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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Oct 2004

Vol. 590 No. 6

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 7, inclusive, answered orally.

Postal Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

8 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties created for pensioners of An Post by the decision of the company to freeze increases due to them under national pay agreements; if he has raised this matter with the management of An Post; the action he intends to take to ensure that pensioners receive the increases to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25640/04]

I am very much aware of the situation for An Post pensioners as a result of the company's decision not to pay awards due under Sustaining Progress to existing employees given the financial position of the company.

Authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post by the Department on 26 May 1989. Traditionally, An Post has granted increases to serving staff in line with national pay agreements. Increases to pensioners have then subsequently been applied in line with increases granted to serving staff. I am also informed that the terms and conditions, including those regarding the matter of increases, as enshrined in the An Post main superannuation scheme 1990 are based on those that prevailed in the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

As the Deputy is aware, the company is currently involved in detailed negotiations with its unions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in order to reach agreement on necessary restructuring with a view to returning to financial stability.

These negotiations have impacted on consideration of increases for An Post pensioners. I am aware that An Post pensioners have naturally become concerned about the payment issue. Having regard to these concerns, I understand that the An Post board of management are reviewing this situation. In light of this review, I feel that it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

Mobile Telephony.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

9 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has for the blocking of mobile phones in various public buildings where phone usage can cause a nuisance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25650/04]

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. This is a spectrum management issue for the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I am aware that the ubiquitous nature, and the often inappropriate use of mobile phones, has resulted in calls for restricted use in particular areas such as cinemas, theatres, hospitals. This has resulted in some cases of jammers which are prohibited under EU and Irish legislation, being installed illegally. By emitting electro-magnetic radiation, these devices interfere with the signal from the mobile phone and thus block all communications, including emergency calls.

Interceptors, on the other hand, do not prohibit the operation of mobile devices by means of emission of electro-magnetic radiation, but permit restricted use of mobile phones for emergency services and are not illegal. ComReg is seeking views on proposals for the use of such interceptors in Ireland. A response to this consultation will be published shortly.

Marine Safety.

John Deasy

Question:

10 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is fully satisfied regarding the sea worthiness of all fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25793/04]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

64 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that adequate safety regulations are effectively applied throughout the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25790/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself regarding the application of health and safety standards throughout the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/04]

I propose to take Questions 10, 64 and 141 together.

The Department has an ongoing safety programme involving an appropriate combination of statutory regulation, enforcement and safety awareness promotion with the aim of achieving the highest level of safety at sea, particularly on fishing vessels. There is a requirement, under the Sea Fisheries Amendment Act 2003, that all fishing vessels are in a safe and seaworthy condition before a sea fishing vessel licence is issued.

The maritime safety directorate of the Department has commenced a comprehensive regulatory framework for fishing vessels which should ensure a higher level of safety over a period of time. This programme is based on an approach which separates the fleet into three categories as follows: less than 15 m in length; 15 to 24 m in length; and over 24 m.

With regard to fishing vessels less than 15 m in length the Department has published a new code of practice for these vessels earlier this year. This code sets minimum standards of safety for the vessel to protect all persons on board. It covers vessel design, construction, machinery, safety equipment and stability issues. A panel of surveyors has also been established by the Department to ensure that fishing vessels comply with the requirements of the code. To obtain a fishing vessel licence a declaration must be signed by one of the surveyors on the panel signifying that the vessel is compliant with the code. This declaration remains valid for four years subject to the owner's bi-annual declaration.

Prior to the introduction of the code, the Department undertook an extensive consultation process with fishing industry representatives and BIM. In promoting the application of the new code of practice my overall concern is to enhance safety at sea. Compliance with this new safety regime is the best way to ensure the safety of fishing vessels and their crew.

All fishing vessels between 15 and 24 m in length are required to comply with the relevant safety, fire-fighting and radio installation regulations prior to receiving its licence. The Department is also considering additional safety requirements for this category of vessels covering vessel design and construction in particular.

Fishing boats over 24 m in length are required to carry a certificate of compliance, CoC, in respect of the vessel and this CoC is issued following a survey undertaken by the Department. The crew are also required to hold certificates of competency.

In addition to the safety of the vessel, there are regulations governing the safety of the crew and the working environment on board the vessels. The Fishing Vessel (Personal Floatation Devices) Regulations, SI No. 586 of 2001, came into effect on 1 March 2002. This introduced the mandatory wearing of suitable personal floatation devices by commercial fishermen while on the deck of fishing vessels. New fishing vessels over 15 m and existing vessels over 18 m must comply with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1999. These regulations give effect to Council Directive 93/103/EEC on the minimum health and safety requirements applicable to work on board fishing vessels. The regulations view vessel decks as workplaces, recognising the very dangerous nature of work on a fishing vessel deck. They also set out the duties of vessel owners including duties in relation to the provision of information, training, instruction and consultation of workers.

Under the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) Regulations 1988 fishing vessels with engine power greater than 750 KW are also obliged to carry specified numbers of qualified engineer officers depending on the registered power of the vessel. The Fishing Vessels (Basic Safety Training) Regulations 2001 require all crew members, before going to sea for the first time, to obtain basic safety training. Existing serving crew members are required to undertake this training on a phased basis between 2003 and 2008. The crew member must carry a commercial fishing training record book on board to demonstrate that the training has taken place.

The enforcement of all regulations governing the safety of vessels, including fishing vessels, is carried out by the surveying staff attached to the maritime safety directorate of the Department. They inspect vessels to ensure that they are complying with the statutory safety standards laid down. Where a vessel is found to be deficient or the crew members to be insufficiently qualified, the vessel is detained until the deficiencies have been rectified. If there is a contravention of regulations, the owner and skipper of a fishing vessel may be guilty of an offence. If skippers and crews are found to be failing to comply with the regulations then prosecutions will take place to ensure compliance in the interests of safety. This new regime is the continuation of a process which should ensure higher standards for fishing vessels and the greater safety of their crew going forward.

Fisheries Protection.

Simon Coveney

Question:

11 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the alternative income he can offer to fishing families whose livelihoods may be in jeopardy arising from conservation regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/04]

The critical factor in protecting the livelihoods of fishing families is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities and this aspect, rather than the provision of alternative income streams, remains my primary focus. The Government is, however, concerned to ensure that the livelihoods of fishermen are protected during periods when they are unable to fish and have very low incomes. For this reason, the fish assist scheme was introduced in 1999. It represents an important element of support for fishermen and their families in the event of difficulties.

However, as I indicated earlier, the best way to maintain and develop the livelihoods of fishing families is to provide them with good fishing possibilities each year. In that regard, I believe that the position for 2004 is worthy of emphasis and represents a broadly favourable position. Ireland's national quotas for 2004 show an overall growth of some 23%, in volume terms, on the equivalent figure for 2003. While this figure includes a generally static position for whitefish and shellfish quotas this is more than offset by increased pelagic quotas.

While some whitefish stocks in particular require conservation action at the present time, which are causing particular difficulties, fishermen accept that there is a need for effective conservation regulations to provide for sustainable exploitation of fish stocks into the future. Rather than jeopardise the livelihoods of fishing families, I believe that conservation regulations will in fact help to safeguard the future income of Irish fishing families. Fishing possibilities for 2005 will be decided in December and I will work closely with the Irish fishing industry to get the best possible deal consistent with the overriding requirement of ensuring long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

Marine Accidents.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

12 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the emergency towing vessel was requested to come to the assistance of the Canadian submarine in the recent incident off the Donegal coast; the length of time it took for the towing vessel to arrive on the scene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25756/04]

The recent incident to which the Deputy refers occurred on Tuesday, 5 October, 100 miles north-north west of Arranmore Island, County Donegal. A Canadian submarine, HMCS Chicoutimi, was on route from Faslane, Scotland, to Canada when fire broke out on board. Three crew members suffered smoke inhalation. The fire also caused loss of engine power. Weather and sea conditions were very poor and hampered, but did not prevent both search and rescue and salvage operations.

The incident took place in the UK search and rescue region. At 16.05 local time on Tuesday, 5 October, the UK coastguard emergency towing vessel, Anglian Prince, which was then located off the north west coast of Scotland, was tasked by the UK authorities to come to the scene of the incident. It arrived on Wednesday, 6 October at 18.46, taking 26 hours and 41 minutes to arrive on scene.

Although the HMCS Chicoutimi was in the Irish pollution responsibility zone, IRPZ, the UK authorities, which were acting on behalf of the Canadian Government, were responsible for providing the salvage response. The UK authorities made salvage proposals which were approved by the Irish Coast Guard.

I wish to record my sadness that one of the three crewmen, who suffered smoke inhalation as a result of the incident, died before arrival at Sligo Hospital to which he was air-lifted. However, with regard to the management of the overall incident, I am satisfied that the Irish Coast Guard, having agreed a joint process with the UK authorities for co-ordination of pollution and salvage matters and for search and rescue operations, successfully carried out its responsibilities. The coast guard monitored the course of the drifting submarine. At no time did the vessel pose an environmental threat to the Irish coastline. The submarine was salvaged and towed to safety at Faslane in Scotland and no pollution occurred. In all, and given the complexity of the situation which prevailed, I am satisfied that Ireland's responsibilities in respect of this incident were thoroughly and successfully carried out.

Question No. 13 answered with QuestionNo. 6.

Postal Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

14 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in relation to the future of sub post offices in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25569/04]

The Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable rural post office network as set out in the programme for Government. There is widespread recognition that the strategy to meet this objective is for An Post and its network to continue adapting to its customer needs within the financial constraints in which it now finds itself. By way of examples of this strategy, An Post has secured additional business for the network, including bill pay facilities for the ESB, phone top ups through their Postpoint service and a contract with the AIB under which the bank's customers can access their accounts through the network.

Parallel with these developments and under an agreement between the Irish Postmasters' Union and An Post, the conversion of sub post offices from a fixed contract to an agency basis, whereby payments are linked to transactions, is being implemented on a voluntary basis. The key requirement, that a service is provided locally, is being met by the new agency.

The future of the post office network has been subject to a number of studies and reviews in recent years and many of the recommendations made have been implemented. The post office network at present has a high footfall, a recognised brand name, and a countrywide retail network. The priority for all stakeholders is to maintain and increase the amount of business being done through the network in order to secure its future.

Port Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

15 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the upgrading of ports and harbours throughout the country; if he has in mind an integrated plan in this regard. [25780/04]

Richard Bruton

Question:

79 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his priorities for the upgrading of ports, harbours or marinas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 79 together.

The Department has been progressing work on a comprehensive ports policy statement. It is intended that this policy statement will be published soon following approval by the Government. This policy statement has been informed by the conclusions of the high level review of the State commercial ports and by an open consultation process conducted by the Department with industry stakeholders. This process has provided many valuable insights and perspectives into the needs of the sector and the operation of the State port companies.

The policy statement will provide the overall framework for the operation of the State port companies and for the development of the sector into the future as part of the nation's integrated transport system. The policy statement addresses a range of key issues, including seaport capacity and funding, competition, regulation and privatisation. It also seeks to better equip the State port companies for the challenges of the future through clarified commercial remits, enhanced integration of transport policy, and shareholder support for private sector involvement and for mergers of port companies. The central objective of the policy statement is to equip the ports better to address capacity constraints and to open up the possibility of State funding in narrow, closely specified circumstances.

In regard to regional harbours which have little or no commercial shipping traffic, the long-standing policy of the Department is to transfer these harbours to local authority control for reasons of good governance and to enable them to realise their local amenity potential. To this end, the Department is engaged in discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to reaching agreement on the modalities for the transfer of these regional harbours to local authority control.

The Department has no direct responsibility for managing or upgrading marinas, which are generally privately owned or, in some cases, supported by local authorities and community development groups. The Department acted as implementing authority for the marine tourism grant scheme, a sub-measure of the main tourism measure, to which €25 million was allocated under the national development plan. This scheme was designed to promote marine tourism by the provision of marine access infrastructure, such as marinas, piers and slipways. However, due to budgetary constraints, the scheme was suspended in December 2002 and no projects were supported under the scheme.

The national development plan sets out the programme objectives for fishery harbour development. The plan provides €84.35 million for capital investment in fishery harbours infrastructure and facilities over the period 2000-06. Up to the end of 2003, the Department has spent €83.44 million under this programme. The total allocation for 2004 is €17.141 million. Some €9 million has been made available this year to complete the €50 million development at Killybegs fishery harbour centre.

This year's allocation includes funding for various other projects including funds to progress the development of Dinish Wharf extension and Auction Hall at Castletownbere fishery harbour centre; the development of new ferry berths at Rossaveel fishery harbour centre — this development will be jointly funded by the Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; the development options at Dunmore East fishery harbour centre; and the upgrading and modernisation of Port Oriel, Clogherhead, which is owned by Louth County Council — the County Council will contribute 25% of the cost of this development. Funding is also approved for 24 projects at smaller harbours and landing places right around the coast to meet the needs of local fishing and aquaculture interests and coastal communities.

Marine Accidents.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

16 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the inquiry that will be held into the loss of the fishing vessel, St. Oliver, with the loss of four lives, off the Galway coast in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/04]

At the outset, I take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathy to the families on the tragic loss of the four crewmen. The tragic accident involving the St. Oliver is currently under investigation by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, MCIB, which is an independent body established under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000. This board was established to provide a new legislative and procedural regime to regulate the area of marine casualty investigation in Ireland replacing a system that had been in place since 1894.

The main purpose of the board's investigation is to establish the cause or causes of a marine casualty with a view to making recommendations to me for the avoidance of similar marine casualties. Investigations carried out by the MCIB do not attribute blame or fault. Under the Act, the board is required to publish a report, within nine months of the incident taking place, of any investigation it undertakes into a marine casualty after having sought and received the observations of parties likely to be adversely affected by publishing the report.

I expect to receive the final report on this incident by the end of June 2005 following legal vetting by the board and the application and finalisation of natural justice procedures. However, if the report is published earlier, the Act also provides for a copy of the final report to be transmitted to me as soon as it is published. Once published, the report will be available on the web and made available free of charge to anyone who requests a copy.

It is most important that the facts of this tragic incident are established. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any aspect of this case while it is still under investigation. However, I want to assure the Deputy that if, in the course of the investigation or arising from any recommendations contained in the final report, additional safety measures are found to be necessary, I shall have them implemented as quickly as possible to improve maritime safety generally.

Fisheries Protection.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

17 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action being taken in connection with the drift and draft net arrangement; when the long overdue and promised agreement for set aside or buyout of drift and draft net fishermen will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25571/04]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

26 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is considering proposals to buy out drift, draft and snap net licences in view of the serious impact that these activities have on salmon stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25661/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 26 together.

It is the Government's strongly held view that our salmon stock is a national asset, which must be conserved and protected, as well as being exploited as a resource, by us all on a sustainable basis. As a result, a delicate balancing exercise is necessary between the needs of the coastal and inland communities who depend on fishing resources for their livelihood and the recreational users, including tourists, who each pursue the salmon for their own end.

The overriding objective of the Government therefore is to preserve the salmon resource in its own right and for the coastal and rural communities that it helps to support. The economic goals for a sustainable commercial salmon fishery, based on quality and value rather than volume, and the development of salmon angling as an important tourism product are both fully compatible with the Government's primary objective.

We are all agreed that over-exploitation of fish stocks is a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of the inland fisheries resource. Since publication of the salmon management task force report in 1996, the Department has introduced a range of conservation measures which have seen considerable advancements made in salmon policy and in particular the management of the commercial salmon fishery. As part of these measures, the drift net season is now confined to a two month period in June and July on a four day week basis. Fishing is only allowed during daylight hours and is confined to the area within the six mile limit. The Department operates, through the regional fisheries boards, the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations which, inter alia, limits the total allowable commercial catch of salmon, TAC.

Earlier this year, on the advice of the National Salmon Commission and the National Fisheries Management Executive, my predecessor further reduced the total allowable commercial catch by 11%. This was consistent with the salmon commission's three year strategy aimed at reaching the scientific advice on precautionary catch limits over the period 2003-05. I await the advice of these bodies, based on their analysis including the 2004 season, on the conservation measures, including TAC to be adopted in 2005.

It is the Government's belief that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice by next year holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors. For this reason, the Government has consistently ruled out buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be acquired by the State in the context of a publicly funded buyout nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase.

As a result, while I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences, I should also make it clear to the Deputy that no formal offers have been made to the Department to meet the cost of a buyout scheme for drift netting licences. I would be prepared, however, to keep the matter under review and would be open to any relevant proposals whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch might fund in whole or in part any compensation arising.

Mobile Telephony.

Liz McManus

Question:

18 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he intends to take arising from the recent preliminary finding of an investigation carried out by the EU Commission, that mobile phone users are being charged excessive roaming tariffs by Vodafone and O2 when travelling to the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25649/04]

The matter referred to relates to an investigation taken by the EU Commission into the wholesale rates charged by O2 and Vodafone to mobile network operators of other countries, to permit roaming on the O2 and Vodafone networks by mobile phone users who were visiting the UK from other countries. The scale of the wholesale rates naturally impacts on prices charged to retail consumers. This issue would have impacted on mobile phone users of different nationalities visiting the UK, including Irish mobile phone users. The preliminary findings were made in relation to O2 and Vodafone in the UK by the European Commission in July 2004. The probe is ongoing. I await with interest the outcome of the probe.

However, it is important to understand that the probe relates to rates charged in the UK by UK operators. ComReg or I do not have any jurisdiction in this matter. Any remedies arising from the outcome of the probe would be a matter for the European Commission, Vodafone and O2.

Electronic Communications Appeals Panel.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

19 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will list those appointed as members of the Electronic Communications Appeals Panel; the rate of remuneration that will apply to members of the panel; if he has satisfied himself that all those appointed have technical, economic, regulatory or other financial experience as set out in the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25667/04]

The Electronic Communications Appeals Panel was established on 21 September 2004 under the provisions of SI No. 307 of 2003, the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework Regulations 2003. This statutory instrument provides for the establishment and operation of an independent appeal panel to hear and determine appeals of decisions made by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

Four panel members were appointed from whom three can be drawn to serve on and determine each appeal. These include: Mr. Hugh Mohan, Senior Counsel and Chairman of the Bar Council, who was appointed as chairman of the Electronic Communications Appeals Panel; Ms Margaret Heneghan, BL; Mr. Philip O'Brien BL; and Ms Catherine Woods BA.

I am fully satisfied that these appointments more than meet the regulation's requirements that at least one of the panel shall be a practising barrister or solicitor with at least seven years' experience and that the others shall have such commercial, technical, economic, regulatory or financial experience as I, as Minister, consider appropriate. I am delighted that persons of such high ability are willing to perform this task, as the appeals panel will play an important role in speeding up and simplifying the appeals process, and that this will benefit both the industry and consumers.

A sliding scale of fees for the panel members was agreed with the Department of Finance, which provides for payment of €825 for the first ten days, €650 for the next ten days and €500 for any remaining days.

Mobile Telephony.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

20 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to increase the powers of ComReg to impose fines on operators particularly in view of the number of recent disclosures of cases of overcharging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25648/04]

In response to the instances of overcharging by telecoms operators during the summer, the then Minister decided to explore the feasibility of introducing measures to increase the enforcement options open to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in the event of a recurrence. Draft legislation is, accordingly, under preparation in my Department at present to enhance ComReg's enforcement powers in a number of areas. This legislation, the Electronic Communications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, will specifically address ComReg's power to effectively intervene in an instance of suspected overcharging by an authorised operator. I hope to publish the new Bill early in the new year.

One option would be to model the approach on the measures empowering the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, to investigate overcharging by financial institutions, as introduced under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004. In this situation therefore, in future, suspected cases of overcharging by authorised operators, ComReg would have the power to investigate the suspected overcharging. If it finds that the operator in question has overcharged subscribers, ComReg would have the power to direct the operator to cease overcharging and to refund affected customers. ComReg would also be empowered to impose fines on operators guilty of overcharging.

Fishing Industry Development.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

21 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the recent report prepared by the BIM and the Marine Institute, suggesting that some 4,500 additional jobs could be created by the development of offshore fish farms; his response to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/04]

The report referred to was jointly commissioned by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, and the Marine Institute in order to assess the potential for the further development of offshore farming of finfish in Ireland and internationally. It was produced to coincide with an international conference in Ireland on offshore finfish aquaculture entitled, Farming the Deep Blue, organised by BIM and which I opened.

It is envisaged that largescale offshore farms will be developed in the future in semi-exposed sites. From an Irish perspective, the report concludes that Ireland could potentially increase its current output by 150,000 tonnes with a first sale value of €500 million per annum and supporting approximately 4,500 extra jobs. All of this wealth creation and employment would be located in Ireland's most vulnerable peripheral coastal communities.

The report also concludes that the multifaceted technological challenge of successfully moving finfish farming offshore is too great for any one company or for any one country alone to address. The report recommends that an international body should be formed to form a global community that would operate in a high tech virtual environment.

Following the endorsement of the delegates at the conference, BIM in collaboration with experts from the University of Limerick, the Marine Institute and interested parties is moving to form a new international body for offshore aquaculture development. This body would serve as an international focal point for developing offshore aquaculture and it would seek to accelerate and galvanise the process through the co-ordination and provision of financial and knowledge capital. I consider that Ireland is ideally poised to play a major part in the development of offshore finfish farming and I am fully supportive of this important initiative.

Telecommunications Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

22 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if state of the art telecommunications technology in this country is keeping pace with similar developments in other European and non-European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25832/04]

John Gormley

Question:

33 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date of the metropolitan area networks giving indications of the networks which are now open, the numbers of operators and the volume of traffic on each network. [25761/04]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

38 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the best means whereby advanced telecommunications technology can be made available to the business and domestic sector on a countrywide basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25830/04]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

61 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he can encourage greater use of telephone technology to assist the business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25823/04]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

65 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the results of a survey carried out by the European Competitive Telecommunications Associations showing that Ireland is near the bottom of a league table measuring the penetration of broadband services; the steps he intends to take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25657/04]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

72 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his priorities for the provision of broadband technology throughout the country with particular reference to industrial requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25829/04]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

73 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received requests from the business sector in connection with the provision of urgently required telecommunications services; his plans to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25831/04]

Gerard Murphy

Question:

77 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which broadband technology is available throughout the country; his timetable for meeting deficiencies therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25833/04]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

84 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in the provision of high quality broadband telecommunications facilities for Gaeltacht areas. [22742/04]

Paul McGrath

Question:

93 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to enhance the availability of e-technology to both the business and domestic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25827/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Ireland has fallen behind other European and non-European countries in the provision of broadband and other state of the art methods of modern telecommunications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25941/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which full broadband facilities are available throughout the country; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25942/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason it is that in terms of broadband availability Ireland comes 13 out of 14 in a recently published European league; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25943/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 33, 38, 61, 65, 72, 73, 77, 84, 93, 129, 130 and 131 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is primarily a matter for companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation. The growth in broadband uptake in recent months has been very encouraging. At the beginning of 2004, there were 3,000 broadband users, and the figure is expected to be in excess of 100,000 at the end of the year.

