would hope to be in that position before the end of the year, given the complexity of the process, I am reluctant to be categorical. My priority is to have this project brought to a conclusion at the earliest possible date. However, it is important that the relevant procedures and guidelines pertaining to the process are closely observed and that nothing is done that might jeopardise its successful conclusion.

Crime Against Tourists.

Simon Coveney

Question:

14 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the level of crime directed against tourists here; the response of his Department to crime against tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19695/04]

We have no official statistics on crime against tourists. From anecdotal reports and the general feedback received by the tourism agencies, there would not appear to be any significant incidence of such crime in Ireland.

Last year, the tourist victim support service, TVSS, dealt with some 357 cases of crimes against tourists, as against 344 in 2002. I understand the majority of the cases, 188, were in regard to theft but, regretfully, some 22 cases involved violence. These 22 cases should be seen in the context of well over six million visitors to Ireland in 2003.

I deplore any incidents of crime against tourists, who are a vulnerable group away from their home country and without a network of family or friends to support them. Like me, most Irish people have a natural repugnance for crimes against those who are guests to our shores. It offends against the fundamental traditions of welcome which are a deep rooted cultural characteristic of our people. The establishment of the TVSS was, in itself, an expression of that concern.

In the past, I have called on the wider tourism sector to give greater financial support to the TVSS and I again repeat that appeal. I applaud and support the excellent work of the tourist victim support service and I am encouraged by the support and close co-operation it continues to receive from the Garda Síochána. Fáilte Ireland contributes some €25,000 a year towards the running costs of the TVSS.

Irish Genealogical Project.

John Bruton

Question:

15 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the Irish Genealogical Project, commenced in 1990 with a view to completion by 1994; if the project is now complete and comprehensive in its coverage of all relevant genealogical information; and if not, the reason therefor. [17506/04]

Responsibility for the Irish Genealogical Project passed from the Department of the Taoiseach to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in October 1997. The Irish Genealogical Project's primary aim is to include all church and civil records up to 1900. The number of records involved is in excess of 20 million. To date, 76% of church records and 40% of civil records have been indexed by the 35 designated Irish Genealogy Limited centres.

The rate of inputting of records was considerably facilitated by the assistance of participants in a FÁS work experience programme. The number of participants on this scheme has decreased considerably in recent years, resulting in a slower rate for the inputting of records. I understand from the project managers that they expect 90% of church records will be completed by the end of 2007. Due to the prioritising of the indexing of church records, a target date for completion of civil records has not been determined.

The IGL website provides for a central signposting index link which gives basic information and directs inquiries to the relevant county centres. In the case of nine centres, the detailed database can be accessed by the user. This facility is being expanded to comprehend all county locations.

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

16 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has satisfied himself regarding the competitiveness of the Irish tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19769/04]

Jack Wall

Question:

39 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fact that continuing price rises across many sectors of the tourism industry serve as a deterrent to visitors coming here; his further views on the rise in the price of a pint, in view of the potential negative implications for the hospitality industry here; if he will raise the possibility of introducing price controls in the drinks trade with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19734/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

80 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he can, directly or through bodies or agencies under his direction, take steps to ensure that the tourism industry here remains competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19910/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has satisfied himself regarding the competitiveness of the tourism industry with particular reference to the ability to compete with other tourism locations throughout the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19911/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

82 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has taken steps, directly or indirectly, to maintain the competitiveness of the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19912/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 39, 80, 81 and 82 together.

As I have indicated many times since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, I share the concern of most people involved in the tourism industry regarding the decreasing levels of satisfaction, evident in visitor attitude surveys, about the value for money offered by the overall tourism experience in Ireland. One of the strongest messages from the tourism policy review group was that restoring competitiveness is the major challenge facing the tourism sector and that the industry itself must offer better value to its customers if it is to maximise the opportunities for future growth.

The review group confirmed that there is no immediate, single or easy solution to addressing concerns about competitiveness and listed some ten specific actions that require responses from both the private and public sectors. Its recommendations covered a broad range of actions and included proposals in regard to taking responsibility for restoring competitiveness, inflation, benchmarking, customer relationship management, management capability, high standards for competitive advantage and training.

My role is to work, in so far as it lies within my power, towards ensuring a coherent action plan is implemented quickly and effectively. To this end, I have established the high level implementation group to advise and assist in driving forward and monitoring the recommended actions set out in the report. The first report of the implementation group is due in August and we will have to await that report before we can assess the impact of the action plan on competitiveness and value for money.

I made my views on the drink prices issue quite clear in a public statement on 26 May in which I called on brewers and the licensed trade to seriously consider the potential negative impacts of proceeding with drink prices which would only exacerbate our existing competitive disadvantage in this area. While the issue of price control is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, at this juncture I would not be in favour of going back down the road of price controls. Public debate and consumer pressure may be a more efficacious way of dealing with this type of issue.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

17 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when Ballybunion health and leisure centre will proceed to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19741/04]

Kerry County Council has submitted to my Department the contract documents for a new swimming pool in Ballybunion. This documentation has been examined by my Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works, and is now under consideration in my Department.

Tourism Industry.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

18 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of tourists to Ireland who rent vehicles while on holiday here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19692/04]

I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the number of overseas holiday visitors using a hired car while in Ireland in 2003 was 799,000. With an average occupancy of just over two visitors per hired car, this represents an estimated 383,000 car hire transactions. Due to the significant contribution made to the car hire sector by the American market, the number of overseas visitors using hired cars in Ireland has declined since 2000. However, there is evidence that the recovery in the sector is continuing in 2004, and with North American visits ahead of 2000 for the first time during the first four months of this year, the prospects for the sector are encouraging.

The Government is supportive of the car rental sector and has demonstrated this by the operation of the vehicle registration tax, VRT, repayment scheme, which contributes to the development of a critical tourism product and stimulates a competitive environment within the car rental sector.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 8.

European Cultural Identity.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

20 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a call from over 80 artists and cultural leaders from across Europe for a strengthened European cultural identity; his views on the signatories’ belief that the EU serves primarily an economic and monetary purpose to the detriment of a European cultural identity; if he has received and replied to the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19738/04]

I assume the Deputy is referring to a communication addressed to the President of the European Commission recently from a group of artists regarding the importance of culture in the European Union. My office has not received this correspondence. I am pleased that the new constitution continues to recognise the importance of our common cultural heritage as well as the cultural diversity of member states in a newly enlarged Europe.

Tourism Promotion.

Pat Breen

Question:

21 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the implications for tourism promotion of the decision to invest moneys from the International Fund for Ireland in the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19689/04]

Joe Costello

Question:

25 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the €4 million in funding provided from the International Fund for Ireland for new tourism facilities and community centres will have an impact on tourism promotion in Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19737/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 25 together.

The International Fund for Ireland is an independent international organisation established by the British and Irish Governments in 1986 and administered by a joint secretariat, the Irish element of which is provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs. My Department, with Fáilte Ireland, contributes to the fund's tourism programme.

On 18 June 2004, the International Fund for Ireland announced that the board had approved funding of almost €4 million to support approximately 20 community based reconciliation and job creation projects throughout the southern Border counties. While these projects will, in the main, be funded under the regeneration of deprived areas programme and the economic development programme, some of them have a significant tourism dimension and will thus play a vital role in attracting an increased number of visitors to the Border area. The fund's tourism programme, with its focus on tourism projects that demonstrate a capacity to create employment and encourage cross-Border and cross-community activities which are economically and environmentally sustainable, has made an important contribution to the tourism infrastructure of the Northern Ireland counties and the southern Border counties, and to tourism marketing and human resource development initiatives in the region.

National Stadium.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

22 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to discussions, negotiations or consultations he has had with the representatives of the various sporting bodies in regard to the national stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19770/04]

John Perry

Question:

24 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made to date with regard to the Lansdowne Road stadium refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19709/04]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

32 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the formal grant agreement between his Department and the IRFU and the FAI for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19730/04]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

37 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the latest contact he has had or report he has received from the Lansdowne stadium project steering group, constituted to co-ordinate the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19729/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 24, 32 and 37 together.

The Government decided on 27 January 2004 to provide financial support for a joint IRFU-FAI project to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium. I arranged for the establishment of a project steering group to oversee its delivery by the two sporting bodies. Since then, my Department has been working with the IRFU and the FAI within the forum of the steering group and bilaterally to ensure implementation of the decision.

The Lansdowne stadium project steering group is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprises representatives from the Department, the Office of Public Works, the IRFU and the FAI. It has held six meetings. There is regular contact between the parties involved to ensure that all aspects of the project are progressing smoothly. A priority for the steering group is to ensure that all the legal, financial, planning and procurement requirements are met in an efficient and timely manner so that actual construction work can get under way by the target date of July 2006. The chairman of the steering group reports regularly to me on the group's deliberations.

The IRFU and FAI have reached agreement on formation of a special purpose vehicle under the Companies Act to deliver the project and the legal formalities to give effect to this are nearing completion. A project manager has been selected. The text of a formal grant agreement between my Department, on the one hand, and the IRFU and FAI, on the other, is being finalised and will soon be ready for signature.

Tourism Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

23 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected tourist numbers to Ireland from European Union states for the 2004 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19688/04]

Phil Hogan

Question:

26 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected North American tourist numbers for the 2004 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19685/04]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

36 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the latest CSO statistics on tourist numbers to Ireland for the first quarter of 2004; his further views on whether the numbers demonstrate a significant recovery in numbers visiting Ireland from abroad; the efforts his Department is making to attract an increased number of tourists from other European countries specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19726/04]

Gerard Murphy

Question:

38 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount to be spent in 2004 promoting Ireland as a tourist destination abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19715/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 26, 36 and 38 together.

