Written Answers.

Departmental Expenditure.

Bernard Allen

Question:

15 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the underspend in capital projects in her Department in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30490/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the multi-annual capital envelope framework I can carry over 10% of my allocation for 2004 to 2005. Currently, I am projecting a need to do so. I plan to carry over €50 million and I am not limited to just €39 million as recently reported in the media. This means that I can allocate the entire carryover to primary and post-primary buildings in 2005 to match any amount not spent from the 2004 allocations for primary and post-primary school buildings.

I want to make clear that any saving in 2004 on school buildings is not due to any reduction or cutback in planned activity. Ultimately, what we are talking about here is that some payments on existing projects, that is, projects that have already been approved to go to tender and construction, will not be due for payment in 2004 as originally envisaged.

A record level of new school projects was commissioned in 2004 and, put simply, payments expected to fall due before the end of this year are now more likely to be met in early 2005. However, the decision by the Government to put its entire capital programme including the education capital programme on a multi-annual basis means that it is easier to manage and cope with that type of variation in projected spending.

The Deputy will appreciate that the 2004 school building programme is a multi-faceted undertaking involving many hundreds of individual projects ranging from new school buildings, extensions, refurbishments and other projects under the summer works scheme, temporary accommodation, permanent accommodation initiatives, remediation programmes and the contingency fund. In addition, my Department funds the purchase of sites for new school building projects.

In broad terms, there are many reasons which can cause unexpected delays in the pace at which some projects advance. These include an appeal of planning permission by third parties to An Bord Pleanála, contractors withdrawing tenders and design teams being slower than anticipated in getting projects tendered.

However, through the carryover measure, the overall management of my capital budget and Department spending to end of year I will be ensuring that all funds remaining for 2004, together with whatever allocation I receive for 2005, will enable me to maintain the momentum in the capital building programme started by this year's record level of activity.

School Staffing.

Jack Wall

Question:

16 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of graduates from each of the teacher training colleges for each year from 1997 to 2004; if there is a system within her Department to allocate these teachers to schools with high pupil-teacher ratios and to schools in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30497/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The numbers of graduates from the colleges of education from both the Bachelor of Education degree programme and the post-graduate diploma course in the years referred to by the Deputy are set out in the following table:

	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Church of Ireland	30	31	30	25	33	26	25	35
St. Patrick’s College	154	215	185	317	385	443	553	568
Mary Immaculate	164	207	176	334	373	494	510	497
Froebel College	63	78	84	94	87	124	122	123
Coláiste Mhuire, Marino	67	94	92	93	109	140	195	202
Total	478	625	567	863	987	1,227	1,405	1,425

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The employment of an extra 4,500 teachers has contributed to a fall in the overall pupil-teacher ratio at primary level from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-004 school year.

The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2003-04 school year. The staffing schedule for the 2003-04 school year was structured to ensure that all primary schools would operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. The staffing of a primary school in a particular year is determined by the enrolment at 30 September of the previous year. This approach is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual primary school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. It is a matter for school authorities to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

I am committed to reducing overall class sizes still further. This can only be done, however, on a phased basis having regard to available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector.

With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, a range of existing additional supports, such as Breaking the Cycle and Giving Children an Even Break, will continue to be provided in 2004-05. These supports involve the provision of over 600 teaching posts enabling the implementation of significantly reduced PTRs in both junior and senior classes in more than 240 disadvantaged primary schools.

In addition, the allocation of a further 350 teaching posts for special needs in primary schools has been recently approved.

I am currently finalising a detailed review of all educational disadvantage schemes, with a view to ensuring that a fully integrated and cohesive strategy is adopted in this area for the future. Any decision to expand or extend any of the initiatives aimed at addressing educational disadvantage is being considered in the context of this review, the outcome of which I hope to announce shortly.

All of these measures serve to underline the particular importance which I have attached, both to tackling educational disadvantage and providing for children with special needs, since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science.

Early School Leavers.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

17 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who each year fail to make the transition from primary to secondary schooling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30467/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The National Economic and Social Forum report of 2002 on early school leaving cited, as a broad estimate, that around 1,000 children do not transfer from primary to post-primary on an annual basis. There is some doubt attaching to this estimated figure of 1,000, which may be an over-statement of the true position at this stage.

My Department is currently completing analysis work on the development of a primary pupils database, which will facilitate the collation of much more accurate and comprehensive data on transfer rates in the future.

My Department operates a number of programmes at both primary and post-primary level to tackle the problem of early school leaving.

The Giving Children an Even Break programme provides additional financial and teaching supports for children in primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most at risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving.

A key role in this regard is also played by the home-school-community liaison, HSCL, scheme, which was extended to each of the 312 designated disadvantaged primary schools in the country. This scheme helps parents to develop their skills as the primary educators of their children and also addresses issues in the community impinging on learning and educational participation.

The school completion programme has been implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. The programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling educational disadvantage, involving 82 projects — 300 primary and 112 post-primary schools — parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies. It entails targeting individual young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. A total of €23.5 million was allocated to the programme in 2004 and €24 million has been provided in the Estimates for 2005.

Both the HSCL scheme and all 82 school completion programme projects operate transfer programmes which are very important in assisting pupils in making the transition from primary to post-primary level.

The Education Welfare Act 2000, and the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board, provides a comprehensive framework for promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools.

The additional funding being provided in the 2005 Estimates to alleviate disadvantage will support the further development of measures to address early school leaving.

Student Support Schemes.

Joan Burton

Question:

18 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for reform of the third level grants scheme; her views on recent figures which show huge disparity between the number of grants awarded to persons from higher socio-economic groups and those from lower socio-economic groups; when the student support Bill is likely to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30518/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I have already indicated that, in accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, I propose to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education.

It is my intention also to put in place at the earliest possible time a more coherent administration system to facilitate the introduction of a more sophisticated means-testing arrangement and ensure consistency of application and client accessibility. This is necessary if we are to ensure public confidence in the awards system and also ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. It is for this reason that I have asked my Department to expedite its consultations with other relevant Departments and stakeholders.

I share the Deputy's concern about the perceived unfairness of the existing schemes but the Deputy will no doubt be aware that this was an issue addressed by the de Buitleir report in the mid-1990s but not acted upon by the then Minister and Government. The Deputy will also be aware that the issues involved are complex ones, not unique to this country.

Whatever new administration and assessment arrangements will be eventually decided upon will be provided for in new statutory arrangements through a new student support Bill. This Bill will have as its objective the promotion of equality of access. I envisage that the Bill will also provide for an independent appeals system. I cannot indicate yet when this Bill will be published.

A key vehicle for the achievement of our objective of promoting and facilitating increased participation from hitherto under-represented socio-economic groups will be the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education, which we established last year in the Higher Education Authority. The national office, at my request, is finalising a national action plan with this priority objective. This plan, which has been developed in consultation with the stakeholders, will set out a road map for future action. It will seek to establish specific quantitative and qualitative targets linked to allocation of financial resources.

In this connection, the national office has been asked to give particular attention to the setting of national and institutional targets for participation in higher education by the socio-economically disadvantaged, those from the Traveller community, students with disabilities and mature students. I can assure the Deputy that this Government accords the highest priority to addressing the obstacles to participation by these target groups at all stages of the education cycle — a fact testified to in the Estimates volume for 2005.

Early School Leavers.

Seán Ryan

Question:

19 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on recent statistics which show that boys are much more likely than girls to give up their secondary school education to take up a job; if she will increase funding for school retention initiatives; the amount allocated to school retention initiatives in primary and secondary schools in 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30512/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am aware of recent statistics to which the Deputy refers.

My Department's commitment to tackling early school leaving is reflected in the national anti-poverty strategy, the National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion, 2003-2005, and the latest social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on tackling educational disadvantage, Literacy, Numeracy and Early School Leavers.

My Department's approach to addressing the issue of early school leaving comprises legislative and curricular reforms as well as preventative interventions.

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which was fully commenced on 5 July 2002, established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people.

With regard to curriculum reform, my Department's strategies have included widening the educational experience available to students. These strategies aim to achieve a greater level of inclusiveness in curricular provision for both boys and girls through such programmes as the junior certificate schools programme, JCSP, the leaving certificate vocational programme, LCVP, and the leaving certificate applied, LCA.

The school completion programme aims to have a significant positive impact on levels of pupil retention in primary and post primary schools and on the numbers of pupils who successfully complete senior cycle. The focus of the programme is on young people between the ages of four and 18 years and aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. The programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling educational disadvantage, involving primary and post-primary schools, parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.

A total of €23 million and €23.5 million was allocated to the school completion programme in 2003 and 2004, respectively. A total of €24 million is provided for the programme in the Estimates for 2005.

My Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. The future position in relation to the expansion of retention schemes will be clarified in the context of this review.

College Closures.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

20 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The issue of the future of the college, which is the subject of the question posed by the Deputy, arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college.

Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed who would meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future.

The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.

It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in the college to fully complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. On that basis there has been no intake of first-year students to the college for the 2004-05 year. The college is due to close following the 2006-07 academic year. Instead, these students are now enrolled in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and with management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements in relation to the position of the staff of the college.

In addition, accompanied by a senior official from my Department, I recently met with the board of governors and students of St Catherine's to further discuss, among other things, the necessary practical arrangements regarding the closure. In addition, the concerns of the staff, and how these can be addressed were discussed. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Noonan

Question:

21 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons behind the considerable underspend in the primary education budget for 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30474/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Under the multi-annual capital envelope framework I can carryover 10% of my allocation for 2004 to 2005. I am projecting currently a need to do so. I plan to carryover €50 million and I am not limited to just €39 million as recently reported in the media. This means that I can allocate in 2005 the entire carryover to primary and post-primary buildings to match any amount not spent from the 2004 allocations for primary and post-primary school buildings.

I want to make clear that any saving in 2004 on school buildings is not due to any reduction or cutback in planned activity. Ultimately, what we are talking about here is that some payments on existing projects, that is, projects that have already been approved to go to tender and construction, will not be due for payment in 2004 as originally envisaged.

A record level of new school projects was commissioned in 2004 and, put simply, payments expected to fall due before the end of this year are now more likely to be met in early 2005. However, the decision by the Government to put its entire capital programme including the education capital programme on a multi-annual basis means that it is easier to manage and cope with that type of variation in projected spending.

The Deputy will appreciate that the 2004 school building programme is a multi-faceted undertaking involving many hundreds of individual projects ranging from new school buildings, extensions, refurbishments and other projects under the summer works scheme, temporary accommodation, permanent accommodation initiatives, remediation programmes and the contingency fund. In addition, my Department funds the purchase of sites for new school building projects.

In broad terms there are many reasons which can cause unexpected delays in the pace at which some projects advance. These include an appeal of planning permission by third parties to An Bord Pleanála contractors withdrawing tenders and design teams being slower than anticipated in getting projects tendered.

However, through the carryover measure and the overall management of my capital budget and Department spending to end of year I will be ensuring that all funds remaining for 2004, together with whatever allocation I receive for 2005, will enable me to maintain the momentum in the capital building programme started by this year's record level of activity.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Seán Crowe

Question:

22 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has proposals for introducing funding for parents on VTOS, especially in view of the findings outlined in the CDI report, How are our Kids?; if she has read the report; if she will meet with the CDI to discuss the report; and if she will factor the findings of the report into any review of Government policy, particularly in view of budget 2005. [28259/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Deputy will be aware from responses to recent questions that a key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

As I have stated, the wide variety of measures in place in Tallaght and in other similar areas for tackling educational disadvantage and social exclusion reflects these concerns. These measures range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants and measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. In addition, there are interventions in support of youth and in providing "second chance education" for young people and adults.

The vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, to which the Deputy refers, is one aspect of my Department's provision in the area of second chance education. This programme provides second chance education for unemployed adults and other welfare benefit recipients. Other further and adult education programmes funded by my Department and delivered by the vocational education committees include Youthreach, Traveller training programmes, adult literacy and community education, part-time options for priority target groups under the Back to Education initiative, and post leaving certificate courses to provide skills for school leavers and re-entrants to the labour market.

In answer to the Deputy's query with specific reference to the VTOS programme, a participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is paid a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment. VTOS students with other eligible social welfare entitlements, such as a disability allowance, continue to receive their payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Grants are also paid by my Department to vocational education committees to assist towards the child care expenses of participants on VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes. The allocation of assistance to programme participants is a matter for individual VECs.

As I stated previously, I welcome the report of the Tallaght West childhood development initiative as a useful contribution to this complex area of policy and I have asked my officials to consider its wider policy implications in the context of finalising work on an overall review of educational disadvantage programmes at national level.

My priority will be to continue targeting resources at those areas and people most in need.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Deasy

Question:

23 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the targets set for average class size will be met by 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30472/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year.

Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29.

In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. This can only be done, however, on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. Additional posts will continue to be provided. The deployment of these posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.

Question No. 24 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

School Staffing.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

25 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the nature of her review of the weighted system for the allocation of special needs assistants; when this review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30510/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I have no plans at present to revise the process to the allocation of special needs assistant support. This process will continue to be based on the special care needs of individual pupils in accordance with established criteria.

The proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation to all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher-incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the tenth percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.

I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to this model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I am having the proposed model reviewed to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities, without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with representative interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.

I should emphasise that individual applications may continue to be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower-incidence special educational needs.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

26 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30531/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

I will be making further announcements on the school building programme in due course.

Literacy Levels.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

27 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the findings of the Education Research Centre that 30% of primary school children in poorer areas suffer severe literacy difficulties; if she will allocate resources towards combating this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30524/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A national curriculum in social personal and health education, SPHE, incorporating relationships and sexuality education, has been developed at junior cycle level, and this has been made mandatory for all schools with effect from September 2003. In addition, all schools are required to have an agreed school policy and a suitable relationships and sexuality education programme in place for senior cycle pupils. Comprehensive guidelines for (a) junior cycle and (b) senior cycle have also been published and provided to schools by the NCCA to support the RSE aspects of the curriculum. An integrated SPHE programme at senior cycle incorporating RSE is being developed.

The overall aims of the SPHE curricula are to foster the personal development, health and well-being of students and help them to create supportive relationships and become responsible citizens; to develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their actions and decision making; and to establish and maintain healthy patterns of behaviour.

The SPHE modules at junior cycle in post-primary schools deal specifically with belonging and integrating, handling conflict constructively, dealing with peer pressure, influences on decision-making, relationships and sexuality in terms of values, reproductive system, tackling myths about sex and pregnancy, personal safety, substance use and the impact of teenage pregnancy.

The RSE programme at senior cycle deals further with these issues and includes pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and accepting sexual orientation.

A national SPHE support service was established in September 2000, and provides a full-time support service in collaboration with the health boards to assist schools to deliver the programme. A national support officer for RSE is also provided in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra to provide support and advice to schools in regard to RSE at senior cycle.

SPHE programmes are designed to enable children and young people to develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and life skills that will inform their decisions and actions both during their time in school and in their future lives. I do not consider that it would be appropriate for schools to provide contraception to pupils.

The curriculum guidelines in RSE at senior cycle will be reviewed as part of emerging developments in relation to the review of senior cycle and the development of an integrated SPHE programme incorporating RSE.

My Department is also undertaking research, in the context of the national strategy on crisis pregnancy, to examine how best the implementation of SPHE and RSE in schools can be further strengthened.

Departmental Staff.

Willie Penrose

Question:

32 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if 450 posts in education will be removed in 2005 under the Government’s programme of reducing the number of public and civil servants; the areas from which such cuts will come; the way in which the reduction will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30522/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I have no plans to remove 450 posts from the education sector next year. However, the position with regard to the levels of employment in the education sector as well as the rest of the public sector is the subject of ongoing consideration at Government in the context of the Estimates and budgetary process.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

33 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the task force on autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30471/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I consider that the recommendations of the task force on autism provide an invaluable basis for the development of educational services and supports for persons with autism. However, in responding to the recommendations, my Department has had to give priority to a number of key areas before detailed individual recommendations can be addressed. These key areas involve the implementation of the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery. This approach is critical to the implementation of many of the individual recommendations of the task force including those relating to assessment, parental involvement, service delivery, information dissemination, promotion of inclusion and co-ordination between health and education authorities.

With regard to legislation, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2004 has now been enacted while, on the structural front, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been established on a statutory basis. While these developments represent significant progress, a considerable amount of additional input is required before these measures can begin to have a positive impact on services for children with special educational needs, including those with autism.

Over the course of the coming months, I expect that significant progress will be made in this regard. Specifically, consideration will be given to the detailed measures required to enable the Act to be commenced. In addition, it is intended that the NCSE will assume operational status in the new year and a range of measures are in hand to ensure that this objective is realised. These measures include comprehensive supported training for the council's special educational needs organisers and the drawing up of detailed work protocols in relation to the various areas of work for which the council will assume responsibility.

This work will be carefully planned and executed over the coming months. It will address many of the recommendations of the task force. Other recommendations will be addressed over time in consultation with the council and other interested parties.

Physical Sciences.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

34 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the task force on the physical sciences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30470/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

There were some 39 recommendations in the report of the task force on the physical sciences, with costed proposals totalling €244 million extra, of which €66.3 million is a recurring annual cost. Funds are not available at present to progress the strategy on the scale recommended in the report. Of the 39 recommendations, four are not for the education sector. Of the remainder, progress has been made on 25 of the recommendations.

In particular, important progress is being made in regard to: curricular reform and in-service support, with new syllabi already implemented in leaving certificate biology and physics and chemistry; revised syllabi in primary science and junior certificate science beginning in schools in 2003-04; and work is under way on a new leaving certificate physical sciences syllabus to replace the physics and chemistry combined syllabus. All of these developments are being or have been supported by national in-service programmes for teachers. For example, over the period 2002 to the end of 2003, 62,000 teacher training days have been provided at an estimated cost of €5.26 million at primary and post-primary level; resourcing, with substantial grants issued to schools at primary level in 1999, 2001 and 2002; an additional per capita grant for physics and chemistry at leaving certificate; a capital grants programme for senior cycle science ICT and science equipment; allied with the implementation of a once-off grant scheme to support the implementation of the new junior certificate science syllabus. Some 614 schools in the free education scheme have opted to provide the revised junior certificate science syllabus from 2003-04, and grants of €10.2 million were issued to these schools this year. The grant scheme will continue apply to new schools in the free education scheme implementing the revised junior certificate syllabus in 2004-05, and it is intended that all schools will be implementing the programme by 2005. The revised junior certificate science syllabus provides for a more investigative approach to science education with some 30 experiments and investigations which have to be carried out over the period of the programme. This hands-on approach is seen as critically important to enhance the attractiveness of the subject and encourage more students to choose the physical sciences at senior cycle; ICT integration projects in teaching and learning under the schools IT initiative, and the new TV Scope programme in partnership with RTE, NCCA and the National Centre for Technology in Education; provision of materials and publications to schools to promote the attractiveness and relevance of science for students as a subject option and career path; reviews on mathematics, grading of subjects in the leaving certificate, gender equity issues in science, and initial reports on teacher training undertaken; awareness measures supported by industry and third level colleges linking with schools; the launch of the new Discover Science and Engineering programme in October 2003 bringing together all the existing awareness activities in a unified strategy; and the announcement by the Tánaiste in December 2003 of plans for Ireland's first interactive learning centre for children and adults, designed to give visitors a hands-on experience and understanding of science and to be an education and outreach centre for teachers and pupils. The Exploration Station is due to open in 2006 and will be sited in the OPW Heuston Gate development in Kilmainham, Dublin.

This work continues to be progressed and enhanced as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás and industry. My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects at senior cycle and progress to third level options in this critical area as a vitally important part of the national strategy to support competitiveness and employment.

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

35 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider a school (details supplied) for inclusion under the small and rural scheme in order that the necessary refurbishment and extensions can be carried out. [30459/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The application for an extension and refurbishment from the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will be making further announcements on the school building programme in due course.

Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 14.

Institutes of Technology.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

37 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount to be spent on capital projects at institutes of technology for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30491/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The allocation of capital funding for each of the sectors within the Education Vote is governed by the five year multi-annual framework for capital expenditure 2004-2008. This framework provides an allocation for each of the five years and allows a carry-over into the following year of unspent capital up to a limit of 10% of a current year's voted capital allocation.

The Deputy will be aware the Minister for Finance has indicated that he will be dealing with adjustments to capital envelopes as part of his budget speech on 1 December and accordingly I am not in a position today to indicate the precise allocation for capital projects at institutes of technology in 2005.

Broadband Internet Access.

Billy Timmins

Question:

38 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have broadband Internet access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30487/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Up to date figures on the number of schools with broadband Internet access are not currently available. A nationwide census of schools conducted by the National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, in early 2003 indicated that 7% of post-primary schools and 1% of primary schools had broadband at that time. While these percentages have risen in the past year with the development of the market, most schools do not yet have a broadband connection.