In the New Connections document, published by the Department of the Taoiseach in April 2002, the Government stated its commitment to placing Ireland within the top 10% of OECD countries for broadband connectivity within five years. This target should be achieved by the end of 2007. To drive the delivery of open access broadband infrastructure, an indicative €200 million of Government and ERDF funding was set aside under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Phase one of my Department's regional broadband programme, the building of metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 26 towns and cities in association with the local authorities, is now almost completed. The networks are being completed to schedule and within budget, and are being managed for the State on an open-access basis by E-Net, which was awarded the services concession contract during the summer. There is already commercial traffic on the MANs that have been completed.

Phase two of the programme involves the rollout of MANs to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and over. Proposals in respect of the next 45 of these towns have already been received and are currently being considered by my Department. It is expected that contracts will be in place by the end of 2004 and construction completed by the end of 2005. The call for the remaining towns will issue early in 2005 and construction is expected to commence later that year.

For smaller towns and rural communities, the group broadband scheme, administered by my Department, offers grant support to communities to come together and pool their requirements, and obtain broadband for their area in association with a broadband provider. Funding assistance of up to 55% is available from my Department. Over 50 applications have been received under the group broadband scheme to date, and to date five grants have been sanctioned by me. Further announcements will be made shortly regarding approvals under the scheme.

One of the group broadband schemes that has been approved is located in the Gaeltacht area of Dungloe, County Donegal, and one of the first group of MANs is located in Gaoth Dobhair. The CLÁR programme, administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has specific responsibility for initiatives in Gaeltacht areas, and my officials are working closely with the CLÁR administrators to ensure optimum takeup of funding opportunities for broadband in Gaeltacht areas.

In addition to these initiatives, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Education and Science, and the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, is undertaking a programme of delivering free high speed broadband connectivity to every primary and post-primary school in the State by the end of 2005.

Latest national broadband figures show a 70-fold increase in broadband customers since March 2003, with the number of DSL customers currently over 75,000, and growing by over 30% each quarter. In addition, there are over 6,000 customers who access broadband by cable modem, and over 4,000 using fixed wireless access. These figures place Ireland favourably in the league table for broadband, and indicate that the Government's target should be reached by 2007.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

23 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will issue the contracts for the additional 140 MW of onshore wind power, 50 MW of offshore wind power and 28 MW of biomass combined CHP; and if special conditions will apply to such contracts. [25753/04]

The Green Paper on Sustainable Energy 1999 established a target to add 500 MW of new renewable energy based electricity generating plant to the electricity network by 2005. The initial implementation programme planned to support this target by allocating support contracts under AER V and VI of the alternative energy requirement, AER, support programme. The 500 MW had EU state aids clearance prior to the commencement of AER VI.

At the launch of AER VI additional support was proposed for the construction of two offshore wind energy projects not exceeding 25 MW each and up to 28 MW of biomass powered combined heat and power, CHP, plant, subject to state aids clearance. Subsequently when the first round of offers under AER VI was announced, it was also indicated to the market that support would be offered for an additional 140 MW above the original 500 MW target subject to state aids approval.

This additional capacity was cleared by the EU Commission during August and notified to my Department in September. I will announce shortly the allocations, by category and by applicants, of all remaining unallocated AER VI support.

My Department's role in the AER support programme is to design and administer each AER round and to select the successful applicants. The associated formal contracts, in the form of power purchase agreements, PPAs, are issued by ESB customer service. However, ESB customer service will not be in a position to execute the PPAs until a related order under section 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 is published. It was not possible to progress a draft order to conclusion in advance of the Commission state aids decision and any special conditions which might arise. The draft order is now at an advanced stage of preparation but I am not in a position to give a publication date at present.

Each successful applicant in AER VI will, therefore, have ongoing obligations to my Department to comply with the published terms and conditions of AER VI and to ESB customer service to comply with the terms and conditions of the formal contracts.

Offshore Exploration.

Seán Ryan

Question:

24 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the latest information available to his Department regarding the proposed development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25659/04]

All relevant approvals from my Department have issued in respect of the proposed development of the Corrib gas field since 2002. These approvals-consents include: plan of development approval dated 15 May 2002 under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960; consent to construct a pipeline dated 15 May 2002 under the Gas Act 1976 as amended; consent under section 5 of the Continental Shelf Act 1968, as amended, dated 15 May 2002; and foreshore licence approval 17 May 2002 under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended.

As of now the developers are awaiting a determination from an Bord Pleanála on their planning application under the Planning and Development Act 2000. I understand that an Bord Pleanála proposes to make a determination on the application before the end of October 2004.

Innovation Fund.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

25 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delays in the publication of the application schemes under the BCI innovation fund; if he has satisfied himself that the delays are reasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25568/04]

The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provided for the establishment of a fund to support certain television and radio productions and projects out of an amount of 5% of net receipts of television licence fees. The Act is quite clear that it is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, to develop a scheme or schemes through which the fund can be accessed. The manner in which it draws up such schemes is a day to day matter for the BCI and one in which I have no role.

I do not think it unreasonable that the BCI should take time to consider the details of a scheme through which very substantial public funds will be disbursed. I also think it both reasonable and desirable that the BCI has consulted widely when preparing a scheme. A key consideration for the BCI has to be that any scheme is likely to require state aid approval from the European Commission. It is important to remember that while the scheme is being developed the fund is still growing. To date €14.3 million has been paid into the fund.

I understand that the BCI has drawn up a draft scheme and recently completed a public consultation on that draft scheme. In accordance with section 2(1) of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003, the BCI must submit the finalised scheme to me for approval following which I will lay the scheme before the Oireachtas. I expect to receive a proposed scheme from the BCI in the next few weeks.

Question No. 26 answered with QuestionNo. 17.

Mobile Telephony.

Denis Naughten

Question:

27 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that mobile telephone costs in this country are sufficiently competitive to facilitate the needs of industry and the domestic market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25835/04]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

89 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to encouraging competition in the Irish mobile phone market; if he has plans to request ComReg to implement new policies calling for lower prices for mobile and fixed line telephone bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25643/04]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

94 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which mobile telephone charges and costs in this country compare with those in other EU and non EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25826/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 89 and 94 together.

The regulation of the telecommunications industry is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator. I am responsible for policy and legislation for the sector. In March 2003, my predecessor issued policy directions to ComReg, including a direction on competition.

This direction required ComReg to focus on the promotion of competition as a key objective and, where necessary, to implement remedies which counteract or remove barriers to market entry and shall support entry by new players to the market and entry into new sectors by existing players. The direction required ComReg to have a particular focus on: market share of new entrants; ensuring that the applicable margin attributable to a product at the wholesale level is sufficient to promote and sustain competition; price level to the end user; competition in the fixed and mobile markets; and the potential of alternative technology delivery platforms to support competition.

The policy directions also require ComReg, if ComReg's market analysis process finds a lack of competition in the mobile market, to examine mandating the introduction of national roaming. It is true that Ireland's, post-pay mobile phone costs in Ireland remain higher than the EU average, but also true that in August 2004 the OECD found we had the fourth lowest costs for pre-paid mobile phones. It is important in considering the price competitiveness to the end user to make a judgement across telecommunications services. Furthermore, the current penetration rate of mobile phones of 89% indicates that Irish business and consumers have a range of products and pricing options which broadly meet their needs.

On 12 October 2004 ComReg submitted a progress report on the May 2004 policy directions, which my officials are examining. With regard to fixed line pricing, ComReg indicate that total end-user pricing for both the residential and business sectors in Ireland remains competitive. In terms of the business community, prices for the standard basket puts us in sixth place in Europe.

In the residential market Ireland is placed in ninth position. In terms of international calls we are in fourth and sixth place, respectively. This finding is supported by similar benchmarking research by the OECD in relation to international calls which found that Irish international call tariffs to be significantly below the average particularly for off-peak calls. Analysis in the National Competitive Council's report on telecommunications indicates that overall prices have fallen in the past five years by over 9% and these reductions have contributed to a 1% overall reduction in inflation.

I also welcome the fact that in July of this year Meteor reached agreement with O2 that allows meteor national roaming on O2's network. This should facilitate greater choice and competition for the consumer and next year we will have more competition with the launch of Hutchinson "3" 3G services.

Telephony Charges.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

28 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has considered issuing political directive in relation to competition and the costs of telephone directory inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/04]

As part of its statutory functions under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations, SI 308 of 2003. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is required to ensure that transparent and up to date information on applicable prices and tariffs is available to end-users in respect of access to and use of publicly available electronic communications services, including directory inquiry services. I have no function in the matter.

However, the Deputy may be interested to learn that following a survey that indicated a low awareness of the costs of using directory inquiry services among residential consumers in January 2004, ComReg issued a decision notice on access to tariff information on directory inquiry services on 12 August 2004 following a public consultation process. The measures in this decision notice provide for greater transparency and assistance to consumers in exercising informed choices in their use of directory enquiry services. In order to allow for necessary changes to service delivery processes the decision notice came into effect on 1 October 2004.

The decision notice contains three directives which provide as follows: when advertising or promoting its service a directory inquiry service provider shall indicate the applicable charges; the directory inquiry service provider shall make available printed tariff information in response to requests from consumers; and a directory inquiry service provider shall provide tariff information when it offers call completion services.

Harbours and Piers.

David Stanton

Question:

29 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy towards the development of marinas in the State; the number of marinas in operation at present; the number and location of marinas that are under construction or are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25750/04]

Since the suspension of the marine tourism grant scheme in December 2002, no funds have been available from the Department to support the development of coastal-estuarine marinas in the State, other than the €5.7 million that was committed to a limited number of marine tourism projects outside of the scheme as a budget day adjustment in 2000.

It is unlikely at this stage that the marine tourism grant scheme could be reactivated within the term of the national development plan. Since the scheme has been suspended, the Department has no direct role in marina development, other than its regulatory role under the Foreshore Acts, which licenses such developments on the foreshore. The number of leases being processed at the moment is not necessarily an indicator of the number of marinas that will be constructed or are planned.

While there is no direct funding available at present, the Department supports the activities of the Marine Institute which undertakes a programme of research and development on the marine tourism and leisure sector. The Marine Institute works closely with the sector to disseminate its findings and to give advice and support.

Tracing System.

Dan Boyle

Question:

30 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has for the introduction of a tracing system for the sale of fresh seafish, to give the retail customer here details on the fishing vessel involved and the date the fish was caught and landed. [25755/04]

Since July 2003, in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation No. 104/2000(EC), a labelling system giving traceability information in respect of a wide range of seafood and aquaculture products has been in operation in Ireland under the provisions of SI No. 320 of 2003.

Under this legislation, there is a requirement that all fish be labelled in accordance with European legislation — the labelling of Fish and Aquaculture Products according to Council Regulation (EC) No. 104/2000 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2065/2001. The provisions do not apply to fish sold by mass caterers such as restaurants and takeaways.

The format requires that the label provides the following information. The commercial designation of the fish — its common name and scientific name. The production method, whether farmed or caught at sea or in fresh water, and the catch area. There are additional requirements of traceability for live bivalve molluscs which provide even more detailed information with regard to the production area and the date of production.

I presume the Deputy's question also refers to further developments in Community legislation in this area which will come into effect in the near future. Regulation (EC)178/2002, which comes into effect on 1 January 2005, provides in broad terms for the introduction of a mandatory traceability system in respect of animal food and feed in general. A further five related regulations and directives, the most relevant of which come into effect on 1 January 2006, set out detailed requirements in this regard.

The precise implications of these new requirements for the various food sectors are currently under examination. My Department is liaising with the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health and Children so as to ensure that the necessary arrangements in respect of the seafood sector are developed and introduced on a co-ordinated basis within the comprehensive legal and practical framework that will apply to food in general.

Fisheries Conservation.

Dan Boyle

Question:

31 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide details on the recorded commercial wild salmon catch in the summer of 2004; and the reason it was below the allocated quota. [25754/04]

The Central Fisheries Board is responsible for the publication of an annual fisheries statistics report containing all relevant data relating to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme. I understand that the Central Fisheries Board is currently collating this year's data, including details of the commercial salmon catch, from the regional fisheries boards with a view to finalising the annual report for 2004 as soon as possible.

I await the advice of central and regional fisheries boards and the National Salmon Commission, based on their analysis incorporating the 2004 season, on the conservation measures including the TAC to be adopted in 2005. In the meantime, I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to ensure that the Deputy receives a copy of the 2004 statistics report as soon as it is available.

Safety Hazards.

Seán Crowe

Question:

32 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the circumstances under which a company (details supplied) is withdrawing its services from many areas of the Dublin South West constituency, including the Templeogue and Tallaght regions. [25579/04]

Dan Neville

Question:

35 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the circumstances surrounding a recent health scare arising from telecommunication and television installations in a number of households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25766/04]

Michael Noonan

Question:

41 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the circumstances surrounding the discontinuation of telephone service to a number of subscribers arising from a suspected health issue; if there are wider implications for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25768/04]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

49 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a fire which occurred in a Dublin house in August 2004 is suspected to have been caused by a fault in the telephone system of a company (details supplied). [25581/04]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

82 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he requested or received a report from ComReg on the circumstances in which up to 2,000 households in the Dublin 24 and 6W areas were warned by a company (details supplied) that their phone connections constituted a potential safety hazard and who subsequently had their service withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25647/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 35, 41, 49 and 82 together.

I have no function in the matters raised by the Deputies. These are matters for the Commission for Communications Regulations, ComReg. ComReg has statutory independence in the exercise of its functions.

Responsibility for the protection and promotion of consumer interests for electronic communications networks and services and the integrity of the network rests with ComReg under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users Rights) Regulation, SI 308 of 2003.

ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of, and access to, electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities. ComReg understands that the company is concerned that the equipment which it installed in customers' homes may, in certain circumstances, constitute a potential safety hazard through overheating. The company is required to protect its consumers and it must immediately offer an alternative provider and without exposing them to additional costs associated with such a transfer.

I understand that ComReg has met the company and instructed it to take immediate steps to minimise the impact of the interruption of its customers' telephone service in addition to considering issues concerning the equipment. Specific issues which ComReg has immediately required of the company include: establishing a dedicated freephone telephone number so that affected customers can obtain information on the issue and be provided with advice and assistance in restoring telephone service; discussing with other telephone service providers the possibility of similar facilities for affected customers; establishing call forwarding-call divert facilities so that customers can continue to receive incoming calls made using the existing number; and meeting the direct costs of the above which customers would otherwise have to pay. I understand that ComReg will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the company in question complies with its obligations.

Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Departmental Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

34 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the call contained in the report commissioned by a company (details supplied) and supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta for increased funding for TG4; if it is intended to provide additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25653/04]

Screen Producers Ireland is the representative group for independent producers in Ireland. TG4 commissions the bulk of its Irish language programming from this sector. I am aware of the report recently published by Screen Producers Ireland and its core recommendation for a substantial increase in public funding for TG4. The report recommends that TG4 should then use this extra funding to commission additional programming from independent producers and to pay independent producers higher rates than at present.

Public funding for TG4 is provided for the purpose of ensuring that there is a quality Irish language television service available for the people of Ireland. The public funding of TG4 has had a secondary and positive impact of stimulating growth in the independent production sector. While this is a welcome development, decisions on the future funding of TG4 will primarily be informed by the need for TG4 to fulfil its public service mandate.

Question No. 35 answered with QuestionNo. 32.

North-South Gas Pipeline.

Seán Ryan

Question:

36 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the agreement with the UK for a North-South gas pipeline; if a route for the pipeline has been agreed; when construction is likely to commence; when it is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/04]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the agreement signed on 24 September 2004 between Ireland and the UK relating to the transmission of natural gas by a second gas pipeline interconnector, IC2, between Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and through a connection to the Isle Of Man. A motion approving the signing of this agreement was passed on 8 July 2004.

IC2, while designed to facilitate the pumping of gas between both Britain and Ireland on the second subsea interconnector, also allows for future transmission of gas on a new pipeline between Gormanston, County Meath and Belfast. A further agreement will be concluded with the Northern Ireland authorities in relation to this pipeline as the project develops and in context of my objective of creating an all island energy market.

The route for the proposed North-South pipeline has been selected and detailed route planning is ongoing. Main line construction is scheduled to commence in March 2006 and the pipeline is due to be completed by the end of October 2006.

Radio Broadcasting.

Willie Penrose

Question:

37 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his response to the recent report on radio licensing in Ireland; the progress made to date in regard to the public consultation process on the report; if he intends to implement the report’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25656/04]

The first stage of the radio licensing review process was a comprehensive study of radio licensing in Ireland carried out by industry experts OX Consultants. That report was published on 13 July 2004 and contained a significant amount of data along with analysis and conclusions.

The second stage of the review was a public consultation phase. The public consultation was informed by the OX report and by a consultation paper published by my Department. The purpose of the public consultation was to seek the views of stakeholders involved in radio broadcasting in Ireland including station owners, advertisers, content creators, information service providers, public service bodies, individuals and local communities. As part of the public consultation a public seminar was held in Athlone in September. A verbatim report of the seminar is available on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.ie.

The public consultation period ran from 7 July to 30 September 2004 and a substantial number of submissions was received. My Department is at present considering those submissions and is preparing a report that will include recommendations on the future licensing of radio in Ireland. I look forward to receiving that report and considering its findings.

Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

39 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government’s policy with regard to the promotion of wood as a viable alternative energy source following recently published studies by Sustainable Energy Ireland; his views on the opinion that it would replace overdependence on imported fossil fuels while creating sustainable rural jobs, in addition to its primary purpose of reducing CO2 emissions. [25757/04]

Development of biomass energy and, in particular, the promotion of wood as an alternative energy source, offers potential to reduce CO2 emissions, enhance security of supply and create regional employment. Ireland has an excellent growing climate and an ongoing supply of raw material for wood fuel. Wood residues are already being used to produce heat for sawmills across the country and the wood energy market is poised for growth, with a number of commercial start-ups and a supply chain emerging. Wood residues can be broken down into four categories: pulpwood residues, sawmill residues, forest residues and recycled wood. The wood for energy sector divides into direct biomass — the trees themselves; indirect biomass — processing by-products and residues; and post consumer recovered wood. There is good potential for the development of production of energy from biomass in Ireland.

I am aware that growth in the Irish forestry sector has created a strong supply of wood and wood residues into the coming decades, for which there is finite demand in existing markets. This represents a particular opportunity for bioenergy development based on wood products.

My Department, in association with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, set up a bioenergy strategy group, BSG, in December 2003. The primary objective of the group is to consider the policy options and support mechanisms available to Government to stimulate increased use of biomass for energy conversion, and to make specific recommendations for action to increase the penetration of biomass energy in Ireland. The BSG will produce a report on its findings shortly and this will contain a road map for the development of biomass energy, including wood energy, with the identification of staged, achievable targets and recommendations for future action.

Fisheries Protection.

Billy Timmins

Question:

40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself with the extend to which catch limits are being observed in the context of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25782/04]

The Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, which is the legislative framework underpinning fisheries policy in EU member states, provides for the conservation and rational exploitation of fisheries resources through instruments such as total allowable catches, TACs, stock recovery plans and technical conservation measures. It contains provisions for member states to take the inspection and enforcement measures necessary to ensure compliance with its rules, including those relating to fishing within the quotas allocated to member states. It also provides for member states to follow up on infringements and to impose sanctions where appropriate. While the precise penalties to be taken are a matter for national legal jurisdiction, it is prescribed that these must act as a deterrent in respect of the offence in question. Where breaches of the quota provisions are detected these are disposed of through the courts.

In order to ensure effective resource management, the uptake of quotas is closely monitored and the relevant data sent regularly to the commission. Ireland continues to be vigilant in ensuring that measures are taken in time to prevent quota overruns. The commission vigorously pursues instances of failure by member states to ensure that quotas are adhered to.

Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 32.

Mobile Telephony.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

42 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to his plans to reduce roaming charges for mobile phone users in Border areas whose phones may stray on to UK networks; if his attention has been drawn to ComReg’s response to his recent policy directive on the issue that it can only be dealt with on a pan-European basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25644/04]

As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have responsibility for overall telecoms policy, but the regulation of call roaming charges, comes under ComReg's jurisdiction, as regulator.

Minimising cross-Border roaming costs on the island of Ireland would be beneficial for all Irish mobile phone users, particularly those who live close to the Border and I welcome the continuous work being done by ComReg in this area.

The policy direction to which the Deputy refers, issued in March of this year, directed ComReg to work closely with the operators and OfCom, the regulator for Northern Ireland, to encourage and support initiatives that could reduce or eliminate cross-Border roaming charges, and encourage national call charging on an all-island basis. Both Vodafone and O2 offer an all Ireland tariff, for an accompanying subscription.

I understand that the issue of inadvertent roaming when mobile users near the Border inadvertently cross on to another network, without actually crossing any border, has been discussed at a number of Ireland-UK bilateral meetings and that ComReg continues to work with OfCom on seeking further progress on this issue. A working group has been established by the two regulators to consider measures on both sides of the Border to ensure competitive services. Also, ComReg has a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with the UK regulator, OfCom on cross-Border co-ordination of GSM and 3G frequencies, and there is also a MoU in place between Irish and UK operators aimed at improving co-operation in the Border region.

Another appropriate mechanism for advancing this issue is the European one. ComReg, as a member of the independent regulators group-European regulators group, is working on a co-ordinated basis with the EU Commission to look at the whole issue of international roaming as part of the market analysis review.

Fisheries Protection.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

43 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when and the way in which he plans to introduce an independent on-board monitoring system to gauge the level of cetacean bycatch on Irish fishing vessels. [25759/04]

The framework for the implementation of on-board observer schemes for cetacean bycatch is laid out in the cetacean bycatch Regulation No. 812 of 2004, agreed at the March 2004 Fisheries Council. The processing of this issue was a priority during the Irish Presidency. Article 5 of the regulation specifies the level of experience and skills required of observers, their main duties and the manner in which their reports are to be compiled and submitted. The regulation also lists the areas and fishing gears for which monitoring is to be carried out, with the dates for implementation. In the case of Irish waters, two of the areas listed require observer coverage from the period beginning 1 January 2005. These are pelagic trawls — single and pair — for all Irish waters, and bottom-set gillnet or entangling nets using mesh sizes equal to or greater than 80 mm for waters to the north and west of Ireland and also the Irish Sea.

As there is not sufficient existing data available to design sampling strategies to achieve the statistical precision required for a general observer scheme, it will be necessary to design and implement a pilot observer scheme in the first instance, as laid down in annex III of the regulation, for 2005 and 2006. There has been an increasing level of observer coverage in recent years in certain areas such as the tuna fishery, and this information is of use in the design of the pilot schemes. Discussions have commenced between the Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on the precise methodology to be deployed, and this process will continue during the remainder of the year. The coverage of these schemes will, as required, be based on the level of fishing effort in the relevant fisheries in recent years, and will build on the experience gained from previous observer coverage.