Government investment in support of tourism this year will be well over €110 million. Of this, almost €70 million will be spent in general support for the marketing and promotion activities of the State tourism agencies, including the largest ever provision for the tourism marketing fund of €31.5 million. This represents a strong endorsement of the performance of the two agencies and the tourism industry generally in delivering value for this substantial Exchequer investment.

On the basis of such a significant Exchequer investment, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are rolling out a comprehensive range of programmes and activities across all product niches and markets to help realise the ambitious target of 4% growth in visitor numbers again this year. Key to achieving this target will be Irish tourism's performance in two of our most important markets, continental Europe and North America. Last year, visitor numbers from continental Europe were at record levels. The North American market also performed strongly in the aftermath of the war in Iraq and the SARS crisis. In 2003 we had 6.3 million visitors to our shores, of whom almost 2.5 million came from either continental Europe or North America.

In revenue terms, these two markets account for over 50% of our overseas earnings. This year, Tourism Ireland has once again focused its marketing programme on those segments of the continental European and North American markets which offer the greatest potential. Close to 60% of its marketing budget is being deployed to target 6% and 8% growth in numbers from continental Europe and North America, respectively, in 2004. The early indications from these markets have been positive and provide grounds for optimism for the remainder of the year.

For the first four months of 2004 the Central Statistics Office has reported an increase of 22% in the number of North American visitors to Ireland. This performance compares very favourably with a growth rate of 8% in all outbound travel from the United States to Europe in the first two months of the year. The 2003 performance for the same period was weak due to the Iraqi situation but there are strong grounds for optimism regarding the North American market generally this year. This is good news for the regions and for those sectors of the industry which rely heavily on US business.

The Central Statistics Office has reported an increase of 4.5% in the numbers of continental European visitors to Ireland in the first four months of 2004. As European economies begin to recover, tourism demand will increase and Ireland is competitively well positioned to take full advantage of this upturn. Scheduled air access capacity from continental Europe to the island of Ireland is higher this summer than last year, which augurs well for continued growth from Europe over the peak months.

The accession of ten new member states to the EU may also produce tourism dividends in the future. These countries represent an EU population increase of nearly 20% and generated outbound travel spending of €8.2 billion last year. These figures suggest that there is market potential for Irish tourism and, over the last four years, Ireland has experienced steady growth, albeit from a low base, in visitor numbers from eastern Europe, most notably Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

In line with our programme for Government and the recommendations of the tourism policy review group, Tourism Ireland has initiated a review of continental European markets to identify what is required to realise significant increases in the numbers of tourists Ireland attracts from these markets. Barring major external shocks, all the indications this year are for positive growth in our key tourism markets, particularly in terms of winning market share against stiff international competition. I am confident that, if the industry maintains its focus on promoting and delivering a value for money tourism product, Ireland can continue to outperform its nearest competitors into the future.

Question No. 24 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 25 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Question No. 26 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 27 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

28 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a copy of the Football Association of Ireland’s technical development plan for player development over the next five years; the level of support the Government will provide to the FAI for the implementation of this plan in order to enhance the football community here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19733/04]

I have received a copy of the plan in question which has just been published by the Football Association of Ireland. I welcome the association's comprehensive plans for the future of its sport and ongoing commitment to the development of football in this country. In particular, I recognise its efforts in providing quality opportunities for participation for more young people in their own communities countrywide. Last week, I announced an allocation of €2 million from the Irish Sports Council to the FAI for 2004 aimed at supporting its technical development plan with a special emphasis on participation in soccer at under age level.

This brings to €6.3 million the total allocated to the FAI since the introduction in 2001 of the special budgetary measure for the encouragement of greater under age participation in the four major field sports. The investment supports the council's strategic objectives of increasing opportunities to participate in sport, particularly for school aged children. Under the national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised annually. Two sports capital grants of €225,000 in 2003 and €100,000 in 2004 have been allocated to the FAI towards the provision of equipment required for its development programmes.

The sports capital funding allocations since 1998 to projects classified as soccer projects, including the FAI's regional development centres, Eircom League clubs, district junior and schoolboy leagues and clubs and some municipal community soccer facilities are as follows: 1998, €0.89 million; 1999, €4.10 million; 2000, €6.92 million; 2001, €8.62 million; 2002, €19.98 million; and 2003, €9.17 million. On 7 May I announced provisional funding allocations totalling €50.8 million, of which €8.05 million was for soccer projects under the 2004 sports capital programme. I will shortly make further announcements under the 2004 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 necessary for increasing levels of participation and improving standards of performance.

My Department and the Irish Sports Council will continue to work closely with the governing bodies of sport, including the FAI, in the provision of appropriate facilities and programmes aimed at increased participation, the raising of standards of performance and the achievement of excellence in top level national and international sport by our leading sports men and women.

Question No. 29 answered with QuestionNo. 12.

Interdepartmental Committees.

Paul McGrath

Question:

30 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if officials from his Department are involved in interdepartmental committees with the Department of Education and Science with a view to increasing the availability of music and art education at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19712/04]

The provision of music and art education at second level is, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Education and Science. My Department's officials are not involved in interdepartmental committees in this context. Separately, I am considering the establishment of a special committee under section 21 of the Arts Act 2003 to advise the Arts Council on the question of art and education.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

31 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the Government will fulfil its commitment to the GAA to grant it €38 million for the redevelopment of Croke Park; if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the GAA president that the organisation was paying €6 million a year in interest to service the debt incurred during the redevelopment project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19732/04]

The Government has provided financial support of €69.84 million to the GAA towards the redevelopment of Croke Park. I do not share the contention that there is an outstanding commitment to provide additional funds for this work. In the context of the development of a State financed national stadium at Abbotstown, special funding proposals were made in April 2001 to the GAA on the basis of its intended usage of the completed stadium's facilities. This proposal lapsed with the Government's decision not to proceed with the development of a national stadium at Abbotstown.

Earlier this year I met with officers of the GAA and discussed with them the provision of additional funding for Croke Park. Following a useful exchange at that and previous meetings, the organisation understands that the Government is well disposed to support the GAA. The important contribution made by the GAA to Irish sport is well recognised in terms of the supports it has received through various funding channels operated through my Department. For instance, over €156 million has been allocated in capital and current funding in the five years up to 2003 between the sports capital programme and funds provided through the Irish Sports Council. Most recently, grants announced under the 2004 sports capital programme have included an allocation of €21 million to assist 260 local GAA projects.

Question No. 32 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 5.
Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

Irish Festival in China.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the Irish Festival of Arts and Culture held in China; the details of the Chinese festival to be held here; the purpose and aims of each festival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/04]

The Irish Festival in China, which was formally opened by me in Beijing on 9 May 2004, comprised a total of 27 performances and events from 22 performing groups and leading artists and two exhibitions. The festival in Beijing was included as part of the Meet in Beijing Festival in May, at which Ireland was the featured guest nation. Many of these events transferred to Shanghai, where the entire festival finishes on 3 July with the closing of an exhibition of contemporary art from the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Our programme in China also included a number of artistic collaborations and residencies involving Irish and Chinese artists.

As extensively reported in the Irish and Chinese media, the festival was a great success with Chinese audiences. The events were well attended and many sold out.

The festival in Ireland of Chinese arts and culture encompasses many art forms and includes several Chinese artists in residence. It will open at the Galway Arts Festival with the China Conservatory of Music and the Beijing Academy of Dance in July. Details of the programme are attached for the Deputy's information. The cultural exchange is intended to lead to a greater understanding between our two peoples and should assist in the ongoing development of positive cultural, economic, trade and social relations between our two countries and to raise awareness of Ireland within China as part of the Government's Asia strategy. It is hoped, also, to develop lasting relationships between Irish artists and organisations that will hopefully encourage continuing artistic dialogue between Ireland and China.

Chinese Cultural Programme — Provisional Schedule for 2004

Programme

China Conservatory of Music

Galway Arts Festival, Thursday 15 July

Earagail Arts Festival, Letterkenny, Friday 16 July

Diversions Festival, Temple Bar, Sunday 18 July

Beijing Academy of Dance

Galway Arts Festival, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July

Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Sunday 18 July

The Helix, Dublin, Wednesday 21 July

Chinese Film Festival

Irish Film Institute, Dublin, 24-30 September. Films to be confirmed

Peking Opera of Beijing

National Concert Hall, Dublin, 1 and 3 October. Pre-show talk confirmed

Exhibition of Peking Opera Costumes

NCH foyer as above

Exhibition of Contemporary Art — a collaboration between IMMA and Shanghai Art Museum

IMMA, opens 13 October to January 2005.

Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre

European Capital of Culture, Cork Opera House. 28, 29 and 30 October

Shanghai Percussion Ensemble

European Capital of CultureCork Town Hall — Thursday 4 NovemberGlór, Ennis — Saturday 6 NovemberDublin date — Wednesday 10 November; promoted by Improvised Music Company and venue/date to be confirmed

Beijing People’s Arts Theatre

The Helix, Dublin — 4, 5 and 6 November

Visual Arts in Residence

IMMA, October — dates to be advised by Beijing Municipal Government cultural office

Writers in Residence

October — dates to be advised by China Writers Association

Dancers in Residence

October — dates to be advised by China Dancers Association

Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Question No. 39 answered with QuestionNo. 16.