Nevertheless, plans are well advanced by my Department for the delivery of a high speed broadband service to all schools nationwide. An initiative agreed earlier this year between the Government and the telecoms industry will see all schools connected to a national broadband network by the end of 2005. A competitive public tendering process is currently under way and I expect that my Department will be in a position to conclude contracts with service providers in the near future.

A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the provision of broadband services to schools over a three year period, with the telecoms industry committing €5 million per annum and the Government committing €1 million per annum. Additional Exchequer funding is being provided by my Department for related equipment and services to support this initiative. In the past few days, I announced a new €18 million funding package for schools which will enable them to upgrade and augment their computer network facilities in advance of broadband roll out next year. I should emphasise this €18 million funding for computer networks is additional to the €18 million being provided for broadband through the industry-Government fund.

Question No. 39 answered with QuestionNo. 14.

Education Welfare Service.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

40 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the numbers employed as education welfare officers in each county; the number of referrals to the education welfare board from each county since 1 January 2004; her views on whether the number of officers is sufficient to meet demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30514/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Since its formal launch in December 2003, the aim of the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, has been to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at risk groups. Five regional teams have been established with bases in counties Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. A total of 13 towns with significant school going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.

I understand from the board that it had 10,572 cases on hand at the end of June 2004 distributed across its five operational regions. I am arranging for the board to provide the information on a county basis as requested by the Deputy.

During the summer of 2004, the board undertook a survey on the levels of school attendance for the school year 2003-2004. This is the first time that data on school attendance at national level have been collected. The findings of the survey support the targeting policy followed by the board to date in appointing educational welfare officers to the areas of greatest disadvantage. However, the board has indicated to my Department that more staff are needed to work at a local level throughout the country and has sought an increase in its staffing complement.

My Department has already conveyed approval to the NEWB for the filling of a further ten educational welfare officer posts bringing the authorised staffing for the board from 84 to 94. Decisions relating to the assignment of the additional staff to specific areas are a matter for the board which is an independent statutory agency.

I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in the light of the roll out of services and any further proposals that the board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.

Capitation Grants.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

41 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that schools are using the capitation grant for purposes for which it is not intended due to inadequate funding for school running costs; her views on whether the grant is wholly inadequate; if she will increase the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30526/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Capitation grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of national schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.

Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from £45, €57.14, per pupil to €121.58 with effect from 1 January 2004, an increase of almost 113% in the period.

Provision has been made in the financial allocation announced in the recently published Book of Estimates for a further increase of €12 per pupil in the capitation grant in the current school year. This is a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of primary schools.

The question of increasing the rate of capitation grant in the future will be considered in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason new second level syllabi in art, architectural technology, design and communications graphics, technology and engineering, and technology have not been implemented; the projected financial and staffing implications of such changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30517/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Following a review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, of the three technological subjects at leaving certificate level four syllabi were submitted to my Department for consideration in 2003. These are: engineering technology, formerly engineering; architectural technology, formerly construction studies; design and communication graphics, formerly technical drawing; and technology, for which there is no equivalent leaving certificate subject currently in existence.

These syllabuses were followed by further advice and analysis on implementation issues relating to in-service provision and facilities at school level which was forwarded to my Department in June 2004. Separately, a revised syllabus in leaving certificate art was presented by the NCCA to the Department in June 2004.

My Department responded to the council on 22 September 2004 indicating that it was not in a position to initiate implementation of these syllabi at this stage given that a major investment in terms of infrastructure and staff development was needed and that this was particularly the case for the technology subjects; the existing professional development arrangements for teachers were being re-organised within the Department; and the system was also faced with major changes arising from the proposed reforms of senior cycle.

The letter explained that the Department did not consider itself to be in a position to take decisions on implementation until further discussions were held with the NCCA in the light of their deliberations on the next stage of advice on the senior cycle, and the evolving developments regarding in-career development and the budgetary provision for 2005. My Department is engaged in ongoing discussions in the matter with the NCCA.

There is nothing unusual in this position. New and revised syllabi must be supported by the appropriate investment in professional development and, where necessary, by investment in equipment and school facilities. The resources available from time to time do not always allow for automatic implementation of new or revised syllabi in schools immediately following finalisation by the NCCA.

The Department has invested heavily in professional development for teachers, and expenditure in this area is estimated at €24.2 million in the current year. A sustained programme of reform is being implemented with a revised syllabus in junior certificate science being implemented in schools from 2003-04, accompanied by expenditure of €10.2 million in resource grants for schools, the implementation of a revised junior cycle physical education programme which began in 2003 and revised syllabi in leaving certificate history and geography being implemented in 2004-05.

This programme of reform will continue, but must be appropriately planned and resourced. In relation to the four technology subjects the advice from the NCCA recommends an investment of some €7 million over four years on in-service training for teachers, and an investment in additional equipment for schools which could range from €11,000 to €98,000 per classroom depending on the mix of subjects followed. Funds of this order are not available at present. I will keep the matter under review.

Schools of Music.

Simon Coveney

Question:

43 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction of the new building for the Cork School of Music will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30463/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Government decided last July that my Department should finalise contractual negotiations with Jarvis Projects Limited with the view to commencing construction of the Cork School of Music as soon as practical.

However, the Government also stipulated that before the contact is signed the Department must first be satisfied of Jarvis's legal and financial position and that Jarvis are in a position to complete the contract.

The Department and its advisers are currently engaged with Jarvis to achieve these aims. A number of options are being examined and it is expected that a solution regarding the way forward should be clarified before the end of the year.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

44 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount to be allocated to the second level school building programme for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30489/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The allocation of capital funding for each of the sectors within the Education Vote is governed by the five year multi-annual framework for capital expenditure 2004-2008. This framework provides an allocation for each of the five years and allows a carry-over into the following year of unspent capital up to a limit of 10% of a current year's voted capital allocation.

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Finance has indicated he will be dealing with adjustments to capital envelopes as part of his budget speech on 1 December and accordingly I am not in a position today to indicate the precise allocation for second level school buildings in 2005.

I want to assure the Deputy however that within the €50 million carry-over capacity available to me I will ensure that any saving in relation to second level school buildings in the current year is fully compensated for in setting the 2005 allocation.

Third Level Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

45 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the content of the recent package of capital funding she announced for the third level sector; when these projects are likely to commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30496/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

In announcing an end to the freeze on Exchequer capital funding at third level I indicated that certain high national priority projects would now be proceeding. These key projects include a number of facilities to support the expansion of teacher training places and provision of additional health skills places. The announcement of Exchequer support for these 16 projects in nine institutions marks the commencement of implementation of the Kelly report on the capital needs of the higher education sector. The projects are as follows: the construction of a major new multi-purpose teaching hall and infrastructure works at Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick at a cost of €16 million; the first phase of the provision of extensive new accommodation and other works at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, at a cost of €6.2 million, two projects; refurbishment and new building at the National College of Art and Design, NCAD, Thomas Street, Dublin, costing €2.8 million; new buildings for the schools of pharmacy, health therapies and social work in University College Cork costing €15.9 million, three projects; new buildings for the schools of physiotherapy and radiography as part of phase 1 of the health sciences complex at University College Dublin at a cost of €15.2 million, two projects; a new integrated health sciences building for clinical psychology and health therapies, together with new accommodation for social work, in NUI Galway costing €9.5 million, three projects; a new building for the school of pharmacy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland at cost of €2.8 million; the provision of radiography facilities at Trinity College Dublin costing €3.5 million; new building for health therapies at the University of Limerick at a cost of €6.8 million; and the development of the Clinton Centre for American Studies at UCD at a cost of €3.1 million.

Three projects have been completed and six are under construction. Two projects are ready to go to tender and the remaining five are at architectural planning stage. The six projects that are under construction should be completed in 2005. It is expected that one of the projects at tender stage will be completed by the end of 2005 and the other, which is a major project, is expected to be completed in 2006. In relation to the five projects at architectural planning, while it is anticipated that these should be ready to go to tender in 2005, it is not possible at this stage to indicate with accuracy when the projects will commence or be completed due to the variety of issues that may arise during the planning stage which can contribute to projects not advancing as quickly as hoped.

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

46 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding that will be made available to support youth work for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30483/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An additional amount of €5.265 million has been provided for youth services in 2005. This brings the total provision for 2005 up to €33,889,000. The 18% increase over the 2004 allocation represents an acknowledgement of the Government's commitment to youth work in Ireland.

The additional funding will cater for a number of developments under the Youth Work Act 2001 and the national youth work development plan.

The following measures will be addressed as a result of the additional funding: A further roll out of the provisions of the Youth Work Act 2001, including the appointment of an assessor of youth work; an expansion and development of the special projects for disadvantaged youth scheme; a review, upgrading and expansion of the youth information centre network; a funding review of youth work to be undertaken by consultants under the guidance of the national youth work advisory committee; an expansion of the national child protection training programme for those involved in the youth sector; and increased grants for the major national and regional youth work organisations funded under the youth service grant scheme and other youth schemes.

School Enrolments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

47 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that, due to pressure to obtain a place in primary schools, pregnant mothers are enrolling their unborn babies in primary schools; her further views on whether planning for educational services is inadequate; if the census and population trends are taken into account when planning for schools infrastructure projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30506/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration by my Department of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, statistical information available from the most recent census, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of any existing schools to meet the demand for school places.

As part of the process, the Minister for Education and Science is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans. My Department monitors these plans and meets with local authorities as required to establish the location, scale and pace of housing developments and their possible impact on school provision.

In the event that the level of development and population growth in an area indicates a likely long-term need for primary or post-primary educational provision, a decision is made on the means by which that need should be met. Generally, this involves the provision of permanent accommodation in the form of a new school or an extension to existing facilities. High quality temporary prefabricated accommodation is normally provided to alleviate short-term accommodation needs.

Where appropriate, the local authority may be requested to reserve a site for educational purposes. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision, or that timely arrangements are made to extend school capacity where necessary. Consultation with the existing schools plays an important part of this process also, as the management authorities of schools would alert my Department where in their view the need for additional accommodation is anticipated.

In addition, arrangements are in place for officials from my Department's school planning section to meet with each local authority to discuss development proposals and site requirements for new schools. My Department is currently concentrating on the areas of major development and population growth with a view to identifying where the most urgent need for new or additional educational facilities exists or is likely to arise in the future.

Special Educational Needs.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

48 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the clearing of the backlog of applications for special educational resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30462/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm to the Deputy that all applications for resource teaching support received in my Department by the closing date of 30 June 2004 have been processed. Decisions in these cases have issued to the schools concerned. Subsequently, priority was given to applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports for new entrants received after the closing date. Decisions have also issued to schools in these cases.

The position is similar in the case of applications for special needs assistant support. With the exception of very recent cases, all schools which sought such support have had their applications processed and have been notified of the outcome.

My Department is currently considering a number of appeals arising from the above decisions. Responses will issue to the schools concerned as soon as the appeals are processed. The Deputy may be aware that the national council for special education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order, 2003.

The council has employed a number of special education needs organisers, SENOs, who will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents. Following a period of intensive training, it is intended that the SENOs will process applications for SEN resources.

Willie Penrose

Question:

49 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the pre-budget 2005 submission of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland; her views on same, particularly the call for increased investment in special needs at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30523/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I can confirm that I have received the pre-budget 2005 submission from the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland.

I would point out that the level of resources being made available by my Department to support students with special educational needs in the second level system has grown significantly in recent years. In the current school year to date, my Department has allocated approximately 1,360 whole time equivalent teachers and approximately 607 special needs assistants to second level schools and VECs to cater for the special educational needs of students at second level. This represents an increase of approximately 260 resource teacher posts and approximately 140 special needs assistant posts on the previous school year.

I can assure the Deputy that the submission of the ASTI will receive due consideration in the context of the budget for 2005.

Departmental Expenditure.

Mary Upton

Question:

50 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that the overall increase in spending in education announced in the Book of Estimates in 2005 is sufficient to meet the capital and current funding shortfall in education; the areas in which the increased spending will be utilised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30505/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

On the day of the publication of the Estimates I announced that the current spending increases for my Department will rise by 9% next year to a total of €6.625 billion. I also indicated that the overall capital position would be clarified on budget day.

The increased funding will allow me to make significant advances in many key areas: Tackling of educational disadvantage: an additional €47.6 million is being provided to alleviate disadvantage, bringing the total allocation to €462 million for 2005. This will allow for targeting measures from pre-school through the school system to third level, second chance education and adult literacy and numeracy; and special education provision: an increase of €67 million will raise the 2005 allocation to €628 million. The increased amount will fund provision of teachers and special needs assistants for special needs pupils, special school transport and the expanded provision for the national council for special education; support for schools and teachers: a capitation grant increase of 10% for primary level representing an increase of €12 per pupil. Post-primary will increase by €16 for all schools while the voluntary sector will get an additional €10 per child. Library grants have increased by 35%. Teachers' pay provision is also provided for in the Estimates. The in-career budget for professional development of teachers is up 15% to a record €22.8 million. A sum of €0.8 million is also provided for the start up of the teaching council, while the NCCA budget is up 38% for 2005.

Promoting the knowledge society and economy is also a feature of the Estimates. The higher education and research sector is up 8%. Third level research is up 35% to €68.5 million. The universities grant is up €40 million to €670 million and the institute of technology grant is up €32 million to €478 million. The provision for youth services is up 18% to almost €34 million.

This range of measures and level of financial provision demonstrates the Government's unequivocal commitment to education as a key priority service and I am satisfied that it will allow me to make significant advances in the key priority areas outlined, promoting inclusion, supporting our schools and teachers and building the knowledge society and economy.

School Meals.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

51 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to ASTI’s request for a feasibility study to be conducted by her Department to establish the way in which schools might provide cooked lunches for pupils. [30539/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, administers the school meals scheme, which aims to supplement the nutritional intake of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to allow them to fulfil their potential within the educational system and also to reduce the risk of early school leaving.

Under this scheme in 2003, school meals were provided in 729 primary and post-primary schools, encompassing approximately 76,000 pupils, at a cost of €3.3 million. Increased provision of €6 million is being made available to support the school meals scheme in 2004. Officials within my Department are co-operating with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, on an ongoing basis, with a view to further expanding the number of schools participating in the scheme, as well as ensuring that available resources are targeted at those pupils most in need.

Meal provision is also an integral element of the school completion programme, SCP, which is my Department's main programme for tackling early school leaving. There are currently 82 SCP "clusters", encompassing 300 primary and 112 post primary schools. The majority of these clusters operate some level of breakfast support-meal provision. Approximately 15,000 pupils were targeted by the school completion programme in 2003-04. Provision for the programme in 2004 is €23.5 million.

Early School Leavers.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

52 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the dramatic rise in school drop out rates in recent years, in particular the CSO finding that over 5% of 15 year olds left school in 2002 compared to 3.6% in 1996; the way in which she intends to deal with this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30515/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The most recent published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second level was released in August 2003. This report indicates that of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme in September 1994 approximately 3,900, 5.7%, left school before completing the junior certificate three years later and approximately 12,500, 18.2%, left school without the leaving certificate.

Reports on the 1995 and 1996 cohorts are currently being prepared by my Department and it is expected these will be finalised in spring 2005. These reports will allow for further analysis and comparison of trends in retention at second level. There is no evidence however to suggest that drop out rates have increased significantly in recent years.

The Government's commitment to tackling early school leaving is reflected in the national anti-poverty strategy, the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion 2003-2005, and the latest social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on tackling educational disadvantage: literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.

My Department's ongoing response to the issue of early school leaving comprises legislative measures such as the Education Welfare Act 2000, which established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance, curricular reforms such as the junior certificate support programme and the leaving certificate applied and preventative interventions such as the school completion programme and the home school community liaison scheme.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

53 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who leave school without completing the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30468/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The most recently published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second level was released in August 2003. The report indicates that of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme in September 1994, approximately 12,500, 18.2%, left school without the leaving certificate.

My Department's commitment to tackling early school leaving is reflected in the national anti-poverty strategy, the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion 2003-2005, and the latest social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on tackling educational disadvantage: literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.

My Department's approach to addressing the issue of early school leaving comprises legislative and curricular reforms as well as preventative interventions. The Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which was fully commenced on 5 July 2002 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people.

With regard to curriculum reform, my Department's strategies have included widening the educational experience available to students. These strategies aim to achieve a greater level of inclusiveness in curricular provision for both boys and girls through such programmes as the junior certificate schools programme, JCSP, the leaving certificate vocational programme, LCVP, and the leaving certificate applied, LCA.

The school completion programme aims to have a significant positive impact on levels of pupil retention in primary and post-primary schools and on the numbers of pupils who successfully complete senior cycle. The focus of the programme is on young people between the ages of four and 18 years and aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. The programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling educational disadvantage, involving primary and post-primary schools, parents, communities and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.

Amounts of €23 million and €23.5 million were allocated to the school completion programme in 2003 and 2004 respectively. A total €24 million is provided for the programme in the Estimates for 2005. My Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. The future position in relation to the expansion of retention schemes will be clarified in the context of this review.

Third Level Enrolments.

Damien English

Question:

54 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the enrolment capacity for colleges of further education and PLC courses for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30465/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The PLC programme is a labour market programme, aimed at providing vocational education and training for school leavers and re-entrants to the labour market. The programme also offers alternative pathways to higher education in institutes of technology.

PLC courses are delivered primarily in the VEC sector. Courses are also offered in some secondary, community and comprehensive schools. Course places are allocated to VECs and schools under an annual application and approval process.

Each VEC has discretion to determine the distribution of the approved places between individual schools and colleges under its remit, within the constraint of the overall number of places allocated at VEC level. In 2003-04, over 1,000 courses in over 60 designations were offered to students in 210 centres throughout the country.

Nationally, a total of 28,588 places have been approved for post-leaving certificate courses for 2004-05. My Department will invite applications for PLC courses for 2005-06 in the near future.

Special Educational Needs.

John Perry

Question:

55 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in the State that are especially for children with special educational needs; if she has plans to alter this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30482/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

There are currently 108 special schools for pupils with special educational needs in the State. This sector provides an invaluable service as part of a range of responses to the continuum of special educational needs.

My Department would be prepared to consider the establishment of additional special schools should the need arise. Alternatively, in the context of declining need, the question of amalgamation or closure of such a facility could arise.

I should emphasise that my Department's focus will continue to be on maintaining and developing the range of special educational provision in response to assessed needs.

School Supervision and Substitution Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

56 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of the substitution and supervision scheme in schools in 2004; the way in which this compares with 2003; if she has plans to amend the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30521/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The cost of the supervision-substitution scheme for primary and second level schools for 2003 and 2004 as requested by the Deputy is outlined below.

	Year	Cost
Post Primary Teachers	2003	€ million
Voluntary Secondary Teachers		41.761
Teachers in Community-Comprehensive schools		9.861
Teachers employed in VEC schools		11.700
	2004
Voluntary Secondary Teachers		23.650
Teachers in Community-Comprehensive schools		6.011
Teachers employed in VEC schools		12.200
Primary Teachers
Primary Teachers	2003	38.937
Primary Teachers	2004	39.418

The operation of the supervision and substitution scheme will be reviewed at the end of the current school year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Simon Coveney

Question:

57 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount to be spent on capital projects in universities in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30492/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The allocation of capital funding for each of the sectors within the Education Vote is governed by the five year multi-annual framework for capital expenditure 2004-2008. This framework provides an allocation for each of the five years and allows a carry-over into the following year of unspent capital up to a limit of 10% of a current year's Voted capital allocation.

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Finance has indicated that he will be dealing with adjustments to capital envelopes as part of his budget speech on 1 December and accordingly I am not in a position today to indicate the precise allocation for capital projects in the university sector in 2005.

Physical Education Facilities.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

58 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of increasing obesity amongst younger persons, she will prioritise physical education and education in nutrition; and if she will allocate funding to these areas. [30541/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Physical education is one of the seven curriculum areas within the primary school curriculum which was revised in 1999. The revised curriculum in PE will be implemented in full with effect from 2006-07 and extensive in-service training in this area is being provided by a full-time support service for all teachers over the 2004-05 and 2005-06 school years. A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils. The curriculum has been structured so as to allow individual schools a high degree of flexibility and choice in the planning of a broad and balanced physical education programme for pupils.

Second level schools should offer a physical education programme based on an approved syllabus with teaching hours registered on the school timetable. The focus of physical education in schools is on the young person's holistic development, stressing personal and social development, physical growth, and motor development. At second level, the phasing in of a revised syllabus at junior cycle level for physical education commenced in September 2003. The second level syllabuses in physical education have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

As regards resources, the physical education syllabuses both at primary and second level have been developed on the understanding that facilities available in schools vary. Consequently, they offer flexibility regarding the physical activities undertaken so that each individual school can design a programme that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to the school. The provision of new physical education facilities such as PE halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor play areas, along with the improvement of existing facilities, is normally considered within the design brief for building projects at schools. All projects, including those involving the provision of PE facilities, are planned and carried out in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects. In terms of resources, almost €2 billion has been invested in the period 1998 to 2004 in order to provide modern facilities, including those for PE, in schools.