Offshore Exploration.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

44 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on recent findings or developments in regard to oil, gas or other mineral explorations on or off shore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the outcome in respect of recent oil, gas or other mineral exploration on or off shore; the degree to which commercial viable prospects exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25938/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 126 together.

With regard to oil and gas exploration, one exploration well was drilled this year by Providence Resources plc on the Blackrock prospect off the south coast. The well did not yield any significant shows of hydrocarbons and the well was plugged and abandoned as a dry hole.

The Dooish exploration well, which was drilled in 2002 by Enterprise Energy Ireland — now Shell E & P Ireland — off the Donegal coast and which discovered a hydrocarbon accumulation, was re-entered and deepened in 2003. Both my Department and Shell E and P are continuing to analyse the well results and integrate them with other data from the area. Further technical work on the prospect will be required before the size of the gas condensate accumulation and the possibility for any commercial development can be accurately assessed.

No new economic deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in recent years. There have been some encouraging results, however. Exploration adjacent to existing base metal mines at Navan, County Meath, Tara Mines Ltd., and Galmoy, County Kilkenny, Arcon Mines Ltd., has discovered additional resources, which have the potential to extend the life of those mines. A good zinc prospect area near Pallas Green, County Limerick, also has the potential to host an economic deposit and exploration is continuing. The acid test of commerciality with any new discovery is that having made a find, the explorationist is then prepared to invest in planning for mining and so makes the necessary applications for permits to me, to the relevant local authority and to the EPA.

New exploration is continuously undertaken as part of my requirements to holders of prospecting licences, of which there were 284 current at the end of September 2004.

Mobile Telephony.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

45 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the state of developments in regard to 3G telephone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25825/04]

Third generation, or 3G, technology is the next generation of mobile telephony technology. It is being developed to provide broadband mobile data services though it can also be used for voice communications. The new 3G phones will allow consumers to download data file, such as video clips and music files up to seven times faster than on existing phones. This will open up various possibilities for the development of new services.

In July and October 2002, the Commission for Communications Regulation's predecessor, the Office of the Director of Telecommunication Regulations, following a competition, issued three licences for the provision of third generation networks in Ireland.

The successful applicants were Vodafone (Ireland) Ltd., O2 Communications (Ireland) Limited, and a new entrant to the Irish market — the Hong Kong based Hutchison (3G) Ireland Limited. The 3G licences, which include roll-out and other licensing obligations, are available on the ComReg website for viewing by members of the public, as are various documents relating to the licence competition.

It is expected that the first 3G consumer services in Ireland will be launched before the end of 2004 and all licensees are expected to roll-out 3G services in 2005.

The development of third generation networks worldwide has not been as fast as originally envisaged at the time the licences were awarded. This is due mainly to delays in the appropriate handsets becoming available and in the development of new 3G services. The introduction of 3G services in Ireland will be important, particularly in an economy that has a relatively high mobile penetration rate.

Fisheries Protection.

Damien English

Question:

46 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he sees the development of the fishing industry in the future having regard to the need to conserve stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25798/04]

In line with the Government's commitment to setting out a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of the Irish fishing industry, a policy statement on the future directions for the sustainable development of the sea fishing industry was made in June. This statement includes a plan to deliver sustainable fishing for the whitefish fleet, an infrastructural development plan, a management plan for sustainable inshore fishing fleet and outlines the priorities for Ireland within the Common Fisheries Policy. I am committed to the early achievement of these objectives.

There is clearly an over-riding EU dimension to fisheries policy and the development of national strategies in this area must have regard for the policy and strategies set out at EU level within the CFP. At EU level, I will be concentrating on two key priorities: the delivery of an effective, even-handed control policy; and, effective conservation programmes that will ensure fish stocks are managed on a sustainable basis. I will focus on rebuilding stocks so that in the medium to long-term, sustainable fishing will support and grow the economies of coastal communities dependent upon fishing.

Energy Resources.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

47 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has carried out an analysis of the phenomenon of peak oil and the possible consequences for the economy here following a global reduction in oil production. [25762/04]

Against the background of the conventional view of what is meant by "peak oil", the question of determining the date and impact of the peak and decline of the world's oil — and, indeed, gas — production, is a matter of world-wide concern and is the focus of many, often conflicting research studies, views and opinions.

Even if there were no environmental aspects to the burning of fossil fuels, oil — allowing for new finds and improvements in extraction technologies — is a finite resource. Reliance on oil must therefore be substituted over time if world economic development and living standards are to be sustained.

The environmental impacts and the finite nature of fossil fuels are therefore the key drivers in the role of research into sustainable and renewable energy sources.

While I have not commissioned specific analysis into the area of "peak oil" research, Ireland, as a member both of the European Union and of the International Energy Agency, IEA, has access to relevant energy research undertaken within these fora.

Fisheries Protection.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

48 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the measure announced by his Department on 11 August 2004 to protect wild Irish salmon; if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed that these measures may have a negative impact on angling/tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25634/04]

In late July this year, my predecessor, Deputy Browne, received unequivocal advice from all of the State agencies involved in the management of the wild salmon resource indicating that there was a poor run of salmon in 2004 and that immediate measures were necessary to reduce exploitation for the remainder of the year.

The unanimous scientific and management advice given to the Minister, indicated that the salmon run for the remainder of this year must be considered as important spawning stock necessary to ensure the sustainability of the resource into future years. In this, he was guided by the need to operate on the basis of the precautionary principle in regard to ensuring biological stock safety.

Given the serious concerns over stock levels, the Minister of State refused to extend the commercial salmon fishing season, despite claims by fishermen that they would be unable to catch the full quota allocated under the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2004. At the same time, he accepted the advice that immediate measures were necessary to reduce angling exploitation so as to ensure an increased survival level for spawning purposes during the remainder of the year.

In this regard, the Minister approved measures governing the operation of salmon angling for the remainder of the 2004 season, which were based on a recommendation by the National Salmon Commission, and from 1 September, reduced the daily permissible catch limit for anglers from three fish to one fish subject to the existing maximum levels per annum. The Minister of State believed that this proposal by the National Salmon Commission delivered a practical mechanism to effect the protection of salmon stocks while acknowledging the important role angling plays in attracting tourists to Ireland. The recommendation afforded the continuation of the season for tourism angling into September but at the same time minimised the impact on our valuable wild salmon stocks.

Question No. 49 answered with QuestionNo. 32.

John Perry

Question:

50 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has carried out a study of the effects of fish stocks of large factory ships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25776/04]

In Ireland, the assessment and monitoring of fish stocks is carried out by the Marine Institute. In addition to surveys and other studies and biological analyses, this stock assessment work would also typically involve analysis of catches by vessels in the various stocks.

The scientific work carried out by the Marine Institute feeds into the work of other scientific bodies around Europe and these collaborative research efforts provide the necessary data to determine the current status of EU fish stocks.

In so far as the stocks in most difficulty are concerned, there is particular concern about a number of key whitefish stocks of importance to Irish fishermen, in particular cod in the Irish Sea, cod to the west of Scotland and, also, northern hake. These stocks are not, however, fished by factory ships.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

51 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative energy is available at a competitive price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25807/04]

Enda Kenny

Question:

85 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to encourage the provision of alternative energy sources at a competitive price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25815/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in providing competitively priced alternative energy sources; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25940/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 85 and 128 together.

Large-scale hydro powered electricity generating stations can compete with conventional fossil and carbon technologies in an open competitive environment. In addition, some wind-powered electricity generating plant has been developed in Ireland as merchant plant — that is, without support — in recent years. However, these projects depend on a regulatory code that reassures consumers that the electricity they consume is associated with the generation of an equal amount of electricity from alternative energy sources within a 12-month cycle. They are also dependent on the accelerated liberalisation of the electricity market for renewable energy technologies which occurred in February 2000 ahead of full market liberalisation in 2005.

The conventional wisdom is that renewable energy technologies employed in the electricity market will continue to require special support into the medium term in order to compete in an open competitive electricity market. My Department's support mechanism, the alternative energy requirement, AER, programme, has operated to date to increase the contribution from renewable energy technologies in electricity production.

The underlying principle of the alternative energy requirement competitions, as operated to date, is that prospective generators are invited to make a formal application to build, own and operate newly installed renewable energy based electricity generating plants, and to supply electricity from these to the ESB under a power purchase agreement of up to 15 years.

In May of this year a renewable energy development group, chaired by my Department, was established. The group comprises relevant experts from the administrative and scientific sector which interacts appropriately with key market players. This group will advise on future options on policies, targets, programmes and support measures to develop the increased use of renewable energy to 2010 and beyond. This group's report which is due before the end of this year will form the basis of my future policy proposals to Government.

Biofuels are renewable fuels also, which have a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional mineral oils. They are available on the market as pure plant oil, which can only be used in vehicles with modified engines, bio-diesel, which is blended with diesel, and bio-ethanol which is blended with petrol for use in ordinary engines.

Earlier this year, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which allows the Minister for Finance to apply a relief from mineral oil tax, for biofuels essential to a pilot project to produce biofuel or to research aspects of biofuel production and usage as a motor fuel. My Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance about the final design of a proposed scheme under the measure, and they expect to be in a position to announce details of a scheme, under the Finance Act provision, shortly.

Marine Safety.

Pat Breen

Question:

52 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to augment the sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25769/04]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

56 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of the sea rescue services; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25772/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 56 together.

The Irish Coast Guard of the Department has responsibility for the provision of the air and sea search and rescue service in this country. The resources available to the coast guard are continually monitored to ensure that they are adequate to enable it to discharge its remit. The service is provided through co-ordination of helicopter operations and of a number of other declared resources.

The current coast guard air and sea rescue helicopter service is provided by means of contractual arrangements, entered into with a specialist company in this field. It includes 24-hour, all-weather cover at three bases, Dublin, Waterford and Shannon, and a 12-hour service at a fourth base, Sligo. Adequate backup is provided to Sligo from the other three bases, as may be required, thus ensuring complete cover. The coast guard expects that the Sligo base will provide a 24-hour, all-weather cover in early 2005.

Other declared resources operating in search and rescue coverage include: the coast guard's three radio service stations at Dublin, Malin Head and Valentia Island; 54 coast guard coastal units, of which 12 also provide boat coverage and 20 provide a cliff rescue service; nine community inshore rescue service units; and 42 RNLI lifeboat stations. The outdoor lifeguards who provide coverage for beaches, the Civil Defence, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, and Dublin Fire Brigade are also declared resources. The coast guard has liaison agreements with its declared resources and also agreed operational procedures.

Additional resources on which the coast guard can call should the need arise are the Naval Service, Air Corps fixed-wing CASA, for air assistance in search, guidance of helicopters to rescue areas and radio communication relaying when operating far out to sea, harbour tugs and launches. The coast guard has close co-operation with the UK coast guard, both providing and receiving assistance, as the need arises.

Electricity Generation.

Joan Burton

Question:

53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the latest information available to him on the industrial relations situation in the ESB and the threat of industrial action arising from the major deficit in the company’s pension fund, especially in view of the danger that it could lead to electricity blackouts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25636/04]

The industrial relations situation in ESB is a matter to be dealt with in accordance with the established industrial relations procedures within the company and is not one in which I have a function. That said, however, I understand that a number of local branches of the TEEU, one of the ESB group of unions, has recently tabled motions for industrial action and that these relate to the question of how the current deficit in the ESB's pension fund should be addressed.

The matter of the pension fund deficit is cited by the Labour Court in its recommendation of 19 July 2004 as one of the issues needing to be addressed in the context of the current industrial relations situation in ESB. I should explain that the intervention of the Labour Court came at the request of the National Implementation Body in July of this year at a time when strike action was under active consideration by ESB staff.

The pension fund issue, along with pay, employee shareholding and organisation and industry change, is now the subject of the current talks process established under the Labour Court recommendation aimed at resolving this situation.

I understand that the ESB group of unions has since been actively engaged in the Labour Court process and has met with Mr. Peter Cassells, the appointed facilitator, and with ESB management on a number of occasions. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Department of Finance, and ESB management are also involved in the ongoing process with Mr. Cassells. Because of the sensitive nature of the issues being discussed at these meetings, it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail at this stage.

Marine Safety.

Jack Wall

Question:

54 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will rescind the decision to close the Dublin and east coast marine rescue co-ordination centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25672/04]

The decision to transfer the services of the marine rescue co-ordination centre from Dublin was taken on foot of a study of the coast guard undertaken by independent consultants, Deloitte & Touche. Reflecting advances in modern communications technologies, the consultants recommended that the coast guard should operate two control centres as opposed to the three centres that exist at present. This approach will have the effect of achieving significant cost savings, thus enabling other elements of the coast guard service to be developed, which in turn will lead to further improvements in our marine emergency response services nationally.

The objective is that the remaining two centres at Valentia and Malin Head will be developed to handle all emergencies around our coast, on inland waters and in relation to mountain, cliff and cave rescue. Communications technology today is such that the geographical location of the co-ordination centres is less important now than in the past and, in this context, Government policies on decentralisation from Dublin are also relevant.

The capability of the coast guard to co-ordinate and manage incidents should not be diminished as a result of the closure of the Dublin rather than the Valentia or Malin Head centres, nor will the decision affect the very significant emergency response resources on the ground, which will remain available to the coast guard on a year-round, 24-hour basis.

Coast guard management is continuing to examine all issues relating to the operation of the two centres going forward, including establishing what measures will be necessary to effect a smooth transfer from Dublin to the other two centres while ensuring that full co-ordination capability is maintained at all time.

Telecommunications Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

55 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if ComReg has yet finalised the proposed draft directive to operators relating to a code of practice for tariff presentation, in view of the wide range of tariffs on offer and the confusion that can arise for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25645/04]

The requirements relating to tariff charges and associated information are set out in the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Services and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003, SI 308 of 2003, USO Regulations.

The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has responsibility for monitoring compliance by service providers with requirements under these regulations. In accordance with the regulations and following earlier public consultation, ComReg issued a direction to operators relating to a code of practice for tariff presentation on 12 August 2004. The core objective of the code is to ensure end-users have access to accurate, comprehensive and transparent tariff information in relation to publicly available telephone services.

Question No. 56 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Energy Resources.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

57 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which energy costs in this country compare with those prevailing in other EU and non-EU countries; the way in which this affects industrial costs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25814/04]

Energy costs primarily relate to the market prices of fuels and the capital and operating costs of energy providers, matters in which I have no function. Costs to industry generally are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, Sustainable Energy Ireland has informed me that it will publish a report within the next two weeks providing analysis on the effect of price changes on industry's cost base.

I understand the report will show that energy costs are less than 4% of direct costs for 92% of all industrial enterprises. These enterprises account for 96% of the value added generated by manufacturing industry while accounting for 96% of industrial employment. About 54 enterprises have an energy bill greater than 10% of their costs and they account for 1.1% of the value added generated by industry.

The following comparisons for the EU-15 countries is based on the most recent data from EUROSTAT, the statistical office of the European Communities. Electricity prices, ex VAT, to industry were 23.7% higher in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2004. Fuel oil prices, ex VAT, to industry were 8.3% lower in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2003 — latest available data. Gas prices, ex VAT, to industry were 3.1% higher in Ireland than the EU average during the second half of 2003 — latest available data. Automotive diesel prices, all taxes included, were 0.6% lower than the EU average during the first half of 2004. Electricity prices, VAT included, to households were 2.4% higher in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2004. Heating oil prices, VAT included, to households were 4.1% lower in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2004. Natural gas prices, VAT included, to households were 19.6% lower in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2004. Premium unleaded petrol prices, all taxes included, were 10.6% lower in Ireland than the EU average during the first half of 2004 and were 20.1% lower than the UK during the same period.

With regard to non-EU countries, it is not practical or accurate to make comparisons due to the differences in tariffs and the lack of comparable data.

Postal Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

58 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is his view that the postal market may not be able to bear any more price increases in postal charges; his further views on whether further increase in charges are merited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25642/04]

I understand that An Post has applied for a price increase to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002, ComReg is the designated independent body responsible for pricing policy with regard to the universal service segment of the postal market. I have no function in this matter nor on the timing of any decision by ComReg.

Fisheries Protection.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

59 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investigation planned into the alleged widespread flouting of fishing laws and regulations by fishermen based at Killybegs, County Donegal; when he expects to have a result of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25665/04]

I arranged to have this matter formally referred to the Garda Síochána with a request for an investigation. I understand that the Garda is investigating it. The timeframe for such investigations is a matter solely for the Garda Síochána.

John Perry

Question:

60 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the estimated fish stocks by species available in the Irish sea and the Atlantic which are available to Irish fishermen exclusively or on a shared basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25774/04]

Total allowable catches, TACs, for the various fish stocks are established each December by the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, taking account of scientific advice provided by fisheries biologists on the state of the stocks. The 2004 white fish and pelagic quotas were established during the Council meeting in December 2003. The 2004 deep sea quotas, subject to separate negotiations, were set down in December 2002. Ireland secured national quotas for 2004 that amounted to more than 200,000 tonnes, including deep sea species. Most of these quotas relate to the waters around Ireland.

The Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea and other areas are divided into fishing zones defined by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, based on scientific data about fish stocks. I will send the Deputy a detailed list of the Irish quotas in these fishing zones together with an associated map.

Question No. 61 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Postal Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

62 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the board of An Post to close its SDS parcel delivery division; if he has received communication from the General Secretary of the ICTU warning that the closing of SDS would be very damaging to the partnership process; if he has responded to ICTU; if he has raised the matter with the management of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25641/04]

I am fully aware of the decision taken by the board of An Post to re-integrate SDS, the parcels and courier division of the company, back into An Post.

My Department has been in contact with the management of An Post about this matter. In recent years SDS has been consistently operating on a loss making basis. In 2003, as a result of the worsening financial and commercial circumstances, a fundamental review of the operation was undertaken by management. Subsequent to this review a recovery plan was developed in conjunction with the Communications Workers' Union.

Despite the implementation of changes associated with the recovery plan, which were intended to make SDS competitive by providing it with a more flexible cost base and increased productivity levels, SDS continued to incur serious losses.

Following consideration of the issues, including potential losses of €10 million in 2004, the board decided at its meeting in July on the closure and reintegration of SDS into the mails business. A plan for the closure and reintegration of SDS, which involves the loss of 270 jobs on a voluntary basis, is now being implemented with all stakeholders being consulted on the arrangements to be put in place.

My Department received correspondence from the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in July this year setting out concerns regarding SDS and making reference to the partnership process. In response, my predecessor met with representatives from ICTU and CWU in August this year to discuss their concerns regarding SDS and the reintegration process.

It is my understanding that following a request from the ICTU, the National Implementation Body, NIB, held a hearing to determine whether the company breached the partnership terms of Sustaining Progress in making its decision to reintegrate SDS. The National Implementation Body, as part of its determination proposed that an independent facilitator be agreed to share the financial details and review a process for information sharing. Mr. Peter Cassells has been appointed as facilitator and I understand this process is up and running.

Television Licence Fee.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

63 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to receive the results of the RTE licence fee adjustment; when he expects to make a decision on the licence fee for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25655/04]

The Government decision of December 2002 provided for a mechanism for an annual adjustment in the television licence fee using a consumer price index minus "X" formula. This formula would be used to take account of rising costs but also to reflect performance on execution of change management agenda and performance against programme commitments.

The Government decision provided that decisions on an annual increase would be informed by an independent evaluation of RTÉ's performance in the previous year. When established it is the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, that will undertake this independent evaluation. As the BAI has not yet been established, my Department has engaged consultants to undertake the independent evaluation this year. PricewaterhouseCoopers, which undertook the first annual review last year, has recently been engaged following a public tender process to undertake this year's review.

I expect to receive the report of the consultants by the end of November and then having considered it will bring my proposals to Government in December.

Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 10.
Question No. 65 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Fish Farming.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

66 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that fish farming husbandry is in line with best practice and the health status of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25787/04]

Persons engaged in fish farming are required to conduct their operations in accordance with the specified terms and conditions of their aquaculture licences. In addition, in the case of fin-fish farming, a series of protocols have been put in place that lay down requirements in respect of matters such as fallowing, benthic monitoring and the monitoring and control of sea lice.

The licence conditions and other requirements are designed to ensure that aquaculture is carried on in accordance with high standards of environmental and ecological protection. It will be a continuing priority for my Department, therefore, to ensure that there are high levels of compliance by fish farmers with their specific obligations and responsibilities.

The salmon farming sector has been significantly affected by the incidence in its stocks of pancreas disease. The Marine Institute is actively engaged with the industry in looking for solutions to this problem.

Post Office Network.

Richard Bruton

Question:

67 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pensioners of An Post have been brought into the dispute between An Post management and unions by the denial of a pension increase due to employees; if he is considering altering the terms under which responsibility for the payment of pensions is delegated to An Post, in view of the fact that pensioners are not in dispute with the company and their award is independently funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/04]

Authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post by this Department on 26 May 1989. Traditionally, An Post has granted increases to serving staff in line with national pay agreements. Increases to pensioners have then subsequently been applied in line with increases granted to serving staff. I am also informed that the terms and conditions, including those regarding the matter of increases, as enshrined in the An Post main superannuation scheme 1990, are based on those that prevailed in the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs. I do not intend to change this delegation of authority regarding pensions as it is clearly an operational function for the board and management of An Post.

As the Deputy will be aware, the company is currently involved in detailed negotiations with its unions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in order to reach agreement on necessary restructuring with a view to returning to financial stability. These negotiations have impacted on consideration of increases for An Post pensioners. However, I understand that the An Post board and management are reviewing this situation. In light of this review, I feel it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

68 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the development of alternative energy sources in being pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25808/04]

The promotion of renewable energy technologies is a key priority of this Government. The Green Paper on Sustainable Energy 1999 established a target to add 500 MW of new renewable energy based electricity generating plant to be added to the electricity network by 2005.

In addition, at the launch of AER VI, my predecessor announced support for an additional 50 MW of new generating capacity in an offshore wind category and an additional 28 MW specific to biomass powered CHP plants. Subsequently at the announcement of the initial round of offers in AER VI it was proposed to add a further 140 MW to the original 500 MW target, subject to State aids clearance.

The necessary state aids clearance was received recently and I will announce shortly the allocations, by project, of all the unallocated capacity.

AER VI brings to a close an initial programme to add renewable energy technologies to the network at a level which does not raise serious technical issues. However planning for future programmes at increased penetration levels does cause significant technical issues which must be addressed in order to maintain system security for electricity customers. This plan may in turn require a revision of the current support programme to embrace changes required to allow higher levels of wind energy penetration in particular.

At the end of last year a consultation document entitled, Options for Future Renewable Energy Policy, Targets and Programmes, was published. The consultation document and supporting annexes which examine in detail support mechanisms and renewable energy policies in Ireland as well as in other European countries, were published on my Department's website and looked at key future challenges in the future including policy, future green energy markets, how to overcome barriers to the deployment of renewable energy and future options for market support mechanisms.