Work Permits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

40 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any new scheme for work visas for skilled workers outside the EU; the categories and the countries which will be eligible under this scheme; if she has plans to amend the existing scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19885/04]

While I do not at this stage see a need for any new scheme, my Department is closely monitoring labour market developments following EU enlargement. Depending on our experience of the enlarged labour market and an assessment of our future skills needs, I will be prepared to consider if a more formal programme of permanent migration for highly qualified personnel from outside the European Economic Area is necessary.

A working group set up under Sustaining Progress, including representatives of employer bodies and unions, recently concluded that such a programme is not necessary at this time. I will be guided by the emerging evidence from the labour market. Both the working visa/work authorisation and work permit facilities continue to be available for such higher skilled recruitment needs as cannot be satisfied within the enlarged EU.

Pension Provisions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

41 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if consideration will be given to the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Cork to a disablement pension from his Department. [19860/04]

Under the Army Pensions Acts, a wound or disability pension may be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force in respect of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service. Noise induced hearing loss comes within the scope of this provision. Under the Acts, application for a wound pension must be made to my Department within one year of discharge from the Permanent Defence Force.

The person in question was discharged from the Permanent Defence Force in June 1989 and he first made an inquiry regarding a pension in respect of disablement in February 1997. As this was outside the statutory time limit, it was not open to my Department to accept an application for a wound pension from him. This person received civil compensation from my Department in 1998 in settlement of a civil action alleging loss of hearing.

Defence Forces Reserve.

David Stanton

Question:

42 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the further decisions and actions that have to be undertaken to complete the planned reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Forces; the current strength of the various Reserve Forces; his further plans and the timescale for further development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/04]

On 15 January 2003, I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Forces review implementation board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the Reserve, which had reported to me in September 1999. The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The Reserve Defence Force will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of these changes in the Reserve Defence Force will take place over a period of approximately six years.

The White Paper on defence recognised that a notable and important feature of the existing FCA organisation is its countrywide, geographical spread. This particular aspect will, in general terms, be retained in the future. The full organisational and establishment details of the new Reserve will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process. Plans within each brigade for the amalgamation of FCA units in line with the proposals outlined in the steering group report will ensure that better training and other facilities will be provided to members of the Reserve Defence Force. No decisions have yet been taken on the location of proposed newly amalgamated units but the military authorities have advised me that all proposed amalgamations will provide an optimal environment for personnel in the relevant areas to partake in the new enhanced Reserve Defence Force.

Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the reorganisation process in terms of better clothing, improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the Reserve, a better overall organisation structure and opportunities for suitably qualified Reserve personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the Reserve with the Army.

I am mindful of the need to preserve and retain the many traditional and well established strengths of the current Reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nationwide geographical spread. Planning is ongoing by the military authorities but no final decision on the amalgamation of FCA units will be taken until I have had the opportunity to examine and approve the final amalgamation proposals.

The current strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as on 31 May 2004 is shown on the tabular statement below.

Number

1st Line Reserve

Total

412

2nd Line Reserve

FCA

13,217

Slua Muirí

406

Total

13,623

Service Medals.

Phil Hogan

Question:

43 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence if a service medal will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) who served in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/04]

The criteria for qualification for the award of service medals to non-commissioned officers or privates is governed by the terms of Defence Force regulations, which provide that the minimum qualifying period for the award of a service medal is 3,650 days of continuous service in the Permanent Defence Force. Service in the First Line Reserve may also be aggregated for the purposes of meeting the service qualifying period.

I understand that the person in question served in the Army in the rank of private for a period between 1922 and 1924, which would not be sufficient time to qualify for such a medal.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Billy Timmins

Question:

44 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view the fact that article 6 of Directive 95/53/EC applies only to imports from third world countries and does not apply to intra-EU trade, he will give reasons and apologise to those trading companies whose goods were seized for breaches of an effectively voluntary code of prior notification for feeding stuffs originating in other member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19839/04]

EU Directive 95/53, transposed into national legislation through Statutory Instrument 283 of 2003, European Communities (Animal Nutrition Inspections) Regulations 2003, permits the competent authority, as part of its control measures, to request prior notification of all imports of feed materials. I am satisfied that this legislation is being operated as intended, which is to ensure effective control on the safety of feed materials entering the feed chain. If the Deputy has details of any particular case, he can forward the details to me.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

45 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19856/04]

Payment dated 10 June 2004 has issued in this case.

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

46 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment in respect of a reactor animal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19857/04]

A valuation payment in respect of the reactor animal disclosed in the herd of the person concerned will issue shortly.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

47 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the awarding of a hardship grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be reconsidered. [19858/04]

The hardship grant scheme is aimed at assisting eligible owners-keepers with restricted holdings where animals are retained and fed during periods of restriction. The eligibility period is between 1 November and 30 April each year. The onus is on the owners-keepers to apply for a hardship grant. An essential eligibility prerequisite is that the applicant cannot be supplying milk for sale at the time of applications.

An application for hardship grant was received by the local district veterinary office from the person concerned on 22 April 2004. Under the terms and conditions applying, any period prior to date of receipt of the application form in the DVO is not eligible for a hardship grant. In assessing the application for the period 22 April 2004 to 30 April 2004, it was established that the applicant was supplying milk for sale since 3 February 2004. Consequently, he did not meet a basic eligibility condition which rendered him ineligible for payment consideration.

Single Payment Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

48 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of single farm payment that will apply to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/04]

My Department is continuing the work of establishing an entitlements database under the single payment scheme, which will come into effect in 2005. The processing of the 15,000force majeure applications is also continuing with decisions being communicated to farmers on an ongoing basis. In addition, farmers who wish to be considered as new entrants during the reference period or who have inherited holdings were invited to submit their applications by the closing date of 18 June 2004. Work has commenced on the processing of these applications and it will not be possible to determine the precise value of individual entitlements until these cases are determined.

It is my intention to issue notifications of provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme to the majority of farmers over the next two months. It should be noted however, that provisional entitlements may be subject to amendment later this year when all force majeure, new entrants and query cases are resolved. The intention is that all farmers will then be issued with a definitive entitlement early in 2005. It is not possible, therefore, to indicate what the definitive entitlement will be for the person named or indeed for any individual farmer.

Grant Payments.

Phil Hogan

Question:

49 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a payment will be made in respect of forestry premia to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19929/04]

The 2004 forestry premium will be paid to the person in question next week.

Phil Hogan

Question:

50 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when beef cow premia will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19930/04]

The person named submitted two applications under the 2003 EU special beef premium scheme, one on 16 January 2003 in respect of one animal and one on 31 December 2003 in respect of four animals. An 80% advance payment in respect of the application lodged in January issued on 16 October 2003.

Balancing payment for the first application and full payment for the second were initially delayed as the person named applied for premium on an animal which was dead at the time of application. As this is in breach of the terms and conditions of the special beef premium scheme, the animal was rejected from the application of the person named and a 7.14% reduction penalty was applied. Balancing payments amounting to €612.03 issued to the person named on 24 June 2004.

The person named applied for premium on nine animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. The application has been fully processed and payment of the 80% advance instalment amounting to €1613.88 issued on 17 October 2003 with a balancing payment of €259.44 issuing on 22 June 2004. These represent payment in respect of the nine animals applied on, subject to the 7.14% reduction penalty aforementioned. During 2003, one animal was deemed eligible for the slaughter premium scheme and payment in full has issued in respect of this animal.

Tax Code.

Joe Higgins

Question:

51 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the revenue which was generated by DIRT on court awards to injured children for the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19866/04]

Joe Higgins

Question:

52 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the reason there are no plans to remedy the anomaly whereby injured minors cannot reclaim the DIRT paid on interest on their court awards. [19867/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information furnished on DIRT returns made by financial institutions does not require the yield from deposit interest retention tax on interest income arising from court awards to injured children to be identified. Accordingly, the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available.

As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 104 on 6 May 2004, the entitlement of individuals to repayment of DIRT deducted is limited to situations where: (i) he or she or his or her spouse is either aged 65 years or over at any time during the tax year or permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from maintaining himself or herself — or became so incapacitated — at any time during the tax year; and (ii) the income of the individuals — inclusive of the deposit interest — is below the appropriate income exemption limit for tax purposes. Partial refund may be due to the individuals, including minors, outlined in (i) whose income — inclusive of the deposit interest — does not greatly exceed the appropriate income exemption limit.

In addition, as regards awards in respect of personal injuries, section 189 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that certain income — including deposit interest — arising to individuals, including minors, from the investment of compensation payment awarded by the courts or under an out of court settlement in respect of a personal injuries claim is exempt from tax. However, the following conditions apply to this exemption: as a result of personal injuries, the individual is permanently and totally incapacitated by reason of mental and physical injury from maintaining himself or herself; and the income from the investment of the compensation awarded is the sole or main income of the individual.

Accordingly, a minor who, as a result of personal injuries, is permanently and totally incapacitated by reason of mental or physical injury from maintaining himself or herself has a statutory entitlement to repayment of DIRT deducted from the investment of compensation awarded. This is without reference to whether his/her income is below the income threshold for tax purposes.

While court awards for injuries are generally not subject to taxation, special income tax treatment of the income from such awards by way of exemption or repayment of DIRT is confined by and large to those individuals, whether adults or children, who as a result of these injuries are permanently and totally incapacitated and where the income from the award is the sole or main income of the individual. DIRT is applied on a very wide basis and there are very few repayment situations. To widen the DIRT repayment to the income from all court awards irrespective of the personal circumstances of the individual would narrow the DIRT tax base and undoubtedly lead to requests for similar repayments for other categories of individuals. Accordingly, I have no plans at present to extend the DIRT repayment rules to cover all injured minors.