A curriculum in social personal and health education, SPHE, is a mandatory part of all programmes for primary and junior cycle students, and its implementation is also being assisted by a full-time support service. The programme begins in the infant classes and specifically addresses the need for regular exercise, and examines food and nutrition issues and the need for a balanced diet. The objective is that by fifth and sixth class, students are equipped to take responsibility for making wise food choices and adopting a healthy balanced diet, and in that context, exploring and examining the food pyramid. These issues are continued in second level SPHE and also feature in the biology and home economics syllabuses. The development of an SPHE programme at senior cycle by the national council for curriculum and assessment is under way.

School Transport.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

59 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of passengers carried on the school transport system since 1997; the moneys expended on the system since that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30473/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The overall number of pupils carried on services operated by Bus Éireann during the past seven years, including children with special needs, is as follows:

Year	Number
1997	160,000
1998	154,000
1999	145,000
2000	139,000
2001	140,000
2002	136,000
2003	138,000

These numbers may vary from month to month. Overall expenditure on school transport for the same period is as follows:

Year	€ million
1997	49.5
1998	51.2
1999	57.9
2000	65.0
2001	77.0
2002	95.9
2003	101.7

Every school has been provided with Internet access and more than 35,000 teachers have availed of ICT training programmes. In addition, many primary and post-primary schools are regularly using ICT in a range of subject areas. My Department has identified the provision of high-speed Internet access as a key enabler for the effective use of ICT in classroom teaching and learning. Earlier this year, the Government reached agreement with the telecoms industry on the establishment of an €18 million fund for the provision of broadband connectivity to schools over a three year period, with industry contributing €5 million per annum and the Government contributing €1 million per annum. This is a major initiative which will see all schools connected to a national broadband network by the end of 2005. Additional Exchequer funding is being provided by my Department for related equipment and services to support this initiative.

In the past few days, I announced a new €18 million funding package which will enable primary and post-primary schools to upgrade and augment their computer network facilities in advance of broadband roll-out to schools in the coming year. This new funding is additional to the €18 million being provided for broadband through the industry-Government fund. I should emphasise that bringing broadband to the classroom is one part of a wider strategy aimed at providing students with the necessary range of skills and dispositions for participation in today's knowledge society. Work is well advanced within my Department on a new strategic plan for further embedding ICT in the school learning environment. The new strategy will set out a range of actions in relation to: maintaining and enhancing ICT equipment in schools; connecting all schools to a high-speed national broadband network; promoting ICT as a central teaching and learning resource across the curriculum; integrating ICT with general and subject specific professional development for teachers; providing high quality, digital content for learning through Scoilnet and other initiatives; and promoting active engagement with e-learning at school level, and supporting innovation and disseminating good exemplars of ICT applications in teaching and learning.

In so far as higher education is concerned, a range of initiatives has been introduced in recent years to ensure a sufficient supply of skilled personnel to meet emerging labour market needs. These initiatives have focused to a large extent on the needs associated with the strong growth of the information technology sector. Following a report of the expert group in future skills needs, an information technology investment fund aimed at developing ICT education and training has been established for the provision of new courses, including part-time flexible provision, post graduate conversion courses as well as equipment renewal. Since 2000, some €180 million has been allocated by my Department to meet undergraduate and post-graduate courses in this area.

I should add that implementation of information technology policy within my own Department focuses on the provision of cost effective, secure and reliable ICT services that support the achievement of the Department's business objectives and facilitate organisational change, development and the promotion of e-Government. With regard to e-Government, my Department is in the process of developing a technical framework and specific applications to facilitate on-line communication between the Department and, initially, schools. The first two applications to be delivered are an on-line claims system, to allow schools input claims on-line for the payment of part-time teachers and other employees and a primary pupils database to allow schools provide information about primary pupils on-line to meet the Department's information and policy development needs.

Higher Education Grants.

John Gormley

Question:

63 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has to provide additional funding to third level sector in view of the fact that an increase in current spending, excluding research, of just six per cent, cannot be seen to make much of an impact when inflation is taken into consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30632/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The overall funding, capital and current, for the third level sector which I secured in the 2005 Estimates will stand at €1.58 billion. The additional funding being provided in 2005 marks a return to the significant upward trend in recurrent funding for the sector and will assist in meeting pay and other cost pressures. Taken with my announcement of the commencement of implementation of the Kelly report, I hope we can lay a basis for developing the capacity of our higher education institutions to assist the country in responding to the economic and social challenges we face.

The 35% increase in funding for research activities in the sector, reflects the particular importance of the programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI, and the role of the two research councils in providing the basic research infrastructure and in supporting the skilled researchers that are essential to our broad national strategic objectives. The recent OECD review of Irish higher education highlighted the key role of the sector for our future social and economic development. This echoes the recent report of the Government enterprise strategy group which states that Ireland's economic development, and the social dividends that flow from that, will depend to a large degree on knowledge and innovation. Supporting our higher education institutions in playing that central role is a major policy priority for the Government. The OECD report also identifies the need to align funding allocations with the achievement of national and sectoral objectives. I support that principle. A number of institutions are now embarking on far-reaching programmes of internal restructuring and reform. Some are further down that road than others. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that, collectively, we can develop the capacity to meet the wider challenges that we face.

I am committed to supporting those efforts, recognising that this requires a close working partnership between the Government and the sector as we seek to progress implementation of the OECD report. I want to ensure that funding allocation decisions for the coming years will support and promote our wider strategic objectives.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

64 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of accommodation for autistic children at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30532/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department received an application for additional accommodation from the board of management and the proposed project is at an early stage of architectural planning. The project has a band 1 rating.

A full design team has been appointed and architectural design of the project is progressing. My Department's technical staff are currently examining the response received from the school's design team to queries raised on their stage 1/2/3 documentation, detailed plans-costs. The school authorities will be kept advised of developments.

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 including the school referred to by the Deputy. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

State Examinations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

65 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to amend the leaving certificate examination timetable to ensure that subjects such as Irish, mathematics and English are not taken on consecutive days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30508/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

On foot of a Government decision, the then Minister for Education and Science formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations such as the time-tabling of examinations. Accordingly I have passed the Deputy's query to the chief executive officer of the commission for direct reply.

School Staffing.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

66 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the recently announced special needs assistants are to be allocated in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30511/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Special needs assistants, SNA, may be approved to support pupils who have a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for such support are outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02.

The additional 295 SNA posts recently announced have been allocated on foot of applications from schools for such support that have been considered and verified by the National Educational Psychological Service. I am confident that this additional support will improve the capacity of pupils with significant care needs to participate in and derive benefit from the education process.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to improve pupil-teacher ratios at both primary and secondary level with particular reference to disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30698/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the targets that have been met in regard to the improvement of the pupil-teacher ratio, particularly in areas of disadvantage or high crime levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30878/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 237 together.

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at both primary and post-primary levels in recent years. The overall pupil teacher ratio at primary level has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year.

The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2003-04 school year. The staffing schedule for the 2003-04 school year was structured to ensure that all primary schools would operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. It is a matter for school authorities to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

The overall pupil-teacher ratio at second level has also improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.6:1 in the 2003-04 school year. I am committed to reducing overall class sizes still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The proposed new system for resource teacher allocation involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs, that is, those functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.

With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, a range of existing additional supports will continue to be provided in 2004-05. These supports involve the provision of over 600 teaching posts enabling the implementation of significantly reduced PTRs in both junior and senior classes in more than 240 disadvantaged primary schools. At post-primary level, 203 disadvantaged schools will have over 220 concessionary teaching posts in 2004-05.

My Department is currently finalising a review of educational disadvantage schemes with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. The future position on the provision for educational disadvantage will be clarified in the context of this review.

Non-National Students.

Enda Kenny

Question:

68 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students from other EU countries engaged in full-time third level study in the State; the number of students from non-EU countries engaged in full-time third level study in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30479/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The total number of full time students in third level institutions which are aided by my Department for the 2002-03 academic year, the latest year for which complete statistics are currently available, was 129,283. Of this figure there were 3,829 from other EU member states, including the ten new states, and 4,179 students from outside the EU.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of awards made to date by the Residential Institutions Redress Board; the estimated likely cost of such awards in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30507/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Residential Institutions Redress Board is an independent body established under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002. Mr. Justice Sean O'Leary, a High Court judge, is the chairperson of the redress board.

On the basis of the most recent information available from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, the board has received 4,828 applications and has made awards or offers in 2,107 of those cases. The average award is approximately €77,000. The board provides regular updates as to the number of claims received on its website, www.rirb.ie. The redress board has prepared its first annual report which covers the period 16 December 2002 to 31 December 2003. The report was laid before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this year.

My Department had estimated prior to the establishment of the redress board that the estimated cost of awards would be €508 million. The recent report from the C & AG estimated that the final outturn would be in the range of €605 million and €828 million. Until the board has completed its work it will not be possible to determine what will be the final cost.

School Staffing.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

70 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if vetting procedures for primary and secondary schools for teachers and all other staff will be placed on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30469/04]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

274 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to facilitate the introduction of a system of vetting for teachers and other staff at schools from January 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30792/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 274 together.

The central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána is responsible for vetting requests regarding prospective employees of designated agencies who would have substantial unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. The designated agencies comprise over 900 organisations. In the education sector, vetting is available in respect of prospective employees of children detention schools as well as special needs assistants and bus escorts to children with special needs.

A cross-governmental working group was established to put forward proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána. In particular, it was to consider the need to expand the number of agencies which could access the vetting process, to include, among others, schools and voluntary organisations. That group has now submitted its report to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who has appointed an implementation committee to give effect to the group's recommendations. Among its findings the working group recommended that legislation be brought forward to ensure the maintenance of a national criminal records system within the Garda Síochána, the disclosure of not just hard facts but also softer information, and access to information about — and proof of — criminal convictions for the purposes of litigation.

The Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has announced a major increase in the resources to be provided to the Garda vetting unit to improve the level of vetting available to employers who employ people to work with children and vulnerable adults. The initiative includes the more than doubling of staff resources for the unit to enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended to all persons working with children and vulnerable adults.

In the context of non-Garda vetting, relating to employment history rather than criminal records, the working group also recommended that the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children explore the possibility of developing an employment history register, similar to the PECS system in Northern Ireland. In fact, the North-South Ministerial Council made a similar recommendation following a report of a joint working group on child protection established by it and composed of officials from my Department and the Department of Education, Northern Ireland. Work on a discussion document is at an advanced stage and its finalisation and related legislation to establish a statutory register of employment history will involve continuing co-operation and co-ordination between the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science.

The Teaching Council, whose establishment is now imminent, also has a role here. The council will provide the teaching profession, both primary and post-primary, with the means to self-regulate and its functions will include maintaining a register of teachers and if necessary removing the names of those shown to be unfit to teach, including those unfit to teach by reason of the fact that they pose a threat to children.

Education Welfare Service.

Brian O'Shea

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. Unqualified teachers should only be employed in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted. In this context, my officials have recently written to all primary schools that, on 1 September of the current school year, were employing an unqualified teacher who had worked previously as an unqualified teacher.

The primary sector has experienced a shortage of trained teachers in recent years, mainly as a result of the large number of posts created to reduce class sizes, to cater for pupils in disadvantaged areas and to provide for those with special educational needs. The difficulties being experienced are aggravated by the number of teachers availing of career breaks and job sharing schemes. My Department introduced a range of measures to address the shortage of qualified teachers and I am pleased to say that the number of unqualified teachers in our schools has significantly reduced.

It is important to acknowledge that the colleges of education have done much to increase the output of primary teachers to meet the needs of schools arising from significant additional teacher allocations in recent years. Since 1999, more than 1,000 students have been admitted annually to the B.Ed. programme in the colleges of education. Since the 1995-96 academic year an 18 month post-graduate course has been provided in the colleges of education. The total intake to the colleges of education in the current academic year is circa 1,280 students. This compares with an intake of 500 in 1996-97.

There are currently some 3,500 students enrolled and pursuing various stages of primary teacher training programmes in the colleges of education. In addition, graduates of the new primary teacher training course, which is being accredited by HETAC and delivered by Hibernia College, an on-line third level educational company, will be recognised for the purposes of primary teaching. In addition to increasing the output of graduates, other initiatives have been introduced to increase the number of trained personnel. B.Ed. graduates of St. Mary's College, Belfast, who have studied Irish to honours level as an academic subject as part of their teaching qualifications, are now recognised as fully qualified. Montessori trained teachers who have successfully completed the full-time course of three years duration at St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, which is recognised by HETAC, or the Montessori qualification which is awarded on completion of the three year full-time course in the AMI College, are recognised as being fully qualified substitute teachers and are recognised to teach in certain categories of special schools, special classes and as resource teachers in primary schools.

The decision to recognise fully qualified teachers who trained outside the State to teach in certain categories of schools and classes without the necessity to hold an Irish language qualification is also contributing to an improvement in the supply of trained primary teachers. I am committed to ensuring that the shortage of qualified teachers will be eliminated as speedily as possible and in this context my Department will continue to consider new initiatives and keep existing initiatives under review.

Physical Education Facilities.

Seán Crowe

Question:

74 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will conduct an audit into physical education facilities in schools. [30540/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department has no plans at present to conduct an audit of PE and sports facilities in schools. However, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism intends to establish an inter-agency steering group shortly to commence work on developing a long-term strategic plan for the provision of sports facilities.

One of the first tasks for this group will be to oversee the commencement of a national audit of sports facilities. Careful consideration will be given by this steering group to the scope of such an audit, in terms of the type, size and location of such facilities to be included.

Research and Development.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

75 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the levels of investment in the field of research and development in indigenous renewable energy production; the plans that exist, in the context of the Estimates and budget 2005, to increase this investment in strategic research and development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30633/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am unable to give precise details of the level of funding devoted to the development of indigenous renewable energy production. This specific area falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for Sustainable Energy Ireland.

However, some research in this area is conducted within the third level sector, under the two dedicated programmes of research — the programme for research in the third level institutions and the technological sector research programme. Of the €605 million allocated to date under PRTLI, a total of €295 million and €62 million has been allocated to the biosciences and environmental disciplines specifically. Within these programmes, are projects being conducted into renewable energy sources, for example in National University of Ireland, Galway. There are also two dedicated research projects into renewable energy sources being conducted in the Institute of Technology, Carlow and Limerick Institute of Technology under the technological sector research programme.

The Deputy should also note that a number of individual projects may be commissioned under the award schemes operated by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology. I will arrange for the submission of details to the Deputy within a few days.

The Deputy will also note that I announced a 35% increase in research funding as part of the 2005 Estimates. This is evidence of my personal, and indeed the Government's commitment, to research programmes, which play a vital role in developing world-class capabilities in research and innovation and give the higher education institutions the necessary resources to meet the challenges of the knowledge society in Ireland.

Early School Leavers.

Joe Costello

Question:

76 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to recent figures showing that nearly half of teenagers who were held in Trinity House juvenile detention centre ended up in adult prisons within six months of their release; if she has satisfied herself that sufficient procedures are in place to provide young offenders with a real opportunity of rehabilitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27270/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

79 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is engaged in discussions with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment regarding its proposals to offer Irish as a full or half course at leaving certificate level; her views on such a proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30519/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

No proposals have yet been made to me proposing a change in the position of Irish at senior cycle.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has carried out a comprehensive public consultation process on the future direction of senior cycle education in Ireland. This concluded with the publication by the NCCA of Directions for Development — Developing Senior Cycle Education, which was presented at a national forum in Dublin Castle on 23 September 2003. The NCCA proposals set out a vision for the type of school system which might exist by 2010. The proposals envisage a restructured senior cycle curriculum consisting of transition units, short courses and subjects.

Publication of Directions for Development has been followed by further analyses and consultation by the NCCA in the lead-up to the council's presentation of advice and recommendations to me on the future of senior cycle. I understand that the next stage of this advice, due in early 2005, will include an elaboration of the possible configuration of subjects, short courses and transition units.

The position of Irish as the national language and the first official language is enshrined in the Constitution. In addition, the Education Act 1998 includes among its objectives to contribute to the realisation of national policy objectives in relation to the extension of bilingualisim in Irish society and the achievement of a greater use of Irish language at school and in the community. Under the rules and programme for secondary schools all students must follow an approved programme in Irish unless they are granted an exemption under rule 46.

I am aware that the NCCA proposals for reform of senior cycle are underpinned by a comprehensive consultation process and international research. I await with interest the next stage of the council's advice. Should a change to the position of Irish at senior cycle be proposed I will consider the matter in the context of the issues which emerged in the consultation process, the obligations imposed by the Constitution and the Education Act to promote the Irish language and the need to ensure the right of citizens on an ongoing basis to access public services in either of the official languages.

Education Welfare Service.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

80 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Education Welfare Board will be allocated the €6.1 million it needs in 2005 to employ 95 new staff, 87 of whom will work as education welfare officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30528/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents-guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, educational welfare officers, EWOs, are being appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the board's functions locally.

The budget which has been allocated to the National Educational Welfare Board for 2005 is €7.8 million, an increase of €1.3 million or 20% on the 2004 allocation. My Department has already conveyed approval to the NEWB for the filling of a further ten educational welfare officer posts bringing the authorised staffing for the NEWB from 84 to 94. These additional posts will enable the board to further roll-out its services at local level around the country.

The percentage increase being allocated to the board for 2005 is more than double that for the Education Vote as a whole and this provision will enable the board to continue to develop its services in 2005. I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in the light of the roll-out of services and any further proposals that the board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

81 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will honour the commitment to reduce class sizes; the number of pupils in classes with a number greater than 20, 30 and 40; if she will further provide the staff in schools to provide for this reduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30495/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29.

In line with the commitment in the programme for Government class sizes will be reduced still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. Additional posts will continue to be provided. The deployment of these posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.

Provisional figures from my Department's 2003-04 annual statistical return indicate the following:

Class Size	20-29	30-39	40 and over
No. of pupils	256,996	106,337	212

School Transport.

Denis Naughten

Question:

82 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the 3:2 ratio on school buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30530/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

86 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the contract to manage five schools on behalf of the State; if the ongoing financial difficulties being experienced by the company holding this contract will impinge upon the contract entered into between her Department and a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30464/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The contract between my Department and Jarvis Projects Limited is in place and operating. The financial difficulties faced by the company do not impinge on the contract.

Should it arise that the company cannot provide the service for which it is contracted, my Department is entitled, under the terms of the project agreement, to make deductions from the monthly unitary payment in respect of non-performance. The project agreement further provides that the financial backers of the project may step in to replace the operating company to protect their investment. In addition, the project agreement further protects the State by allowing for the termination of the contact under various circumstances. This form of protection for the State is standard in educational public private partnership contracts.

Medical Cards.

Richard Bruton

Question:

87 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the income thresholds for qualification for a full medical card and for a general practitioner only card, indicating the thresholds for single persons, married couples, single parents, and the way in which they vary for the under 66 years category, the 66 to 69 category and the category of married couples, one of whom is over 70 years and one of whom is not; and when a student who has earnings will be eligible for a medical card in their own right. [30638/04]

Liz McManus

Question:

93 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the income eligibility limits for the ordinary medical card will be extended; the new income limits that will be in all categories; the estimated cost per annum of extending the medical card to 30,000 persons as announced by her in the Estimates of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30673/04]

Liz McManus

Question:

94 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the qualification criteria that will be for the new general practitioner-only medical card; when this new card will become available; the way it will be administered; the estimated cost per annum of this card for 200,000 persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30674/04]

Liz McManus

Question:

95 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements to be put in place to allow a person to obtain the new general practitioner-only medical card; if she has engaged in negotiations with the IMO regarding this new scheme; if legislation will be required in this respect; when it will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30675/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 93 to 95, inclusive, together.

The health strategy commits to making improvements in the income guidelines to increase the number of persons on low incomes who are eligible for the medical card and to give priority to families with children. True to the commitment expressed in the health strategy, both the income guidelines and income allowances for children taken into account for the purposes of assessment of eligibility for the medical card will be increased from 1 January 2005. These increases were among the set of priorities for new health initiatives in 2005 which I announced on 18 November last. The higher rate of increase in respect of the allowances for children is specifically aimed at assisting low income families with children in accessing primary care services. The Government's policy remains as stated in the programme for Government to extend eligibility for medical cards, rather than to achieve coverage of a certain percentage of the population or to issue a specific number of medical cards. The sum of €60 million has been provided in the 2005 health Estimates to improve access to primary care by providing for additional persons to become eligible for a medical card and free access to general practitioners for those on low incomes. The medical card income guidelines will be increased with effect from 1 January 2005 by 7.5% generally. Specifically, the income allowance for each of the first two children in a family will be increased by 20% and for the third and subsequent children by 30%. It is estimated that this will increase the numbers eligible for medical cards by approximately 30,000. The estimated cost of an additional 30,000 standard medical cards would be in the order of €30 million in a full year.