In May of this year, a renewable energy development group, chaired by my Department, was established. The group comprises relevant experts from the administrative and scientific sector which interacts appropriately with key market players. This group will advise on future options on policies, targets, programmes and support measures to develop the increased use of renewable energy to 2010 and beyond. This group's report which is due before the end of this year will form the basis of my future policy proposals to Government.

In tandem with this work programme administered by my Department, Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, the independent non-commercial state body focused exclusively on sustainable use of energy including deployment of renewable energy sources, has commenced a challenging work programme to increase energy efficiency and to promote renewable energy technologies. In the renewable energy field specifically SEI has opened a research, development and demonstration programme for renewable energy technologies. The programme is open to a wide range of proposals, including policy studies, field research, feasibility studies and technology RD&D.

Television Licence Fee.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

69 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has for the more effective collection of the television licence fee; if it is intended that An Post should continue to carry out the function of collection of the licence fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25651/04]

My overriding objective is to maximise the number of licence fees collected, in a cost effective manner. Over the past two years a significant number of initiatives have been taken to help achieve this.

My Department chairs a liaison group through which it works with An Post and RTÉ to plan and oversee the implementation of initiatives and strategies with the objective of increasing sales of television licences. The initiatives taken include: establishment of a 24-hour a day call centre; the introduction of a new lifetime licence for people who are entitled to a free licence paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs; introduction of a monthly direct debit payment option; sale of licences via the An Post post-point channel, and online; radio and television advertising campaigns: and focused inspection campaigns.

All of the initiatives taken have the aim of making it easier for people to pay for their licence and to reduce the level of evasion. The focus has primarily been on initiatives that would have a positive impact in the short-term. I am also considering longer-term measures. The option of putting the licence fee collection contract out to tender is one of the possible choices being explored.

Electricity Generation.

Joe Costello

Question:

70 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is planned to proceed with proposals for the construction of two electricity connectors to Wales; when it is likely that construction will commence and when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25639/04]

The Government has given its approval to the development of two 500 MW east-west-Ireland-Wales electricity interconnectors. The development is being pursued as a priority in order to maximise the contribution to competitiveness, security of supply and integration of Ireland into a wider European energy market.

The Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has been requested to develop proposals to activate a process exploring all possible options for the development of the two 500 MW electricity interconnectors on a hybrid-regulated basis. The CER is currently engaging external professional advice to assist it in framing a competitive type process to deliver the interconnection at the earliest possible date. I am advised that on 29 September last, the CER invited a shortlist of consultants to submit appropriate tenders.

As regards likely construction, commencement and completion dates, it is not possible at this stage to be definitive on this, but realistically commissioning is not envisaged until 2009-10. The next step is to conduct a detailed sub-sea feasibility study, examining matters such as submarine cable routing, onshore deep reinforcement works on both sides of the Irish Sea as well as a range of other technical and commercial issues. This is a very highly detailed and complex study, which will effectively provide a project plan ready for construction.

The Government has given approval for a Bill to remove, inter alia, a legislative constraint thereby facilitating a regulated interconnector not owned by ESB and to underpin, as needed, any competitive process for regulated interconnection hosted by the CER.

Energy Resources.

Denis Naughten

Question:

71 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to introduce measures to reduce the demand on energy in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25572/04]

Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, an independent statutory authority since 2002, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, operates a number of programmes aimed at stimulating greater energy efficiency in the residential sector, particularly at individual householder level. These programmes share a number of significant objectives: making consumers aware of the energy they use in their day to day lives; making consumers aware of the environmental impacts of the production, supply and use of fossil fuel based energy; informing consumers of the options they have with respects to their own energy behaviour, including changing poor energy habits in the home and when purchasing to consider energy efficiency and energy implications; and empowering consumers to make better choices with respect to energy use and energy using appliances.

Information campaigns which were run during 2003, and 2004 highlighted the benefits of saving energy to householders and identified suggested ways of reducing overall energy consumption in houses. This plays an important role in our demand side energy management programme and emphasises the positive effects of reduced energy consumption both for individual consumers and for the environment.

Among the initiatives co-ordinated by Sustainable Energy Ireland are energy awareness week, publications about energy awareness issues, the Internet information service, the energy telephone hotline, appliance labelling information, schools energy programmes, home energy rating and the house of tomorrow.

Questions Nos. 72 and 73 answered with Question No. 22.

Consumer Awareness.

Paul McGrath

Question:

74 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which a recently launched website (details supplied) is being used by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25828/04]

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. The website in question was set up by the independent regulator as one of a series of measures to protect and promote consumer interests. ComReg has a statutory obligation under the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 and the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users Rights) SI 308 of 2003 to protect and promote consumer interests.

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

75 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date on which applications can be made to the BCI innovation fund; the process by which they will be determined by the BCI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25567/04]

The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provides for the establishment of a fund from which grants may be paid by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, to support certain television and radio programmes. The Act provides that it is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to draw up a scheme or schemes to finance programmes from the fund established by the Act.

The BCI is at present preparing a scheme which I expect will be submitted to me for my approval in the next few weeks. It is likely that any scheme will require State aid approval from the EU Commission. Once a scheme has been approved it will be a matter for the BCI to administer it. Accordingly, issues relating to timing of applications and decision-making processes will be a matter for the BCI.

Television Licence Fee.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

76 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the terms of reference of the review of the impact of the RTE licence fee on the advertising market; the person the review will be conducted by; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25654/04]

I recently appointed Europe Economics along with Curtin-Dorgan Associates and PricewaterhouseCoopers to carry out the review. The review will consider the impact on all broadcasters of the licence fee paid to RTE, with particular emphasis on possible distortions in the advertising market. The review has now commenced and I expect a report in November. After I have had an opportunity to consider that report I will publish it.

The terms of reference of the review are to describe how public service broadcasting is funded in Ireland and compare this with the funding of other European/international public service broadcasters; to consider how the private broadcasting sector in Ireland is funded and compare this with the funding of other European/international private broadcasters; describe the current advertising market, with particular reference to the broadcasting sector; consider the evolution of competition, including international competition within the advertising market in Ireland; identify and explore areas where RTE's receipt of licence fee income might impact upon other broadcasters; evaluate the impact, if any, that RTE's receipt of licence fee income has on the advertising market in Ireland and explore whether receipt of licence fee income allows RTE to operate from a position of dominance or significant advantage in the advertising market.

Question No. 77 answered with QuestionNo. 22.

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

78 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount currently in the programme fund established under the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003; the payments made out of the fund to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25635/04]

The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provided for the establishment of a fund to support certain television and radio productions and projects out of an amount of 5% of net receipts of television licence fees and in accordance with a scheme to be administered by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI. The Act provided that the 5% of the net proceeds from television licence fees would be paid into the fund with effect from 1 January 2003. To date €14.3 million has been paid into the fund.

The BCI has drawn up a draft scheme and recently completed a public consultation on that draft scheme. In accordance with section 2(1) of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003, the BCI must submit the finalised scheme to me for approval following which I will lay the scheme before the Oireachtas. I expect to receive a proposed scheme from the BCI in the next few weeks. Any scheme is likely to require State aid approval from the European Commission. As a scheme is not yet in place the BCI has to date made no payments from the fund.

The BCI has submitted a proposal to my Department in relation to how the scheme should be administered, including a proposed staffing structure and my Department at present is examining this proposal.

I reiterate that the BCI has responsibility for drawing up the scheme, inviting proposals and making awards from the fund. I have no role in proposing the detail of the scheme or who receives funding.

Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Mobile Telephone Technology.

Mary Upton

Question:

80 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has written to mobile phone companies asking them to set out plans on the way in which they intend to safeguard children using the latest mobile telephone technology, especially in view of fears that children may be targeted by pornographers; the number of companies that have replied; when he expects the new procedures to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25646/04]

I understand the Deputy's concern about this matter. Legislation already exists to tackle this problem and will of course apply to the latest mobile telephone technology, including 3G services. It is an offence under the section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by phone any message or other matter, which is grossly offensive, or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone. Anyone who has information about such matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation. Such offences are not the responsibility of ComReg.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is responsible for policy related to the protection of children from the transmission of pornographic images by telephones and other media.

Officials in my Department have already held discussions with the Irish Cellular Industry Association, ICIA, and ComReg on the feasibility of introducing a registration system for pre-paid mobile services. The principal aim of any such approach would be to enhance the traceability of origin of inappropriate content transmitted to vulnerable users. Consideration of the legal and technical issues surrounding this proposal will continue in consultation with all the interested parties. While fully supportive of the principle of protecting vulnerable users, the ICIA has indicated its preference for an alternative mechanism to deal with this problem and have agreed to revert to officials in my Department in this regard. I would be willing to consider any such proposal only if it could be guaranteed to provide an equally robust solution. In addition, the ICIA has voluntarily undertaken a series of measures, of which they keep me abreast. These include the development of filtering software and the establishment of an industry code of practice and a parental guide.

The code of practice establishes the standards that mobile operators will adhere to on the issues of parental controls for minors' access to mobile services; malicious or offensive person to person communications; unsolicited commercial communications-spam; Internet access and premium rate services The parental guide advises parents on gaining dual control of their child's mobile, recommends action that may be taken to prevent, or best protect their child from abuse of available services and details existing legislative protection. I fully support any such voluntary measures by the industry that seek to protect consumers, particularly the young and vulnerable and the industry has assured me that protection of young and vulnerable users is a mutual priority.

Electricity Charges.

Joan Burton

Question:

81 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will list the occasions on which increases in ESB charges have been sanctioned since June 1997 and the amount of the increase sanctioned in each case; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by business interests and consumer groups at the implications of the substantial increase in ESB charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25637/04]

I do not have a function in the pricing of electricity since the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, was given the responsibility for regulating ESB's tariffs to its franchise customers under the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000.

Prior to that, ESB would, by custom and practice, seek Government approval before increasing its tariffs. In 1996 the Government, as part of the ESB's cost and competitiveness review, CCR, approved electricity price increases of an average of 2% in 1996, 1.5% in 1997 and 3% in 1998. The first increase came into effect from April-May 1996 and the second increase came into effect from June-July 1997. In May 1998, the Government decided that there was no justification for the 3% price increase in the light of the very strong financial performance of ESB which significantly exceeded the projections of profitability made in 1996 when the CCR was agreed.

Although responsibility for electricity price increases rests with the CER, I am aware of the concerns of business interests and consumer groups. My predecessor, Deputy Dermot Ahern, raised this issue with the chairman of ESB in late July this year. In his response, the chairman confirmed that the board of ESB is acutely conscious of the need to continually focus on controllable costs in an effort to mitigate the necessity for price increases.

Question No. 82 answered with QuestionNo. 32.

Fisheries Protection.

Liam Twomey

Question:

83 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the alternative income he can offer to fishing families whose livelihoods may be in jeopardy arising from conservation regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25786/04]

As I have indicated in answer to a similar question on today's Order Paper, the critical factor in protecting the livelihoods of fishing families is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities and this aspect, rather than the provision of alternative income streams, remains my primary focus. The Government is, however, concerned to ensure that the livelihoods of fishermen are protected during periods when they are unable to fish and have very low incomes.

For this reason, the fish assist scheme was introduced in 1999. It represents an important element of support for fishermen and their families in the event of difficulties.

However, the best way to maintain and develop the livelihoods of fishing families is to provide them with good fishing possibilities each year. In that regard, the position for 2004 is worthy of emphasis and represents a broadly favourable position. Ireland's national quotas for 2004 show an overall growth of 23%, in volume terms, on the equivalent figure for 2003. While this figure includes a generally static position for whitefish and shellfish quotas this is more than offset by increased pelagic quotas. While some whitefish stocks in particular require conservation action at the present time, which causes particular difficulties, fishermen accept that there is a need for effective conservation regulations to provide for sustainable exploitation of fish stocks into the future. Rather than jeopardise the livelihoods of fishing families, I believe that conservation regulations will in fact help to safeguard the future income of Irish fishing families.

Fishing possibilities for 2005 will be decided in December and I will work closely with the Irish fishing industry to get the best possible deal consistent with the overriding requirement of ensuring long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 51.

Irish National Petroleum Company.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

86 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to date to the Exchequer in respect of the sale of Whitegate Oil Refinery and the Bantry storage terminal; the amount of balance which remains outstanding; when he expects that this will be paid; if he has satisfied himself at the rate of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25658/04]

It is estimated that the final net return to the Exchequer arising from the sale of the business and commercial assets of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation, INPC, will be in excess of €30 million. The INPC has already paid €20 million to the Exchequer.

In November 2003, the board of the INPC, cognisant of its obligations under the Companies Acts to retain sufficient assets to meet potential liabilities, determined that it would not be appropriate to make a further payment to the Exchequer at that stage as a number of outstanding matters have still to be resolved.

These matters, mainly comprising environmental claims lodged against the INPC and a contractual dispute with a former customer, have potential financial implications and consequently the INPC is not currently in a position to divest itself of its remaining financial assets. Given the involvement of third parties in the unresolved matters, neither the INPC nor my Department is in a position to indicate when the remaining proceeds may become available.

It has always been accepted that the total cash return to the Exchequer arising from the INPC transaction would be considerably less than the headline sale price of $100 million as the INPC had, for example, to use some of the proceeds to discharge the company's debt. I am satisfied, however, that the transaction represented a very positive outcome for the State, particularly having regard to the fact that the Government also placed an obligation on the private owners to operate the facilities for a period of at least 15 years as a condition of the sale.

Teilifís na Gaeilge.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

87 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends bringing proposals to Government to establish TG4 as an independent statutory entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25652/04]

The Government is committed to supporting the development of Irish language broadcasting and to the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory body. The Government recently agreed that I would indicate my intention to appoint a date towards the end of 2005 or early 2006 as the establishment day for Teilifís na Gaeilge. The Government decision also provided for the establishment of a project management group to oversee the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge as an independent entity. The group will be chaired by a representative of my Department and will include representatives from the Department of Finance and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, along with RTE and TG4. The group's first task will be to prepare a detailed implementation plan.

Fisheries Protection.

John Deasy

Question:

88 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which regulations have assisted in the conservation of fish stocks in the past five years; the extent to which he anticipates progress in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25795/04]

The Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, is the legislative framework within which EU member states implement their policies. The CFP provides for the conservation and rational exploitation of fisheries resources through instruments such as total allowable catches, TACs, stock recovery plans and technical conservation measures. These measures take account of the scientific advice provided by fisheries biologists, including our own marine institute, on the status of EU fish stocks. It is within this framework that EU member states are working towards the common goal of the sustainable exploitation of fishing resources, and it is in this context that we have seen stock recovery measures introduced for Irish Sea cod, northern hake and cod in the North Sea and west of Scotland.

The process which led to the reform of the CFP at the end of 2002 was lengthy and comprehensive, covering key areas such as access to resources, conservation, control and enforcement, structures and fleet policy. The fundamental objective of the reformed CFP is to provide for the sustainable exploitation of resources, taking account of the environmental, economic and social aspects in a balanced manner. This objective is by definition ongoing and will continue to drive actions and initiatives under the CFP.

In addition to a successful outcome to the CFP reform process, the negotiations secured the protection of sensitive waters off the Irish south and west coasts with the introduction of the new regime in the Irish Box, put in place new regional advisory council and fast track the environmentally friendly fishing initiative. Having these priorities at the centre of our European regulatory framework will help rebuild our fish stocks and give a greater voice to our fishermen.

Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

MediaLab Europe.

Mary Upton

Question:

90 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a request for additional funding from MediaLab Europe; if it is intended to respond to the request for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25666/04]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

98 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in MediaLab Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22470/04]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 90 and 98 together.

MediaLab Europe, MLE, was formed by a series of tri-partite agreements between the State, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, and MIT MediaLab and has been in operation since early 2000. It was established to conduct non-directed research in the field of digital media.

While it is acknowledged that research will generally require State support, the uniqueness of the MLE model, as presented initially to Government, was that it would be self-funding by 2005. However, the financial situation has deteriorated significantly over the past 24 months, primarily due to MLE being unable to raise the necessary sponsorship and corporate income required and as envisaged in its business plan. At the current rate of expenditure, this should take MLE to end of the first quarter 2005.

In February 2004, the Government liaison committee, GLC, which brings together Government Departments with an interest in the MLE operation, wrote to MLE requesting that it undertake a fundamental review of its business model and produce a strategic plan. The board of MLE submitted its strategic plan to the Department on 7 May 2004 which included a request for additional exchequer funding of €9 million.

In light of the above, I am currently considering the options for the future of MLE. As part of this process officials from my Department and other relevant Departments and agencies are exploring options with MLE and MIT. Issues being addressed include the need to secure greater focus of research and more directed research in a new business mode, a new arrangement regarding the intellectual property mode, better links to Irish universities, strict financial control and limit on financial exposure and improved corporate governance and management.

It is envisaged that the parties to the MLE joint venture will be required to come to final decisions on the future of the project before the end of the year.

Fishing Fleet Protection.

Jack Wall

Question:

91 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will bring forward proposals in relation to the escalation of energy costs in the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25673/04]

I refer the Deputy to a reply given to the House on 7 October 2004 in response to a similar question. The recent escalation of fuel costs, as a result of global economic and political conditions, remains a matter of concern for all sectors of industry, including the fishing industry.

It is important to note that the fishing industry, in Ireland and throughout the European Union, already receives favourable treatment in the form of a full rebate on excise and VAT on marine fuel, if the enterprise concerned is registered for VAT.

The question of possible aid schemes to alleviate the impact on the fishing industry of the current high fuel costs was discussed at an EU Fisheries Council in Luxembourg last Monday. At that meeting, Commissioner Fischler confirmed that there could be no departure from the strict EU State aid legislative rules that govern the payment of public aid, and which were outlined to the House on 7 October.

The situation is being closely monitored. However, in the circumstances outlined by Commissioner Fischler it does not seem possible to bring forward proposals which do not breach the strict State aid legislative rules that apply in this case.

Natural Gas Market.

Liz McManus

Question:

92 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the domestic gas market will be opened to full competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/04]

A fully liberalised market will deliver the best value to consumers in the long run. It is my intention to introduce competition for domestic natural gas customers within 2005, by allowing BGE customers to shop around for their natural gas supplier. This is in advance of the deadline of 2007 set by the EU gas directive. Since July of this year all industrial and commercial gas customers, comprising 86% of the gas market by volume, have been free to switch supplier. Initiatives are also being taken by the Commission for Energy Regulation to encourage new suppliers in the Irish market. For example, the franchise for supplying natural gas to the towns of Galway, Athlone, Tullamore, Mullingar and Ballinasloe was recently awarded to Flogas.

The regulation of gas tariffs is a matter delegated under law to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. Accordingly I have no function in this. While the CER is currently undertaking a review of the structure of distribution and supply tariffs, there are not as yet any proposed changes on which I can comment.

Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 94 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Harbours and Piers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

95 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the funds promised for the new pier at Bantry in west Cork; and when the work can commence. [25570/04]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 137 on 13 October 2004 giving the up-to-date position on the pier development proposed by Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners, which I will now outline.

On 6 September 2004 a meeting took place between the commissioners and the former Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Browne. Following the meeting, the Minister of State wrote to the commissioners setting out his understanding of the outcome of the meeting and how to ensure the dialogue between my Department and the commissioners could be progressed in the future on a positive basis. The letter reiterated that the interruption in the dialogue between my Department and the commissioners and the referral of the matter to the Attorney General was a direct consequence of the unilateral decision by the commissioners to sign a contract in March 2002 for the construction of the pier while discussions with my Department on the viability of the project were ongoing. My Department has received advice from the Attorney General on the proposed pier development. However, no decisions have been taken by my Department on foot of this advice on the contract entered into by the commissioners.

The Minister of State's letter further indicated that from the discussions, which had taken place, it appeared that the commissioners believed that the business environment for the project had shifted from that originally envisaged. The projected costs had escalated since the consideration of Exchequer support of €1.9 million by the former Minister, Deputy Fahey. Furthermore, no progress appeared to have been made on the conditions contained in the former Minister's letter of 15 May 2002, which expressly instructed the commissioners not to enter into contractual commitments pending a report on progress on the two stipulated conditions. These conditions relate to negotiations with the terminal operator.

The Minister of State proposed in his letter to the commissioners that the project be reviewed in terms of its viability, the financial implications for the commissioners of increased borrowings for the project due to its escalated cost and the risks to the project posed by the dominant position of the terminal operator. To this end, my Department has invited the commissioners to submit for consideration a fully detailed updated proposal for the project, including a business plan with financial tables. The proposed course set out is a sound basis for progressing the matter and I look forward to my Department receiving for consideration the updated proposal from the commissioners in due course.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

96 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the factors whereby the Government approved the installation of technology to reduce emissions at Moneypoint; his view of his responsibility for Ireland’s position with regard to Kyoto emission targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25671/04]

The national climate change strategy envisaged that Government policy would be supportive of the closure of the Moneypoint plant, replacing it with new gas-fired capacity. However, consideration of the matter at Government concluded that, primarily for fuel diversity reasons, the station should remain open as a coal-burning plant. The Moneypoint plant produces approximately 24% of total system demand and has been the most competitive plant on the system since commissioning due to its low fuel cost. Closure and a switch to gas would put Ireland at 80% dependency on gas with all the consequent economic risks around price shocks and physical supply disruption.

The EU's large combustion-plant directive imposes limits on the emissions of sulphur dioxide, SO2, nitrogen oxides, NOx, and dust. The decision to invest now in the Moneypoint facility was based on the necessity to upgrade the station with appropriate plant and equipment to reduce the relevant emissions to a level, which would allow its continued operation. The proposal to make the investment was based on a robust business case from ESB.

The issue of Kyoto emissions targets is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I recognise, however, that the energy sector, among others, must play an appropriate role in meeting Ireland's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol in a lowest-cost manner. From an energy point of view, generators producing electricity from fossil fuels will operate under the EU emissions trading scheme. This scheme is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and requires participants to purchase allowances for emissions over and above the amount allocated to them under the scheme.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

97 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps that are being taken to protect native aquatic species from damage by non-native water borne organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/04]

My understanding is that this issue is more appropriate to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In my former role as Minister of State for that Department, I opened the 13th International Aquatic Invasive Species Conference, held in Ennis, County Clare. The conference was initiated in 1992 in response to the growing ecological and economic cost of invasive alien species in the Great Lakes of North America.

With the increasing volume and speed of international trade, more and more species are crossing the geographical barriers by land, sea and air. They include species for aquaculture, fisheries and the pet trade, while many organisms are introduced inadvertently into our marine ecosystems by shipping. This movement of species and the potential problems arising from their introduction has been recognised for many years and the need for measures to control the movement and spread has been addressed at international and EU level.

The measures include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES, and the Convention on Biodiversity as well as the EU's birds directive, habitats directive and the Berne Convention.