Phil Hogan

Question:

53 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if value club cards or similar concessions to employees of major supermarkets are included for calculation purposes under the benefit in kind changes made in the Finance Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19934/04]

The position is that, except where otherwise provided, benefits in kind have been subject to taxation. However, provision was made in the Finance Act 2003 and the Social Welfare Act 2003 to bring taxable benefits in kind within the PAYE system from 1 January 2004. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a concession of the type mentioned by the Deputy given by an employer to an employee may, depending on the circumstances of the case, be subject to tax and PRSI as a benefit in kind.

Where a discount is given by an employer on the purchase of goods by one of his or her employees, it is not regarded as a taxable benefit if the sum paid by the employee is equal to or greater than the cost to the employer of acquiring or manufacturing the goods. Many employers, including many supermarkets, operate staff discount schemes and I understand that Revenue have no difficulty in approving exemption for such schemes where the discount is given in a transparent way at the time of purchase and the goods are not sold to employees at below cost.

However, where an employee can accumulate value over a period — based on purchases from the employer — and that value is subsequently given by the employer either in the form of vouchers or through a value club card scheme, then a tax liability will most likely arise as the value in such circumstances is capable of being converted into money or money's worth. Each case will depend on its own facts but, in general, staff value accumulation schemes are, because of the convertibility factor, considered to go beyond the scope of the tax treatment of staff discount schemes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

54 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the income limits available to a married couple aged 65 and 62; the amount of income they can earn, prior to their entering the tax net at 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/04]

Under the current age exemption limits, a married couple, where one is or both are aged 65 or over, may earn up to €31,000 per annum without any liability for income tax arising. If the married couple have a dependent child or children, the age exemption limit of €31,000 is increased by €575 for each of the first two children and by €830 for each subsequent child. A dependent child is a child of the claimant who is: under 18 years of age; over 18 years of age and in full-time education or training full-time as an apprentice where the training is for at least two years; or incapacitated, either physically or mentally, having become so before reaching 21 years of age or after reaching the age of 21 while still in full-time education or while training full-time for a trade or profession for a minimum of two years.

Where one or both spouses are aged 65 or over and their income rises above the exemption limit applying in their case, they will pay tax under the system of marginal relief taxation at a rate of 40%. They will do so, however, only on the amount of income in excess of the exemption limit and until such time as their income level reaches a point — sometimes referred to as the marginal relief cut off point — where the tax payable under the system of marginal relief is the same as would be payable under the normal system of credits and bands or until their income reaches a statutory maximum as set out in legislation, namely, twice the exemption limit of €62,000. For a married two-earner couple, the cut-off point will usually be significantly below €62,000 and will vary depending on whether one or both spouses are in the PAYE sector or self-employed, on the number of dependent children, if any, and on the income split between the spouses.

Where the income of a married couple with at least one spouse aged 65 or over exceeds the marginal relief cut-off point appropriate to them, the couple will pay tax on all their income in accordance with the normal system of rate bands and tax credits. Depending on their level of income and their income split, the couple may be liable for tax at a rate of 20% or 42% or a combination of both under the normal system. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that if the Deputy has in mind a specific case, they will be happy to examine the details and furnish a report to the Deputy in due course.

School Curriculum.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has encouraged the promotion of the arts in primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/04]

Music, the visual arts and drama provide for sensory, emotional, intellectual and creative enrichment and contribute to the young person's holistic development and self-esteem.

Arts education — visual arts, music and drama — is one of the seven subject areas that comprise the primary curriculum, which was revised in 1999. The primary curriculum support programme, PCSP, provides professional development support to teachers to assist them in implementing the curriculum. The PSCP is engaged in a wide range of support activities, including organising seminars for teachers, visiting schools and providing tailored support for individual schools and clusters of schools. Visual arts has already been implemented in schools. The in-career development programme for music will take place in the school year 2004-05. All primary teachers will receive training in the new programme during that year. Teachers will begin to implement the programme during the following school year.

In preparation for this roll out, the PCSP has recruited a team and a supplementary panel of trainers for music and an assistant national co-ordinator who has particular responsibility for this team. The role of this team is to plan supports for the implementation of the music curriculum. These trainers are at present using the new methodologies in their own classrooms and sharing their experiences and expertise with colleagues on the staff. They also work closely with the education centre network in the provision of evening and summer courses. It is planned that inservice for drama will take place in the school year 2005-06, with implementation the following year.

In order to assist schools in buying the materials and resources necessary for the implementation of the visual arts curriculum, my Department issued a grant to all primary schools in autumn 2000, at a rate of £5.50 per pupil or, for schools with 60 pupils or fewer, a minimum of £330. In addition, in December 2000, a further £6.1 million pounds was issued to support primary schools in their implementation of all aspects of arts education. This capitation grant amounts to £13 per pupil or a minimum of £780 for schools with 60 pupils or fewer.

At post-primary level there are approved syllabi for junior certificate in music and art, craft and design. In the senior cycle there are syllabi in music and art. Modules in the arts are also available as part of the leaving certificate applied. In the transition year programme, schools offer a variety of modules which stimulate pupils' interest in the arts in general and which, in many cases, give them the opportunity to interact with practising artists in their own classrooms and in other contexts.

The leaving certificate in music was revised for first examination in 1999. To ensure the satisfactory implementation of this syllabus, a comprehensive two year programme of in-career development for teachers of music was set in place. Further courses for teachers are provided on an ongoing basis. The assessment structure allows students to specialise in the component of the course best suited to their interests and ability. The broad range of performance options available to students has increased accessibility to the subject and allows for students of diverse music backgrounds to participate in the subject. Leaving certificate art is currently being revised by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

56 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the use of general purpose rooms for classroom space is unacceptable; if his national school planning section will not recommend the use of general purpose rooms for classrooms; if he will re-examine the application for temporary accommodation by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19424/04]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

58 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that the use of general purpose rooms for classroom space is unacceptable; if his national school planning section will not recommend the use of general purpose rooms for classrooms; if he will re-examine the application for temporary accommodation by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 58 together.

While an application for additional accommodation was received from the school to which the Deputy refers, in the context of the available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications for temporary accommodation this year and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. All other schools are required, as an interim measure, to maximise the use of existing accommodation until my Department is in a position to make extra accommodation available.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

57 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the provision of a special needs assistant and resource hours for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will indicate when a decision will be made. [18899/04]

My Department received an application for special education resources, SER, for the pupil to whom the Deputy refers on 5 February 2004. It is my intention that all applications for special education 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, including that for the person in question, 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 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 those 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.

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 the Department's circular 07/02, which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, under “Children with Special Needs”.

I refer the Deputy to circular SP ED 09/04 which may also be accessed on my Department's website. 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.

Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 56.

School Transport.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

59 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kerry was not notified of the availability of a remote area grant which has been available for approximately 15 years at around €4.20 per day; if all arrears due will be awarded to all who qualify for this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19851/04]

Under the terms of the primary school transport scheme, only eligible children qualify for free school transport. In order to be eligible children must live at least two miles from their nearest national school. In the case of children wishing to receive instruction in Irish, their nearest school offering subjects through the medium of Irish is regarded as their nearest national school.

An application for a remote area grant is normally considered in the context of transport provision to the nearest national school. For children eligible for school transport residing in remote areas or outside the range of transport services, a remote area grant, based on distance and school days attended, may be payable.

The school to which the Deputy refers in the details supplied does not have a transport service. An application has only recently been received for such a service and Bus Éireann has been asked to investigate and report on the matter. When the report is received and considered, the school authorities will be advised of the outcome. Information on the school transport scheme and remote area grants is currently available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.

Jack Wall

Question:

60 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of transport for persons attending a special school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/04]

A report on this case has been requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as the report has been received and assessed.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Higgins

Question:

61 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will immediately revoke the decision to withdraw two special needs assistant posts from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19868/04]

The two special needs assistants, SNAs, to whom the Deputy refers were sanctioned on a temporary basis on 1 August 2003 to cater for the needs of a number of pupils at the school. The professional recommendation at the time was that, in the interests of the development of the personal independence skills of the pupils concerned, the posts should be withdrawn in June 2004. In this regard, the school authorities were informed that the posts would cease at this time.

Applications for SNA support are considered in terms of the criteria set out in my Department's circular 07/02, which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie, under “Children with Special Needs”. Any applications for such support received from the school in question will be fully considered in this context.

School Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

62 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to overcrowding at a school (details supplied) due to the increase in student numbers; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are two new classrooms urgently required in this school in view of the fact that an extra teacher will be employed in September 2004; if he will give consideration to this school being allocated the devolved initiative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19869/04]

The school to which the Deputy refers was recently approved for grant aid towards the rental of temporary accommodation to meet its needs for September 2004. The school's permanent accommodation needs will be considered in the context of a review which is being undertaken of all projects that did not proceed as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including it as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005, details of which will be announced later in the year.