Free access to general practitioner visits will be provided to individuals and families based on incomes of 25% over the new medical card income guidelines. However, it should be noted that discretion to allow eligibility for the doctor-visit medical card for those above the guidelines suffering hardship exists as for the existing medical card. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 persons will become eligible for free general practitioner services. Subject to clarifying legislative and administrative issues, the new doctor-visit card will be introduced as soon as possible in 2005. The estimated cost of 200,000 new doctor-visit cards is in the region of €50 million in a full year.

These initiatives will assist in overcoming barriers to accessing GP services in the case of those on low incomes. They will also help in removing poverty traps and disincentives to people taking up work or progressing to better paying work. Parents of children whose illnesses persist from year to year will no longer be required to re-apply each year for a medical card. Taking into account both of these initiatives, in the region of 230,000 additional people, including children, will be able to access their general practitioner free-of-charge.

Currently, the setting of individual income limits is a matter for health board chief executive officers and will be the responsibility of the Health Service Executive in 2005. However, based on the percentage increases outlined, the relevant income guidelines are likely to be as follows:

	2005 Weekly
	Medical Cards	Doctor Visit Cards
	€	€
Single person living alone (under 66)	153.20	191.50
Single person living alone 66-69 years	167.70	209.60
Single person living with family (under 66)	136.50	170.60
Single person living with family 66-69 years	144.05	180.05
Married couple (under 66)	222.00	277.50
Married couple 66-69 years	248.30	310.40
Married couple 70-79 years	496.65	620.80
Married couple (80 and over)	522.45	653.05
Allowance for each of 1st two children under 16	31.20	39.00
Allowance for each of 3rd and subsequent child under 16	33.80	42.25
Allowance for dependant over 16 with no income maintained by applicant	29.00	36.25
Allowance for house expenses (rent etc.): in excess of	26.00	26.00
Allowance for cost of travelling to work: in excess of	23.00	23.00

My Department will work closely with the health boards and authority and the HSE to oversee the operation of the scheme. Arrangements have already been agreed to put the processes required in train. The practice of ensuring that no one is disadvantaged by virtue of social welfare increases in retaining or applying for a medical card will also continue. The Irish Medical Organisation has been made aware of these initiatives and indicated that the developments are in line with its views.

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means and residency. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically eligible. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. Persons aged 16 to 25, including students, who are financially dependent on their parents are entitled to a medical card if their parents are medical card holders. Those who are dependants of non-medical card holders are not normally entitled to a medical card, except where they have an entitlement under EU regulations, or, where they are in receipt of a disability allowance. Students who are financially independent of their parents are entitled to apply for a medical card in their own right and are assessed on the same criteria as all other applicants. The decision on whether or not a person is regarded as a dependant, or as being financially independent, is made by the chief executive officer of the health board on the basis of the circumstances of each individual case.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

88 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has provided for changes in the terms of the nursing home subvention in the 2005 Estimates; the provisions which will apply in 2005 in respect of the rates of subvention, the means thresholds for eligibility, the treatment of savings and of the family home, and the terms of access to and payment of enhanced subvention. [30639/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Deputy will be aware that a working group has been set up by my Department to review the nursing home subvention regulations. The group comprises all stakeholders and was established to review the operation and administration of the nursing home subvention scheme following the publication of the O'Shea report. The purpose of the review is to develop a scheme which will be transparent, offer a high standard of care for clients, provide equity within the system to include standardised dependency and means testing, be less discretionary, provide both a home and nursing home subvention depending on need, be consistent in implementation throughout the country and draw on experience of the operation of the old scheme.

Changes to the nursing home subvention scheme, including rates of subvention, means assessment and treatment of assets, will be looked at by the group. It is not envisaged that changes will occur before the work of the group has been completed.

Care of the Elderly.

These charges are additional to the public hospital statutory in-patient charge which is being increased from €45 to €55 in respect of each day during which a person is maintained. The maximum payment in any 12 consecutive months is being increased to €550. The new charge for outpatient services in respect of attendance at accident and emergency or casualty departments where the person concerned has not been referred by a medical practitioner is €55. This is the only statutory out-patient charge.

There are a number of exemptions to the statutory charges, including for medical card holders with full eligibility, women receiving services in respect of motherhood, children up to the age of six weeks and children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school health examinations. Also exempt from the charges in respect of treatment for a particular condition are children suffering from prescribed diseases such as mental handicap, mental illness, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, haemophilia and cerebral palsy. Persons holding a doctor-visit medical card will not be exempt from statutory charges unless they are covered by one of the other exemptions specified above. Where exemptions do not apply, the charge may still be waived if, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board, payment would cause undue hardship.

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means and residency. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board other than for persons aged 70 years and over who are automatically eligible for a medical card. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. The health board CEOs have, in the past, exercised discretionary powers in granting medical cards to those in special need where the income guidelines have been exceeded. The incoming Health Service Executive will be asked to draw up a transparent policy governing discretionary medical cards.

Questions Nos. 93 to 95, inclusive, answered with Question No. 87.

Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question:

100 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the efforts made by the Western Health Board and her Department to provide specialist medical care for the palliative care centre at Galway; the details of advertising of positions; the number of interviews held; the position regarding restructuring of second and third posts at consultant level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30737/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

Palliative care services in the Western Health Board region are provided in a range of settings. Specialist palliative care in-patient services are provided by the Galway Hospice Foundation in Renmore and funded by the Western Health Board. Specialist palliative care is also provided, in the acute hospital setting, by a multidisciplinary consultant-led team and palliative support beds are provided in Ballina and Belmullet. In addition, day care services are available at the specialist palliative care unit in Renmore and home care services are provided in Galway, Roscommon and Mayo. The palliative care service — hospital, hospice and community — emerged in a very positive light in a needs assessment carried out by the board with the service structure and multidisciplinary team providing quality care for patients, families and carers. With the support of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, additional nursing and allied health professional staff have been recruited since the needs assessment was carried out, further strengthening the service. The board has obtained financial clearance from my Department to proceed with the recruitment of a second palliative care consultant and my Department has also acknowledged the need for a third palliative care consultant post for the Western Health Board.

The health board sought the advice of Comhairle na nOspidéal on how best to structure the consultant-led service in this new and evolving specialty to provide a quality service throughout the region. A subcommittee of Comhairle has met with representatives of the board, the Galway Hospice Foundation and the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice on two occasions and discussions are ongoing.

When posts are approved by Comhairle nan-Ospidéal, they are filled through the local appointments commission in accordance with the statutory regulations governing such appointments in the public sector. Palliative medicine is a relatively young specialty with few trained specialists in Ireland. It has not been possible to locate a locum consultant either in Ireland, the UK or further afield in South Africa or Australia, despite the use of informal and formal channels including advertisements and recruitment agencies. The board will continue to explore all avenues with a view to securing the services of a locum consultant.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Enda Kenny

Question:

101 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number on the waiting list for ultrasound treatment at Mayo General Hospital; the range of ultrasound services involved; the expenditure on capital equipment for each of the past three years; the projected finance available for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30738/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

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

Health Board Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

102 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the services in place for families with children who have ADHD in the Western Health Board and Mayo region; if counselling or support services are in place; if these services are being cut back; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30739/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

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

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

103 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the identity of the members of the interdepartmental working group chaired by her Department which was established to examine the feasibility of introducing a cost of disability payment; when this group was established; the work of the group to date; the actions taken as a result; when she expects the working group to complete its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30740/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

Under the programme for prosperity and fairness, an interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of Health and Children, was established to examine the feasibility of introducing a cost of disability payment, PPF 3.10.11. The current membership of the working group is as follows: Frank Tracy, Department of Health and Children; Anne Marie Kilkenny, Department of Health and Children; Terry Walsh, Department of Finance; John Fitzpatrick, Department of Finance; Brian Miller, East Coast Area Health Board; Claire O'Connor, National Disability Authority; Leo Sheedy, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Brendan Sheehy, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and Enda Flynn, Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The NDA, on the behalf of the working group, and in line with its own remit, commissioned research which was undertaken by Indecon into the feasibility of a cost of disability payment in Ireland. The purpose of this research was to advise the NDA and the working group of the additional costs incurred by people with disabilities, owing specifically to the direct or indirect costs of the disability and the appropriate mechanisms, policies or instruments by which to address identified additional costs. The resultant report, Disability and the Cost of Living, was published by the NDA early in 2004.

In March this year, the working group produced a position paper which outlined an overview of the work it has undertaken to date, its current thinking and an indication of the next steps the it intends taking. The working group strongly recommends that urgent steps be taken to improve the quality of data on disability in Ireland as recommended in the Indecon report. This might include, for example, adjustment of existing data-gathering exercises undertaken by the Central Statistics Office or other relevant bodies to include questions on the numbers per household with disabilities, the nature of the disability and the severity of impairment. The working group considers that it is vital that comprehensive data is available on which to base consideration of the feasibility of a cost of disability payment. Given its advisory and research remit, the working group considers that the National Disability Authority has an important role to play in addressing these data gaps along with other relevant bodies.

The working group acknowledges that a number of Departments and Government agencies have previously carried out reviews of the various supports and payments for people with disabilities. However, these reviews have tended to focus solely on the operation of individual schemes without taking a broader view of how the measures involved fit into the overall system of disability supports. The working group proposes to examine the scope for rationalising and streamlining the various disability support measures with a particular focus on mitigating the additional costs of disability for a greater number of people with disabilities, especially in the case of those who wish to move from a position of total welfare dependence to one of greater economic independence.

With regard to the second point above, the NDA has recently commenced work in consultation with the CSO to improve the quality of data collection on people with disabilities. On the third point, the working group has begun to explore the pathway from welfare to employment for people with disabilities and, in particular, the benefits trap which exists for people with disabilities, vis-à-vis the medical card. I understand the working group expects to complete this work within six months.

Family Support Services.

David Stanton

Question:

104 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of teen parents support initiative projects being supported by her Department; the location of these projects; the effectiveness of these projects; her plans to extend such projects to other areas in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30741/04]

108 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for her Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30787/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

109 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30804/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

The provision of quality services through Irish is one of the quality customer service principles around which the entire public service modernisation programme is based. The Official Languages Act 2003 secures the rights of citizens to conduct their business with public service organisations through Irish or English. My Department is committed to improving the amount and quality of information available in Irish as a result. My Department does not account separately for each element of improvements in customer service and a breakdown of figures is not readily available, but the cost is not significant to the overall costs of publishing information and other aspects of providing a quality customer service. There is no separate provision in the 2005 Estimates for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. It is intended that generally the Irish and English versions of reports will be part of the same publications. It is expected that my Department will be drawing up a scheme in 2005 in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 and a costing exercise may be undertaken as part of this process.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

110 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the provision of a unit (details supplied) in County Mayo; when this unit will be opened; the cost of this unit; the amount of this funding which has been provided to date; the number of persons who are estimated to benefit from this unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30827/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The provision of hospital services at Belmullet District Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Board Allowances.

Michael Ring

Question:

111 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the domiciliary care allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved. [30828/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The assessment of entitlement to and payment of the domiciliary care allowance is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that she examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Hospital Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

112 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of residential beds which are available for acquired brain injury sufferers in the Southern Health Board area. [30855/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The provision of residential beds that are available for acquired brain injury sufferers is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board with a request that he examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

113 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the current value of the motorised transport grant; the maximum value of the grant; the means thresholds which apply to the grant; the indices which are used to adjust the values each year; the date for which new rates came into force; and the period over which the index is measured. [30861/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

A motorised transport grant of up to 75% of the actual cost of purchasing or adapting a car, which takes into account the trade-in value of a car being replaced, may be provided up to a limit of €4,575. Where a person qualifies for both the motorised transport grant and the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme, the motorised transport grant payable should not exceed the net outlay incurred, taking into account the benefit of the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme.

The means of the applicant and the applicant's spouse/partner, if any, are taken into account. Means are determined on the basis of gross income less statutory deductions and allowances in respect of rent and mortgage repayments, but include income from assets, investments, lettings etc. The following are not considered as means: an allowance received from an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment while undergoing a course of rehabilitative or vocational training; blind welfare allowance; carer's allowance-benefit; child benefit; domiciliary care allowance; foster care allowance; higher education grants; income up to a maximum amount approved in employment of a therapeutic or rehabilitative nature; living alone allowance; moneys received from charitable organisations other than remuneration; special compensation awards that are exempted by legislation such as hepatitis C, thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance; and travel and meal allowances paid to participants on Government approved schemes. Any net income in excess of the national average industrial wage, €26,940.16, is deducted from the maximum grant payable of €4,575 on a euro-by-euro basis.

Any increase in health related allowances and grants is dealt with in the context of the budget and is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Grant Payments.

Richard Bruton

Question:

114 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms on which the mobility grant have been changed in the Estimates for 2005; the means thresholds and payment rates which will apply; if normal budget increases apply to this payment; and if so, if the increase is linked to the increase in old age pensions or general social welfare payments. [30864/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The mobility allowance was introduced in 1979 by circular 15/79 and is payable under section 61 of the Health Act 1970. The terms on which the mobility allowance is paid has not changed since the current circular of July, 2002 was introduced. The applicant's total assessable income is taken and any income in excess of the disability allowance rate is deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable. In the case of couples where one individual is eligible, any combined income in excess of the appropriate disability allowance rate for the family composition is taken as means and deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable. In the case of couples where both are eligible, the joint incomes are added together and divided by two. This gives the assessable income for each eligible applicant. Any income in excess of the single disability allowance rate plus half the disability allowance child dependant rate, where applicable, in respect of both eligible applicants is deducted from the amount of mobility allowance payable.

The following should not be considered as means: an allowance received from an organisation approved by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment while undergoing a course of rehabilitative or vocational training; blind welfare allowance; carer's allowance-benefit; child benefit; domiciliary care allowance; foster care allowance; higher education grants; income up to a maximum amount approved in employment of a therapeutic or rehabilitative nature; living alone allowance; moneys received from charitable organisations other than remuneration; over 80 allowance; special compensation awards that are exempted by legislation, such as hepatitis C, thalidomide; supplementary welfare allowance; travel and meal allowances paid to participants on Government approved schemes; and the benefit of the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme.

The current rates of mobility allowance are as follows: a maximum amount of €142 per month, from 1 Jan 2004, is available only to eligible persons who do not benefit from the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme. Those who benefit from both the disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme and mobility allowance will receive a mobility allowance up to a maximum amount of €71 per month from 1 January 2004. Any increase in health related allowances-grants is dealt with in the budget and is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Richard Bruton

Question:

115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the terms on which the domiciliary care allowance is paid have been changed in the Estimates for 2005; and the index which will be used to update its value in respect of budget day increases. [30865/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

The domiciliary care allowance was introduced in 1973 by way of circular 24/73 and is payable under section 61 of the Health Act 1970. The terms on which the domiciliary care allowance is paid has not changed since the current circular of July 2002 was introduced. Any increase in health related allowances-grants is dealt with on budget day and is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

116 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been allowed a medical card in respect of their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30918/04]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Responsibility for the provision of a medical card is, by legislation, a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board or authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Tax Code.

Billy Timmins

Question:

117 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the circumstances, this case can be treated as a special case and exempted from capital acquisition tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30769/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Capital acquisitions tax is payable by the recipient or beneficiary. The relationship between the person who provides the gift or inheritance, the disponer, and the person who receives the gift or inheritance, the beneficiary, determines the tax-free threshold applicable to a gift or inheritance, the group threshold. The indexed group thresholds applying to a gift or inheritance for 2002, 2003 and 2004 are set out in the following table.

Group	Relationship to Disponer	Indexed Group Thresholds
		2002	2003	2004
		€	€	€
A	Son/Daughter	422,148	441,198	456,438
B	Parent/Brother/Sister/Niece/ Nephew/Grandchild	42,215	44,120	45,644
C	Relationships other than Group A or B	21,108	22,060	22,822

Any other gifts or inheritance that might have been received within the same group by an individual since 5 December 1991 will also be taken into account when applying the thresholds for the purposes of calculating capital acquisitions tax. If the total value of all inheritances and gifts received since this date is above the relevant threshold, then a 20% capital acquisitions tax will apply on the difference.

The Finance Act 2000 introduced a package of measures specifically designed to reduce the impact of capital acquisitions tax where assets with average values are transferred. These measures included increased thresholds and the introduction of a single rate of tax at 20%. In addition, section 151 of the Finance Act 2000 introduced a valuable exemption from capital acquisitions tax for certain dwelling houses. The purpose of the exemption was to benefit individuals who had been living in a house for a period prior to the taking of the benefit, either by way of gift or inheritance. The exemption is not, however, intended to exempt dwelling houses taken by individuals who are residing elsewhere, or who hold an interest in another dwelling house.

The Deputy may also wish to note that tax relief is available under section 467 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 where a taxpayer employs a carer to look after the taxpayer or a relative of the taxpayer who is totally incapacitated. This tax relief is available at the marginal rate of tax for expenditure not exceeding €30,000 per annum. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that gift tax is a self-assessment tax under capital acquisitions tax and that, in the absence of a gift tax return, form IT 38, or any other supporting documentation it is difficult for them to give a definitive answer in respect of the potential tax liability, and any interest arising, in this case.

If the beneficiary requires information in the completion of the return, he may contact the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, capital acquisitions tax unit, ESE Region, St. John's House, Tallaght, Dublin 24 at 01-4149791 to 01-4149797. It should be noted however, that under the general circumstances outlined by the Deputy, gift tax would be payable in this case under section 6 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003. If the individual in question is unable to discharge his liability in one payment, he may wish, under section 54 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003, to avail of the statutory instalment arrangement to discharge his liability over a five-year period. In these circumstances, interest is chargeable on a yearly basis.

Garda Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

118 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the revised sketch scheme for the new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare has been submitted to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for approval; if said approval has issued from that Department; if so, when construction will start on the new Garda station following the public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30771/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

A revised brief was received from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which has increased the scale of the Garda station. Negotiations are nearing completion with Kildare County Council for the acquisition by the Commissioners of Public Works of an additional portion of land required for the development. On completion of these negotiations a revised sketch scheme will be issued to the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform for approval.

Fiscal Policy.

Richard Bruton

Question:

119 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the programmes which have been examined under the expenditure review initiative in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and the programme planned for review in 2005. [30772/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I refer the Deputy to the schedule in appendix 6 of the expenditure review central steering committee report to the Minister for Finance on the expenditure review initiative for June 2002 to June 2004 which was recently laid before the Oireachtas. The schedule lists the programmes which have been reviewed to date and those planned for review to end April 2005 under the current round of reviews. Departments will be invited shortly, in the light of the report, to indicate the reviews which they intend to include in the new 2005 round of reviews.