Proposals for addressing the impact of alien species on native biodiversity are included in the biodiversity plans for Ireland. Earlier this year an all-Ireland review of invasive alien species was conducted jointly by the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Environment and Heritage Service in the North. This is the first attempt at an all-Ireland approach to the problem. The final report provides a thorough review of knowledge and expert opinion on invasive species throughout the island. It also evaluates existing legislation and policy.

The most immediate threats to native aquatic species in Ireland are through the route of aquaculture. Protection from a health perspective is in the form of Council Directive 91/67/EEC concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products. Any farm wishing to import aquatic species from abroad must have a valid movement permit and accompanying health certificate. A species with a disease that falls under the category of list I, II, or III diseases, is prevented from entering the country.

Currently, Ireland is participating in working groups of two organisations: the International Council for Exploration of the Sea, ICES, which has a code of practice, updated in 2004, that covers introductions and transfers of exotic marine organisms for aquaculture purposes; the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, for control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments.

The EU Commission has recently brought forward a proposal for rules governing the introduction of exotic species and containment of stock in aquaculture. This proposal has not yet been finalised. The Irish authorities are actively seeking to address the issues affecting this area through continued participation in these international working groups and will support EU initiatives on the matter.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 99 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

Departmental Responsibilities.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

100 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role his Department has in monitoring the activity of fishing vessels operating out of Killybegs Harbour. [25752/04]

Officials of the Department have a number of different roles in monitoring the activity of fishing vessels operating out of Killybegs Harbour. The three main roles are harbour safety, fisheries conservation and food safety. The role of monitoring and controlling harbour safety is the responsibility of the harbour master and his staff. The staff of seafood control division discharge responsibility for food safety and fisheries conservation. The Irish Naval Service, through the fisheries monitoring centre, assists the Department in monitoring the activities of fishing vessels generally including those fishing vessels operating out of Killybegs Harbour.

Electricity Generation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

101 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government’s policy with regard to the future development of ESB. [25758/04]

My predecessor, Deputy Dermot Ahern, indicated that, in any consideration of the future of ESB, he was strongly opposed to the privatisation of the transmission and distribution systems which, in his view, are critical national assets and should remain in State ownership. He also stated that he was opposed to any privatisation which would result in a private monopoly or near-monopoly in the power generation sector and he confirmed that the privatisation of any part of the company was not on his or the Government's agenda. I can confirm that this remains my position also.

The ESB group of unions, GOU, aspires to increase its current 5% shareholding in the company to 19.9%. Government policy on employee share ownership plans is clear. Any increase beyond the employees' current 5% would have to be in the context of a significant transaction and no such transaction is envisaged. Notwithstanding that, the employee shareholding issue, along with pay, pension fund deficit, and organisation and industry change, is now the subject of the ongoing talks process established under the Labour Court recommendation of 19 July 2004 aimed at resolving the current industrial relations matter in ESB. Until the Labour Court process reaches a conclusion it would be inappropriate for me to engage in any public discussion on the future development of ESB beyond what I have stated here.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

102 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck and symptomatic breast services will be available to women in the Western Health Board area; the estimated cost of having the service provided; the time projections for the service being operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25842/04]

The national roll-out of the BreastCheck programme to remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group throughout the country have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where required. A capital investment of approximately €20 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one at South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and the other at University College Hospital, Galway. This investment will also ensure that mobile units are available to screen women in the relevant age group in the Western Health Board area. BreastCheck, the Western Health Board and my Department are fully committed to an expeditious approach to the national roll-out of the programme and representatives met recently to progress the design process.

The report on the development of cancer services for symptomatic breast disease recommended the development of a limited number of specialist units. Considerable investment and progress has been made in implementing the recommendations with most of the units now operational or at an advanced stage of development. The symptomatic breast service unit for the Western Health Board is at University College Hospital, Galway with outreach facilities at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar.

Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic breast services in her area.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Enda Kenny

Question:

103 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the numbers on waiting lists for urology treatment in Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar and in University College Hospital, Galway; the reason such long waiting lists apply in these centres; her proposals to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25843/04]

The provision of hospital services at Mayo General Hospital and University College Hospital, Galway is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

A specialist urology inpatient service is not provided at Mayo General Hospital. I am advised by the national treatment purchase fund that the numbers on the urology inpatient and day-case waiting list at University College Hospital, Galway at the end of June 2004 were asfollows:

3 to 6 months

82

6 to 12 months

36

12 to 24 months

1

24 plus

0

Any patient who is waiting for more than three months for urology treatment may request the national treatment purchase fund to arrange for treatment.

Health Board Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

104 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the proposal to have a primary care centre in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15; if she will respond to the report recently introduced by the local community; her proposals to provide additional general practitioner services in this area and to provide access for GMS patients to a local general practitioner service. [25844/04]

The identification, prioritisation and provision of facilities such as new health centres to meet the needs of local communities within its functional area, are matters for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. The chief executive officer also has responsibility for the recruitment and selection of additional general practitioners when and where the need arises. The Eastern Regional Health Authority has indicated that the development of a new health centre would constitute a regional priority, in the context of the community health service requirements in the Mulhuddart area. My Department is not aware of any report by the local community on this matter. Accordingly, the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority has been asked by my Department to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

105 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 will be re-examined; and when the necessary treatment will be available to this person. [25845/04]

Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 10 rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to himdirectly.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

106 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount which has been allocated to intellectually disability services in the Northern Area Health Board region in the years 2002 and 2003; the breakdown of the funding allocated to each of the services providers in this health board area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25866/04]

Responsibility for the provision of funding for services to persons with intellectual disability and those with autism in the Northern Area Health Board lies, in the first instance, with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to her.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Ring

Question:

107 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has spent almost nine months on a pre-assessment waiting list for cataract removal surgery; and when they can expect to be called for assessment. [25873/04]

The provision of hospital services for people living in County Mayo is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.

Health Board Services.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

108 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department will make funding available to MACS (details supplied) as a matter of urgency to enable it continue the vital service it provides to adult male survivors of sexual abuse; if the Western Health Board will increase the amount of funding it makes available to this organisation in order to avoid the imminent closure resulting from shortage of finance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25890/04]

The provision of health and personal social services to victims of abuse is a matter in the first instance for the Western Health Board. My Department has made considerable extra resources available in recent years to the health boards, which has led to an increased provision of services.

Medical Cards.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

109 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the figures for each of the years from 1997 to date in 2004 for the number of medical cards issued in the Southern Health Board area; the number of persons covered; and the percentage of population covered in respect of each year. [25895/04]

The following information is provided from the general medical services (payments) board reports on medical cards in the Southern Health Board area:

End of Year

No. of people covered

Percentage of Population covered

%

1997

183,074

33.49

1998

174,344

31.89

1999

170,093

31.12

2000

169,929

31.09

2001

180,206

32.97

2002

176,425

30.39

2003

174,922

30.14

Oct 2004

171,859

29.61

Health Board Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

110 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Mid-Western Health Board will erect an ambulance station at Shannon, County Clare to cater for the growing population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25903/04]

Responsibility for the provision of ambulance services in County Clare rests with the Mid-Western Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Medical Cards.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

111 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of extending medical card eligibility to 100,000, 200,000 and 300,000 additional persons; the amount to which income eligibility limits would have to rise to extend medical card eligibility to 100,000, 200,000 and 300,000 persons; when she intends to extend eligibility to medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25906/04]

On the basis of the figures contained in the 2003 annual report of the GMS (payments) board the current cost of extending medical card eligibility to an additional 100,000, 200,000 and 300,000 persons would be in the region of €90 million, €180 million and €270 million, respectively. This figure relates to fees paid to general practitioners, the costs of drugs and medicines and fees paid to pharmacists. There would also, of course, be other associated costs with a medical card such as the dental and ophthalmic schemes.

The issue of new income thresholds arising from the extension of the medical card is being examined. The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of any extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position.

Health Board Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

112 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of respite and day-care places for elderly persons in area 7 of the Northern Area Health Board; if her attention has been drawn to the total inadequacy of this number to meet demands of the elderly population in the area; the action she is taking to address the serious shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25908/04]

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Northern Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to her as a matter of urgency.

Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

113 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the urgent need to provide step-down facilities for the 77 patients who are occupying beds in the Mater Hospital and who are ready for discharge from acute service; if she will examine the use of some of the spare capacity in step-down facilities in the private sector to address this problem; and the steps she is taking to provide these facilities. [25909/04]

Tony Gregory

Question:

117 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking in response to the crisis in the accident and emergency section of the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25982/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 117 together.

Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine the issues raised by the Deputies and to reply to them directly. I intend to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the problems being experienced in the delivery of emergency services are addressed as a matter of urgency.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

114 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether myalgic encephalomyelitis is a recognised illness, entitling persons suffering from it to be considered for disabled persons parking cards. [25911/04]

It is not the role of my Department to decide what does and does not constitute a defined illness or to characterise the features of such an illness. The determination of such matters is rightly the subject of co-operative international research within the various scientific disciplines in conjunction with support groups.

Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 provides that my colleague the Minister for Transport may make regulations for the general control of traffic and pedestrians. Traffic and parking regulations made under that section in 1997, together with subsequent amendment regulations, provide the statutory code for the control of traffic, including cyclists, the parking of mechanically propelled vehicles and the use of public roads by pedestrians. The regulations include a provision that establishes a system for the granting of special parking permits to disabled persons. The specific provision determines that for the purpose of the regulations a disabled person means a person who is suffering from a disability that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to a person in walking. This 1997 scheme, which encompasses all disabled persons, superseded a previous scheme that was limited to drivers who were disabled.

The regulations provide that a disabled person's parking permit may be granted by a local authority, the Irish Wheelchair Association or the Disabled Drivers Association. It is therefore a matter for each of those organisations to determine whether or not a disabled person's parking permit should be granted based on each application submitted to it. I have no direct involvement in respect of the determination of individual applications made to any of those bodies.

Health Board Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

115 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to provide respite care for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25957/04]

The provision of health related services, including respite care, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

116 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the publication of the research project, How are our Kids? by the Tallaght west childhood development initiative (details supplied); if she will examine the recommendations regarding the children of the area within the remit of her Department; if she will initiate discussions to find solutions to these long-standing problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25970/04]

As the Deputy will be aware responsibility for the provision of health and social services to children in Tallaght west rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the South Western Area Health Board. I am aware that the Tallaght west childhood development initiative has published a working paper on the research project, How are our Kids?

I understand that the South Western Area Health Board forms part of this initiative and was involved in the research project. The area board informs me that it will be examining the findings in the paper as it relates to its services.

Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 113.

Tax Collection.

Pat Carey

Question:

118 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance the reason capital gains tax is being deducted from all persons, including children and old age pensioners outside of the tax net, on their free shares from a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25865/04]

A charge to capital gains tax, CGT, arises in respect of chargeable gains accruing on the disposal of assets. Such gains are computed in accordance with the provisions of the Capital Gains Tax Acts. The charge extends to individuals, companies and unincorporated bodies of persons.

The CGT liability of an individual is computed irrespective of age by reference to the chargeable gain on the disposal which is essentially the excess of the sale proceeds, net of incidental costs of sale, over the allowable costs of acquisition, if any, of the shares being sold. The legislation also provides that the total amount of chargeable gains arising in a tax year is arrived at after deducting any allowable losses accruing to that individual in that year together with any unused allowable losses from disposals of assets chargeable to capital gains tax in any previous year. If there were no other chargeable gains in the year, this gain is then reduced by the annual personal exemption of €1,270. The net chargeable gain is then taxable at 20%. This is the standard method and was used in other disbursements of free shares in the last few years.

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to First Active members who received payment from the Royal Bank of Scotland in respect of its acquisition of First Active. As with previous disposals of shares in this type of situation, this transaction gives rise to a potential CGT liability on the members in respect of the disposal of their First Active shares. Any CGT liability on disposal of these shares is due for payment on or before 31 October 2004. First Active shareholders have been notified by Revenue of their CGT obligations.

Tony Gregory

Question:

119 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if capital gains tax is due from a person (details supplied) arising from an account opened as a child’s savings account. [25874/04]

A charge to capital gains tax, CGT, arises in respect of chargeable gains accruing on the disposal of assets. Such gains are computed in accordance with the provisions of the Capital Gains Tax Acts. The charge extends to individuals, companies and unincorporated bodies of persons. There is no provision in those Acts to exempt children. Accordingly, gains arising on children's shareholdings are liable to CGT in the same manner as gains arising to other individuals.

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to First Active members who received payment from the Royal Bank of Scotland in respect of its acquisition of First Active. As with previous disposals of shares in this type of situation, this transaction gives rise to a potential capital gains tax, CGT, liability on the members in respect of the disposal of their First Active shares. Any CGT liability on disposal of these shares is due for payment on or before 31 October 2004. First Active shareholders have been notified by Revenue of their CGT obligations.

From the information supplied to the Revenue Commissioners, the person referred to by the Deputy received a payment of €3,069 from Royal Bank of Scotland and, provided she had no other gain or loss, her CGT liability is calculated as follows:

Cash Received

€3,069

Allowable Costs

Nil (as the shares were acquired at no cost they have a nil base)

Chargeable Gain

€3,069

Less Personal Exemption

(€1,270)

Net Chargeable Gain

€1,799 @ 20% = €359.80

The chargeable gain above can be reduced by any allowable losses arising in 2004 together with any unused allowable losses from disposals of assets chargeable to capital gains tax in any previous year.

I have also been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue documentation sent to the person includes a computation sheet and a payslip. The payslip and payment should be sent to the Collector General's office. The documentation issued also includes a special Revenue help-line number for any further assistance required by the person referred to by the Deputy.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the tax free allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25956/04]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a certificate of tax credits issued to the taxpayer on 19 October 2004, showing a net tax credit of €2,308 and standard rate band of €26,539.

Food Labelling.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

121 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has for the introduction of a tracing system for the sale of fresh sea-fish to give the retail customer here details on the fishing vessel involved and the date the fish was caught and landed. [25916/04]

The European Union Common Fisheries Policy provides the primary legal framework governing the labelling and traceability of seafood within the European Union.

Since July 2003, in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation No. 104/2000 (EC) a labelling system giving traceability information in respect of a wide range of seafood and aquaculture products has been in operation in Ireland under the provisions of SI 320 of 2003. Under this legislation there is a requirement that all fish be labelled in accordance with European legislation — the Labelling of Fish and Aquaculture Products according to Council Regulation (EC) No. 104/2000 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2065/2001. The provisions do not apply to fish sold by mass caterers such as restaurants and take-aways The format requires that the label provides the following information: the commercial designation of the fish — its common name and scientific name; the production method, whether farmed or caught at sea or in fresh water; and the catch area. There are additional requirements of traceability for live bivalve molluscs which provide even more detailed information with regard to the production area and the date of production.

I presume the Deputy is also referring to further developments in Community legislation in this area. Regulation (EC) 178/2002, which comes into effect on 1 January 2005, provides in broad terms for the introduction of a mandatory traceability system in respect of animal food and feed in general. A further five related regulations and directives, the most relevant of which come into effect on 1 January 2006, set out detailed requirements in this regard.

The precise implications of these new requirements for the various food sectors are currently under examination. The Department is liaising with the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health and Children to ensure that the necessary arrangements in respect of the seafood sector are developed and introduced on a co-ordinated basis within the comprehensive legal and practical framework that will apply to food in general.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which and when he first has his attention drawn to a health and safety issue which culminated in the cessation of television and telecommunication facilities to thousands of homes in the Dublin area; the precise nature of the health and safety issue; if his attention has further been drawn, either directly or though ComReg, to instructions to prevent a recurrence of the continued use of such technology and the sudden discontinuation of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25934/04]

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. This is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulations, ComReg. ComReg has statutory independence in the exercise of its functions.

Responsibility for the protection and promotion of consumer interests for electronic communications networks and services and the integrity of the network rests with ComReg under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users Rights) Regulation, SI 308 of 2003. ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of, and access to, electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities.

ComReg understands that the company is concerned that the equipment it installed in customers' homes may, in certain circumstances, constitute a potential safety hazard through overheating. The manufacturers of the equipment issued a press release stating that, based on the evidence available to it, the probable cause of these incidents was the improper installation of the equipment. The company is required to protect its consumers and it must immediately offer an alternative provider and without exposing them to additional costs associated with such a transfer.

I understand that ComReg has met the company and instructed it to take immediate steps to minimise the impact of the interruption of its customers' telephone service in addition to considering issues concerning the equipment.

Specific issues which ComReg has immediately required of the company include: establishing a dedicated Freefone telephone number so that affected customers can obtain information on the issue and be provided with advice and assistance in restoring telephone service; discussing with other telephone service providers the possibility of similar facilities for affected customers; establishing call forwarding-call divert facilities so that customers can continue to receive incoming calls made using the existing number; and meeting the direct costs of the above which customers would otherwise have to pay.

I understand that ComReg will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the company in question complies with its obligations.

Fishing Irregularities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when his attention was drawn to alleged commercial fishing irregularities at Killybegs, County Donegal; if other locations have been mentioned in this context; if action has been taken to address the issues with a view to preserving the integrity of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25935/04]

I have referred the matters to which the Deputy refers to the Garda Síochána. As I understand that these matters are currently the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further or make a statement at this time.

Departmental Appointments.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

124 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the criteria and selection process used in the appointment of the second member of the Commission for Energy Regulation (details supplied); if the post was advertised; the reason the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission was not asked to fill this position, as is happening with the third post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25862/04]

The Schedule to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 provides that each member of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, shall be appointed, on such terms and conditions of appointment, including remuneration, as the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources may fix, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The appointment of Mr. Michael Tutty, as a second member of the CER, was made in accordance with those statutory provisions.

My predecessor apprised the Government of his decision in advance of the appointment, which was made with the agreement of the former Minister for Finance.

Prospecting Licences.

John McGuinness

Question:

125 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will allow Kilkenny County Council or the NRA road design team to carry out further tests to determine the location and quality of dolomite on lands close to the quarry at Dundell, Maddoxtown, County Kilkenny; the reason for the objections he might have with this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25914/04]

I understand that previous tests carried out by Kilkenny County Council were related to site investigation required for a proposed new road. As the Minister responsible for mineral exploration and development under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, I have no jurisdiction with regard to such site investigations undertaken by Kilkenny County Council or the NRA road design team. Where prospecting for unworked minerals is intended, the owners of an estate or interest in minerals in any land can do so without any requirement for a State facility. No other parties can do so, however, unless they hold a current prospecting licence for the area in question, for which they need to apply to my Department.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 44.

Electricity Regulation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the future of the electricity market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25939/04]

I presume the Deputy is referring to my plans for the further liberalisation of the Irish electricity market. The liberalisation of the electricity market is well under way and is proceeding on a phased basis under the regulatory oversight of the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000, a new regulatory regime has been established in Ireland which is designed to facilitate and stimulate properly regulated and fair competition. Combined, these two legal instruments implementing EU Electricity Directive (96/92/EC) Concerning Common Rules for the Internal Market in Electricity, provide the overall legislative framework for the developing competitive electricity sector.

The Electricity Regulation Act 1999 provided for the introduction of limited competition in the electricity market and for the establishment of the CER which took over from the ESB the function of licensing the generation and supply of electricity and overseeing access to the transmission and distribution systems and related charges. The subsequent European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000, provided for, inter alia, the licensing and establishment of the independent transmission system operator known as EirGrid and the functions and licensing of the transmission system owner and distribution system operator.

My Department is finalising regulations to give effect to the EU Electricity Directive 2003/54/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 96/92/EC. In the main, the directive strengthens the unbundling provisions of the transmission and distribution system operators, explicitly provides for levels of consumer protection, sets out a timetable for market opening and requires member states to ensure proper regulation by independent national regulatory authorities. The current regulatory framework in Ireland already takes account of many of the provisions of this new directive and the new regulations will build on the measures already in place.

Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, answered with Question No. 22.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he believes postal services can be modernised to ensure the continuation of a modern competitive and effective means of communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25945/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has in mind other services which An Post can provide by way of complement to existing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25946/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his vision for the future of postal services here with particular reference to the need to provide the service for industry and the domestic sector in keeping with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25959/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.

The postal market has changed significantly in recent years with liberalisation of the European postal market and with postal operators moving from national into international markets. This has impacted on this country with partial liberalisation of the postal market on foot of EU directives and with the presence of a number of international operators in the market.

The parcels market in Ireland is now fully liberalised and operators are providing high quality services. The market includes some of the biggest postal operators in the world providing international reach to Irish business. Our strong economic fundamentals and multinational presence make Ireland attractive for the big logistics firms. The competitive nature of the market with many local and international operators provides a range of services which largely meet consumer and business needs. The letters market has been partially liberalised with outbound international mail fully liberalised since the beginning of 2004 and the possibility of full liberalisation of the letters market by 2009. Strong international players operating in the parcels sector are likely to look for opportunities in the letterpost area.

There is no doubt that the postal market is facing several challenges in particular from modern electronic communication media such as email. However, the postal sector, including An Post, is adapting to meet this challenge by diversifying its services to meet the demands of consumers. An Post is a commercial State body and I have no role in determining new services which it may wish to provide. The company is working towards becoming a more competitive, consumer-orientated player, providing a range of services to meet customer needs. However, the most important issue facing An Post is returning the company to financial stability. I have asked the company to examine improving quality of service which will be the key to determining customer loyalty in the future as the market is opened to further competition.

Furthermore, An Post constantly looks at opportunities to improve its product offerings in the mails area and this will assume greater importance in the future. Postal services will be delivered by high-end postal operators with a clear strategic focus on market positioning and services orientated to customer needs. Postal operators will need to operate a flexible mandate identifying growth areas in the sector with a clear strategy for retaining existing business.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is likely that RTÉ and the independent broadcasters will receive support through television licence fees or other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25960/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which the revenue accruing from television licences is to be apportioned between RTÉ and independent broadcasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25961/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.

The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provides for the establishment of a fund from which grants may be paid by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to support certain television and radio programmes. The Act provides that 5% of the net proceeds of television licence fees will be paid into the fund with effect from 1 January 2003. Since that date 95% of the net proceeds of the television licence fees have been paid to RTÉ.

The BCI is at present preparing a scheme through which the fund may be accessed by broadcasters and content producers. I expect the BCI to submit a draft scheme to me for my approval in the next few weeks. It is likely that any scheme will require State aid approval from the European Commission. Once a scheme has been approved it will be a matter for the BCI to administer the scheme. Accordingly, issues relating to timing of applications and decision-making processes will be a matter for the BCI. The fund is open to RTÉ, TG4 and broadcasters licensed by the BCI.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future of broadcasting and transmission here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25962/04]

My core broadcasting policy objectives are detailed in my Department's statement of strategy, 2003 to 2005. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTÉ; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; and to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form, on a universal and free-to-air basis.

My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: Developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and to establish RTÉ on the lines of a company under the Companies Acts; taking steps to provide for the establishment of TG4 as an independent entity; ensuring adequate public funding for RTÉ and TG4 so as that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; developing proposals to ensure that in a digital era Irish viewers continue to enjoy access to a range of high quality programming; and bringing forward proposals for the future licensing of radio services in Ireland.