Schools Refurbishment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

63 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 16 June 2004, if his Department received a funding request from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to refurbish the toilet facilities in the school; when the application was made; the scheme under which it was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/04]

The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for grant aid to carry out works to toilet facilities in 2002. On the basis of the budgetary allocation in 2002, it was not possible to fund the project at that time. The application was assessed again in 2003 for consideration for contingency funding but the application was unsuccessful at that time. However, the scope of works required at the school is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme, SWS. This scheme was launched in December 2003 and it replaces all existing small scale building project schemes. The school did not apply for funding under the scheme for 2004. It is open to the school's management authority to apply for the key priority works required at the school as part of the 2005 SWS, details of which will be announced shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

64 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a request for a meeting with ASPIRE in connection with the promise of the provision of a second level class, to be operational in September 2004, at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if his attention has been drawn to the distress caused due to the delay in the provision of the promised service; when he will meet with the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19879/04]

My Department is actively engaged in pursuing the development of a second level programme for children with Asperger's syndrome on Dublin's north side. The group concerned has already met with officials of my Department and I will be happy to make arrangements for a further meeting as soon as possible.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

65 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 for a full-time resource teacher to be based at the school, in place of the existing arrangement whereby a resource teacher is shared with another local national school; if the application has been evaluated; if a decision has been made; when the decision will be communicated to the school principal; if the resource teacher will commence their essential work in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19880/04]

My Department has received applications from the school to which the Deputy refers for special education resources, SER. 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 all schools, including the school in question, have been notified of the outcome. This outcome indicates to schools the resources that may be put in place immediately. It is my intention that all applications for SER received by 30 June 2004, which includes two applications from the school in question, will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year.

The teacher allocations involved will be made in the context of a new weighted system 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.

Educational Disadvantage.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

66 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding from persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in line with the Government’s commitment to ending educational disadvantage and social exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19881/04]

I met representatives of the Kildare community education partnership on 5 May and discussed in detail its proposal for tackling educational disadvantage in Kildare. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have now approved the secondment of a primary school teacher, on a full cost recoupment basis, to work with the partnership as a full-time education officer.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

67 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommendations that have been implemented to date from the report on autism; the plans there are to implement the remaining recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19889/04]

The report of the task force on autism is lengthy and complex. It contains approximately 180 individual recommendations ranging from measures aimed at identifying prevalence rates and early intervention, through issues relating to diagnosis and assessment, the centrality of the role of parents, the required models of education and health care services and the need for specialist training for those involved in service provision, to structural, constitutional and policy issues.

The scope of these recommendations is such as to require a multi-faceted response. My Department's key focus to date has been on progressing the fundamental structural and legislative measures which are necessary to underpin the development and delivery of services for persons with autism in line with the task force's recommendations. These measures will be fundamental to the implementation of many of the task force's recommendations.

A key development on the structural front has been the decision to establish the National Council for Special Education. The council, which will have a local area presence, will play a key role in the development and delivery of services for persons with special needs, including persons with autism. It will have a research and advisory role and will establish expert groups to address particular areas of special needs provision. It will also establish a consultative forum to facilitate inputs from the education partners and other interested parties. Arrangements for the establishment of the council are now well advanced.

I have also published the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003, aimed at establishing the rights and entitlements of children with special needs, including autism, to an appropriate education service and providing the necessary framework for effective service delivery. My objective is to secure the passage of this legislation through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

68 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to add a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to the list of institutions covered by the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19938/04]

Section 4 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 enables additional institutions that are identified as reformatory schools, industrial schools, orphanages, children's homes and special schools, in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function, to be added to the Schedule.

The institution to which the Deputy refers was a privately operated establishment and no public body had a regulatory or inspection function in respect of it. In the circumstances, it does not meet the criteria outlined in section 4 of the Act and is, therefore, not eligible for inclusion in any list of additional institutions that may be added to the Schedule to the Act.

Teaching Qualifications.

Michael Ring

Question:

69 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the information required from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as mentioned in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 22 June 2004, in view of the fact that this person has informed this Deputy that all information required has already been submitted. [19939/04]

My officials have written to the person in question confirming that the documentation required by my Department has been received. On foot of the requested documentation, I am pleased to say that provisional restricted recognition is being granted to the applicant in accordance with the terms of circular letter 25/00, which outlines the provisions relating to the recognition of teacher qualifications in national schools. Notification to that effect will issue to the person in question today.

Marina Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

70 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if assistance is being made available to a marina development (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19841/04]

The Deputy will be aware, from my previous reply to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 16 December 2003, that Figary Water Sports Development Company Limited submitted an application under the marine tourism grant scheme of the national development plan for funding for a marina at Lough Swilly, County Donegal. However, the grant scheme was suspended in December 2002 due to lack of funding and no projects were approved for funding in Donegal or elsewhere. No funding was available to the grant scheme in 2003 or 2004. In light of the findings of the mid-term review of the regional operational programmes completed by the ESRI, which recommended reallocation of funds to other priorities, it is unlikely that the scheme will be reactivated within the term of the national development plan.

I am aware that an application for funding under the marine safety and port infrastructure measure of the INTERREG IIIA programme has been submitted for consideration. While my Department acts as implementing agency for this measure, it is a matter for the steering committee of the special EU programmes body to assess the application.

Harbours and Piers.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

71 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in respect of an application to upgrade a crane at a pier (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19899/04]

Funding of €82,064.81 was provided by my Department to Donegal County Council in 2001 and 2002 towards the provision of a crane at Portaleen pier. Donegal County Council has not made an application to my Department for funding to upgrade the crane at Portaleen pier.

Property Transaction.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

72 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the application submitted to him on 10 April 2003 from Sligo Harbour Commissioners for his consent to a proposed package relating to the sale of a company (details supplied) to a person and Sligo Harbour Commissioners; when he expects that a decision will be made on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19945/04]

Sligo Harbour Commissioners have sought clarification from my Department regarding the applicability of section 157 of the Harbours Act 1946 to a property transaction proposed by them. As this issue involves a matter of legal interpretation, the Chief State Solicitor's office has been requested to clarify the position. My officials have been in contact with the Chief State Solicitor's office and have been informed that the matter is under consideration and a reply will be issued as soon as possible.

Inland Fisheries.

Michael Ring

Question:

73 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investigations which have taken place regarding a lake (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this is the second year that the lake cannot be fished due to pollution; if a report has been compiled; if so, if he will provide this Deputy with a copy; the outcome of any investigation which has taken place; the cause of the pollution problem; and if his Department will contact the Bangor angling club to see if this matter can be discussed. [19946/04]

I am advised by the North Western Regional Fisheries Board that Carrowmore Lake is undergoing a severe algae bloom for the second year in succession. The chief executive officer of the board informs me that as a result of last year's bloom, the board convened a meeting of all relevant agencies to discuss what action could be taken. It was agreed at this meeting that a number of core samples would be taken from the lake bed and that a regular water sampling programme would be put in place. I understand that analysis of core samples confirmed that discharges of phosphorous to the lake had increased significantly over recent years.

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board advises me that the water sampling programme is ongoing with at least two samples per month being taken from the lake and at least four samples being taken weekly from inflowing rivers. The samples are taken by fisheries board personnel and are analysed in the capital EPA laboratory in Castlebar. I understand from the fisheries board that the EPA intends to produce a report at the end of one year of sampling which will be August 2004. The chief executive of the board informs me, however, that at this point no single cause of the nutrient enrichment has been identified and more than one cause may be involved. Meanwhile, representatives of the fisheries board continue to meet representatives of Bangor angling club to discuss the matter.

National Stadium.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

74 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the state of the discussions between his Department and other sporting bodies in regard to the national stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19902/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his preferred options for the development of stadium accommodation for various sporting bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19903/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the organisations with which he has had recent discussions in the matter of national stadium accommodation; the outcome of any such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19904/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 76, inclusive, together.

The Government decided on 27 January 2004 to approve proposals to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000 seat state of the art stadium at an estimated cost of €292 million, with the Exchequer providing €191 million and the balance to be met by the IRFU and the FAI. This proposal was brought to the Government following consideration of a joint proposal by the IRFU and the FAI to meet the stadium infrastructure deficit for the playing of soccer and rugby matches. Since the Government's decision of 27 January, my Department has been working with the IRFU and FAI to plan for and progress the implementation of the decision, both through the stadium steering group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprises representatives of my Department, the Office of Public Works, the IRFU and the FAI, and through bilateral contact with both organisations.

Arts Council.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he or his Department has a role in determining policy for the arts; if this is devolved to the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19905/04]

The Arts Act 2003 recognises that the Minister responsible for the arts has a role in broad arts policy issues. This allows the Minister to direct the council to comply with Government or ministerial policies on the arts. The Act also copperfastens for the first time in legislation the independence and autonomy of the Arts Council in disbursing the funds allocated to it from the Exchequer through subheads D9 and D10 of the Vote for my Department.

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he or his Department has awarded grant or other forms of funding to various bodies or groups throughout the country to date in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19906/04]

The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, provides funding to voluntary sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country towards the provision of sport and recreational facilities. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. A total of 1,302 applications were received before the closing date for the current round of allocations of 16 January 2004. These applications were evaluated against the assessment criteria outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

Following this evaluation process, I announced on May 7 provisional funding allocations to 717 projects totalling €50.8 million in funding, which was broken down as follows:

Carlow

632,000

Cavan

925,000

Clare

1,027,000

Cork

4,874,000

Donegal

1,802,000

Dublin

11,941,000

Galway

2,702,000

Kerry

2,976,000

Kildare

2,857,000

Kilkenny

850,000

Laois

786,000

Leitrim

479,000

Limerick

1,925,000

Longford

545,000

Louth

1,294,000

Mayo

1,594,000

Meath

1,160,000

Monaghan

996,000

Offaly

857,000

Roscommon

1,027,000

Sligo

1,253,000

Tipperary

2,048,000

Waterford

1,580,000

Westmeath

1,083,000

Wexford

1,887,000

Wicklow

1,700,000

As the Deputy will appreciate, payments are made on an ongoing basis in respect of allocations made in previous years and details of such payments are published in my Department's annual report.