Expenditure Review Initiative Overview of completed, current, and proposed expenditure reviews, by Department/Office.
Department/Office	Year of Review	Review Title	Status
Agriculture & Food
Reviews completed in earlier phase		An Bord Bia	(No. 12)
		An Bord Glas	(No. 13)
		Teagasc	(No. 14)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Rural environment protection scheme	Completed (No. 68)
	Rollover	Operation of Land Commission	Completed (not submitted to ERCSC)
	2002	Support for the Potato Sector	Completed (No. 75)
	2002	Beef Classification	Completed (No. 76)
	2002	Overseas Development Aid Expenditure	Completed (No. 81)
	2002	Purchase for Destruction	Completed (No. 82)
	2002	Installation Aid	To be completed 2004
	2003/4 (Rollover)	Early Retirement Scheme	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Farm Waste Management	For completion 2004
	2003/4	BSE Eradication	Confirmed for 2004
	2003/4	Compensatory Allowances	Confirmed for 2004
Arts, Sport & Tourism
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Expenditure review of CERT	(No. 19)
		Sport Capital Programme	(No. 20)
		Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative	(No. 37)
		Shannon Development Tourism Activities	(No. 49)
		Bord Fáilte Éireann	(No. 57)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2002	Swimming pools programme	For completion 2004
	2002	Irish Sports Council	For completion 2004
	2002	Irish Film Board	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Sports capital programme (lottery funding)	Quality Assessed
Communications, Marine & Natural Resources
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Irish Marine Emergency Service	(No. 22)
		Geological Survey of Ireland	(No. 56)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	BIM (Ice Plants)	Completed (No. 62)
	Rollover	Fishery Harbours Programme	Completed (No. 63)
	Rollover	Coast Protection Programme	Completed (No. 61)
	2003/4	Marine Research/RTDI	For completion 2004
	2003/4	National Seabed Survey	For completion 2005
	2003/4	Energy (Conservation and Alternative)	For completion 2005
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Athbhreithniú ar Dheontais faoi Achtanna na dTithe (Gaeltacht) 1929-79	(U. 26)
		Canals Expenditure Review	(No. 27)
		Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development 94/99	(No. 35)
		Údarás na Gaeltachta	(U. 48)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2003/4	Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Gaeltacht	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Ciste na hOileáin (alternative topic may be proposed by Joint Steering Committee)	For completion 2005
	2003/4	Ciste na Gaeilge (Alternative topic may be proposed by Joint Steering Committee)	For completion 2005
	2003/4	Drugs Initiative	For completion 2004
Courts Service
Reviews completed in earlier phase		N.A.
Reviews in 2002- 2004 phase	2002	Courthouse Maintenance costs	Quality assessed
	2003/4	Stenography/Interpreters’ fees	Confirmed
Defence
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Provision of Medical Services to the Defence Forces	(No. 45)
		Review of the Irish Naval Service & Air Corps	Not submitted to ERCSC
		Naval Service Implementation Plan	Do.
		Air Corps Implementation Plan	Do.
		White Paper on Defence	Do.
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2002	Maintenance of Aircraft	Quality Assessed
	2003/4	Defence Forces clothing programme	For completion 2005
Education & Science
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Primary Education	(No. 33)
		Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann	(No. 34)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Review of the Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme	Completed (No. 69)
	2002	1st & 2nd Level Building Programmes: Minor Works Grant for Primary School	For completion 2004
	2002	Operation of Education Centres	At Quality Assessment
	2002	Supply Panel for Primary Teaching	Quality Assessed
	2002	Youth Encounter Projects	For completion 2004
	2003/4	1st & 2nd Level Building Programmes: Topic 2	Confirmed
	2003/4	Expenditure on guidance services	Confirmed
	2003/4	Schools ICT programmes	Confirmed
	2003/4	In career development	Confirmed
	2003/4	ICT undergraduate skills programmes	Confirmed
Enterprise, Trade & Employment
Reviews completed in earlier phase		IDA Ireland	(No. 11)
		Community Employment Programme	(No. 15)
		Standards-based Apprenticeship System	(No. 52)
		Forfás	(No. 60)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Fás Specific Skills training	Completed (No. 64)
	CDR	Supports for Long Term Unemployed (CDR leader) Phase I	For completion 2004
	2003/4	IDA Ireland Property Programme	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Enterprise Ireland Overseas Office Network	Completed (No. 79)
	2003/4	Science and Technology Spending	For completion 2004/5
Environment, Heritage & Local Government
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Operational Programme for Environmental Services — Mid-Term Evaluation	(No. 3)
		Exchequer Capital Investment in Fire Service	(No. 40)
		Charges for Services provided by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland	(No. 55)
		Local Authority Tenant Purchase Scheme	(No. 56)
		Review of the efficiency of County Council operations in the non-national roads area	Not submitted to ERCSC
		Non-national road pavement condition study	Not submitted to ERCSC
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Exchequer Financed Water and Sewerage Schemes	Completed (No. 65)
	Rollover	Voluntary Housing	Completed (No. 70)
	2003/4	Motor tax on line initiative	For completion 2004
Finance
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Annual Grant-In-Aid to the Economic and Social Research Institute	(No. 1)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2002	Payments to Promoters of Certain Charities	Completed (No.78)
	2002	Change Management Fund	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Institute of Public Administration	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Information Society	To commence 2004
	2003/4	Consultancies	To commence 2004
	2003/4	Economic and Social Research Institute	To commence 2004
	2003/4	Ordnance Survey Ireland	To commence 2004
Department of Foreign Affairs
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Management of Embassy Properties Abroad	(No. 5)
		Irish Aid to Ethiopia	(No. 6)
		EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation	(No. 21)
		Reaching Out to Communities: Area Based Programmes, 1994-2000 (Ireland Aid)	Not submitted to ERCSC
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2002	Synthesis Report on the Expenditure Review of the Development Cooperation Ireland In-Country Micro Projects Scheme	Completed (No. 71)
	2002	Public Expenditure Review Report on the Inhambane Provincial Development Programme (Mozambique)	Completed (No. 72)
	2002	Cultural Relations	Quality Assessed
	2003/4	Assistance to Eastern Europe	Quality Assessed
	2003/4	Evaluation of Ireland Aid support for Basic Education in Uganda and Zambia	For completion end 2004
	2003/4	Evaluation of Ireland Aid’s emergency humanitarian assistance in a selected country (Afghanistan)	For completion end 2004
Health & Children
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Intellectual Disability Programme	(No. 29)
		Dental Treatment Service Schemes	(No. 30)
		Nursing Home Subvention Scheme	(No. 51)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase		The ERCSC has accepted that the Department of Health & Children is not in a position to engage in the ERI in 2004 due to the extensive programme of reform it is undergoing at present
Justice, Equality & Law Reform
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Garda Overtime	(No. 16)
		Garda Compensation Scheme	(No. 17)
		Transportation of Prisoners	(No. 18)
		Probation and Welfare Service — Grants to Voluntary Bodies	(No. 53)
		Legal Aid Board	(No. 54)
		Compensation Scheme for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted	(No. 59)
Reviews in 2002 — 2004 phase	2002	Prisons healthcare review	At Quality Assessment
	2003/4	Maintenance of Garda premises	Terms of ref. to be agreed
	2003/4	Asylum/immigration	Terms of ref. to be agreed
	2003/4	Prisons capital projects	Terms of ref. to be agreed
Office of Public Works
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Review of Property Management in OPW	(No. 4)
		OPW Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme — Report on measurement of return on investment	(No. 43)
		Government Supplies Agency and Furniture Branch	Not submitted to ERCSC
		Plan for the continuing development of Dublin Zoo, 2001-2005	Not submitted to ERCSC
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase		The ERCSC has accepted that the OPW is not in a position to engage in the ERI in 2004 due to the demands of decentralization.
Oireachtas
Reviews completed in earlier phase		N.A.
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Parliamentary Information Programme Phase1	Quality Assessed
	2003/4	Parliamentary Information Programme Phase II	Review has commenced.
Revenue Commissioners
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Revenue’s Training Programme	(No. 46)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2003/4	Use of outsourced service providers to support returns processing	To commence mid-2004
Social & Family Affairs
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Schemes for Locally-Based Women’s Group and for Locally-Based Men’s Group	(No. 7)
		Family and Community Resource Centre Programme	(No. 8)
		National and Smokeless Fuel Schemes	(No. 9)
		Review of the Carers’ Allowance	(No. 10)
		Review of Credited Contributions	(No. 23)
		Actuarial Review of Social Welfare Pensions (IPT Ltd.); Securing Retirement Income — National Pensions Policy Initiative Report of The Pensions Board	(No. 24)
		The Disincentive Effects of Secondary Benefits	(No. 28)
		Back to Work Allowance Scheme	(No. 36)
		Treatment of Married, Cohabiting and One-Parent Families under the Tax and Social Welfare Codes-Working Group Report	(No. 38)
		INDECON Report on Back to Work Allowance and Area Allowance (Enterprise) Schemes	(No. 41)
		Review of the Free Schemes operated by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs	(No. 42)
		Review of the One-Parent Family Payment	(No. 44)
		Review of the Qualifying Conditions for the Old Age (Contributory) and Retirement Pension	(No. 50)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	Urban & Gaeltacht School meals	Completed (No. 66)
	Rollover	Review of Social Welfare Payments to Orphans	Completed (No. 67)
	Rollover	Back to School Footwear and Clothing Allowance	Completed (No. 80)
	2003/4 Rollover	Report of the Working Group on the Review of the Illness and Disability Payment Schemes	Completed (No. 73)
	2003/4 Rollover	Supplementary Welfare Allowance	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Qualifying conditions for OACP/RP Phase 2	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Back to Education Allowance	For completion 2004
	2003/4	Unemployment Benefit/Assistance for atypical workers	For completion 2004/5
Taoiseach
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Partnership at Work in Ireland: An Evaluation of Progress under Partnership 2000	(No. 47)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	Rollover	NESC/NESF/NESDO Rescheduled. Legislation to establish NESDO not yet enacted. Review not now likely to commence until late in 2004	See previous column
Transport
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Operational Programme for Transport — Mid-Term Evaluation	(No. 2)
		CIE subvention	(No. 25)
		National Road Maintenance	(No. 39)
Reviews in 2002 -2004 phase	2002	Airports Public Service Obligation	Completed (No. 74)
	CDR	Road Safety (CDR leader)	To be completed ’04
Attorney General’s Office	2003/4	Law Reform Commission
	2003/4	Attorney General’s Scheme (jointly with Chief State Solicitor’s Office)
Central Statistics Office
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Macro-economic Statistics	(No. 32)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2003/4	Social & Demographic Statistics Programme
	2003/4	Business Statistics Programme
Chief State Solicitor’s Office	2003/4	Use of Stenographers
	2003/4	Attorney General’s Scheme (jointly with Attorney General’s Office)
	2003/4	Costs Recovery
Civil Service & Local Appointments Commission	2003/4	Support services for a specific initiative (agreed with Recruitment Unit, Dept of Finance)
Comptroller & Auditor General	2003/4	Contracting out of audits to private sector accountancy firms
Director of Public Prosecution	2003/4	Bail applications before the High Court
Land Registry
National Gallery
Ombudsman’s Office	2003/4	Public awareness & publicity initiatives
State Laboratory	2003/4	Capacity of IT to deliver efficiencies
Valuation Office
Reviews completed in earlier phase		Valuation Office	(No. 31)
Reviews in 2002-2004 phase	2003/4	Rating valuation services to local authorities & ratepayers	Completed (No. 77)

Total Completed Reviews as of 30 September 2004: 93.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

120 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a nursing home (details supplied) in County Cork will be approved for income tax relief on health expenses. [30773/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief on the cost of maintenance or treatment in any hospital, nursing home, maternity home or other institution approved of by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister for Health and Children. Following such consultations, the nursing home has now been approved for the purposes of the application of section 469. Costs incurred since 28 October 2003 in respect of maintenance in the nursing home in question qualify for tax relief, subject to the standard conditions for qualifying for that relief. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as regards the individual in respect of whom details have been supplied, the local Revenue office will re-examine that person's claim in the light of foregoing.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

121 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30788/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

122 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.

My Department has not allocated a specific overall provision in its 2005 Estimates towards the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. Spending on the Irish language will occur across a range of areas. The main area of expenditure on the Irish language in my Department is through Gaeleagras na Seirbhíse Poiblí. Gaeleagras was established in the Department in 1971 with the general aim of promoting the Irish language throughout the Civil Service. Gaeleagras continues to make a significant contribution to the promotion and development of the use of Irish in the Civil Service including supporting the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003. In anticipation of an increased level of activity in 2005, the allocation for Gaeleagras next year is €369,000, an increase of €119,000 over the 2004 allocation.

With regard to the implementation of the Act within the Department, the Department is preparing a draft scheme under section 11 of the Act. It is anticipated that any additional costs arising with translation of material, publication of documents bilingually or advertising, etc. as set out in the Department's scheme will be met from within the overall administrative budget of the Department. As indicated the main area of expenditure on the Irish language in my Department is through Gaeleagras. Gaeleagras expenditure over the past five years is shown in the following table:

Year	€
2000	145,365 (Outturn)
2001	189,191 (Outturn)
2002	184,000 (Outturn)
2003	234,000 (Outturn)
2004	250,000 (Estimate Provision)

Decentralisation Programme.

	Membership of the Tribunal at 23rd November 2004
1	Mr. John O’Donnell Chairperson
2	Mr. Fred Devlin, Deputy Chairperson
3	Mr. John Kerr, Deputy Chairperson
4	Mr. Frank Malone, Deputy Chairperson
5	Mr. Maurice Ahern, Ordinary Member
6	Mr. Michael Lyng, Ordinary Member
7	Mr. Michael McWey, Ordinary Member
8	Mr. Frank O’Donnell, Ordinary Member
9	Mr. Pat Riney, Ordinary Member
10	Mr. Brian Larkin, Ordinary Member
11	Mr. Joseph Murray, Ordinary Member
12	Ms Mairead Hughes, Ordinary Member

The results of appeals made to the tribunal each year since the coming into force of the Valuation Act 2001 were:

	2002	2003	2004 (to 23/11/04)
Total No. of Valid Appeals received	136 under Valuation Act 2001	44	210
No. heard	40	4	67
No. agreed before or at hearing	74	14	80
No. withdrawn	10	21	26
No. outstanding at year end	12	4	35
No. conceded	—	—	2
No. struck out	—	—	—
No. lapsed	—	1	—
Totals	136	44	210

Note: The Valuation Act 2001 came into force on 2nd May 2002.

Under section 37 of the Valuation Act 2001 the Tribunal may: (a) disallow the appeal and, accordingly, confirm the decision of the Commissioner; (b) allow the appeal and accordingly, do whichever of the following is appropriate: (i) amend the value of, or any other detail in relation to, the property the subject of the appeal, as stated in the valuation certificate issued under paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) of section 33(2); (ii) decide that the property, the subject of the appeal, ought to be included in, or, as the case may be, ought to be excluded from, the relevant valuation list and, in the case of a decision that the property ought to be so included, determine the value of the property; or (iii) amend any detail in relation to the property, the subject of the appeal, stated in the notification made under section 33(2)(b)(iii).

The results of appeals under either the 1988 Act or the 2001 Act have not been analysed to provide greater detail than is set out in the table. Each appeal is considered by the tribunal on its own merits and in accordance with the provisions of the legislation by which the tribunal is bound in its deliberations.

Local Authority Rates.

David Stanton

Question:

126 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider exempting crèches and pre-schools from local authority rate charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30849/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I have no plans at present to provide for special treatment of crèches under the Valuation Act. The Valuation Act 2001 maintained the long-standing position that commercial facilities, including child care facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools, are liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other useful services and products, which would be difficult in equity to resist. The process would substantially reduce local authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.

The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value, that is, the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer dissatisfied with the rateability of a property, the valuation assessed on a particular property or the method of calculation can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.

The core objective of Government policy in the area of child support is to provide assistance which will offer real choice to parents and which will benefit all children. In that context, our policy has been to increase child benefit by substantial amounts as the main fiscal instrument through which support will be provided to parents with dependant children. Child benefit provides assistance to all parents in whatever caring choices are most appropriate for them and their children. In addition, unlike tax relief, it provides support to parents irrespective of their income status. The Government has also undertaken measures to favour the supply of child care by tax incentives to set up facilities and relief from benefit-in-kind for free or subsidised child care provided by employers. Taken together these represent substantial measures to assist with the cost of child care.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has overall responsibility for the formulation of national policy on child care. In that context, the establishment of the €449 million equal opportunities child care programme 2000 — 2006, with funding provided by the EU and the Exchequer under the national development plan, aims to increase the supply of centre based child care places by 50%, or approximately 28,400, by programme-end.

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

127 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief’s available for the purchase, adaptation and use of motor vehicles for persons with a disability; and the index which will be used for updating the value of these in 2005. [30866/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The disabled drivers' and disabled passengers' tax concessions scheme, which applies to certain persons with severe physical disabilities has been in operation since 1968. Its benefits have been considerably enhanced over the period. It involves relief in respect of vehicle registration tax and VAT may be obtained subject to the maximum limits of €9,525 for a driver with a disability, €15,875 for a passenger, family member or organisation. Relief is available for a vehicle which has been specially constructed or adapted for use by a person with a disability and which has an engine size of less than 2,000cc, in the case of a driver, and 4,000cc, in the case of a passenger or an organisation which represents persons with disabilities. The cost of the adaptation, in the case of a passenger, must amount to at least 10% of the cost of the vehicle exclusive of vehicle registration tax. The scheme also provides for repayment of excise duty on fuel used in a vehicle, for the transport of a person with a disability, up to a maximum of 600 gallons or 2,728 litres per year. These limits are increased to 900 gallons and 4,092 litres for an organisation which represents persons with disabilities. Vehicles are also exempt from annual road tax. The benefits amount to over €5,250 on average per person per year.

It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may, or may not, be contained in a forthcoming budget and I do not intend to depart from this approach.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if and when a refund of income tax paid will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30917/04]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a refund of all income tax paid by the taxpayer, in the year 2004, in the sum of €395.97, will issue to him in the coming days.

Natural Gas Grid.

Enda Kenny

Question:

129 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his and the Government’s policy on the development of the Corrib gas field insofar as provision for industry to avail of combined heat and power processes for industry throughout County Mayo is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30774/04]

Enda Kenny

Question:

130 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will use his powers under section 21 of the Gas Interim Regulation Act 2002 to allow for the provision of spare lines to cater for the towns of Belturbet, Crossmolina, Ballina, Swinford, Castlebar, Newport, Westport, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and Ballyhaunis arising from the forthcoming development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/04]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

It is open to any intending supplier of gas to any of the towns mentioned to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation as the competent authority in these matters for consent to lay the necessary pipework and for a licence to supply natural gas.

There is a long-standing Government commitment to examine the feasibility of bringing natural gas from the Corrib to Sligo. Now that planning mattes for the terminal are concluded, I have asked my officials to commence this evaluation process.

It is too early to say whether action under section 21 is expedient or realistic in term of cost implications for gas consumers generally.

It is open to any industry to develop a combined heat and power facility using natural gas where available, or using biomass resources.

My Department established a bio-energy strategy group and a CHP policy group on the past year, with a view to developing a national policy on these important sustainable and renewable resources. Both groups are scheduled to report shortly and this will form part of a wider policy on renewable energy being developed by the renewable energy development group, which was established by my Department earlier this year.

Telecommunications Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

131 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a telephone connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30777/04]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I have no statutory function in relation to this matter. It is an operational issue for the service provider concerned.

Responsibility for the regulation of the telecommunication service providers rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation which is an independent statutory body.

Port Development.

Richard Bruton

Question:

132 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are plans to develop ports adjoining Dublin to take the pressure off Dublin Port; the locations at which other facilities are being developed as alternative transport routes; if the development of these alternatives will have a bearing on the assessments under the Foreshore Act of proposals by Dublin Port to reclaim land as a way of expanding its port capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30778/04]

Richard Bruton

Question:

133 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the key recommendations of the task force which he appointed to study congestion in Dublin Port; and the progress that has been made on these recommendations. [30779/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

I have not appointed a task force to study congestion at Dublin Port.

Dublin Port is under the control and management of Dublin Port Company, which is in State ownership. The company is one of ten port companies established under the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000 and operating under the aegis of the Department. The Harbours Acts provide that the principal objects of each of these companies include the provision of such facilities, services, accommodation and lands in its harbour for ships, goods and passengers as it considers necessary.

Ireland's commercial ports are vital transport arteries, carrying 99% by volume of our external trade. However, the internal resources of our commercial ports are not sufficient in general to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.

The Department has drafted a comprehensive ports policy statement, which subject to Government approval, I intend to publish in the near future. One of the major policy areas addressed by the policy statement will be how to meet the predicted deficit in seaport capacity.

The Department has commissioned independent consultants, Baxter Eadie Limited, to prepare a series of reports on seaport capacity and future projected capacity needs. Earlier this year, Baxter Eadie Limited prepared a desk study update in order to identify the effect Ireland's changing economic circumstances has had on projected capacity needs at the seaports. The study takes into account current economic growth projections and looks at capacity up to 2014.

Looking to 2014, the study has found that traffic is expected to grow by 16.2 million tonnes, some 35% over tonnage handled in 2003, while growth in capacity over the same period is projected at a very low level, about 1% over the period. These projections are based on known changes, which have full approval for implementation and do not include any other plans for infrastructure improvements. A capacity shortfall of 12.2 million tonnes is projected by 2014. The consultants state that the situation warrants decisions and further action in order to avoid increasing delays and congestion in some ports, particularly for unit load cargoes.

The Department recognises that the study by Baxter Eadie Limited is necessarily an inexact exercise, the implications of which will need to be checked against actual experience in each of the ports.

In the context of the ports policy statement, I will be recommending to the Government that a policy framework be put in place to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.

The proposal by Dublin Port Company for the provision of a new port facility on the northern side of the port would fall to be considered within this proposed policy framework along with all other proposals from the public and private sectors to address the potential capacity deficit. Development of port facilities at ports other than Dublin will have no bearing on the assessment under the foreshore legislation of the application from Dublin Port Company to reclaim 21 hectares which is currently before the Department.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

134 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30791/04]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

No specific provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for my Department in respect of the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. Expenditure in this regard will be met from within my Department's administrative budget allocation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

135 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30806/0]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

It is not possible, in the time available, to identify the money spent on the Irish language in each of the past five years as requested by the Deputy.

I have asked my Department to compile the information and I will issue a comprehensive reply directly to the Deputy as early as possible.