Aquaculture Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the catch by species in Irish waters in the past year; the way in which this compares with ten years ago; the degree to which conservation methods are ensuring continuation of stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25963/04]

I have made arrangements for the preparation of a tabular statement comparing 1993 and 2003 catch levels for all species. As soon as this analysis is complete, I will forward it directly to the Deputy.

Stock conservation methods are governed by the Common Fisheries Policy. The reform of the CFP in 2002 included a heightened emphasis on the need for enhanced conservation of fish stocks and in line with this overall policy, the stock conservation effort is currently being intensified through the deployment of such instruments as tighter catch limitations, fishing effort restrictions, technical measures and strengthened control and enforcement provisions. I believe that these measures can contribute to an improvement in the position of many fish stocks and can provide the basis for a sustainable future for fishermen.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of the Irish fishing fleet to compete with particular reference to the availability of modern trawlers and procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25964/04]

The Government recognises the critical importance of securing a competitive, modern and safe Irish fleet and to this end €21 million has been approved for grant aid for whitefish fleet renewal, modernisation and for safety equipment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. This week I secured the lifting of an European Commission moratorium which released €13.5 million of this approved grant aid to the Irish fishing industry. The Commission placed a moratorium on the payment of grant aid for fleet renewal and modernisation in June 2002 when it ruled that the management of the Irish fleet was not in accordance with EU rules. To address these issues a substantial programme of work and reform was carried to strengthen the management of the Irish fleet. Specific initiatives include the establishment of an independent sea fishing boat licensing policy with an independent appeals process. These measures have established the policies and structures whereby the capacity of the Irish fishing fleet can be effectively managed within the parameters set down in EU legislation. I am delighted that the processing and payment of aid towards approved grant aid projects by BIM can now proceed.

I am also satisfied that the white fish fleet renewal and modernisation investments supported by the Government in the period 1998-2006 have already substantially enhanced the competitiveness of our white fish fleet and will continue to do so. Our pelagic fleet, which has not received aid for renewal or modernisation, is already one of the most competitive fleets in Europe. The Irish seafood industry is facing further major challenges over both the medium and long term. The future of the industry depends on competitiveness and will require continued advances in technology, marketing, product quality and safety assurance. These critical challenges are being met under a number of targeted schemes in the fishing sector, particularly the support for innovation and sustainability in processing, human resources and marketing under the national development plan.

Aquaculture Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he intends to monitor husbandry in fish farming with a view to maintaining the highest health standards and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25965/04]

I believe that aquaculture has considerable potential for further growth and development, and that it will be an important element of the economic life of many coastal areas in the coming years. It is essential, both in the interests of the aquaculture industry itself and in ensuring the optimum utilisation of our marine and coastal resources, that aquaculture operations are conducted in accordance with high fish health, environmental and operational standards.

Programmes are in place for monitoring compliance by fish farmers with the terms and conditions of their aquaculture licences, and with other obligations such as the requirements of the protocols relating to offshore fin fish farms. These programmes will be further developed and refined, as necessary.

Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 10.

Fishing Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to support families involved in the fishing industry in view of the need for ongoing catch limitations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25967/04]

The critical factor in protecting the livelihoods of fishing families is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities each year. The position for 2004 is worthy of emphasis as it represents a broadly favourable position. Ireland's national quotas for 2004 show an overall growth of 23% in volume terms on the equivalent figure for 2003. While the figure includes a generally static position for whitefish and shellfish quotas, this is more than offset by increased pelagic quotas. While the whitefish stocks which require conservation action at present are causing particular difficulties, fishermen accept that there is a need for effective conservation regulations to provide for the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in the future. Conservation regulations will help to safeguard the future income of Irish fishing families. I will continue to work closely with the Irish fishing industry to ensure that such regulations are effective. Fishing possibilities for 2005 will be decided in December. I will work closely with the Irish fishing industry to get the best possible deal consistent with the overriding requirement of ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

Garda Investigations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to alleged irregularities in the fishing industry in Killybegs or at other locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25968/04]

I have referred the matters to which the Deputy refers to the Garda Síochána. As I understand that the matters are the subject of an investigation by the Garda, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further or to make a statement at this time.

Port Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for the development of fishing ports and ancillary facilities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25969/04]

The national development plan states that the objectives for the development of fishery harbours are the development and construction of fishery harbour and related facilities at key strategic fishery harbours and the construction and improvement of berthage at smaller harbours and landing places. The plan provides €84.35 million for capital investment in fishery harbours infrastructure and facilities between 2000 and 2006. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources had spent €83.44 million under the programme by the end of 2003 and the total allocation for 2004 is €17.141 million.

Some €9 million has been made available this year to complete the €50 million development at Killybegs fishery harbour centre. This year's allocation also includes funding for various other projects such as the development of an extension to Dinish Wharf; a new auction hall at Castletownbere fishery harbour centre; the development of new ferry berths at Rossaveel fishery harbour centre, which will be jointly funded by the Departments of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; the development options at Dunmore East fishery harbour centre; and the upgrading and modernisation of Port Oriel in Clogherhead which is owned by Louth County Council. The county council will contribute 25% of the cost of the latter development. Funding has also been approved for 24 projects at smaller harbours and landing places around the coast to meet the needs of local fishing and aquaculture interests and coastal communities. The completion of the programme in future years will depend on the availability of funding.

Overseas Development Aid.

Enda Kenny

Question:

145 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he is unable to meet its target of 0.7% GNP for overseas aid in view of the healthy state of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/04]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

147 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to meet the target of increasing Irish overseas development aid spending to 0.7% of GNP by 2007 as stated at the UN Millennium Development Summit in 2000. [25933/04]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 together.

I refer the Deputies to my answer to Questions Nos. 156, 157 and 158 of 19 October last:

The programme for Government commits the Government to spending 0. 7% of GNP on official development aid by 2007. The Government will make every effort to meet that target. Our spending on official development aid has increased dramatically in recent years. In 1997 we spent €158 million on ODA. This year we will spend approximately €475 million. Our aid as a percentage of GNP has also increased significantly in the intervening years. In 1992 the figure was 0.16% of GNP. Last year it was 0.4% of GNP.

These increases mean that Ireland is now one of the world's leading aid donors. We are in joint seventh place in terms of per capita spending on aid, well above the European average. The negotiations for the Estimates for 2005 are currently under way. The Government is committed to building quickly on the substantial progress to date in order to achieve the UN target of 0.7%. The figures for 2002 and 2003 were lower than we would have hoped. However, this was against the background of the economic slowdown that affected all areas of public expenditure. We should be proud of what has been achieved in our development aid programme.

Our peers in the OECD regularly evaluate us. The most recent evaluation in 2003 concluded that our development programme is of the highest quality. The taxpayer is getting good value for money. The OECD review stated that our programme distinguishes itself by its sharp focus on poverty reduction and commitment to partnership principles. The focus of our development programme is in line with the UN's millennium development goals. These goals were set by the international community as a framework by which the commitment to reduce poverty in the world can be judged.

To reduce poverty we must tackle the underlying causes as well as the symptoms. This means that in addition to providing immediate relief to those suffering from conflict, disaster and famine, we must tackle the underlying causes of poverty through long-term assistance programmes. The focus of our programme is on assisting long-term economic growth and the provision of basic services such as education and health care. Good governance, inclusive political processes and human rights are also important elements of our programme.

I am confident that Ireland has a high quality development aid programme with the proper focus on poverty reduction. I intend to make a strong case in the course of the Estimates process for substantial increases so as to reach the UN target of 0.7%.

Visa Applications.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

146 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason an application for a work visa was refused to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25860/04]

The Department of Foreign Affairs issues working visas and work authorisations in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The guidelines, which are designed to facilitate the recruitment of skilled employees, including ICT professionals, in certain sectors of the Irish economy, set out strict criteria for the acceptance of applications under the scheme. The visa was refused in this instance because neither the job description, salary nor the qualifications submitted by the applicant met the criteria for an ICT professional.

Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 145.

Foreign Conflicts.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

148 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the action the Government has taken with respect to the ongoing crisis in the Darfur region; and the additional steps the Government plans to take in the near future. [25979/04]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Nos. 166, 173, 194, 198, 214, 235 and 365 on 19 October 2004.

Middle East Peace Process.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

149 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report by the international crisis group, which recommends that the Government of Israel support the conduct of Palestinian local, legislative and presidential elections, including by withdrawing from cities consistent with security concerns and permitting full participation by Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem; if his attention has been further drawn to a news report by the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, which stated that 17 voter registration centres have been forced to close in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and An Nazleh due to the Israeli occupation forces’ military operations in Palestinian areas of the northern Gaza Strip, as well as six voter registration centres in East Jerusalem which were to have facilitated voter registration from 7 to 14 October 2004; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the voter registration process was severely disrupted by Israeli closures and incursions; if he has raised or will raise those matters with the Israeli authorities. [25980/04]

I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy refers. The Government, together with Ireland's EU partners, shares the concerns which have been widely expressed regarding the Palestinian election process.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg on 11 October expressed those concerns and urged Israel, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to facilitate voter registration, the preparations for and conduct of the elections and the movement of candidates and voting officials, including in occupied East Jerusalem.

Dublin Port Tunnel.

Finian McGrath

Question:

150 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will work closely with the Departments of Transport and for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (details supplied). [25859/04]

The Deputy's question refers to the Dublin Port Tunnel, which is the ultimate responsibility of Dublin City Council. A project such as this requires broad co-operation from all participants.

My Department's responsibilities in regard to the project relate to the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workers there and the application of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. The Act requires an employer to prepare a safety statement based on hazard identification and risk assessment. Under section 12, that statement must be in writing and be relevant to the work undertaken. Section 6(2)(g) of the Act requires the preparation and revision of adequate plans to be followed in emergencies.

Section 6 (2)(d) of the 1989 Act requires the provision of systems of work that are planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be safe. Section 6(2)(e) of the Act also requires the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of his employees. Those provisions must be carried out in so far as is reasonably practicable.

As required by section 16 of the Act, the Health and Safety Authority provides information and advice on matters relating to safety, health and welfare at work and work with others to achieve that. There is continuous interaction between the Health and Safety Authority and the participating parties in the port tunnel project. I am satisfied that the Health and Safety Authority is carrying out its duties in that regard.

Work Permits.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

151 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit will be extended for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [25882/04]

This person has a current work permit, which expires on 20 January 2005. If he wishes to change his employment, my Department will process an application on its merits. However, the new employer must advertise the position with FÁS before submitting it to the work permit section.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

152 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Cork can be granted work permits for four Thai chefs. [25883/04]

There is no record of any applications in the work permit section from the above-named individual. Should applications be submitted, they would be considered sympathetically.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

153 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 29 September 2004, if there is a county breakdown of the figures available; the number of such inspections, investigations and visits for each year between 1997 and 2003 in total and on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25907/04]

The information sought is set out in the following tabular statement.

Year

Visits

Counties

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

Total Visits

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

1997

22

12

34

Cork 6Dublin 6Galway 2Kildare 2Mayo 1Meath 2Monaghan 1Offaly 1Wicklow 1

Dublin 4Galway 2Kildare 1Mayo 3Westmeath 1Wexford 1

1998

25

10

35

Clare 2Cork 2Donegal 2Dublin 9Kildare 2Limerick 2Roscommon 1Sligo 2 Waterford 1Westmeath 1Wexford 1

Donegal 1Dublin 6Galway 1Meath 1Sligo 1

1999

30

20

50

Cavan 1Donegal 1Dublin 9Galway 6Kildare 3Monaghan 1Offaly 2Sligo 1 Tipperary North 1Tipperary South 1Westmeath 2Wexford 1Wicklow 1

Cork 1Dublin 8Galway 5Meath 1Roscommon 1Sligo 3Westmeath 1

2000

28

67

95

Carlow 2Donegal 3Dublin 12Kerry 3Kilkenny 4Meath 1Tipperary North 1Westmeath 1Wicklow 1

Carlow 12Donegal 9Dublin 13Galway 2Kerry 6Kildare 4Kilkenny 5Limerick 5 Louth 1Meath 2Waterford 2Westmeath 2Wexford 1

2001

39

41

80

Cork 6Donegal 8Dublin 8Galway 1Kerry 2Kildare 1Kilkenny 4Limerick 2Louth 3Meath 2Sligo 1Wexford 1

Carlow 5Clare 1Cork 1Donegal 1Dublin 5Kerry 1Kildare 6Kilkenny 5Laois 2Meath 1Monaghan 1Offaly 1Roscommon 1Sligo 1Tipperary South 3Waterford 2Westmeath 1Wexford 3

2002

27

17

44

Cork 4Dublin 11Galway 2Kildare 4Limerick 1Mayo 1Roscommon 1Tipperary South 2Wicklow 1

Cavan 1Cork 2Donegal 3Dublin 3Kildare 2Limerick 3Sligo 1Tipperary South 1Wicklow 1

2003

40

15

55

Cork 4Donegal 6Dublin 9Galway 1Kildare 3Limerick 2Longford 1Louth 1Offaly 2Sligo 1Tipperary North 1Tipperary South 1Waterford 2Westmeath 6

Donegal 1Dublin 4Galway 1Kerry 2Kildare 1Kilkenny 1Sligo 1Waterford 2 Wicklow 2

2004 1 January to 10 September

19

12

35

Dublin 7Kildare 3Galway 2Roscommon 2Tipperary 2Cork 1Meath 1Wicklow 1

Dublin 6Wexford 2Wicklow 2Clare 1Limerick 1

The data for the years 1997 to 2003 may not include certain visits relating to school maintenance or refurbishment work, data on which could not be collated in the time available. I have asked the authority to forward any further data on the matter that may be available. However, I understand that the process will take at least a few weeks to complete.

David Stanton

Question:

154 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider allowing persons on community employment schemes who would, if at work on low pay, otherwise qualify for family income supplement to be eligible for family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25839/04]

Family income supplement is designed to assist people with families in low-income, full-time employment who might otherwise be dependent on a welfare payment.

Community employment, or CE, is a transitional training and employment programme designed and funded by FÁS to move the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups towards gainful employment. It helps people re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine. It also assists them to enhance or develop their technical and personal skills. For that reason, each CE employer is expected to prepare a personal development plan for participants. That process provides participants with an opportunity to engage in useful work in their communities on a temporary basis as part of the process of transition to full-time employment.

As a State-funded employment and training programme rather than full-time remunerative employment, CE earnings are specifically excluded by regulation for the purpose of FIS qualification. There are no plans to amend those regulations.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

155 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he plans to allow persons on community employment schemes who, prior to receiving a place on a community employment scheme were in receipt of a supplementary welfare allowance, to retain all or part of the supplementary welfare allowance; if not, if he will consider increasing the household income limit above the €317.43 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25840/04]

Arrangements have been in place for a number of years which allow people to retain a portion of their rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme where they take up community employment. These arrangements are subject to a weekly household income limit of €317.43. Improvements have been made in these arrangements since they were first introduced. The period for which rent supplement may be retained has been extended to four years on a tapered basis, that is, 75% in the first year 1, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third and fourth years. In addition, the upper limit on the amount of supplement payable was abolished. Furthermore, back to work allowance and family income supplement, in cases where one or both of these are in payment, are now disregarded in the assessment of the €317.43 weekly income limit. PRSI and reasonable travelling expenses are also disregarded in the means test. Any increase in the €317.43 income limit would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context.

Participants in community employment schemes may opt for assessment under the standard supplementary welfare allowance means test or under the special means test described above, whichever is the more favourable to them. Under standard assessment rules, rent supplements are calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. Up to €50 in respect of additional income from part-time employment is disregarded in the means test thus ensuring that a person is better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity. Community employment is regarded as part-time employment for these purposes.

The amount of rent supplement payable in any given case depends on the particular circumstances of the individual concerned, such as the amount of rent paid. For example, a lone parent with one child living in the Dublin area and participating in a community employment scheme would typically receive €85.90 per week in rent supplement. He or she would have an income of €188.60 per week after paying rent and would be €50 per week better off than a lone parent in similar circumstances who was not participating in a community employment scheme.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

156 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider funding community information centres to establish a register of trades persons and handymen who will comply with certain standards and complaint procedures in order to protect citizens from cowboy traders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/04]

The network of citizen's information centres around the country is funded by Comhairle, the national agency responsible for information, advice and advocacy on social services. Citizen's information centres provide comprehensive information on the full range of social services available to citizens from state and voluntary agencies. They also deal with consumer queries.

Comhairle has recently published an updated version of its information booklet, Where to Complain, which provides contact details for more than 150 organisations at both Irish and EU level. The booklet includes a brief description of the various complaints and appeals mechanisms available and offers advice and guidance to consumers on making complaints and appeals and in seeking redress.

While accepting that citizens, particularly older and vulnerable citizens, need to be protected from unscrupulous trades persons it would not be appropriate for the role of citizen's information centres to be further extended so as to take on the task of compiling registers as suggested by the Deputy. The issue raised by the Deputy is essentially a consumer protection issue and, as such, a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

157 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the recent monthly telephone line rental charge approved by ComReg is being paid by his Department under the telephone allowance scheme as administered by his Department; the total amount involved in this increase under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25932/04]

Expenditure on the household benefits package which includes the telephone allowance, the electricity-natural gas allowance and the free television licence is estimated at €280 million this year. My Department continually negotiates to obtain the best commercial terms and value for money for this very sizeable annual expenditure on the household benefits.

The structure of the telephone allowance operated by my Department was changed in 2003 to make it a cash credit on bills and not attributable to any particular component of the bill. Previously the allowance had covered the line and instrument rental charges specifically, along with a small element of call costs on each two-monthly client bill. This change in the structure of the telephone allowance was designed to make it easier for eligible clients to switch from Eircom to another participating service provider if they so desire as the newly standardised allowance can be applied to phone bills from any service provider irrespective of the tariff components. Currently, there are four service providers, including Eircom, participating in the telephone allowance scheme and three more have expressed an interest in participating.

In conjunction with this change, a special bundle rate, the Eircom social benefits scheme was introduced by Eircom, which provides telephone allowance customers with line and equipment rental plus an enhanced call credit of up to €5.35 worth of free calls per two month billing period. The cost of the bundle represented better value for money for the ongoing expenditure on these services. Subsequently the Commission for Telecommunications Regulation, ComReg, approved a price increase application from Eircom of 7.5% in line rental, effective from 4 February 2004. A lesser percentage increase was applied to telephone instrument rental where applicable.

Following detailed discussions between my Department and Eircom it was decided that the increase in the Eircom social benefits scheme would be limited to the rate of the consumer price index, 1.9%. This added a total of 94 cent to the two-monthly bills, 11 cent per week, of Eircom customers who are recipients of the telephone allowance. Other Eircom customers have incurred an increase of 7.5% or €3.48 per two months. Eircom has also offered to give low use customers up to €10 worth of calls free per two-month bill, by offering them its separate low users scheme in addition to the social benefit scheme. Claimants of the telephone allowance are free to choose the service provider which they feel gives them the best value for money. Depending on which service provider is chosen, the €20.41 per month paid by the Department can cover line rental and instrument rental in full as well as providing a set value of free calls. One provider participating in the scheme provides full cover for line and instrument rental and €5 free calls per month for the €20.41 paid by the Department.

As customers are entitled to switch between participating service providers, it is difficult to accurately assess what would be the full cost to the Exchequer of paying the cost of the Eircom increase. The maximum cost, based on current numbers in receipt of the telephone allowance, would be €1.78 million in a full year. As the new arrangements have been in place for 12 months I have asked my Department for a report on the telephone allowance scheme to assess the implications of the changes in the scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason one parent family allowance has not been approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that an irrevocable judicial separation has been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25948/04]

Under the regulations governing the one parent family payment scheme, a separated spouse is required to make and continue to make appropriate efforts to obtain adequate maintenance from their spouse. The person concerned was requested by a deciding officer of the Department to show evidence of his efforts to seek maintenance from his spouse. However, to date he has not forwarded documentary evidence of his efforts in this respect. The granting of a judicial separation does not alter this requirement.

On receipt of the requested documentation an early decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to 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.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

159 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the publication of the research project, How are our Kids? by the Tallaght west childhood development initiative (details supplied); if he will examine the recommendations in relation to the children of the area within the remit of his Department; if he will initiate discussions to find solutions to these long-standing problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/04]

A copy of the report to which the Deputy refers has been recently received in my Department and the material in it will be examined by my officials. A number of issues raised in the report are cross-cutting in nature and require an integrated and strategic approach. The strategies, for which my Department is responsible, to combat child poverty and the measures to give effect to them are set out in the revised national anti-poverty strategy and, more recently, in the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion. A key objective of these strategies is to eliminate child poverty and to move towards a situation of greater equality for all children in terms of access to appropriate education, health and housing, thereby seeking to break the cycle of disadvantage and exclusion experienced by certain children in society.

The most significant child poverty related measure in my Department has been the increase in child benefit, from which all families have gained, but particularly those on low incomes. The rate of child benefit has risen from €38.09 for the first two children and €49.52 for each child thereafter in 1997 to €131.60 per month for each of the first two children and to €165.30 per month for the third and each subsequent child. Another income support for low income families is the family income supplement. The aim of this scheme is to provide a weekly cash support for employees on low earnings with families, thereby preserving the incentive to remain in employment. Family income supplement payment rates have increased annually in line with unemployment payments, maintaining the incentive for people to avail of suitable employment opportunities. In the 2004 estimates €56 million has been allocated for this scheme. My Department also provides a one parent family payment which is a payment for both men and women who, for a variety of reasons, are bringing up a child or children without the support of a partner. €707.8 million is provided in the 2004 estimates for this scheme.

The Government recognises the importance of supporting and protecting families and children and is fully committed to achieving the national anti-poverty strategy targets. A specific target in the national anti-poverty strategy is to reduce the number of children who are consistently poor to below 2% by 2007 and, if possible, to eliminate consistent poverty amongst children by then. Significant progress has already been made towards achieving this target. For instance, the number of children who are consistently poor has more than halved in the four year period 1997 to 2001, falling from 15.3% in 1997 to 6.5% in 2001. I am confident that the measures envisaged will contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of life for children experiencing poverty.

Road Safety.

John Perry

Question:

160 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce solar-powered beacon systems with flashing speed displays on roads to make motorists more conscious of their speed and to help reduce speed; his views on whether this simple solar traffic control, together with a campaign for traffic watch awareness, may help prevent fatalities on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25877/04]

Motorists are subject to the requirements to comply with speed limits and in addition, to always drive at a speed that is safe having regard to the prevailing circumstances. The National Roads Authority, the NRA, has engaged in an experimental programme through which contractors at certain major road works sites have provided variable message signs advising motorists of the speed at which their vehicles are being driven. The question of determining the effects the deployment of the signs have in reducing vehicle speeds at the particular locations will be considered by the NRA in the first instance. Any decision relating to a more general deployment of the signs would be considered in the context of that initial review.