I will shortly make 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.

In keeping with Government policy, the allocations reflect special priority for the development of sports and recreational facilities in areas designated as disadvantaged — RAPID, CLÁR and local drugs task force areas. Projects that have been allocated sports capital funding in designated disadvantaged areas may also receive additional top-up funding under the CLÁR and RAPID programmes, administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A statement will issue from the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, at a later stage regarding top-up funding allocations under these programmes.

A provision of €15 million has been made in my Department's Estimates for this year to meet costs associated with the local authority swimming pool programme. So far this year, I have approved grant aid of €3,809,000 each to projects located in Tuam, County Galway, Churchfield in Cork City and Ballymun in Dublin.

In addition to sports projects, my Department also funds a number of cultural institutions, for which the funding to date in 2004 is set out below.

Cultural Institutions

Grants to end June 2004

Irish Architectural Archive

200,000

Marsh’s Library

150,000

The Hunt Museum

135,000

Maritime Museum

17,000

National Print Museum

75,000

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

50,000

Irish Genealogy Project

190,000

Arts Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he or his Department has set out the grounds on which the arts are to be promoted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19907/04]

The promotion of the arts is primarily a matter for the Arts Council. While the Arts Act 2003 allows me, as Minister, to direct the council to comply with Government or ministerial policies on the arts, no directions have been issued in this context. The Act also gave, for the first time, statutory recognition to the council's independence in disbursing its funds.

Questions Nos. 80 to 82, inclusive, answered with Question No. 16.

Health Board Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

83 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in reopening the supplementary welfare allowance office in Naas, County Kildare; when the office will be opened so that the public will be able to meet with community welfare officers directly to discuss their cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19848/04]

The provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities and the maintenance and upgrading of such centres within its functional area are matters for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. In the case of the supplementary welfare office in Naas, this responsibility rests with the ERHA. My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the ERHA to examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Tony Gregory

Question:

84 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding his Department is making available for the training of dogs to assist persons with disabilities; if additional funding might be provided in 2004 to allow any such project to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19949/04]

I recently allocated €50,000 to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind from national lottery funds towards the cost of a strategic review of the organisation's activities, including the training of dogs to assist people with other disabilities.

Health Board Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

85 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has still not been called for physiotherapy. [19849/04]

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.

Jack Wall

Question:

86 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the grave concerns of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to lack of funding; if he will investigate the matter, have the application reassessed and a process put in place to permit these persons to function to their full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19850/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western 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 direct to him as a matter of urgency.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

87 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the delay of almost one year in having a person (details supplied) in County Cork assessed by an occupational therapist with a view to having a wheelchair provided; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this delay has caused serious problems for the person. [19859/04]

The provision of health services, including occupational 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 Southern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.

Marian Harkin

Question:

88 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider funding a digital hearing aid for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19876/04]

Responsibility for the provision of audiology services to eligible persons in County Leitrim rests with the North Western Health Board. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.

Medicinal Products.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

89 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on providing the most effective possible treatments to combat multiple sclerosis, specifically on the effectiveness of a drug (details supplied) and the likelihood of this treatment being made widely available for sufferers of auto-immune disease here. [19877/04]

The Irish Medicines Board is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of medicinal products in Ireland. I understand from the board that the product referred to by the Deputy is licensed for use in this country in treatment programmes for substance abuse. It is not licensed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis or any of the auto-immune diseases, nor are any clinical trials taking place in Ireland at the moment for any of these indications.

To the board's knowledge this product is not licensed for use for the treatment of multiple sclerosis or auto-immune diseases anywhere worldwide. There have been anecdotal reports of improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis who have been administered this drug and similar improvements in patients with auto-immune diseases.

In the absence of satisfactory evidence of efficacy for use in these conditions and, consequently, the absence of the appropriate license to place the medicinal product concerned on the market for the treatment of these conditions, it is unlikely that this treatment would be widely used or available to persons with multiple sclerosis or auto-immune diseases in this country.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

90 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a grant will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry for the installation of new playground equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19878/04]

On 8 March, I launched "Ready, Steady, Play: A National Play Policy". The aim of the policy is to increase the range of public play opportunities available to children. At the launch of the policy a number of funding programmes were announced, including the local authority playground grants scheme. Under this scheme, which is administered by the National Children's Office, NCO, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an amount of €1 million is available in 2004 for the development or refurbishment of local authority playgrounds. Each local authority was invited to submit one project under the scheme. Kerry County Council's chosen project was that referred to in the Deputy's question.

The Kerry County Council application complied with all of the criteria for completion of stage 1 of the process and a more detailed proposal was then submitted for stage 2. The closing date for receipt of stage 2 proposals was 22 June and a total of 32 applications were received. These proposals, including the proposal which is the subject of this question, are being evaluated by a panel consisting of staff from the NCO and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and an announcement regarding the allocation of grants will be made shortly.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael Ring

Question:

91 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the recommendations that have been implemented to date from the report on autism; the plans there are to implement the remaining recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19890/04]

In line with the recommendations of the report of the task force on autism, my Department has liaised with the Department of Education and Science on the provision of the relevant health related support services. Since 1998, €16 million has been invested in the early intervention, pre-school and multi-disciplinary support services to enhance access to those services by children with autism and those with intellectual disability. My Department is continuing to work with the health boards and the Department of Education and Science to further develop the necessary support services for people with autism.

Health Board Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

92 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a service (details supplied) offers the only suitable speech and language therapy for children with high functioning autism in the Tallaght area, that it is not currently accepting new clients, and that as a consequence there is no suitable service available to such children; the plans he has to immediately rectify this appalling situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19891/04]

Responsibility for the provision of services to persons with autism in the Tallaght area lies, in the first instance, with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

93 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused the application for domiciliary care allowance; the options now available to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19897/04]

The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the domiciliary care allowance in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate this case and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency. An individual can appeal an unfavourable decision with the relevant health board.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

94 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the speech therapy required for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if priority can be given in order to ensure this person is prepared before starting school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/04]

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 South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing a stair lift in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19913/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Limerick area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Mid-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.

Phil Hogan

Question:

96 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an early appointment will be made for orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19936/04]

Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Kilkenny rests with the South Eastern Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Tony Gregory

Question:

97 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional funding will be allocated to enable the ERHA to employ staff to bring into use the four fully equipped emergency respite beds in St. Clare’s Nursing Home, Dublin, in view of the extreme shortage of respite beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19950/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Dublin 9 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 been informed by the authority that St. Clare's Home primarily provides extended care to clients in the Northern Area Health Board area and respite care. The home has 59 extended care beds and two respite beds. Both respite beds are fully operational.

Eight extended care beds were closed in St.Clare's Home in 2003 due to staffing recruitment difficulties. Following a submission by the Northern Area Health Board to the Eastern Regional Health Authority, additional funding with an increased staff ceiling adjustment was agreed in January 2004 to recruit the additional staff necessary to reopen these beds.

The authority also stated that the Northern Area Health Board ran a number of recruitment campaigns in January, February and June 2004 to recruit nursing staff for all of the elderly community units in the board's area. In an effort to speed up the recruitment campaign, the Northern Area Health Board arranged interviews in the community units and requested candidates to complete Garda clearance forms at interview. Two applicants applied for St. Clare's Home and four of the extended care beds were reopened in February 2004.

The authority has further advised that it entered into discussions with An Bord Altranais as a number of registered nurses have let their registration lapse. An Bord Altranais, in co-operation with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, wrote to these nurses to offer "back to nursing" courses and advise them of the recruitment campaign. Further to interviews held in June 2004 a number of candidates have been offered posts. On the basis of information supplied by the authority it is anticipated that the remaining beds will be reopened by the end of July 2004.

Driving Tests.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

98 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding driving testers, including the total number in the country, the qualifications required to become a driving tester, the training given to such testers and the steps taken to ensure an even standard of testing. [19896/04]

The corps of driver testers consists of a chief tester, ten supervisory testers and 111 driver testers, 19 of whom are employed on a contract basis.

Details of qualifications which candidates were required to possess for the last competition conducted by the Civil Service Commission included: a good general education; a satisfactory knowledge of the "Rules of the Road", road procedures and the law relating to road traffic in so far as it concerns the driver of a mechanically propelled vehicle; at least five years satisfactory driving experience within the seven years ending on 25 June 1998; a general understanding of the working of mechanically propelled vehicles; report writing skill with a particular reference to accuracy, clarity and conciseness; a clean driving licence, other than a provisional licence, valid in the State on the day of the test; excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; the capacity to remain calm and courteous in dealing with applicants; and otherwise possess the requisite knowledge and ability and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties of the position.

Following recruitment, each driver tester undergoes a six week training course, which covers all aspects of the driving test. The work of driver testers is monitored on an ongoing basis by supervisory driver testers to ensure that a uniform standard of test is maintained. Procedures exist to ensure that further training is provided if difficulties in applying this standard are identified.

All driver testers underwent a comprehensive two week refresher training programme in 2002 which covered procedures for carrying out driving tests, guidelines for assessing driving faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test.

Driving Instruction.

Phil Hogan

Question:

99 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport if the current driving instructors will be recognised in advance of changes that may be made to the driving instructor regulations in view of the training and courses that have already been completed by these same instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19935/04]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 10 February 2004.