Fisheries Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

136 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the application forms for salmon fisherman in the matter of salmon fishing licences are later then usual in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30830/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

137 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to amend the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Gallagher)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

Over the last two years, a sub-group of the National Salmon Commission has been comprehensively reviewing the provisions of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980 and subsequent amendments. The recommendations made by the sub-group were examined this year by a joint National Salmon Commission-National Fisheries Management Executive Working Group chaired by the Department. Arising out of this process, a number of practicable amendments to the orders have been identified with a view to updating and improving the qualifying criteria under which licence applications would be prioritised and assessed by the regional fisheries boards.

A draft order, incorporating the proposed amendments, has been referred to the Attorney General's office for legal advice on their applicability. It is my intention that the final draft will then revert to the National Salmon Commission for their endorsement, following consultation with the stakeholders whom they represent, before implementing any changes to the orders.

Given that the commercial salmon fishing season does not start until early April each year, the joint working group recommended that it was no longer necessary to retain 30 November immediately preceding the start of the season as the closing date for receipt of licence applications. The joint working group recommended that the closing date should be deferred to 31 January preceding the fishing season. This will allow the fisheries boards more time to put in place the annual administrative arrangements for salmon fishing licensing as well as removing the onus on fishermen to lodge their licence applications so far in advance of the start of the salmon fishing season.

I can confirm for the Deputy that on 17 November last, I signed the necessary orders to amend the closing date. This later closing date will allow additional time for the other suggested amendments to the control of fishing for salmon orders to be fully considered in advance of their implementation.

EU Funding.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

138 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the concerns of a person (details supplied); and if, in view of the quoted concern of the Dutch Foreign Minister, he will make a statement on the matter. [30755/04]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am aware of the claims to which the Deputy has drawn my attention concerning EU funding. They have been investigated by the European Commission and no evidence to date has been found to substantiate them. The investigations are still ongoing. Preliminary conclusions reached by the working group of the European Parliament and the European anti-fraud office, OLAF, are in line with the Commission's finding. However, no final conclusions can be drawn at this stage.

In relation to the second concern expressed, regarding the statement of my colleague, the Dutch Foreign Minister, I understand that this is his publicly stated position on this subject. This position is not, as of now, a common position of the EU. The question of the designation of such organisations is kept under regular review within the European Union, and Ireland fully participates in these reviews.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

139 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30793/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

140 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30807/04]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.

No separate provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for the Department of Foreign Affairs for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003.

The Department of Foreign Affairs provides a service through Irish to members of the public who wish to conduct their business with the Department through Irish. Training courses in Irish are provided for all staff wishing to improve their Irish language proficiency levels. Most of the courses are provided by Gaeleagras and costs are, therefore, met by the Department of Finance. The amounts expended by the Department on the provision of other Irish language training during the past five years were:

Year	Amount €
2000	88.90
2001	3,363.12
2002	2,643.00
2003	3,308.36
2004	4,781.11
Total:	14,184.49

As part of its Irish language service to customers, the Department has published combined Irish-English versions of a number of documents. These include our Strategy Statement, 2003-2005 and our new customer charter. In such cases, it is not possible to separate Irish and English language production costs, apart from expenditure on translation services. The amounts expended on Irish language translation services over the past five years were as follows:

Year	Amount €
2000	384.10
2001	1,819.53
2002	145.04
2003	17,556.00
2004	12,152.88
Total:	32,057.55

In the case of the recently-published separate Irish language version of the Development Co-operation Ireland Annual Report for 2003, the printing cost was €11,000.00. The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for a Reconciliation Fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish co-operation. The grants listed below were made during the years 2000-2003 to Irish language organisations active in the area of cross-community and cross-border outreach and reconciliation. No award has been made to Irish language groups from the fund so far this year.

2000 Allocations.
	£
Naíscoil an Loiste Úir	30,000
Tír na nÓg i nGlinntí Aontroma	2,500
Craobh Cholm Cille — Droichead Project (Doire)	35,000
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí	2,000
Naíscoil na Banna (Portadown)	30,000
Naíscoil Ard Eóin (Ardoyne)	25,000
POBAL (Bóthar na bhFál, Béal Feirste)	5,000

2001 Allocations.
	£
Iomairt Cholm Cille / The Columba Initiative	25,000
Naíscoil Bheann Mhadagáin	25,000
Club Óige Mhacaire Botháin (Belfast)	10,000

2002 Allocations.
	€
Gaeláras	100,000
Cairde Bunscoil Phobal Feirste	30,000

2003 Allocations.
	€
Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain	25,000
Comhchoiste na Gaeilge Aontroim Thuaidh	5,000

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

141 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30794/04]

The project sponsor employs the CE participant with the assistance of a grant from FÁS for this purpose. As participants pay class A rate PRSI, an entitlement to statutory redundancy exists if they have been engaged by the same employer for 104 weeks or more and their contract is terminated because of redundancy arising from the withdrawal of a CE place. Community employment participants who complete their contracts are not entitled to redundancy where they are replaced on the scheme. Where redundancy occurs the responsibility for payment of redundancy resides with the project sponsor. I am advised by FÁS that it is not aware of any ex gratia payments being made to participants on leaving schemes.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

145 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30795/04]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

An additional amount of €200,000 has been included in my Department's advertising and publicity subhead for 2005 to provide for the cost of advertising in both Irish and English.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

146 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30809/04]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

It is estimated that €983.37 in 2003 and €1,627.26 in 2004 has been spent on translating Departmental documentation into Irish. Figures for translations for earlier years are not recorded separately. My Department also promotes the further development of the Irish language by encouraging staff to participate in the CMOD's Gaeltacht scholarship scheme, Scéim Scoláireachta Gaeltachta. Since 1999, 31 staff have participated in this scheme. The costs associated with this scheme are outlined below:

Year	Number	Cost
		€
1999	8	711
2000	6	540
2001	4	360
2002	7	630
2003	7	630
Total	31	2,871

My Department administers a refund of fees scheme to encourage staff to pursue appropriate third level courses in their own time. One member of staff commenced a university degree programme in Irish in 2002 at a cost to date of €2,390.

Redundancy Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the State portion of redundancy will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30915/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

As previously stated in my predecessor's reply to the Deputy's written parliamentary question, reference 11482/04 of 27 April 2004, my Department was formally notified of the proposed redundancy of the person concerned on 17 December 2003, when statutory form RP1, notice of proposed redundancy, was submitted in respect of that person. No further documentation has been submitted. At the time, my Department also sent this employee a copy of its up-dated guide to the redundancy payments scheme for her information.

As we have no record of a statutory redundancy lump sum having been made to this employee, there was no question of the Department making a 60% redundancy rebate payment to her employer. Nor has an application for such a rebate been received.

As the employee's employment was terminated on 1 August 2003, more than a year has passed since that date and she is therefore outside the one year time limit, 52 weeks, for making a claim for a redundancy payment. However, under section 12 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1971, as amended by section 13 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1979, the Employment Appeals Tribunal has discretion to extend this 52 week period where it receives the necessary claim within 104 weeks of the date of dismissal and is satisfied that the delay by the employee in making his or her claim arose through reasonable cause. The tribunal, which provides a fair, inexpensive and informal means for individuals to seek remedies for alleged infringements of their statutory rights, including redundancy-related matters, is based at Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 and has hearings across the country. Its telephone number is 01-6313005/6313006, Lo-Call: 1890 220 222.

I have also arranged to have the appropriate form for bringing a claim before the tribunal sent to the person concerned.

Departmental Estimates.

Richard Bruton

Question:

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

165 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a technical difficulty regarding the electronic relaying of information from his Department to Eircom in relation to telephone allowances granted under the household benefits package; if so, the extent of the difficulty; when it commenced; when it is likely to be overcome; the details of the communication which has issued to persons who are entitled to the free telephone allowance and are unable to receive the benefit of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

In administering the telephone allowance scheme, my Department notifies Eircom of customers who become entitled to, or lose entitlement to, a telephone allowance. In the case of an award of entitlement, Eircom applies the allowance to a customer's telephone bill. In the case of a termination of entitlement, Eircom removes the allowance from a customer's telephone bill. The relevant details are transmitted to Eircom electronically on a monthly basis.

Recently some difficulty was experienced by my Department in the exchange of telephone allowance information with Eircom. Analysis of recent figures shows that approximately 3,500 awards and terminations have been referred back to my Department for further examination. Such referrals are a normal part of the supporting business process but the numbers have increased significantly since August 2004. My Department expects the underlying cause of the recent increase in referrals back to it to be diagnosed and resolved very shortly.

Customers affected, who received a notification of award of the telephone allowance and who subsequently received a telephone bill with no telephone allowance applying, will, in most cases, contact the Department. They will be advised that the allowance should appear on their next or subsequent bill and that it will be backdated to their correct date of entitlement. None of those customers who are entitled to the telephone allowance will lose any benefit from the entitlement as a result of recent difficulties as the allowance will be backdated to their correct date of entitlement.

In some cases, where a large credit is due, my Department will arrange to pay the customer directly by payable order if they so wish. In other cases, where the customer has incurred a large bill, my Department will contact Eircom and make arrangements for the customer to make partial payment only until the allowance can be applied. Any inconvenience caused to the customers concerned is regretted.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

166 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30796/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

167 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30810/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

I propose take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

It has always been an objective of my Department to aim to provide quality customer service in Irish. This included provision for translation of forms, leaflets and other documents, training of staff in spoken and written Irish, and providing bilingual signage in public areas. While expenditure in regard to these various aspects has occurred, it is not possible in all cases to separate the costs from other costs.

The following data show expenditure in the areas concerned since 2000 was as follows:

Year	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004 (to date)
	€	€	€	€	€
Translation	726	8,007	13,526	72,733	18,990
Training	3,484	25,665	20,897	56,436	48,029
Signage (bilingual)	4,795	2,246	21,949	37,873	20,761

In addition, an element of staff costs would have arisen where, for example, translation was carried out by staff proficient in Irish.

My Department's Estimates for 2005 include an amount of €500,000 directly in respect of the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003. This will not represent total expenditure on Irish in 2005 but it is difficult to separate the portion in respect of Irish from training costs, etc. My Department is currently in the process of drawing up its statutory scheme for the provision of services through Irish under Section 12 of the Act.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide the complete and total breakdown of the assessment of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the blind pension, including details of all earnings; and the income limits for qualification for this payment. [30824/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

This person has been in receipt of a blind person's pension since August 1998 at a reduced rate of €120.40 per week. This amount comprises a personal rate of €62.30, qualified adult allowance of €41.30 and dependant child allowance of €16.80. Her means are derived from her spouse's earnings and a health board occupational pension. In accordance with the legislation, half of the income of the couple has been taken account in determining her means for pension purposes.

Following review of her circumstances by the Department, it appears that the person concerned is no longer entitled to a pension as her means exceed the statutory limit of €157.60 per week. She has been informed of her assessment in detail and has been given a period of time to respond with any relevant facts or information before a decision is made on her entitlements. My Department has sent a copy of the detailed means assessment to the Deputy directly for his information.

In the event that a decision is made to revoke her pension, the person concerned would have a right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Under social welfare legislation decisions in regard 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.

Michael Ring

Question:

169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled to finalise an unemployment assistance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30825/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The person concerned was paid unemployment assistance up to 12 October 2004. His entitlement was reviewed by the deciding officer and was disallowed on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. The person appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office on 27 October 2004 and an appeals officer is of the opinion that an oral hearing is required. He will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.

The person concerned is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the resolution of the appeal. Under social welfare legislation decisions in regard 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.

Michael Ring

Question:

170 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carers allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded. [30826/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The person concerned applied for carer's allowance on 23 July 2004. As prescribed in regulations, where the care recipient is under 16 years of age, as applies in this instance, domiciliary care allowance must be in payment by a health board before carer's allowance can be awarded. Accordingly, her application was refused on the grounds that domiciliary care allowance is not in payment in respect of the person being cared for. She was notified of the decision and the reasons for it and of her right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office on 20 September 2004.

In the event that she qualifies for domiciliary care allowance, her entitlement will be reconsidered. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in regard 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.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Richard Bruton

Question:

171 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the target rate in the national anti-poverty strategy for social welfare payments to adults, adult dependants, children and pensioners; and the value of these at 2005 prices using the consumer price index and the published forecast for that index in 2005. [30860/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The revised national anti-poverty strategy, Building an Inclusive Society, contains two targets in the area of income adequacy. These are to achieve a rate of €150 per week in 2002 terms for the lowest rates of social welfare to be met by 2007 and the appropriate equivalence level of basic child income support, that is, child benefit and child dependent allowances combined, to be set at 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate.

The value of the lowest rate of payment target at 2005 prices is €162.63. This estimate is based on a projected CPI increase of 2.2% in 2004 and 2.5% in 2005. The corresponding child income support target would be in the range of €53.67 to €56.92.

Question No. 172 answered with QuestionNo. 149.

Departmental Schemes.

David Stanton

Question:

173 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has satisfied herself with the administration of the school meal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30875/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. One of these is the statutory urban school meals scheme currently operated by 35 local authorities. The Department jointly funds the food costs with these local authorities which also manage and fund the administration of the scheme. The second is the school meals — local projects — scheme, through which ongoing funding is provided by my Department to a number of individual schools and voluntary community groups in both urban and rural areas for specific school meals projects. This has recently been expanded to include pre-schools that are community based and which operate on a not-for-profit basis.

In the case of these local projects, my Department funds the food costs, based on a rate per meal per child. The type and range of meals provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the meals, are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the projects.

The programme aims to provide regular nutritious food to children to help improve their daily diet. It is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement by the children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. In general, I am satisfied with the administration of the school meals scheme, although I recognise that given the range of authorities and voluntary groups involved in delivering meal facilities, some variations can occur in the services provided.

The Department of Education and Science is using its schools completion programme and Giving Children an Even Break initiative to encourage the introduction and extension of school meals projects and I expect to see further schools participating in the programme in the future.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to issue approval for rent assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30922/04]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Rent supplements are provided for through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The scheme is administered by the health boards and neither I nor my Department have any function in determining entitlement in individual cases.

The South Western Area Health Board has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. An officer of the board has called to his residence and, while he failed to speak with the person concerned, an application form was left with a relative for his attention. When the person concerned supplies the necessary information, the board will determine his entitlement.

Railway Stations.

Michael Lowry

Question:

175 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the current state of railway stations here; the number of railway stations that have wheelchair access to all platforms; the number of railway stations that provide for wheelchair access to cross platforms; the plans and funds that he has in place to have fully accessible railway stations; the number of stations in north Tipperary that have wheelchair access; and the number that have wheelchair access to cross the platforms. [30719/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

It is the policy of Iarnród Éireann that all new stations and all stations undergoing major refurbishment are planned on the basis of meeting full accessibility standards for passengers with mobility and sensory impairments. The biggest problem is that most of station infrastructure — station buildings, platforms, overbridges — was put in place 150 years ago and requires substantial investment to be adapted to meet current needs. Iarnród Éireann is in the process of upgrading facilities at older stations and providing access to platforms that were previously inaccessible by way of lifts and footbridges. This work has been carried out so far in ten stations — Athlone, lifts to subway; Balbriggan; Laytown, almost completed; Longford, one lift to road bridge; Mallow; Portarlington; Portlaoise; Skerries; Portmarnock; and Templemore. Iarnród Éireann has also upgraded access in Carrick-on-Shannon and Sydney Parade stations, and is in the process of completing accessibility improvements in Athy station.

At present Iarnród Éireann is carrying out a feasibility study on the Dublin-Cork route with a view to initiating a programme to refurbish ten stations on the line to fully accessible standards. The completion of this work will coincide with the introduction of the new intercity carriages that will come into service at the end of 2005. The stations are: Heuston; Portarlington; Portlaoise; Ballybrophy; Templemore; Thurles; Limerick Junction; Charleville; Mallow; and Cork.

Iarnród Éireann is continuing with the DART upgrade project which, when completed, will provide full access in 23 stations for the mobility and sensory impaired. This will involve improvements in the current ramps in a number of stations and in situations where ramps are not possible, lifts will be built. These will be installed in ten stations.

The accessibility of stations in north Tipperary is as follows: Birdhill has only one platform and this is accessible; Nenagh has only one platform and this is accessible; Cloughjordan has only one platform and this is accessible; and Roscrea has only one platform and this is accessible. In Templemore two lifts and a footbridge have been installed and further works will be carried out under the Cork route accessibility project to increase the accessibility at this station. Thurles has access to both platforms and the accessibility will be much improved when the work is carried out under the Cork route accessibility project.

Driving Instructors.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

176 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the stage of proposals to set up a register for driving instructors; his views on whether there should be driver training representation on the National Safety Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30745/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Proposals being developed by my Department for the regulation and quality assurance of driving instruction will involve a test of the competence of individual instructors. A working group comprising representatives of my Department and of instruction interests has formulated the design of the standards that a driving instructor must meet. I am considering what arrangements will be put in place to oversee implementation of the standard in the context of the establishment of the driver testing and standards authority. The Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill 2004, which provides for the establishment of the authority, was published on 6 July 2004 and the Second Stage debate commenced on the 14 October 2004.

The board of the National Safety Council includes representatives from my Department, the Garda Síochána, the National Roads Authority, the Irish Insurance Federation, local authorities, the motoring sector and the media-communications sector. There are no vacancies on the board of the National Safety Council at present. Driver training representation can be considered in the context of any future vacancies that arise in the National Safety Council.

Rail Services.

Dermot Fitzpatrick

Question:

177 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on CIE’s plans for the Dublin-Maynooth train line; when capacity and frequency of the service on this line will be increased; the extent of such increase; if CIE will make an investment in Broombridge Station in Cabra to make it more safe and attractive for the public to use (details supplied); the amount spent on cleaning Broombridge Station in 2003; the amount spent on cleaning Sandymount Station; if CIE is committed to building a new station in Pelletstown; the location of this station; and when it will be operational. [30746/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The issue of cleaning and maintaining rail stations is an operational matter for which Iarnród Éireann has statutory responsibility. However, I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that a plan for enhancing the appearance of Broombridge Station has been prepared in conjunction with representative users of the station and this will be implemented before the end of the year. Considerable resources have been expended in trying to improve and maintain facilities at this station in the past. The last effort was in 2003. All of Iarnród Éireann's efforts are subsequently undone by significant and sustained levels of vandalism at the station.

Significant improvements in rail services along the Maynooth rail line have been delivered over the last five years and these will be added to in the coming years through the provision of additional rolling stock and capacity enhancements in particular. An increase in commuter services was achieved along this line from December 2003 onwards with the introduction of 80 new units of railcar rolling stock for use on such services. With the introduction of the new timetable in December 2004, all peak services on the Maynooth line will become eight-unit trains, providing a further capacity enhancement along the route. Plans are in place to further increase capacity along the line with new units of rolling stock to be introduced into service towards the end of 2005.

The feasibility of providing an additional station at Pelletstown, along the Maynooth line, is being assessed by Iarnród Éireann as part of a plan for further increases in capacity along the line, including a new station in the Docklands area.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

178 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30797/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

While no specific provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for my Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003, I am satisfied there is sufficient flexibility within my Department's Vote to cover any such costs which may arise.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

179 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30811/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Transport was established on 6 June 2002. The figures below relate as far as possible to the functions now performed by the Department. On this basis, the approximate amount spent by my Department since 2000 on Irish language training and translations is set out in the following table.

Year	€
2000	8,000
2001	11,000
2002	10,000
2003	3,000
2004	20,000

Rail Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

180 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport, further to Question No. 166 of 12 February 2004, the position regarding the matter. [30834/04]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter which is the day-to-day responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA. I understand the RPA has responded directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Community Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

181 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent of support offered under the programme for community support for older people in County Mayo for each of the past three years; the cost involved; the position in so far as the programme for 2005 is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/04]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

The purpose of the scheme of community support for older people is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling and for security lighting and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. This year the scheme has been extended to include smoke alarms.

In 2002, €61,025 was awarded under the scheme to 21 community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities. In 2003, €95,032 was awarded under the scheme to 22 community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities.

This year, 32 applications have been received from community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities. My Department is currently engaged in processing these applications and it is intended that grants will issue to those groups who meet the criteria of the scheme next month.

Offshore Islands.

Martin Ferris

Question:

182 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing campaign of the Inch Island community, County Donegal to attain island status. [30784/04]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

In 2001, an application to grant island status to Inch Island was received by my Department from Donegal County Council. This application was refused in January 2002 on the basis that I had in 2000 already approved a grant, which was subsequently paid, of £26,200, or 50% of the cost, to enable Donegal County Council to raise the level of the causeway serving Inch Island, thereby ensuring the island would be permanently accessible by road.

One of the main criteria for the granting of island status by my Department is that the island concerned must be cut off from the mainland daily by the tide. It is evident that Inch Island no longer satisfies this criterion. It should be noted, however, that my Department has received a further application from Donegal County Council for additional funding to assist with the cost of completing the works in respect of which the above-mentioned grant was approved. These works involve the construction of a stone wall for traffic safety purposes and the completion of a sea wall protecting the causeway. This application is being evaluated in the context of the funding available to me and the competing demands for same.