Public Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his intentions in respect of establishing a greater Dublin land use and transport authority as promised in the programme for Government. [25927/04]

The Government consultation paper, New Institutional Arrangements for Land-Use and Transport in the Greater Dublin Area, was published jointly by the Departments of the Environment and Local Government and Public Enterprise in April 2001. The paper proposed the establishment of a new strategic land use and transportation planning authority for the greater Dublin area. Developments since the publication of this consultation document have caused a review of its proposals.

The national spatial strategy was published in December 2002 and arising from that strategy the regional authorities have recently finalised regional planning guidelines under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These will provide effective regional land use strategies consistent with the national spatial strategy. The Dublin and mid-east regional authorities have collaborated to produce a single set of guidelines for the greater Dublin area which were published on 8 July. These guidelines recommend a number of specific actions required for the further development of transport in the region. The guidelines also recommend a number of policy principles that need to be pursued in that regard.

The relevant agencies investing in transport in the region are now assessing their plans in the light of the guidelines. In particular the guidelines provide an important guidance to the Dublin Transportation Office in its input into all development plans and planning applications in the greater Dublin area. In the light of the developments in the intervening period I am of the view that the establishment of a greater Dublin land use transportation authority is not now a priority in seeking to improve the transport system for Dublin.

Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the need for extra rolling stock to meet the commuter needs of the north Kildare towns of Maynooth, Kilcock, Leixlip, Confey, Celbridge and Naas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/04]

The Government is committed to responding to the needs of commuters in the north Kildare towns referred to and continues to provide funding for Irish Rail for investment in new rolling stock and other necessary resources.

Irish Rail has informed me that the 2004 commuter timetable was significantly enhanced with the introduction of the 80 new diesel railcars. This facilitated an increase in train size, the provision of additional services and the replacement of all old rolling stock on commuter services. Additional service enhancements for commuters are currently being planned by Irish Rail and these will be publicised in the December 2004 timetable. Furthermore, 36 additional new railcars will be introduced during 2005. These will primarily be deployed on the Maynooth-Sligo line, giving increased capacity and frequency for all commuter and longer distance users along the line.

Forestry Targets.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the annual increased afforestation proposed in the various programmes for Government has been achieved in each of the past seven years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25937/04]

The programme for Government contains a commitment to work towards increasing forest planting to 20,000 hectares per annum. The current targets were set out in the 1996 strategy, Growing for the Future, and were confirmed in the new partnership agreement Sustaining Progress. Grant aid at a level of 100% for planting and generous annual premiums are available. Annual planting since 1996 has averaged 14,000 hectares. Following CAP reform and, in particular, the stacking of entitlements in respect of forestry land, I expect to see an increased level of applications under the various forestry schemes operated by my Department in the coming years.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of trees (details supplied) planted in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25981/04]

The total area — hectares — of afforestation grant aided by my Department in each of the last five years is as follows:

Year

Hectares

1999

12,668

2000

15,695

2001

15,464

2002

15,054

2003

9,097

The average correlation between the number of hectares and trees planted is in the order of 3,000 trees per hectare.

While an exact breakdown on the lines requested by the Deputy is not available, the level of Sitka Spruce grant-aided has been averaging less than 60% annually over the last five years. The percentage of Western Red Cedar planted is very low by comparison, of the order of 1% annually.

There are no statistics available in my Department in respect of non-grant aided tree planting. While the level of such planting for commercial purposes is likely to be limited both the national parks and wildlife service and local authorities undertake significant tree planting for environmental purposes.

Promotional Dispute.

Mary Upton

Question:

165 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will investigate allegations made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25852/04]

The officer concerned was third on a panel for the position of senior supervisory agricultural officer which was set up in April 1996 to fill two posts. The officers placed first and second on the panel accepted the two posts. The office concerned has raised his case under the grievance procedure, which is an agreed procedure under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Civil Service. There is provision for mediation under this procedure and the officer was offered this service. My Department is prepared to continue this process. This procedure, which is agreed with all Civil Service unions, is the appropriate way for dealing with such cases.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

166 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Clare regarding single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25900/04]

The person named has been notified that the circumstances outlined, that is, change of farming enterprise during the reference period, do not satisfy the criteria for force majeure exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003. The person named has been advised that he can appeal my Department’s decision to the independent single payment appeals committee which will carry out a full review of the circumstances of his case.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the farm support payments available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25950/04]

The 2004 area aid application for the person named has been fully processed, with an area determined for payment purposes of 26.52 hectares of forage land. Payment under the 2004 area based compensatory allowance scheme was made on 17 September 2004.

Under the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme, the person named has lodged two applications to date, one on 9 January 2004 in respect of six animals and one on 12 February 2004 in respect of two animals. The 60% advance payments in respect of these applications issued on 19 October 2004 and amounted to €720.

The person named has submitted an application under the 2004 extensification premium scheme. Payments under this scheme will commence in June 2005. The application will be considered in due course.

Eligibility for 2004 EU slaughter premium has been determined in respect of four animals. However, payment in respect of these animals has not issued as my Department has not received a producer acknowledgement form. A form has issued to the person named for signature. The 60% advance payment will issue when the duly completed form is returned to my Department.

The person named is not an applicant under the suckler cow premium or ewe premium scheme of for arable aid or REPS.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

168 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if additional payments are available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who commenced farming during the relevant years and has since built up production beyond year 2000 levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25951/04]

The person named has submitted an application requesting that his entitlements be amended under the single payment scheme measure relating to new entrants-inheritance. Following an examination of the application submitted, the named person was requested to submit additional information. When this outstanding information is received, the application will be processed by my Department and the person named will be informed of the decision in his case.

Road Traffic Offences.

John Perry

Question:

169 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which the traffic phone watch system has helped reduce speed; the steps which are taken if a vehicle has been reported speeding excessively on two or more occasions; if he will make a statement on the matter. [25877/04]

Traffic Watch was established on a national basis in February 2004. The public are encouraged to report inappropriate driving behaviour to the Garda using a low cost telephone number. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a review of the project is under way and an examination of the relationship between speeding and reporting of offences to the Garda is being considered as part of the review. The Garda authorities further inform me that each complaint received is dealt with.

Reunification Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

170 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider his decision regarding a reunification application by persons (details supplied); and if assistance will be given to the persons’ family. [25863/04]

As I stated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 161 on 14 October 2004, applications for family reunification for dependent members of a refugee's family are considered under section18(4) of the Refugee Act 1996. If dependency is proved such applications may be granted at my discretion. In this case the six people concerned did not qualify for family reunification as the refugee did not provide evidence that they were dependent on her. It is open to the refugee to submit further documentation proving dependency. If new information is received further consideration will be given to the application.

Visa Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

171 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application by a person (details supplied) for a tourist visa will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/04]

The person in question made a visa application in August 2004, to enable him to visit the State for a two month holiday. The applicant stated on his visa application form that he is employed in his home country, yet no documentation was submitted to support this claim. No evidence of finances was submitted to show how the applicant intended to maintain himself while in the State. It was also noted that the applicant named a sponsor in Ireland on his visa application form. However, the sponsor did not provide any information outlining his own status in the State. In fact, the application consisted solely of the completed form and a letter from the sponsor. It was also noted that the dates on the application and the accompanying letter appear to have been altered from a date in 2002 to a current date. The application was refused because the visa officer was unable to conclude, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa.

While it is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department enclosing additional supporting documentation, it would be more appropriate for a fresh application to be made with up to date supporting documentation.

Garda Deployment.

John Perry

Question:

172 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the presence of Garda patrol vehicles on roads and streets assists in reducing the number of street assaults and helps to reduce speeding; if he plans to place unmanned patrol cars on roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25876/04]

I am informed that local Garda management are responsible for the deployment of mobile and foot patrols so as to address policing requirements in preventing and detecting crimes and traffic offences. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans to place unmanned patrol cars on roads and streets.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

173 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide funding for the number of canine partners for persons with a physical disability. [25878/04]

While my Department has a key role in the development of disability equality policy and legislation, it is not directly involved in the provision of services for people with disabilities. As such, no funding exists within my Department for schemes of this type. Suitable grant schemes may be operated through the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs or Health and Children or the social economy programme provided by FÁS which comes within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Asylum Applications.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

174 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the fingerprints of asylum seekers from the ten accession States have been destroyed or removed from EURODAC. [25879/04]

The regulation referred to by the Deputy is Council Regulation No. 2725/200 of 11 December 2000, concerning the establishment of EURODAC for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of the Dublin Convention. Article 2 of the regulation provides that the European Commission shall be responsible for operating the central database on behalf of the member states. Article 6 of the regulation provides that "each set of data . . . shall be stored in the central database for ten years from the date on which the fingerprints are taken". It is also provided that upon expiry of this period, the central unit shall automatically erase the data from the central database. However, Article 7 indicates that data relating to a person "who has acquired citizenship of any Member State before expiry of the period referred to in Article 6 shall be erased from the database . . . as soon as the Member State of origin becomes aware that the person has acquired such citizenship." I have asked that the European Commission be requested to explore the implications of Article 7 of the regulation in light of the accession to the EU of ten new member states.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Willie Penrose

Question:

175 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the section of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 which permits additional evidence to be adduced, which was not available at the original hearing of an action and which would be favourable to a defendant in the course of defence of criminal proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25896/04]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Criminal Procedure Act 1993, one of the purposes of which was to provide a means whereby a person who has exhausted the normal appeal procedure can appeal again to the Court of Criminal Appeal. I refer the Deputy in particular to section 2 of that Act which sets out the circumstances under which a person can appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal for an order quashing a conviction or reviewing a sentence. In general, the person must allege that a new or newly discovered fact shows that there has been a miscarriage of justice.

Reunification Applications.

Willie Penrose

Question:

176 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to ensure that an application under the family reunification scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which was submitted almost a year ago is immediately dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25897/04]

The person in question made an application for family reunification in November 2003 and she was subsequently informed that she did not qualify for this. The statutory family reunification scheme operated by my Department under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 deals only with refugees and their families. None of the persons involved in this application had been granted refugee status. The immigration division of my Department has recently been in contact with the person concerned to ascertain if she has any other basis for seeking permission to remain in the State and, on receipt of a reply, a decision will be made in her case.

Garda Deployment.

Pat Breen

Question:

177 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to increase Garda presence or to install closed circuit television cameras to deal with the vandalism in Kilrush, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25904/04]

I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources, that the personnel strength of Kilrush Garda station as at 20 October 2004 was 26, all ranks. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Kilrush with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review by Garda management and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Kilrush will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

With regard to Garda resources generally, the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the agreed programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources.

Clearly, however, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies, in particular, areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. One thing I have already promised is that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

Applications for Garda CCTV schemes must be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and receive their full support. Applications for Garda CCTV systems are then assessed by the CCTV advisory committee, established by the commissioner to advise on all matters relating to CCTV, on the basis of Garda operational needs and taking into account the following criteria: crime-public order statistics in the area; population and level of activity there; the recommendation of local Garda management; any special circumstances or needs that exist; and the likely impact of a Garda CCTV system on the area. I am advised that although Kilrush Urban District Council previously expressed an interest in having a Garda CCTV system no formal application in respect of same has been received.

It is not, understandably, possible for the Garda Síochána to install CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. Some applications for Garda CCTV systems relate to relatively small schemes which, while of importance to the local community, cannot be regarded as a national Garda priority. To this end, a grant aid scheme has been launched to facilitate community based groups who wish to press ahead with their own local CCTV system. Grant assistance of up to €100,000 will, subject to the availability of funds, be obtainable from my Department towards the cost of such systems.

A prospectus has been prepared by my Department which provides information on how to apply for grant aid funding, outlines the application process and identifies the main issues that applicants will need to consider. The code of practice for the operation of the community based CCTV scheme has been drawn up by my Department in co-operation with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Detailed technical specifications have been drawn up by the Garda Síochána and are currently under consideration by officials in my Department.

I expect that both the code of practice and the technical specifications will be finalised by my Department in the coming weeks. At that stage copies of same will issue to all communities and organisations who have expressed an interest in the community based CCTV scheme. Any applications subsequently received will be evaluated and processed in accordance with the conditions set out in the prospectus. I am advised that while a number of expressions of interest in this scheme have been received from entities in County Clare, none has been received with regard to the installation of a community based CCTV system in Kilrush.

Residency Permits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

178 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date of the last positive decision given by his Department granting residency here to a migrant parent on the basis of their parentage of an Irish child under the separate process for such residency applications that existed until 19 February 2003. [25905/04]

It is not possible to state exactly when the last positive decision issued to the parent of an Irish born child who applied for residency in the State solely on that basis prior to the cessation of the procedure on 19 February 2003. However, no further processing of any outstanding applications took place after 23 January 2003 following the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of L&O.

Garda Deployment.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

179 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra Garda resources that have been provided to deal with the significant increase in anti-social activity associated with the lead up to Halloween; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25910/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that a policing plan has been put in place for the month of October to combat anti-social activity in the lead up to and during Halloween.

The policing plan is designed to: combat the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks, through intelligence led operations; liaise with local authorities regarding the provision of official, supervised bonfire sites, the policing of these and the identification and removal of stockpiles of bonfire materials and abandoned vehicles from other locations; promote awareness of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks and unsupervised bonfires through the use of media, school visits and so forth; and police the Halloween celebrations. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all necessary resources will be put in place to ensure that gardaí can respond to incidents occurring over the period.

Garda Security Escorts.

John McGuinness

Question:

180 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost in each year from 2000 to date in 2004 of providing gardaí and Army personnel and vehicles in security operations for financial institutions in the transportation of money throughout the State; the amount paid by the financial institutions to the State in each of these years to pay the costs involved; his views on whether the arrangement is a satisfactory one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25913/04]

The costs incurred by the Garda Síochána in providing cash escorts for the banks and the contributions by the banks to these costs since the year 2000 are set out as follows.

Year

Cost

Banks Contribution

2004

1,910,867*

Subject to negotiation

2003

3,283,348

3,000,000

2002

3,953,886

952,000

2001

4,341,491

952,000

2000

2,971,817

952,000

(*This figure relates to the period 1 January, 2004, to 30 June, 2004, only).
Following negotiations between the banks and my Department last year, the banks agreed to increase their contributions to these costs to €3 million in respect of 2003. Further negotiations are being conducted with the banks about their annual contribution in this and future years.
With respect to costs relating to the Defence Forces, I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Defence, will reply directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Garda Operations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

181 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the principles underpinning the Garda juvenile diversion programmes; the location and costs of and the numbers attending each such programme; the details of the education, training and employment elements in each case; and if he will report on assessments of the effectiveness of such programmes which have been undertaken in recent years. [25919/04]

The Garda youth diversion project should be distinguished from the juvenile diversion programme. That programme, which has been in existence since 1963, was placed on a statutory basis by the Children Act 2001.

The diversion programme is delivered throughout the country by specially trained gardaí. The conditions for inclusion in the diversion programme are that the offender: is under 18 years of age at the time of committing the offence; admits to the crime or offence; has not been previously cautioned or, if previously cautioned, the circumstances are such that it would be deemed appropriate to administer a further caution; and the parents of the offender agree to co-operate with the gardaí. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an evaluation of the restorative justice programme, which was introduced into the juvenile justice system in the Children Act 2001, being carried out by the Garda research unit is nearing completion. The results of this evaluation are expected to be available before the end of the year.

Garda youth diversion projects, formerly known as Garda special projects, are established by the Garda Síochána following a process of consultation with local community interests and youth services providers. They reflect the Garda Síochána's commitment to a multi-agency approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at community level. Projects are established in response to local crime problems, with the objective of giving local communities some degree of ownership in tackling the problems faced by their areas.

A management committee is established to run each project, made up of local community representatives, local gardaí, Probation and Welfare Service personnel and youth service providers. The local community is central to the operation of each project. To address local problems, each committee is expected to come up with solutions which are specifically designed to deal with those local issues. As a result, each project has developed its own individual style and local identity and each project differs from the others, though all are operating within the overall framework of guidelines set out, most recently the guidelines which I launched in May 2003.

The guidelines define the objectives of the projects as seeking to divert young people from becoming involved — or further involved — in anti-social and-or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda community relations. Project activities include intervention programmes and prevention programmes. Intervention programmes are designed for the needs of specific groups, that is, young people who have offended and are at risk of re-offending or young people who have been identified as being at risk of offending. Prevention programmes are broadly based programmes directed at all young people within the target group.

There are in existence a total of 64 Garda youth diversion projects. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of these projects, from 12 in 1997 to the 64 at present, a process made possible in part by funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Following local consultations, the locations of the new projects were prioritised according to local needs by the Garda authorities, in conjunction with my Department. Funding of €5.318 million has been allocated to these and related projects in the current year.

A Study of Participants in Garda Special Projects by Audrey Warren, Centre for Social and Educational Research, DIT, was commissioned by my Department and published in 2001. The study developed a profile of risk factors which are thought to be prevalent in the lives of young people involved with the projects. In 2000, a study by Matt Bowden and Louise Higgins of the Children's Research Centre, TCD, The Impact and Effectiveness of the Garda Special Projects, also commissioned by my Department, was published. The study concluded that the positive impact of the projects overall justifies their retention but that they should be moved towards a strategic approach by, inter alia, establishing a national advisory committee and developing comprehensive guidelines. A national advisory committee has been established and guidelines were developed which I launched in May 2003.

It has not been possible in the time available to provide all the information requested by the Deputy. The remaining information is being prepared and I will revert to the Deputy in due course. The 64 projects operate in 24 Garda division and 46 Garda districts, as follows:

Location

Project Name

Killinarden/Brookfields, Dublin

Key

Jobstown, Dublin

Jay

Whitechurch, Dublin

Yew

Crumlin, Dublin

Poodle Close

Santry, Dublin

Woodale

Ballymun, Dublin

Bay

Kilmore, Dublin

Yak

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Web

Ballyfermot, Dublin

Cody

Ballyfermot, Dublin

Able

Clondalkin, Dublin

Swift

Ronanstown, Dublin

Graft

Finglas, Dublin

Fan

Cabra, Dublin

Cabra Youth Initiative

Loughlinstown, Dublin

LAB

Bray, Wicklow

New Directions

Sandyford, Dublin

Say

Donore Avenue, Dublin

Dan

The Coombe, Dublin

YIS

Summerhill/Ballybough, Dublin

NICKOL

Hardwicke Street, Dublin

DIME

North Strand, Dublin

St. Agatha’s

Montpellier/O’Devany Gardens, Dublin

MOST

Location

Project Name

Knocknaheeney/Hollyhill, Cork

Knocknaheeney/Hollyhill

Ballincollig, Cork

Ballincollig Action Project

Mahon, Cork

MAY

The Glen, Cork

GAP

Farranree, Cork

FAYRE

Togher, Cork

TACT

Bandon, Cork

Bandon Youth Project

Cobh/Midleton, Cork

Feabhas

Tralee, Kerry

Connect 7/Just us

Killarney, Kerry

BAPADE

Moyross, Limerick

CCYDG

Ballynanty, Limerick

LCNYDP

Limerick City South

LCSYI

Location

Project Name

Raphoe, Donegal

Raphoe Project

Monaghan Town

NYP Monaghan

Sligo Town

YABS

Location

Project Name

Ballybane, Galway

Ban

Westside, Galway

Bris

Ennis, Clare

The Ennis Project

Ballinasloe, Galway

Junction

Roscommon

RAD

Ballina, Mayo

YABS

Location

Project Name

Longford

Leap

Mullingar, Westmeath

EYE

Athlone, Westmeath

ALF

Port Laoise, Laois

BLOCK

Tullamore/Clara, Offaly

Slí Eile

Edenderry, Offaly

Acorn

Muirhevnamore, Louth

TEAM

Cox’s Demense, Louth

High Voltage

Drogheda, Louth

BOYNE

Trim, Meath

SMART

Navan, Meath

NYDP

Location

Project Name

Manor Street, Waterford

BALL

St John’s Park, Waterford

SWAY

Waterford Inner City

Waterford Inner City Youth Development Project

Dungarvan, Waterford

DAY

Kilkenny City

Kilkenny City Project

Wexford

SAFE

Wicklow

WAY

Clonmel, Tipperary

CYD Clonmel

Prisons Building Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

182 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the research his Department has conducted into the experience of the use of public private partnerships to build prisons in other countries; the relative costs of PPP built versus publicly built prisons in other countries; and his views on the assessment of the evidence. [25923/04]

Procurement, finance and design methods for the construction of prisons and other capital projects are kept under review as a matter of course. In this context, officials from my Department regularly meet representatives of other prison services and discuss their approach to these issues.

Any public private partnership project in this jurisdiction must be sanctioned by the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance established the National Development Finance Agency to advise Departments about public private partnership projects and my Department consults with it as appropriate. The relative costs of PPP built versus publicly built prisons in other countries is a matter for the authorities in the countries concerned.

Garda Operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

183 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the recent crisis at Dunsink Lane, Dublin; if he has satisfied himself that the Garda response was proportionate throughout the crisis; and the other follow-ups on this incident which will be undertaken by officials in his Department. [25924/04]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána have assisted in the enforcement in the Dunsink Lane area by the local authorities of the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001. I am further informed that as a result of petrol bombs, fireworks and firework rockets being directed at gardaí on patrol in the area, an investigation was launched to identify those involved. During the course of searches a considerable amount of power tools, a spear gun, an imitation handgun, a bullet proof vest, two bows and arrow, fireworks, a DVD burner, DVDs, a colour printer and other assorted items were seized. Six persons were also arrested during the course of the operation. General inquiries are continuing in respect of the property recovered and the persons arrested.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the unrest and protest at Dunsink Lane was policed by gardaí to ensure that there were no obstruction to the roads and to prevent breaches of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. I am assured by the Garda authorities that sufficient gardaí were kept on duty for this purpose and that the Garda response throughout was proportionate. I have been further informed that gardaí were subjected to missile throwing and ongoing provocation.

Temporary Travel Documents.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if temporary travel documents can issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25952/04]

The person in question has residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish citizen. I understand from the details supplied by the Deputy that the person in question has a valid passport from her country of origin, but that the passports of her three daughters have expired. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, temporary travel documents are generally only issued in exceptional or emergency circumstances and where it can be shown that the applicant has been unreasonably and formally refused a passport from their country of origin. It is open to the person concerned to contact the authorities of her country of nationality in relation to renewing the passports for her daughters. In this regard, I understand her country has an Embassy in London.

Reunification Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the reunification of the family of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who currently have refugee status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/04]

The refugee in question made an application for family reunification in respect of his partner and two children. My Department has recently been in correspondence with him seeking clarification of documentation submitted by him. On receipt of a response from the person in question a decision will be made in this case.

Deportation Procedures.