Proposals being developed by my Department for the regulation and quality assurance of driving instruction will involve a test of the competence of individual instructors. A working group comprising representatives of my Department and instruction interests has formulated the design of the standards that a driving instructor must meet. I am considering what arrangements will be put in place to oversee implementation of the standard in the context of the establishment of the driver testing and standards authority. The position of existing driving instructors will be considered in the context of the drafting of regulations introducing regulation of driving instruction.

Departmental Correspondence.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

100 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a letter from a person (details supplied) in County Meath outlining their concerns; if he has proposals to restore the balance in this complex and sensitive area; the changes in the law or in the practice of the law he proposes to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19875/04]

I confirm I have received correspondence from the person in question. Under section 6A of the Guardianship Of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by section 12 of the Status of Children Act 1987, an unmarried father may apply to the court to be appointed a guardian of his child. Alternatively, where there is agreement between the parents, they can make a statutory declaration under section 2(4) of the Act, as inserted by section 4 of the Children Act 1997, conferring on the father the status of guardian.

Under section 11 of the 1964 Act, a guardian may apply to the court for its direction on any question affecting the welfare of the child, including directions as to custody and access. In addition, the section provides that the unmarried father of a child, even if he is not a guardian, may apply to the court for orders on custody and access. Section 3 of the Act provides that, in deciding on an application relating to the custody, guardianship or upbringing of a child, the court shall regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration.

I believe the existing provisions, which I have outlined, strike a good balance between the interests involved. In particular, they provide that, where a mother does not consent to the appointment of the father as guardian, he may apply to the court to be made a guardian. Even if he is not a guardian he may still apply to the court for custody or access. The overriding point is the weight the court is obliged to give to the welfare of the child under section 3 of the 1964 Act.

Crime Levels.

Dan Neville

Question:

101 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicide victims in 2003. [19827/04]

I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and the information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the table below.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that homicide is one of the headline offences groups used to record crime on the PULSE system. Murder and manslaughter are the two most important offences in the group. However, the group contains other homicide offences such as infanticide, abortion and attempted murder. I understand that other homicide offences recorded in 2003 relate to attempted murder.

Homicides recorded 2003*

Murder

Manslaughter

Other Homicide Offences

Total No. of Homicides

45

7

49

101

*Figures for 2003 are provisional and subject to change.

Child Care Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

102 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a child care grant under the equal opportunities child care programme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19828/04]

I understand from inquiries I have made that an application from this group for a substantial capital grant of more than €1.8 million was submitted in May 2003. I understand that the assessment process can involve lengthy dialogue with the applicant group and that, in this instance, the assessment is almost complete.

The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006, EOCP, is a seven year development programme, which aims to increase the availability of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. The progress of the EOCP was commented upon very favourably by the mid-term evaluators of both 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. ADM, on behalf of my Department, is currently carrying out an extensive review of the programme's capital commitments to date, numbering more than 1,100 and at a value of €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 EOCP, 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 that this technical process will be completed shortly and that it will bring to at least €157 million the total allocation for the capital development of child care under the present EOCP. This amount includes an element for the administration by ADM Limited 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 currently amounts to approximately €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, all the projects in the pipeline are being reviewed again by ADM Limited 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 EOCP.

The day to day administration of the EOCP is undertaken by ADM Limited, which has been engaged by my Department to carry out thorough assessments against the programme criteria of all applications for grant assistance under the programme on my behalf. All large scale capital projects are referred by ADM Limited to an independent external building specialist to assess the suitability of the proposal and its value for money. On completion of the assessment process, 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 current review of the applications in the pipeline 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 referred to earlier before the end of 2007.

I am sure the success of the present strand of the EOCP and the need to continue to make child care available to support the child care needs of our still growing work force 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 present national development plan, I expect that the programme would again benefit from transfers.

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

103 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of providing Garda policing for the visit of President George Bush to the Shannon area in June 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19829/04]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

104 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the cost of providing 4,000 gardaí for duty in the Shannon area in the days surrounding the visit of President Bush, including consequential and ancillary costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19830/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that approximately 3,800 gardaí were deployed for the EU/US summit. Complete costs of the security operation for the EU/US summit are not available at present. However, the estimated additional cost of providing gardaí for duty in the Shannon area, based on the initial operating police plan, is €4.9 million. This figure is broken down as follows: €3.1 million for overtime and €1.8 million for travel, subsistence and accommodation. When all expenditure returns have been received and collated, a full costing of the operation will be made.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

105 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the need for a high Garda presence in the Shannon area in the days surrounding 25 June 2004 would have been greatly reduced if President Bush had chosen to travel from Shannon Airport to his destination by air rather than by road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19832/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Garda numbers and presence required in both the Shannon and Dromoland areas would not have been reduced had President Bush travelled from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle by air.

When planning for major security operations, such as the EU/US summit, the Garda Síochána must plan for the securing of both primary and secondary travel routes. The securing of these routes would have had to be carried out even if the President travelled by air. Adverse weather conditions have a bearing on helicopter travel so in the prior planning of the transportation of the President it could not be determined whether the prevailing weather conditions would be conducive to air travel. Accordingly, the same number of gardaí would still have had to be deployed in planning for operations of this nature.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

106 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the additional levels of policing required by the May Day protests 2004, the EU Presidency and the visit of George Bush have not impacted on the ability of the Garda to attend to ordinary policing duties throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19833/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while particular high profile events during the Irish Presidency of the EU placed considerable demands on Garda resources, Garda management endeavoured to ensure that all resources at the disposal of the Garda Síochána were utilised to optimum effect in delivering the highest possible level of policing service to the community at all times.

An additional €12.473 million was made available in the Garda Vote to take account of the increased workload associated with our hosting of the EU Presidency this year to ensure, as far as possible, that normal policing resources would not be diverted during the six month Presidency period.

Garda Vote.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

107 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional funding will be provided to the Garda Síochána to meet the costs incurred in policing the visit of President Bush, in order not to impact negatively on Garda budget allocations in other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19834/04]

Garda costs associated with the EU-US summit fall to be met out of the Garda Vote. An additional €12.473 million was made available in the Garda Vote to take account of the increased workload associated with our hosting of the EU Presidency this year so as to ensure, as far as possible, that normal policing resources would not be diverted during the six month Presidency period.

EU Presidency.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

108 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Parliamentary Questions Nos. 113, 115 and 116 of 29 April 2004 and 204 of 27 May 2004 have not been answered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19835/04]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

109 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimate of the costs incurred in policing and renting equipment in respect of the weekend of 30 April to 3 May 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19836/04]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

110 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there has been an undue delay in responding to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 113, 115 and 116 of 29 April 2004 and 204 of 27 May 2004 concerning the cost of policing the May Day protests 2004; if he will provide a full response; the measures which have been put in place to ensure that such delays are not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19837/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 to 110, inclusive, together.

Due to the size and complexity of the security operation surrounding the EU enlargement ceremony and related events that took place over the weekend of 30 April 2004 to 3 May 2004, the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the associated costs has taken some time to collate. I have written to the Deputy with the details of the costs associated with these events.

Consultancy Contracts.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

111 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, ,further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 22 June 2004, for the details of the moneys paid to the 105 IT consultant firms engaged by his Department since 1 January 1997, including total cost, the cost paid to each company and the moneys paid to unidentified firms engaged on security matters in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19838/04]

In the time available for answering parliamentary questions it has not been possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The information sought is being compiled at present and I will forward it to the Deputy shortly.

Visa Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

112 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) were refused a holiday visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19865/04]

The persons in question made visa applications in May 2004, to enable them to visit their son and his wife who are resident in the State. The applications were refused because it was not established, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visa. In particular, it was considered that the applicants had not displayed evidence of any obligations to return home following their proposed visit. It was also noted that the applicants stated that their son and his wife would be responsible for all their expenses during their proposed visit. However, the bank statement which accompanied the applications showed an overdrawn balance. It is open to the applicants to appeal against the refusal by writing to the Visa Appeals Officer in my Department.

Registration of Title.

Dan Neville

Question:

113 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a folio map will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [19870/04]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for a copy folio and filed plan which was lodged on 10 March 2004 — application number C2004PS002427J refers. I am further informed that this application was completed on 25 June 2004.

Garda Investigations.

Martin Ferris

Question:

114 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Special Branch held a file on a person (details supplied) in 1958. [19871/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in the interests of the security of the State, it is not Garda policy to make known the existence or non-existence of a file on any individual in the area of the Garda organisation referred to by the Deputy.

Tony Gregory

Question:

115 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the gardaí have apprehended the persons involved in several morning muggings that took place at 8 a.m. at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if charges have been brought; if the persons involved are back on the streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19873/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is only one recorded incident in the area concerned for the month up to 29 June 2004. I understand the incident concerned relates to a robbery where a sum of cash was taken. Two suspects have been identified by the Garda authorities but no arrests have been made to date. I am assured by the Garda authorities that investigations are ongoing and the area continues to receive attention from both mobile patrols and community police.

Citizenship Applications.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

116 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow for naturalisation. [19874/04]

An application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 12 December 2003.

Applications for naturalisation are currently taking approximately 18 months to process. Consequently, it is likely that the application of the person concerned will be finalised in mid-2005. As soon as I have reached a decision on the matter, I will inform both the applicant and the Deputy of the outcome.