Irish Language.

Year
2000	£54,019,000
2001	£63,920,000
2002	€86,135,000
2003	€78,343,000
2004	€84,532,000
2005	€91,923,000

Question:

189 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will elaborate on his description of an article in a newspaper (details supplied) as fantasy and nonsense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30842/04]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the Official Languages Act 2003 is the first piece of legislation to provide a statutory framework for the delivery of public services through the Irish language and its primary objective is to ensure better availability and a higher standard of such services.

Clearly, full implementation of the Act will require us to draw on the language competencies of significant numbers of people across both the public and private sectors. As I have already informed the Deputy in reply to Question No. 334 of 1 October 2003, it was in this context that reference was made to an estimate of up to 2,000 such persons. I reiterate that I did not, at any time, indicate that an additional 2,000 jobs will be created in the public sector as a consequence of the legislation. It was in the context of the inaccuracy in the newspaper article of 14 November 2004 referred to by the Deputy, which stated that "the Government will have to employ an extra 2,000 fluent Irish speakers at a cost of over €100 million a year" and that translation costs arising from the Act would be to up to €150 million per year, that I used the terms "fantasy" and "nonsense" in my response.

I make the point again that the public service in Ireland has a total staff complement of approximately 280,121 people. Within this, a complement of 2,000 people with a competence in Irish, as referred to above, would represent less than 1% of the public service. It may be anticipated that employment will also be created in training, translating and so on, outside the public service.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

190 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to the meeting which he had with the Irish language organisations in Spiddal on 26 May 2003, the person who initiated the meeting; the purpose of the meeting; the person who sent out the invitations; the number of invitations sent out; if he will provide a copy of the invitation and a list of the organisations invited; if minutes were taken of the meeting; if so, he will provide a copy of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30872/04]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The meeting to which the Deputy refers was initiated by me and organised by my Department. The purpose of this meeting was to explain the provisions of the Official Languages (Equality) Bill 2002, as it was then; to inform and update Irish language organisations of the progress of the legislation; and to provide a forum for such organisations to discuss and debate issues in relation to the legislation. The meeting also provided an opportunity for me, as Minister, to listen to and address some of the concerns and issues being expressed by these organisations regarding the proposed legislation. Invitations to this meeting were issued to all Irish language organisations and any organisation that requested permission to attend was granted that permission. No minutes of the meeting were taken.

Animal Identification Scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

191 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of new cattle tags which were issued each year for the past three years; the number of replacement tags which have been issued for each of the same years; if she has satisfied herself with the number of replacement tags that have to be supplied; if she has further satisfied herself and that the system is foolproof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30782/04]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The numbers of new and replacement bovine animal identification ear tags issued during 2001, 2002 and 2003 are set out in the following table:

Calendar Year	No. of New Tags Sets	No. of replacement Pairs of Tags	No. of replacement Single Tags
2001	2,435,235	81,596	275,266
2002	3,070,817	85,249	274,237
2003	2,301,898	93,871	271,514

The increase in the number of tags issued in 2002 reflects the initiative undertaken by my Department in tagging the remaining portion of the national herd that up to that time had been tagged using a single brass tag. The entire bovine population is now tagged with double plastic tags and this is reflected in the overall number of replacement tags requested.

Requests for replacement tags undergo a rigorous validation procedure to ensure that tags are only issued where appropriate and I am satisfied that the tag distribution system operates in an efficient and secure manner.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

192 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for her Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30799/04]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The directly applicable provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 have been commenced. The remaining provisions will be given effect by means of a scheme to be prepared by my Department under sections 11 to 18 of the Act. The scheme will set out how the Department will implement the Act over the next three years. No specific provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for these purposes. However, when the Department's scheme has been finalised and implementation commences, it should be possible to quantify activities in this area.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

193 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30813/04]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The following table outlines the expenditure in my Department over the past five years on the Irish language. These figures relate to payments made to staff members in connection with the Gaeltacht scholarship scheme run by the Department of Finance.

Year	Amount £/€	Number of persons
2004	€1,980	22
2003	€1,530	17
2002	€1,980	22
2001	£1,050	15
2000	£1,820	26

Within the past two years costs have arisen in respect of the translation and printing in the Irish language of my Department's annual report for the preceding year. The expenditure involved is as follows:

Year	Amount €
2003	12,891
2004	11,220

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

194 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have applied to be decentralised to Thurles, County Tipperary; if Thurles will be included in the first round of decentralisation; the estimated time elapsed for completion of the programme to Thurles; if a location has been found and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30717/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, part of Garda headquarters will decentralise to Thurles, County Tipperary.

Based on the decentralisation central applications facility, CAF, data of 7 September 2004, 151 civil servants together with five other public servants have nominated Thurles as their first preference. In addition, I understand from the Garda authorities that 19 sergeants and 104 gardaí have submitted expressions of interest to transfer to Thurles. As the Deputy is aware, the CAF remains open for the receipt of applications until such time as the decentralisation programme has been implemented in full.

The decentralisation implementation group report, outlining sequencing and timing of decentralisation moves, published yesterday, did not identify Thurles in the first phase of moves. A revised implementation plan will be submitted by the Garda Commissioner to the decentralisation implementation group by 14 February 2005.

The selection process with regard to property solutions to fulfil the accommodation brief for the staff decentralising to Thurles is currently nearing completion. A number of sites have been short-listed and the process of evaluation of these sites by the Office of Public Works is at an advanced stage. When this process is completed, formal negotiations will commence with the respective owners of these sites.

Michael Lowry

Question:

195 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have applied to be decentralised to Roscrea, County Tipperary; if Roscrea will be included in the first round of decentralisation; the estimated time elapsed for completion of the programme to Roscrea; if a location has been found and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30718/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, the Equality Authority and the Garda Síochána Complaints Board will decentralise to Roscrea, County Tipperary.

Based on the decentralisation central applications facility, CAF, data of 7 September 2004, 57 civil servants together with five other public servants have nominated Roscrea as their first preference. As the Deputy is aware, the CAF remains open for the receipt of applications until such time as the decentralisation programme has been implemented in full.

The decentralisation implementation group report, outlining sequencing and timing of decentralisation moves, published yesterday, did not identify Roscrea in the first phase of moves. A further report, dealing with all locations not included in the current one, is expected to be completed in spring 2005. It is not possible at this time to estimate a date for completion of the programme to Roscrea. In the meantime, implementation plans for all organisations within the Department that are decentralising will be kept under review.

The selection process with regard to property solutions to fulfil the accommodation brief for the staff decentralising to Roscrea is currently nearing completion. A number of sites have been short-listed and the process of evaluation of these sites by the Office of Public Works is at an advanced stage. When this process is completed, formal negotiations will commence with the respective owners of these sites.

Garda Strength.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

196 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason 17 fewer gardaí are stationed in Finglas garda station compared to numbers for 1999; the further reason an overall expansion of Garda numbers and an escalation in crime and criminal activity in the area has led to a fall in the number of gardaí stationed at Finglas garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30748/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that the personnel strength of Finglas Garda station as at 25 November 2004 was 73, all ranks. In addition, two probationer gardaí are due to be allocated to Finglas Garda station on 26 November 2004. The personnel strength of Finglas Garda station as at 1 January 1999 and as at 1 June 1999 was 83, all ranks, and 84, all ranks, respectively.

I am further advised that Finglas Garda station forms part of the Dublin metropolitan region west division. The personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region west division as at 25 November 2004 was 641, all ranks. The personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region west division as at 1 January 1999 was 542, all ranks. This represents an increase of 99, or 18.27%, in the number of personnel allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region west division since that date. An additional 22 probationer gardaí are due to be allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region west division on 26 November 2004, which includes the two probationer gardaí due to be allocated to Finglas Garda station.

It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division to ensure that the optimum use is made of the existing resources within the division. In this regard, I am advised that Operation Crossover, a dedicated policing operation is currently in place in DMR west to counteract criminal activity.

In relation to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased to say that 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 a commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government 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 be drawing 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. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.

In each of the next three years there will be a intake of almost 1,100 new recruits. The advertisement campaign for this first trench of 1,100 recruits was launched today.

Prisons Building Programme.

Dermot Fitzpatrick

Question:

197 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the plan to relocate Mountjoy Prison; if he will provide a copy of the plan; if he will report on the financial implications of relocating the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The group established to examine potential sites for a prison complex to replace that at Mountjoy have identified three or four particular sites as being potentially the most suitable for consideration as a site for a new complex and these are being explored further. I expect that the exercise will be completed before the end of this year.

In relation to the financial implications, I propose to develop any new complex by way of PPP funding in order to maximise value for money for the State.

Communications Masts.

Tony Gregory

Question:

198 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 235 of 16 November 2004, if an emissions audit or survey will be carried out on the mast at Cabra Garda station, Dublin 7 in view of its location in a residential area and its close proximity to five local schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30750/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 386 of Tuesday, 23 November 2004.

Public Order Offences.

Dermot Fitzpatrick

Question:

199 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the repeated complaints of anti-social behaviour in areas (details supplied) in Dublin city; the steps being taken to resolve these problems and restore the environment in these areas to the peaceful and safe environs that the residents deserve; the number of juveniles which have been stopped and charged in connection with anti-social behaviour at these locations in the past 12 months; and the steps being taken to rehabilitate or remove them from disturbing the residents of these areas. [30751/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of complaints in relation to anti-social behaviour in the areas mentioned. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are a number of initiatives in place to counteract public order offending and anti-social activities in the area concerned. The area receives regular patrolling by local community gardaí along with mobile and foot patrols with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area.

I understand a number of initiatives have been implemented by the Garda authorities during the past 12 months which targeted persons engaged in anti-social behaviour. These operations and ongoing patrolling have resulted in 32 arrests of juveniles under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 for offences relating to anti-social behaviour.

There is also one Garda youth diversion project in the area concerned. This project is a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seeks to divert young persons 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 project also contributes to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda-community relations. I am also informed that the Garda continue to liaise with local residents on an ongoing basis on the issues raised.

Registration of Title.

Michael Ring

Question:

200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the applications currently pending on a folio (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when they will be complete. [30752/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that this is an application for a transfer of part which was lodged on 14 February 2002. Dealing No. D2002SM002205Q refers.

I am further informed that a query issued to the lodging solicitor on 10 August 2004 and that the application cannot proceed until the query has been satisfactorily resolved. However, I can assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply the application will receive further attention in the Land Registry.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

201 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30800/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I wish to inform the Deputy that each business unit within my Department is responsible for ensuring that it carries out its functions in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003. They will do so within existing budget allocations for 2004 and 2005. The matter will be reviewed by my officials during 2005 to establish whether additional funding will be required in 2006.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

202 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The information requested by the Deputy is not available. Expenditure incurred in each of the past five years in relation to the Irish language is included as part of the overall administrative and operational costs incurred under the various subheads of the Department's budget.

Deportation Orders.

Mary Upton

Question:

203 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will immediately revoke an order for the deportation of a person (details supplied). [30833/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The asylum application of the person referred to in the question was refused on appeal in August 1999. Following an examination of his case under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, a deportation order was made in respect of him on 6 March 2000. However, in light of the PL & B cases in the Supreme Court in July 2001, his deportation order was revoked. He was notified of this decision and also that the Minister was proposing to make another deportation order in respect of him and he was entitled to make further representations setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State.

In July 2004, he was informed that, as an exceptional measure, the Department was giving him a further opportunity to return voluntarily to Romania from where he could apply for a student visa. Representations were received by the Department stating that he did not wish to return voluntarily to Romania. Following an examination of his case under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, a deportation order issued in respect of him on 18 November 2004.

The case is currently with the Garda National Immigration Bureau for enforcement of the order.

Departmental Staff.

John Perry

Question:

204 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal are two independent statutory agencies, the person who made the decision that 31 staff from the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner should work on a continuous basis in the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal; when this decision was taken; the person who determined that these 31 staff members should be exclusively presenting officers who are directly concerned with the refugee appeal process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30843/04]

John Perry

Question:

205 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is appropriate in the interests of impartiality and justice being seen to be done that staff from the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, who have already refused applicants for refugee status, should be working in the same building on the same floors, using the same entrances and availing of the same facilities as staff from the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, who are hearing and determining appeals of applicants for refugee status, from the body and agency which had initially refused their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30844/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 210 and 211 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of occasions when ministerial cars were referred to main dealers since 1 January 2004 was 159.

There are currently 50 State cars, including spares and presidential vehicles. It is necessary to maintain spares to cater for emergencies, such as accidents or breakdowns and servicing. The following makes and models, including spares, form part of the ministerial fleet: Mercedes E320; Mercedes E280; Mercedes E240; Saab 9-5 SE 2.0; Volvo S80 ; Volvo S70 T5; Opel Vectra 2.2 ; Lexus GS 300 Executive; and Rolls Royce Silver Wraith The acquisition and servicing costs of the ministerial fleet are accounted for in the Garda Vote. The actual and projected costs for 2003 and 2004 respectively are as detailed in the table below.

Costs	2003	2004
	€	€
Acquisition	368,000	495,000
Maintenance	196,000	220,000
Total	564,000	715,000

Garda Transport.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

209 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has considered expanding the Garda transport section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30869/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda transport section was reviewed as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The Garda SMI implementation steering group's final report, which I have laid before the House and which is available on my Department's website, makes recommendations including the outsourcing of the Garda vehicle maintenance activity to a national service provider or consortium. Arising from the recommendations, arrangements are being made to proceed with the outsourcing project.

Questions Nos. 210 and 211 answered with Question No. 208.

Third Level Grants.

Richard Bruton

Question:

212 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made provision in the Estimates for 2005 for changes in the terms of access to third level grants over and above normal indexation of the grant levels and of the income thresholds; the index which will be used to update these thresholds and the period over which the change in the index to be applied will be measured; the provisions which now apply in respect of the grant levels and income thresholds; and her estimates of the provisions which will apply for the academic year 2005/2006. [30658/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1968 to 1992, provides for means tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full time third level education.

In relation to income thresholds prescribed under the student maintenance grant schemes, the practice in recent years has been to increase the reckonable income limits in line with movements in the average industrial wage for the relevant year. Similarly, in relation to the value of the grant, the practice in recent years has been to increase the level of maintenance grants annually at least in line with inflation as per the consumer price index.

The special rates of maintenance grant, usually referred to as top-up grants, payable to disadvantaged grant holders, were introduced with effect from the 2000-01 academic year. The annual income threshold for the special rates of maintenance grant is increased, in line with the relevant social welfare payments. The current income threshold for top-up is €14,693. The higher, non-adjacent special rate of maintenance is based on the maximum personal rate of social welfare unemployment assistance.

The following tables provide details of the current reckonable income limits and grant rates.

The Abridged Estimates, which were published recently, do not generally represent the total planned provision for public expenditure. It is normal practice for the Government to review and adjust the expenditure provisions in the context of finalising the budget and in the light of more up to date outturn figures. Moreover, the estimate provisions are only the first stage in the process of determining specific allocations, improvements and initiatives across all sectors of education. This process is continuing and I will convey the necessary details as decisions are taken.

I envisage that the same process will apply for the academic year 2005-06 in relation to changes to the thresholds for eligibility and the grant levels.

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME 2004.
Reckonable Income Limits for the ordinary rates of grant (for the period 1st January, 2003 to 31st December 2003 (the tax year 2003).
Number of Dependent Children	Full Maintenance and Full Fees	Part Maintenance (75%) and Full Fees	Part Maintenance (50%) and Full Fees	Part Maintenance (25%) and Full Fees	Part Fees (50%) only*
	€	€	€	€	€
Less than 4	33,890	36,005	38,125	40,240	42,360
4-7	37,240	39,570	41,895	44,225	46,550
8 or more	40,435	42,960	45,485	48,010	50,535

*Full Student Service Charge is paid where income is at or below this level.

† In the 2004/2005 academic year where 2 or more children (or the candidate's parent) are pursuing a course of study listed below the reckonable income limits may be increased by €4,100 where there are 2 such children, €8,200 where there are 3 such children and so on, by increments of €4,100

(i) attending full-time third level education

(ii) attending a recognised PLC course, student nurse training or student Garda training

(iii) participating in a CERT course of at least one years duration

(iv) attending a full time Teagasc course in an agricultural college

(v) attending a recognised full-time further education course, of at least one year's duration, in Northern Ireland.

Maintenance Grants Rates Academic Year 2004/2005.
	Non-Adjacent Rate	Adjacent Rate
	€	€
Full Maintenance	2,945	1,180
Part Maintenance (75%)	2,210	880
Part Maintenance (50%)	1,475	590
Part Maintenance (25%)	735	295

Special Rates of Maintenance Grant for Academic Year 2004/2005.
Grant	Standard Grant	Top-Up Amount	Total Grant
	€	€	€
Adjacent Rate	1,180	765	1,945
Non-Adjacent Rate	2,945	1,910	4,855

Third Level Fees.

Richard Bruton

Question:

213 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made provision for changes in the registration fee for third level students in her Estimates for 2005; and the rate of registration fee which will apply in 2005. [30659/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. As part of the 2004 Estimates for my Department a decision was made to increase the student charge from €670 to €750 for the 2004-05 academic year. All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the local authorities or the vocational education committees, in addition to their other entitlements.

No decision was taken in the 2005 Estimates to increase the charge for the 2005-06 academic year and I have no plans at this stage for such an increase.

Tionscnaimh Tógála Scoileanna.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

214 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag a Roinn maidir le scoil úr a thógáil i nGort an Choirce, Contae Dhún na nGall, agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30460/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Tá athbhreithniú cuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar gach tionscadal nach raibh ainmnithe sa chlár tógála scoileanna, 2004. Bronnadh ratú banda ar na tionscadail atá beartaithe de réir na critéir tosaíochta do mhórthionscadail a leasaíodh i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe oideachais níos luaithe sa bhliain.

Tá an-dul chun cinn i gcás scoil úr a thógáil in nGort an Choirce, mar aon le comhthionscadail eile, á scrúdú faoi láthair i gcomthéacs an scéim tógála scoile ón bhliain 2005 ar aghaidh. Tá sé i gceist agam eolas breise a sholáthar ar an scéim tógála scoile in am is i dtráth.

School Accommodation.

Schools Building Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

220 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal and the architectural and design team are being asked to redesign a comprehensive brief for the school extension which was originally accepted in 2000. [30726/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band 2 rating. My officials recently wrote to the school authorities with a revised brief for the project. This was following an examination of the proposal as previously submitted which was found to be over elaborate in both design and area and not in compliance with the original brief.

The school authorities subsequently contacted my Department outlining that the revised brief was unacceptable to them and requesting a meeting to discuss current building plans for the school. My officials will be in contact with the school authorities shortly with a view to arranging the proposed meeting.

In the meantime 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 including the school referred to by the Deputy. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

School Staffing.

Michael Ring

Question:

221 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a list of all the schools attended by the pupils with special needs care that recently benefited from the additional 295 special needs assistant posts sanctioned, on a county basis. [30727/04]

My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenance grant scheme in respect of students attending approved post leaving certificate courses in approved PLC centres: (a) the higher education grants scheme; (b) the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme; (c) the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees; and (d) the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses.

Under the terms of the maintenance grants scheme for post-leaving certificate courses 2004, grants are available to eligible candidates who are entering approved PLC courses for the first time in the 2004-05 academic year. Candidates are ineligible if they already hold a FETAC level 2 or FETAC level 3 qualification, or a third level qualification at national certificate, national diploma, degree, post-graduate or equivalent level. However, notwithstanding this condition candidates who already hold a FETAC level 2 qualification and are now pursuing a course that offers progression may be deemed eligible for grant aid.

The candidate, to whom the Deputy refers, already holds a FETAC level 3 qualification. As outlined above, students who already hold a FETAC level qualification are ineligible for grant assistance under this scheme. It is not open to me or my Department to depart from the terms of the scheme in individual cases.

Schools Refurbishment.

John Perry

Question:

225 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the totally inadequate conditions that exist at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo: the plans she has in place to visit the school or meet with the board of management; when the refurbishment work will be sanctioned; the amount of funding that will be granted; when work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30731/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am aware that the management authority of the school in question has applied for funding towards refurbishment works. The application is being considered as part of a review of all projects, which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

I have no plans to visit the school or meet members of the board and within the resources available, neither would it be possible for the school planning section to visit all schools where funding for improvement works is sought. However, if required, school visits may be undertaken at the appropriate assessment stage of the process.