Joe Costello

Question:

186 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to ensure that, in relation to the Irish citizen children of non-national parents liable to deportation, neither he nor his officers breach the terms of section 40 of the Adoption Act 1952 (details supplied); the inquiries that are made so to ensure that the removal of such children out of the State is either done by the children’s parents, guardians or relatives, acting as free agents in the matter, or with their approval, freely given and properly recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25958/04]

Irish born children who are Irish citizens cannot be deported so the question of their involuntary removal from the State does not arise. Where the non-national parents of such children are being deported there is an expectation that they will voluntarily take their Irish born children with them when returning, an action which does not breach Section 40 of the Adoption Act 1952.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

187 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the publication of the research project How are our Kids? by the Tallaght west childhood development initiative (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to the worrying conclusion that families suffering from anti-social behaviour are not contacting the Garda; if he will examine the recommendations in relation to the children of the area within the remit of his Department; if he will initiate discussions to find solutions to these long standing problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25973/04]

I have received the report in question. I am considering its findings and recommendations in so far as they fall within the remit of my Department.

Departmental Appointments.

Dan Boyle

Question:

188 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of persons appointed peace commissioners by his Department since 1 June 2002. [25974/04]

I wish to advise that it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy under separate cover at the earliest possible opportunity.

Prison Visiting Committees.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

189 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has compared or has plans to compare the prison visiting regime here against others in North American jurisdictions and the EU; and if he has plans to make changes that are in the best interests of prisoners’ children, or in view of obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 with regard to the right to family life. [25976/04]

I am aware of differing prison visiting arrangements in other jurisdictions, some of which are more restrictive and some of which are less restrictive than those operating in Ireland. I am satisfied that the existing regime in this jurisdiction does not conflict with the current recommendations of the Council of Europe as set out in the recommendations on the European prison rules.

Visits are a fundamental part of helping prisoners to maintain family bonds and relationships during their time in custody. However, it must also be recognised that there are necessary restraints that must exist in relation to the length of time and contact allowed during prison visits. Unfortunately, experience has shown that efforts are made on a daily basis to pass contraband such as drugs to inmates during visits. Some unscrupulous individuals have even used young children in an attempt to pass drugs. I am not going to revise prison visiting arrangements in a manner which would worsen this problem.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

190 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to provide a second level school in the Littlepace and Castaheany area of Clonee, Dublin 15, in view of the thousands of new homes in the area; the progress which has been made in acquiring the reserved site in the area for the second level school; when she envisages giving the new school sanction; and when she proposes to permit the new school to open. [25847/04]

The capital programme for 2004 indicated that a new post-primary school will be provided in the Dublin 15 area. My Department is currently pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site for this purpose. When the acquisition process is complete a post-primary school will be constructed to cater for in excess of 800 pupils.

Psychological Service.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

191 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to improve the ratio for ex-quota guidance counsellors in the post-primary sector from one ex-quota counsellor to 500 pupils to its former level of one ex-quota counsellor to 250 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25854/04]

Under current arrangements, my Department makes a specific ex-quota allocation of teaching posts in respect of guidance to schools in the second level system.

In the case of schools in the free education scheme, the level of allocation ranges from eight hours per week in the case of schools with enrolments below 200 pupils to 44 hours per week, that is, two whole-time posts, in the case of schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more.

In addition to allocations based on enrolments, 50 whole-time equivalent guidance counselling posts were allocated in the 2001-02 school year under the guidance enhancement initiative. The focus of this initiative was to enhance the provision of guidance to young people at risk, to improve links between schools and the world of work and to improve the take-up of science subjects.

In allocating resources for guidance and counselling under this initiative, my Department set out criteria which targets the resource at those most in need rather than allocating resources on the basis of student to guidance counsellor ratios. The preliminary findings of the review of guidance and counselling carried out by the ESRI confirms that this method of targeting resources for guidance is the best way to reach those students who are disadvantaged.

My predecessor recently announced an extension of the guidance enhancement initiative for a further two years and also created an additional 30 guidance posts under this initiative from the commencement of the current school year. This decision reflects the high priority given to guidance by my Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

192 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason 18 persons deemed to require special education teaching at a school (details supplied) in County Meath will now only receive 22 minutes of teaching per child per week under the new re-clustering arrangement; and if this school will be given maximum support and assistance. [25855/04]

As the Deputy will be aware the allocation of teaching resources for special needs comprises two elements, a general allocation based on overall pupil numbers in respect of high-incidence disability categories and learning support needs and individual specific allocations in respect of specified low incidence disability categories. Any application for individual allocations made by this school will be processed as speedily as possible in accordance with the relevant criteria.

The school has also been notified of its provisional entitlement under the general allocation. My Department's inspectorate is currently finalising the clustering of schools for the purposes of these allocations. Following that exercise it is my intention to review the potential impact of the revised general allocations to minimise adverse impact on schools. Following that review final allocations and clustering arrangements will be notified to schools.

The school in question has the services of one full-time, shared learning support teacher post, not based in the school, and one full-time resource teacher post. There will be no diminution in the level of these services pending the outcome of the review.

Adult Education.

Richard Bruton

Question:

193 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated annual cost of developing the key segments of the adult education policy adopted by Government; the extent to which funding has increased in each of these segments since the policy was first enunciated; her plans to implement the policy; and the time scale she envisages for funding of its elements. [25856/04]

The principal objectives of the measures and programmes funded by the Department of Education and Science in the further and adult education area are to meet the needs of young early school-leavers, to provide vocational education and training opportunities for labour market entrants and re-entrants, and alternative pathways to higher education, and to provide second chance education for adults.

The White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, was published in 2000. It identified a range of areas requiring investment and development, including: a national adult literacy strategy; the expansion of the scale and flexibility of existing provision at further and higher education levels; measures to promote community education models; enhancement of quality, accreditation and assessment, staff development and supporting services, such as guidance and child care, expansion of capital provision for adult education; implementation of an ICT programme for adults; specific equality initiatives to improve the participation of marginalised groups; structures for national and local co-ordination. The recommendations of the White Paper are being implemented as resources permit.

The top priority is the adult literacy strategy, both because of the scale of the problem and because literacy skills are a basic requirement for progression in adult, further and higher education. Expenditure on adult literacy has increased from €1 million in 1997 to more than €19 million in 2004. The annual number of literacy students has increased over that period from 5,000 to over 31,000.

The back to education Initiative was introduced in 2002. It is aimed at providing flexible learning opportunities for those in employment, unemployed or not in the labour market. A total of 6,000 part-time places were provided initially. There are now 9,250 participants. Annual expenditure is of the order of €14 million. Expenditure on community education has increased from €1.27 million in 2000 to €8.2 million in 2004.

Support services by way of child care and guidance have been developed. Expenditure on child care has increased from €3 million in 2000 to €4.8 million in 2004. Guidance cost €0.7 million in 2000. The 2004 provision is €3.2 million.

Such programmes as Youthreach, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post-leaving certificate courses and senior Traveller training continue to be provided.

Special Educational Needs.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

194 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be assigned a special needs assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25870/04]

I can confirm that my Department has received an application for a special needs assistant for the pupil in question. The application is currently being processed and a decision will be conveyed to the school in the coming days.

Third Level Fees.

Michael Ring

Question:

195 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position under the free fees initiative in respect of a person born in America but who holds an Irish passport and is living in the USA; and if they will be liable for non-EU fees or EU fees. [25872/04]

The main conditions of my Department's free fees initiative are that students must be first-time undergraduates; and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. A student who does not meet these requirements is liable to pay tuition fees.

I would emphasise the distinction between the criteria that determine eligibility under the free fees initiative and the criteria by which individual third level institutions establish what rates of tuition fees should be charged in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees. Universities are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in cases where the free fees initiative does not apply. The classification of a student as an EU or a non EU applicant is a matter for each institution to determine in this regard.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

196 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the negative impact that excessive higher level education fees have on students in third level institutions; if she will consider waiving them entirely; and if she will exempt students on lower incomes from the fees. [25880/04]

My Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students under the free fees initiative. The main conditions of this scheme are that students must be first-time undergraduates; and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member country for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course.

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible under my Department's means-tested maintenance grant schemes — approximately 36% of the student cohort — have the student charge paid on their behalf by the local authorities and vocational education committees, in addition to their other entitlements.

Due to the significant increases in grants and in qualifying income limits, no student whose reckonable income for grant purposes is less than €42,360, where there are fewer than four children, has to pay the charge. Higher income thresholds than this apply in cases where there are four or more dependent children in the family.

Departmental Correspondence.

Pat Breen

Question:

197 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason correspondence sent to her Department (details supplied) was not replied to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25881/04]

The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has to investigate cases like this before arriving at a decision. My Department has requested Bus Éireann for a report on the matter. On receipt of the report the case will be processed in the normal way.

School Accommodation.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

198 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on providing alternative school buildings for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25891/04]

An application for grant aid towards a new school building has been received from the management authority of the school referred to by the Deputy. My officials are nearing completion of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme to include them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. The accommodation needs of the school are being considered as part of this review. I will provide details of this multi-annual programme before the end of the year.

Pat Breen

Question:

199 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Clare under the current schools building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25901/04]

An application for grant aid towards an extension has been received from the school's management authority. My officials are nearing completion of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme to include them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. The accommodation needs of the school are being considered as part of this review. I will be providing details of this multi-annual programme before the end of the year.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

200 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration will be given to the existing structure of resource teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25902/04]

The school was advised of its teacher allocation under the new weighted system on 24 June 2004. The school has the services of one full-time shared learning support teacher post, though not based in the school, and two part-time resource teacher posts. 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, that is, those with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability, as well as those with learning support needs. In addition, it will continue to allow for individual allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.

Weighted allocations are 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 educational 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. In all girls schools including schools with mixed junior classes but with 30% or less boys overall, one for every 200 pupils.

The weighted allocation will enable teaching support to be provided to pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs and learning support needs. This will obviate the need for schools to submit individual applications for pupils in those categories. Schools may continue to apply for specific teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs. My Department now proposes to devise school 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. In order to facilitate the full introduction of the weighted model from the school year 2005-06, my Department has agreed not to redeploy surplus teachers from full-time posts via the panel redeployment process during the current school year. Schools have been informed, also, that they may retain excess part-time teaching hours to the extent that such hours are required for children with lower incidence special educational needs.

I will continue to work for improvements in the provision of education services for children with special educational needs and will monitor the implementation of the new system to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

201 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 585 of 29 September 2004, the basis on which support from a full-time special needs assistant was withdrawn from the person in question; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person’s mother is totally dissatisfied; if an urgent assessment will be carried out by the national educational psychological service in order to determine the person’s needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25922/04]

As the Deputy is aware, when a pupil in receipt of special educational resources transfers to another school, an application to transfer the resources must be lodged with my Department. In effect, these resources are then reviewed as the child's needs may have changed since the support was originally sanctioned. In the case in question, the application for the pupil concerned was given priority. However, the application did not qualify for special needs assistant support. The application for special needs assistant support will be reconsidered if additional information on the pupil's care support needs is received in my Department. If the parent feels that an urgent assessment is necessary, she should consult with the school principal who may in turn liaise with the national educational psychological service.

School Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

202 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be reached in regard to the tendering of work for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25928/04]

The school opened with provisional recognition from my Department in September 2004. During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to acquire a site and provide a permanent school building.

The school authority initially proposed locating its new school in a soccer club from September 2004. However, it transpired that adequate facilities were not available there to facilitate this. Some alterations were necessary to the clubhouse itself and a prefab was required on site to meet the schools needs. Unfortunately, the school authority had not secured its planning permission to allow the prefab on site for September 2004 and, consequently, the school opened in alternative premises at that time.

My Department agreed to this arrangement as an exceptional measure so that the school would not have to defer opening until September 2005 and on the basis this would be a temporary measure. Documentation was recently received in the planning section of my Department with regard to the cost of alterations to the soccer club premises. A decision in this matter will be taken as soon as confirmation has been received of the grant of planning permission for the prefab. The basis for this is that unless planning permission is forthcoming, the school will not be able to use the proposed premises and the question of carrying out renovations will be obsolete.

School Discipline.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

203 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision that will be made for the continued education of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25955/04]

My Department was contacted directly by the parents. An application form and a copy of the procedures for hearing and determining appeals under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 have issued to the parents. Section 29 of the Act provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board expels a student. An appeal will generally not be admitted unless it is made within 42 calendar days from the date the decision of the board of management was notified to the parent or student concerned. However, a longer period for making appeals may be allowed as an exception where it is accepted that circumstances did not permit the making of an appeal within the 42 day limit. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The board has indicated that it will treat children for whom an appeal under section 29 has been unsuccessful as priority cases in offering such assistance.

Educational Disadvantage.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

204 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the publication of the research project, How are our Kids?, by the Tallaght west childhood development initiative (details supplied); if she will examine the recommendations with regard to the children of the area within the remit of her Department; if she will initiate discussions to find solutions to these long-standing problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25972/04]

I welcome the latest contribution by the Tallaght west childhood development initiative to the debate on educational disadvantage. Tackling this complex issue is one of the key priorities of my Department and some €540 million is being provided in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage. This includes provision for programmes at pre-school, primary and post-primary levels, as well as provision for the youth sector, further education measures and programmes designed to broaden access to third level for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. My Department has targeted resources at those most at risk of educational disadvantage in Tallaght. Under the Giving Children an Even Break programme, 13 primary schools in Tallaght have received additional teaching posts to implement reduced class sizes of 20:1 for junior classes and 27:1 for senior classes. There are six school completion programme clusters in Tallaght, encompassing six post-primary and 19 primary schools. A school completion programme co-ordinator has been appointed to work with each of these clusters. In 2004, the six clusters received a combined allocation in excess of €1.2 million. There are 18 primary and seven post-primary schools in Tallaght participating in the disadvantaged areas scheme, which benefits schools by providing over quota teaching posts, additional funding to launch book rental schemes, additional capitation grants of €38 per pupil and a home-school liaison grant to develop links with parents.

There are 17 primary and seven post-primary schools in Tallaght participating in the home school community liaison scheme. This scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of the child's learning. As part of the roll out of services of the National Educational Welfare Board, which is the national body with responsibility for school attendance, four educational welfare officers have been assigned to the Tallaght area. The Tallaght youth service has been allocated funding of €700,000 to help targeted groups, including early school leavers, young mothers and Travellers, with their self development. My Department has also provided support for second chance education in west Tallaght through the Youthreach programme, the back to education initiative and the local senior Traveller training centre.

As part of a wider system of structural reform, my Department has recently established a regional office in Tallaght. This office will help to identify education issues arising at local level, particularly gaps or overlap in social inclusion provision, and provide regular reports to my Department. This local presence will help my Department to continue to target resources at those most at risk of educational disadvantage in Tallaght.

Pupil Safety.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

205 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the person who is responsible for school children after school ends and while they are waiting for the school bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25977/04]

The question of the legal responsibility for the safety of children after school ends and while they are waiting for a school bus can only be determined having regard to the particular circumstances of each case, including the age of the child in question.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard Allen

Question:

206 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a full time special needs assistant will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [25978/04]

I confirm that an application for an increase in the level of special needs assistant, SNA, support from part-time to full-time has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy may be aware that my Department has established a team to review SNA support in mainstream schools generally. The team commenced its task recently and is assessing the levels and deployment of such support to ensure the needs of children are being met in the context of new applications for resources for the school. I am making arrangements to have this review expedited with a view to having a response issued to this and other such schools at the earliest date.

Army Security Escorts.

John McGuinness

Question:

207 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence the cost in each year from 2000 to date in 2004 of providing Garda and Army personnel and vehicles in security operations for financial institutions in the transportation of money throughout the State; the amount paid by the financial institutions to the State in each of these years to pay the costs involved; his views on whether the arrangement is a satisfactory one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25912/04]

To aid the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána who have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State, is among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In this regard, the Defence Forces assist the Garda as required in duties, which include escorting cash deliveries to banks, post offices and other institutions.

The total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 2000 to 2003, including pay, allowances, transport and aerial surveillance, was as follows: in 2000, €5.7 million; in 2001, €6.58 million; in 2002, €6.87 million; and in 2003, €6.64 million.

The 2004 costs have not yet been finalised in my Department. An annual contribution of €2.86 million is paid by the banks in respect of Army escorts. The contribution from the banks is designed to partly cover the total costs to the State of providing cash escorts. An annual contribution is also made to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of the Garda Síochána and I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will respond to the Deputy on these amounts. In the case of the Defence Forces, taking one year with another, the contribution by the banks has generally covered the non-pay costs of providing such escorts.

The question of the level of contribution is under review in my Department having regard to the arrangements which I understand were agreed between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the financial institutions, to ensure there is no significant variance in methodology or level of cost recovery. It should be noted that there has been a significant reduction in the demand on the Defence Forces for assistance in aid to the civil power following the reduced security threat arising from the Good Friday Agreement.

Litter Pollution.

Richard Bruton

Question:

208 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider banning leaflets which purport to offer services or represent charities which are not accompanied by a permanent address and a telephone land line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/04]

My responsibility in this area relates to the potential littering problem that careless distribution of leaflets may cause.

Anti-littering legislation is enshrined in the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and in the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. The definition of litter is quite wide and extends beyond casual pieces of paper or cigarette ends to anything large or small which is, or is likely to become, unsightly. Local authorities are responsible for implementing the litter laws in their areas. In effect, this means they have responsibilities in regard to preventing and controlling litter, and they can take action against persons who break or ignore these laws. The Garda also has the power to issue on-the-spot fines for litter offences.

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place, or in any place that is visible from a public place, is an offence. This includes the creation of litter in the carrying on of a business, trade or activity or in the loading, transporting or handling of items.

The placing of advertising leaflets on car windscreens is prohibited, and if a person proposes to distribute advertising leaflets in the street, that person should first check with the local authority to determine if they have introduced any local litter restrictions.

There are no plans at present to require that leaflets are accompanied by, or indicate thereon, a permanent address and a land telephone line.

Fire Safety.

Finian McGrath

Question:

209 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will work closely with the Ministers for Transport and Enterprise, Trade and Employment on an issue (details supplied). [25858/04]

The provision of training for fire service personnel is the statutory responsibility of each fire authority, in this case Dublin City Council. The Fire Services Council, established in 1983 under the aegis of my Department, provides an annual programme of courses for local authority fire service officers, complementing and supplementing the local training programmes of fire authorities. I understand the Dublin city fire authority has provided assistance and advice to the port tunnel contractors regarding fire safety, and that the contractors have an emergency plan in place. Training of Dublin city fire brigade personnel has been under way and will continue to enable them to respond safely and effectively to incidents that may arise in the port tunnel.

Housing Grants.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

210 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1248 of 29 September 2004, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that all documentation as requested was submitted by the applicant under registered cover approximately four years ago and that despite this, further documentation has been requested over this period; the further information that is outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/04]

To qualify for a new house grant, a contractor or contractors registered for VAT must be engaged in the construction of the house or, where the house is being built on the applicant's own site, VAT registered work to a value of €19,050 is required, of which €11,430 must be for materials purchased and at least €7,620 for work carried out by a VAT registered contractor.

In this particular case, receipts in respect of materials purchased have been received in my Department. However, receipts in respect of the contractors which have been requested from the applicant in writing and by phone on a number of occasions, are still awaited.

Local Authority Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

211 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers employed by local authorities on 1 January 1998 and 1 January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25871/04]

Based on information supplied by the local authorities, the numbers of staff employed by them, expressed in whole-time equivalents, on 1 January 1998 and on 30 June 2003 are as follows — the number is not available for 1 January 2003:

1 January 1998 —

27,168.78

30 June 2003 —

34,175.59

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

212 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position pertaining to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the area it will service; when it is envisaged construction of the works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25885/04]

The Glenamaddy sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 to commence construction in 2005. The Department is awaiting submission by Galway County Council of a revised preliminary report for the scheme which, when approved in due course, will allow the council to proceed with the preparation of contract documents. Details of the areas proposed to be served by the scheme are not available in the Department but may be obtained from Galway County Council.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

213 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position pertaining to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the area it will service; when it is envisaged construction of the works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25886/04]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 241 of 30 September 2004. Details of the areas proposed to be served by the scheme may be obtained from Galway County Council.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

214 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position pertaining to a project (details supplied) in County Galway; the area it will service; when it is envisaged construction of the works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25889/04]

The Gort regional water supply scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 to commence construction in 2005. The Department approved Galway County Council's tender recommendation for certain advance works in February 2004 and is awaiting submission by the council of a revised preliminary report for the main element of the scheme.

Details of the areas proposed to be served by the scheme are not available in the Department but may be obtained from Galway County Council.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

215 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Dúchas underwater heritage unit; and the details of its staffing and budget. [25894/04]

Responsibility for the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 rests with my Department and these, inter alia, provide for the protection of the underwater archaeological heritage.

Under these Acts, it is an offence to tamper with, damage or remove any part of a wreck or archaeological object, or carry out diving directed to the exploration of a wreck or archaeological object without a licence issued by my Department. In addition, the National Monuments Acts provide powers of search and seizure to the Garda Síochána on foot of a search warrant issued by the District Court, where the court is satisfied, by information on oath and in writing furnished by a member of the Garda Síochána there are reasonable grounds for believing that evidence relating to the commission of an offence under the National Monuments Acts is to be found.

The underwater archaeology unit is part of the heritage and planning division of my Department. Its main duties involve: compiling and publishing an inventory of shipwrecks around our coast; advising on applications to remove or to dive on wrecks; assessing development-related impacts on underwater archaeological sites; undertaking archaeological surveys of wreck sites in order to assess their nature and condition and to devise appropriate management strategies for them; and examining threats to underwater sites when reported and assisting the Garda Síochána in carrying out its role.

The underwater archaeology unit has a staff of three archaeologists who are proficient in diving. Excluding salaries and travel and subsistence, the unit has been assigned a budget of €170,000 for 2004 to cover equipment, survey work, dive bursaries for the training of external archaeologists and other expenditure.

Flood Relief.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

216 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to ongoing and increasing problems with flooding in north Dublin city and county; if his attention has further been drawn to concerns of local residents that this problem has arisen due to the high level of development which is taking place in the area and to the fact that the existing surface water drainage system is completely inadequate to cope with this development; if an area-wide study of the drainage infrastructure will be undertaken in order to identify a solution to this serious problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25918/04]

The Dublin region drainage strategy study, which is being funded under my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 will assess all aspects of the drainage system in the region with the objective of identifying policies, strategies and projects to optimise the capacity of the system to cater for development without creating an adverse environmental impact. The Department is awaiting submissions by Dublin City Council of the final report of the study.

Following the Government's decision to formally adopt the recommendations of the national flood policy review group, the Office of Public Works has now assumed the lead role at nationallevel as regards the management of flood risk and the implementation of flood relief works. In the Dublin region, OPW has carried out flood alleviation works on behalf of Dublin City and Fingal County Councils in the River Tolka catchment. The areas involved include Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Blanchardstown and Clonee. The works were undertaken in response to the severe flooding in November 2002 and I understand are intended to give protection against a one in 100 year flood.

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