Residency Permits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

117 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to be in a position to process an application for residency by a person (details supplied) on the basis of marriage to an Irish national; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19882/04]

The person in question arrived in the State on 23 October 2002 and made an asylum application. This application was unsuccessful. She subsequently married an Irish national on 11 July 2003 and on 16 July 2003 she made an application for permission to remain based on that marriage. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately 12 months to process. Applications submitted in April 2003 are currently being finalised.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

118 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person made in July 2003 for residency on the basis of marriage to an Irish national (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19883/04]

An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in July 2003. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately 12 months to process. Applications submitted in April 2003 are currently being finalised.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Question:

119 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry Office will expedite an application pending on a folio for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when this matter will be completed. [19892/04]

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for transmission which was lodged on 21 January 2004 — dealing number D2004SM000580C refers. I am further informed that this application was completed on 28 June 2004 and that notice of completion was issued to the lodging solicitor.

Visa Applications.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

120 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 22 June 2004, if his Department has received the additional documentation; if further documentation will be required; and when a decision will be taken in the matter. [19901/04]

The additional documentation referred to by the Deputy has been received and both visa applications were approved on appeal on 29 June 2004.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

121 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps his Department is taking to address the fact that his Department’s visa helpline is only available for seven and a half hours per week, that during these hours it is virtually impossible to reach a visa officer and that callers to the helpline are repeatedly disconnected. [19933/04]

It is important to bear in mind that the visa section in the immigration and citizenship division does not deal with all visa applications; it only deals with those which on the basis of experience, including international experience, are more problematic and contentious. The vast majority of visa applications are granted without reference to that section as a result of a series of delegated sanctions which have been put in place over the years.

Nonetheless, in common with other areas of the immigration and citizenship division of my Department, it has seen a huge increase in recent years in its volume of business. A total of 17,100 visa applications were processed by the staff of the section in 1999, compared to 27,700 in 2003. On a weekly basis, the staff in the visa section deal with approximately 800 telephone calls, 500 faxes, 200 e-mails and a large volume of other communications and queries. In many cases those who avail of these services are not individual visa applicants but persons whose business involves securing entry to the State for large numbers of non-nationals, for example, for educational purposes. The visa section staff operate a helpline from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. During these periods five telephones on average are in operation. I have been assured that callers to the helpline are dealt with in a fair and courteous manner and are not repeatedly disconnected, as the Deputy has suggested.

The immigration division is in the process of upgrading its existing telephone system to make its operation more transparent for customers and to avoid any possibility of a mistaken impression that factors other than sheer volume have a bearing on the current situation. I intend to review the workings of the immigration division and visa section with a view to improving the quality of customer service.

Garda Operations.

Joe Higgins

Question:

122 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons arrested during a protest against the visit of President Bush on the evening of 25 June 2004. [19954/04]

Joe Higgins

Question:

123 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons arrested during a protest against the visit of President Bush on 26 June 2004. [19955/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that no persons were arrested during the protests against the visit of the US President on 25 to 26 June 2004. I am further informed that, other than during the actual protests, four persons were arrested.

Detention Centres.

Joe Higgins

Question:

124 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the detention centre set up by the Garda Síochána in Shannon industrial estate; and the number of persons who were detained there. [19956/04]

The costs associated with the works necessary to convert a commercial unit in the Shannon industrial estate into a Garda station and holding cells are not yet available. I am informed by the Garda authorities that four people were taken to the converted unit on arrest.

Joe Higgins

Question:

125 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a commissioner of the Garda Síochána (details supplied) refused a request from this Deputy to be allowed to inspect the detention centre set up by the gardaí in Shannon industrial estate at the end of the protest march on 26 June 2004. [19957/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, where security and-or operational considerations are paramount, it is not Garda policy to permit access to Garda detention centres.

Garda Investigations.

Joe Higgins

Question:

126 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a campsite was raided by gardaí in the Shannon area around the time of the visit of President Bush; the materials which were confiscated by gardaí; and the justification for this confiscation. [19958/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána was in possession of reliable information that persons in the campsite in question were in possession of flares and other material intended for release into the path of the aircraft carrying the US President, thereby impeding its safe landing. I am further informed that the campsite was searched pursuant to a warrant issued under the provisions of section 29 of the Offences against the State Act 1939, as amended. In the course of the search, a container of helium gas and a large quantity of helium filled balloons were seized and destroyed.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jack Wall

Question:

127 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding group water schemes that are amalgamating under the new initiative as proposed by his Department in regard to capital funding and maintenance and refurbishment costings of schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19842/04]

Jack Wall

Question:

128 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding group water schemes as operated by a voluntary group; the effects that new proposals will have on such groups in regard to amalgamation; if the trustees will continue to be trustees of the scheme; the role the trustee board will play in the new proposals; the way in which funding or membership fees will be collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19843/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

Design, build, operate, DBO, procurement, together with the bundling of numbers of schemes under a single contract, is the established procedure for the procurement of water treatment and disinfection equipment for privately sourced group water schemes. Under this process the selected contractor operates and maintains the new equipment under a 20 years contract with each of the participating groups.

Subject to a maximum cost of €7,618 per house, grants of up to 100% of the cost of water treatment and disinfection equipment and 85% of related civil works — including buildings, reservoirs, water conservation and network renewal — are available. An annual subsidy of up to €196.81 per house is payable towards the operation and maintenance costs of schemes participating in DBO contracts.

Bundled DBO contracts do not affect general management of group water schemes' affairs, including the setting and collection of charges or fees. Participating group schemes retain their independent status and operate as separate entities unless two or more schemes decide to amalgamate by way of a private arrangement.

To improve the management structure of group schemes and to facilitate long-term operational contracts, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the representative body for the group scheme sector, recommends that all groups participating in DBO contracts should be incorporated as registered co-operatives. Where a group scheme is restructured from trust to co-operative, the board of directors assumes the duties and responsibilities formerly discharged by the trustees.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

129 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Kerry County Council for a new sewerage system for Miltown, County Kerry; if so, when this application will be considered and decided upon; if funding is available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19900/04]

I have approved the preparation of preliminary assessments by Kerry County Council of the need for improved sewerage systems in a number of villages, including Miltown, under my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006. On receipt of the assessments in my Department, further consideration will be given to the need for infrastructural improvements in the locations concerned.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

130 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid the carer’s allowance, considering that the application was submitted at the end of January 2004. [19893/04]

The person concerned has been awarded the carer's allowance with effect from 29 January 2004, at the maximum weekly personal rate of €139.60. She has also been awarded €33.60 dependent child allowance per week. She was notified of this decision on 30 June 2004 and arrangements have been made to have her payment collected from her nominated post office.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent supplement will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has supplied all documentation as requested, including bank details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19915/04]

The South Western Area Health Board was contacted again regarding this case and has advised that it is currently examining additional documentation just received. The board expects to be in a position to make a determination on the person's application for rent supplement by the end of the week.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when payments of one-parent family allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19916/04]

An application for one-parent family payment by the person concerned was refused recently on the grounds of cohabitation. However, on 22 June 2004 the Deputy informed my Department that the person concerned was no longer cohabiting and requested that her entitlement be re-examined.

As a result, her file has been referred to a local officer of my Department to establish her current circumstances. On completion of all the necessary inquiries, the file will be referred to a deciding officer for decision and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome. 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which rent allowance is available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has one child dependant, with special needs, and has no income other than one-parent family allowance for the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19917/04]

As I advised last week in my reply to the Deputy's previous parliamentary question relating to this case, the South Western Area Heath Board was recently made aware of changes in the person's financial circumstances which necessitated a review of the amount of rent supplement payable. The board was contacted again and has advised that the person concerned took up part-time employment in September 2003 and recently received an increase in her maintenance payments. She failed to notify the board of the changes in her circumstances and, consequently, she has incurred an overpayment of rent supplement. The amount of rent supplement payable has been revised to €497 per month with effect from the end of July.

The board is to contact the person concerned regarding the repayment of the overpayment. I should also advise that the person's one-parent family payment is also being reviewed arising from the changes in her circumstances. In addition, the board has advised that the person concerned is due to resume her part-time employment in September. Any changes in household income will necessitate a revision of the amount of rent supplement payable.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19918/04]

The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the local authority has assessed this person's need for accommodation and that when she secures accommodation appropriate to her circumstances she should advise the board accordingly, so that her application for rent supplement can be finalised.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an exceptional needs payment can be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19920/04]

The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that there is no record of an application for an exceptional needs payment from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make such an application, she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre who will assess her circumstances and determine whether payment is warranted in this case.

David Stanton

Question:

136 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her Department’s views on payments made to town councillors as a result of their being elected; and the way in which such payments impact on disability allowance or other such allowances which may be granted by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19931/04]

New payments for councillors, known as representational payments, were introduced with effect from January 2002. The amount of the representational payment varies depending on the particular office held. Councillors are regarded as office holders in the same manner as TDs, MEPs, Senators and members of the Judiciary. Accordingly, the representational payment is treated, for social welfare purposes, as income from self employment and dealt with on that basis for social welfare payments.

For the purposes of disability allowance and other social assistance schemes, income derived from the representational payment is assessed as means. However, any legitimate expenses incurred in carrying out the self employment, for which the councillor is not otherwise compensated, may be disregarded in assessing the representational payment.

This may reduce the amount of means assessed so that the impact on the weekly rate of disability assistance would be reduced. Each case would have to be examined by reference to its own circumstances. For disability allowance purposes, a further disregard of €120 per week applies to earnings from employment or self employment that is rehabilitative in nature. This is subject to the approval of the Department's chief medical adviser on foot of satisfactory medical evidence. I consider that the present arrangements are appropriate and I am satisfied that local representatives are treated fairly in regard to social welfare entitlements.

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