Under section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, my Department is one of 25 public bodies that has been asked to draft a scheme describing what services it will provide through both English and Irish, through Irish only or through English only. The legislation recognises that it will not be possible for all services to be provided through Irish and that the priority is established by consulting with our diverse customer base. This consultation process is under way and on its completion in early January, my Department will be better able to gauge how much it will cost to implement the legislation. Based on expenditure patterns in 2003 and 2004 for administrative costs only, the estimated expenditure in 2005 is €75,000

Brian O'Shea

Question:

229 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30815/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department actively supports the Irish language and the provision of Irish versions of application forms, information leaflets or books, annual reports and statistical data is almost automatically assumed. Because of this, it is not possible to easily separate out costings that are attributable to the Irish language. While we do not have separate costings for 1999 to 2002, I can inform the deputy that in 2003, just under €25,000 was spent on translation costs. The figure for 2004 currently stands at just under €30,000.

Figures for Irish Language training in the past five years are as follows:

Year
2000	€5,513.20 (IR£4,342.00)
2001	€13,985.66 (IR£11,104.60)
2002	€4,055.37
2003	€18,938.55
2004	€17,201.30

These figures relate to administrative costs only and exclude expenditure on the education system itself.

The Education Act 1998 legislates for the promotion of Irish in the education system. Under section 31, An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta was established to assist and advise on the provision of education through Irish and Irish language teaching. The functions of the body are: to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to learning and teaching through Irish; to advise the Minister on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish in recognised school generally and in schools located in a Gaeltacht area; to provide support services to those schools through the medium of Irish; to conduct research into any matters relating to its functions; and to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to the learning and teaching of Irish and to conduct research into and to advise the Minister on strategies which have as their objective the enhancement of the effectiveness in the teaching of Irish in recognised schools and centres of education.

As an interim measure, the Aiseanna Teagasc Gaeilge project was set up under the auspices of the Donegal Education Centre to provide materials for the teaching of Irish in Gaeltacht and all-Irish schools.

Funding made available in 2003 was €981,371.69. The projected expenditure in 2004 amounts to €1.65 million.

Schools Refurbishment.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

230 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused as a result of the central heating breaking down in the hall of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; her views on whether this seriously restricts the activities of the school; and if she will give approval for emergency works to be carried out without delay. [30829/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school in question has recently been informed by my Department that it is to receive emergency funding for the works outlined.

Question:

234 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received recent representations on the need to support pre-school education for children with autism; and the action she will take on foot of such representations. [30858/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to consider the general question of early childhood education for children with special educational needs, including children with autism, in the context of the measures required to facilitate the commencement of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

My Department has sanctioned eight pre-school classes for children with autism. In addition, eight autism facilities, some of which are providing an applied behavioural analysis model of response to children with autism, are currently operating. These facilities can cater for children with autism of pre-school age.

Juvenile Offenders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the precise nature and extent of accommodation required for young offenders and arrange for the provision of the necessary facilities without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30876/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has directly or in conjunction with other Departments examined the need for the urgent provision of accommodation for young offenders with a view to breaking the sequence of crime in which they have become involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30877/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of juveniles in detention; the number of such places required and the extent to which those currently detained receive educational instruction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30884/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236 and 243 together.

My Department is responsible for the provision of residential services for children, generally up to 16 years of age, who have been convicted of an offence or placed on remand by a court. Five special schools for young offenders operate under the aegis of my Department. These have an occupational capacity of 114 residential places, comprising 99 places for boys and 15 places for girls. On Friday last, 19 November 2004, 78 of the 114 beds were occupied.

These special schools operate pursuant to the terms of the Children Acts, 1908 to 1989, which will be replaced by the Children Act 2001 when the provisions of the latter Act are commenced. The Children Act 2001 provides a new legal framework for my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Health and Children and their agencies in the delivery of support services for children with special care needs and those in conflict with the law. The Act provides for a major reform of the juvenile justice system and enshrines the principle of detention as a last resort.

My Department has responsibility for the implementation of Part 10 of the Act, which provides for the establishment of children detention schools to replace the existing special schools for young offenders. While some preparatory work is ongoing within my Department, Part 10 of the Act cannot be commenced until separate detention facilities are provided for 16 and 17-year-olds by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The capacity requirements of the special schools for young offenders have been declining in recent years, with the provision of facilities for "out of control" young people within the health sector, the increasing view of detention being a last resort as enshrined in the Children Act 2001, demographic developments and the development of alternatives to custody.

A key consideration in commencing Part 10 of the Act is the identification of the appropriate number of residential places required. In this context, my Department commissioned an international expert in residential care to undertake a preliminary review of the residential requirements for children detention schools to ensure that sufficient and appropriate places are provided into the future. The review report does not envisage any significant change in requirements in the short term and in the medium to long term, it envisages a reduction in demand for residential places for young offenders following the implementation of the Children Act 2001 and the increasing availability of early intervention measures and alternatives to custody. This reduction in demand will be coupled with a higher turnover and a more demanding population.

Having received the review report, my Department consulted with the Special Residential Services Board, which has been established on a statutory basis pursuant to the Children Act 2001 and whose functions include advising on the level and nature of residential accommodation required for children detained in children detention schools. The board, having considered the review report, has recommended a bed capacity of 88 places plus six step-down places for young offenders who are under the age of 16. Since April 2004, all bed requests for the special schools for young offenders from the courts have been channelled centrally via the Special Residential Services Board and my officials are liaising with the board in monitoring the demand for beds across the sector.

My Department is embarking on a capital redevelopment programme at the schools for young offenders located at Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin. This programme will have regard to the number of remand and committal places required, the provision for boys and girls, the educational and recreational needs of the young people as well as the implications of shorter periods of detention envisaged under the Children Act 2001. The dual function of St. Joseph's Special School, Clonmel, which caters for both offending and non-offending young people, and its certification under the Children Act 2001 are also being addressed. On the finalisation of this process, the Department proposes to agree a strategic plan for the children detention schools sector. In addition ongoing capital is being invested to ensure that the schools meet modern child care standards in accordance with best practice internationally.

All of the special schools for young offenders operate on a multi-disciplinary basis and offer individual care and education plans for the young people in their care. The aim of these programmes is to build upon the strengths of each individual young person. Many of the students in these schools present with particular problems in literacy and numeracy and a programme is designed for each student on the basis of his or her needs and abilities. Educational programmes can range from intensive learning support in literacy and numeracy to a wide range of academic and practical subjects that can be studied up to state examination level. The schools prepare students for the junior certificate examination and for the Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC, modules in each subject area where suitable. Of the 78 children resident in the schools, 49 are preparing for state examinations.

I refer to the recent establishment of a project team the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to examine the scope for rationalising and restructuring the State's services in the area of youth justice, with a view to improving the State's capacity to respond to juvenile offending.

Question No. 237 answered with QuestionNo. 67.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratios at primary level in the greater Dublin area; her plans to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30879/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. In the 2003-04 school year the ratio for the country as a whole was 17.44:1 compared to 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratios at second level schools in the greater Dublin area; her plans to improve this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30880/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The pupil-teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. The most up to date statistical data indicate that the ratio has fallen from 16.0:1 to 13.6:1 in the period from 1996-97 to 2003-04.

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.

National Educational Welfare Board.

Bernard J. Durkan

In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratios within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.

School Accommodation.

At primary level an entire new school has been provided at Killashee, while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's and St. Mary's national school and St. Conleth's Naofa in Naas. Temporary accommodation has also been provided at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh.

At Sallins national school, a seven classrooms extension is under construction. When completed, this extension will increase capacity from 9 classrooms to 16 classrooms. A brand new state of the art 16 classroom school, together with a double autistic unit is under construction in Naas town. This project, in particular, will assist in easing any difficulties for primary pupil places that may exist in Naas.

Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's national school, at Kill national school and at Two Mile House national school. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Caragh and Convent of Mercy in Naas are also currently being assessed.

At post primary, the management authority of St. Patrick's post-primary school, County Kildare VEC, is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupils. Additionally, an extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College, which will increase capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meánscoil Íognáid Rís and further accommodation needs at the school are currently in planning.

All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the areas concerned. The school planning section of my Department will keep the position under review going forward to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

My Department has received correspondence from the school concerning the proposed new system of allocation of resource teacher support in primary schools. I am conscious of difficulties that could arise in relation to the proposed new model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed.

Accordingly, I will be reviewing the proposed model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year. It is important to emphasise that applications may be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects to meet the accommodation needs current and anticipated, as outlined by the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for the anticipated proceeds of the Book of Estimates of 2005; if she expects to meet this need in full within the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30897/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, arising from the 2005 Estimates, she expects to be in a position to meet the outstanding requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30900/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 259 together.

The applications from the schools to which the Deputy refers are being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are being met in accordance with requirements as set out by the school authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30898/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The new school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band 2 rating.

My Department's technical staff are currently examining the stage 3 mechanical and electrical documentation in order to complete the stage 3 submission. The school authorities will be kept advised of developments. 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 including the school referred to by the Deputy. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request from the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of extra accommodation and other facilities; if she expects to be in a position to meet these requirements in full in the context of the provisions in the 2005 Estimates; the timetable in respect of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30899/04]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if adequate provision is contained in the 2005 Estimates to meet the requirements as set out by the authorities a school (details supplied) in County Kildare within the next 12 months; if she expects to be in a position to expedite the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30911/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 270 together.

The roof of the school in question has been surveyed by the health and safety unit of the Office of Public Works which manages the asbestos remediation programme on behalf of my Department.

Every effort is made to ensure that children with special educational needs, SEN, receive an education appropriate to their needs. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case at primary and post-primary level are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.

I can confirm that the following supports have been sanctioned by my Department to cater for the SEN of pupils in County Kildare: Nine special classes for pupils with autism at a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1; six special classes for pupils with mild general learning disabilities at a pupil-teacher ratio of 11:1; and one special class for pupils with moderate general learning disabilities at a pupil-teacher ratio of 8:1.

In addition to these special classes, there are three special schools in operation in the County Kildare area catering for approximately 157 pupils with special needs with a pupil/teacher ratio ranging from 6:1 to 11:1.

My Department also provides funding for the Saplings Project, a facility sanctioned on a pilot basis which uses applied behavioural analysis methodologies for children with autism. There are approximately 30 pupils enrolled in the facility.

In the case of post-primary schools, a total of 1,100 hours per week additional teaching support and 726.93 hours per week special needs assistant support has been allocated to post-primary schools in County Kildare for the 2004-05 school year to cater for pupils with special needs.

The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education has been established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities as set out in the National Council for Special Education (Establishment) Order 2003. The council has employed a number of special education needs organisers, SENOs, who will be a focal point of contact for schools and parents.

It is anticipated that the council and the SENOs will become operational shortly. In this regard, my Department is liaising with the council with a view to putting the revised arrangements for the processing of applications for SEN resources in place.

My priority as Minister for Education and Science will be to continue targeting resources at those areas and people most in need.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which extra staffing needs of a school project (details supplied) in County Kildare as set out by the school authorities is likely to be responded to by her in the next 12 months in the context of the 2005 Estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30913/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The staffing of a primary school is determined by the enrolment in the school on the 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is agreed for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.

The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a principal and nine mainstream class teachers based on the enrolment of 250 pupils on 30 September 2003.

With regard to special education teaching support, the proposed new system of teacher allocation involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability, and those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teaching posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system. It is intended that the new system will be implemented for the 2005-06 school year and the school will be advised of its teaching allocation in advance of this.

The school currently has the services of two full-time and one part-time resource teaching posts and a shared learning support teaching post. The school was recently informed that an additional 12 hours resource teaching support was sanctioned to cater for the needs of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs, SEN. These resources can be put in place immediately.

Question No. 273 answered with QuestionNo. 245.

Question No. 274 answered with QuestionNo. 70.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

275 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans in place to roll out the additional funding in the areas of special education and educational disadvantage to ensure that this funding meets persons that need it most in the areas of early childhood education and literacy; if plans include a new commitment to reduce class sizes in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30851/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Every effort is made to ensure that children with special educational needs receive an education appropriate to their needs. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.

My Department is continuing to prioritise the development of the network of special educational provision for children with special needs and I believe that the steps taken in recent years and those currently in hand represent significant progress in the development of those services.

At present, there are more than 5,700 teachers in primary schools supporting pupils with special educational and learning support needs. In addition, there are in excess of 5,000 special needs assistant posts allocated to meet the special care needs of such pupils. The enactment of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act and the establishment of the national council for special education will provide the key building blocks to underpin service delivery in the future.

My approach in addressing the issue of educational disadvantage is set in the context of the Government's National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2003-2005 and the latest partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative focused on literacy, numeracy and early school leavers.

A key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. Some €540 million is being provided by my Department in 2004 for programmes specifically designed to tackle educational disadvantage. This direct expenditure on educational disadvantage represents an increase of over €80 million on the 2003 provision and nearly 8.5% of the net education budget for 2004.

The approach for education set out in the national action plan is based on a continuum of provision, from early childhood through adulthood, with the focus on preventive strategies, targeting and integrated community responses. My Department is currently finalising an overall review of its educational disadvantage programmes, with a view to building on what has been achieved to date, adopting a more systematic, targeted and integrated approach and strengthening the capacity of the system to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children and young people. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year.

Arising from these improvements, class sizes have reduced in the same period. The overall maximum class size in primary schools by reference to the staffing schedule has been reduced from 35 to 29. In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. This, however, can only be done on a phased basis having regard to the available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. The timing and manner in which the target set out in the programme for Government can be met is being examined by my Department in consultation with the education partners. My priority as Minister for Education and Science will be to continue targeting resources at those areas and people most in need.

School Staffing.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

276 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is unable to secure a teaching post in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30874/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Significant numbers of additional teaching posts have been created at primary level in recent years. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the board of management of the school concerned. Boards of management must make every effort, including advertising in a national newspaper, to obtain the services of a qualified teacher for appointment to a temporary or permanent post.

I understand that there was a total of 50 primary teaching vacancies in Mayo in September 2004 as a consequence of the application of the mainstream staffing schedule, the Giving Children an Even Break scheme, retirements, secondments, career breaks and job-sharing arrangements.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

277 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30802/04]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

No specific provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for my Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. The costs involved are not expected to be significant in the context of the overall level of expenditure by my Department.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

278 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30816/04]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The amount of money that has been spent in my Department in each of the past five years on the Irish language is outlined in the following table:

Year	Amount
	€
2000	2,807
2001	7,184
2002	10,937
2003	10,283
2004	35,165

Local Authority Housing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

279 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Estimates for 2005 have made provision for changes in the terms of access to local authority schemes to assist with the purchase of homes; the provisions which will apply in respect of the income threshold, the affordability tests the deposits required, the subvention towards repayments at difference income levels, the upper limits on loans and on the house purchase price. [30645/04]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The total housing provision of almost €2 billion in 2005 — Exchequer and non-Exchequer — for social and affordable housing will enable my Department to continue to fund a diverse range of housing programmes to assist low-income to modest income groups who cannot access housing on the open market. The Government has placed a particular emphasis on ensuring that access to affordable housing is made available through a number of targeted schemes. These include the tenant purchase scheme, the shared ownership scheme, the 1999 affordable housing scheme and, more recently, affordable housing through Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2002 and the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative.

Part V of the Act, which deals with housing supply, came into force on 1 November 2000. It was amended in December 2002 to ensure increased delivery of affordable housing in a more efficient and effective way. From 2002 to the end of June 2004, a total of 209 affordable units and 106 social units was acquired by local authorities under Part V agreements with developers. An eligible person for affordable housing in the context of Part V is a person who is in need of accommodation and whose income is not adequate to meet the payments on a mortgage for the purchase of a dwelling unit to meet his or her accommodation needs because the payments calculated over the course of a year would exceed 35% of that person's net income. In determining the eligibility of a person, the local authority must take into account the annual net income — that is, gross annual income net of income tax and PRSI — of the applicant and half the annual net income of any other person who might reasonably be expected to reside with the eligible person and contribute to the mortgage payments.

On the shared ownership and affordable housing schemes, I have already announced increases in the income limits in July of this year. The eligibility limits for applying for the 1999 affordable housing and shared ownership schemes are now €36,800 for a single income household and €92,000 for a two-income household, using the formula of two and a half times the main income and once the second income.

At the time of the review, I also increased the maximum loan that can be advanced for a local authority house purchase from €130,000 to €165,000 and extended the period for which local authorities may advance loans from 25 years to 30 years. It is a matter for local authorities, in operating the schemes, to determine the maximum house price limits having regard to, inter alia, the ability of applicants to meet the mortgage and rent commitments involved.

The deposit required by applicants under the 1999 affordable housing scheme and Part V affordable housing scheme is 3% of the purchase price. Applicants under the shared ownership scheme are normally required to have a deposit of €1,270 but a local authority can decide to waive this condition.

The tenant purchase scheme is available to those who have been a tenant of a local authority house for at least one year. They may apply to the local authority to purchase the house either outright or by way of shared ownership. The purchaser receives a discount of 3% of the value of the house for each year of tenancy, up to a maximum of ten years, of a local authority house plus €3,809. Over 1,500 local authority houses were sold to tenants in 2003.

Under the 1999 affordable housing scheme, a mortgage subsidy is payable to qualifying households based on income bands. A similar subsidy applies under the shared ownership scheme towards the rent payments for that portion of the equity not yet purchased. The qualifying income limits and the amounts of the rent and mortgage subsidies under the shared ownership and affordable housing schemes, respectively, were increased four years ago for all transactions completed on or after 15 June 2000. They are now set as follows.

Household income per annum	Mortgage/rent subsidy payable per annum
€13,000 and under	€2,550
€13,001 to €15,500	€2,300
€15,501 to €18,000	€2,050
€18,001 to €20,500	€1,800
€20,501 to €23,000	€1,550
€23,001 to €25,500	€1,300
Over €25,500	Nil

There is also a mortgage allowance available to those vacating local authority dwellings but this is not based on incomes.

Over the coming years, the availability of affordable housing options will be further expanded with units coming on stream through Part V of the Planning and Development Act and the affordable housing initiative. The terms and conditions of all of these schemes will continue to be kept under review and in particular, the Housing Forum has been charged under Sustaining Progress to review the effectiveness of all social and affordable housing programmes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

280 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which the rent element is calculated on the portion of the home retained by a local authority under shared ownership; and if there is provision in the Estimates for any change in this during 2005. [30647/04]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Rent under the shared ownership scheme is applied to meeting the costs of local authority borrowing from the Housing Finance Agency. Since 1 January 2003, the annual rent is calculated at 4.3% of the value of the share of the dwelling held in the ownership of the local authority. The rent is also increased annually by a fixed 4.5% on 1 July each year. Capital provision is made for the scheme through the non-voted element of the public capital programme. The terms of the scheme will continue to be kept under review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

281 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has made changes in the Estimates for 2005 in the terms on which grants can be obtained from local authorities for adaptation of a home for persons with a disability for essential repairs to the home of old age pensioners who live alone, for the construction of a home for persons with a disability and for any other grant towards housing. [30657/04]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

Details of next year's capital funding for housing grants for disabled and elderly persons will be made available in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2005 which will be published early in the new year.

A review of the disabled persons grant scheme is currently being finalised in my Department. On its completion, it will be possible to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance. Given the interrelated nature of the disabled persons, essential repairs and special housing aid for the elderly grant schemes, all of these are being considered in the context of the review.

Waste Management.

Enda Kenny

Question:

282 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy of the Government on the matter of thermal treatment of asbestos; the Government’s views on this as a method of disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30763/04]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

My Department, in co-operation with the Office of Public Works, already owns and manages a large portfolio of built heritage properties. Significant expansion of this property portfolio is not envisaged. Effort is being directed at present to developing a suitable model or models for a national trust arrangement for Ireland; this could harness private sector and voluntary, as well as State, support for the acquisition and management of heritage properties.

My Department does not, in these circumstances, propose to examine the acquisition of the property referred to in the question. This position is without prejudice however to the possible interest of the property for other public bodies or agencies.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

288 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any provision has been made in the 2005 Estimates for his Department for the cost of implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003; the amount of any such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30803/04]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

289 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money that has been spent in each of the past five years on the Irish language in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30817/04]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.

My Department's Estimates for 2005 do not separately identify a cost for implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003. My Department is in the process of preparing a draft scheme for the provision of services in Irish under the Act and the question of identifying a separate budget for this purpose will be considered in that context.

Information in relation to the amount of money spent by my Department on the Irish language in the last five years is being compiled and will be communicated to the Deputy shortly.

I understand that Sligo County Council will be making a submission to my Department shortly seeking approval for the acceptance of a tender for the construction of four houses at Riverstown.

National Parks.

It will depend on the nature of the coal waste, its destination and the form of treatment proposed as to which procedure should apply.

Question No. 296 answered with QuestionNo. 294.

Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 25 Nov 2004

Departmental Expenditure.

Bernard Allen

School Staffing.

Jack Wall

Early School Leavers.

Olivia Mitchell

Student Support Schemes.

Joan Burton

Early School Leavers.

Seán Ryan

College Closures.

Eamon Gilmore

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Noonan

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Seán Crowe

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Deasy

School Staffing.

Joe Sherlock

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Literacy Levels.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Schools’ Drugs Policy.

Damien English

School Transport.

Dinny McGinley

School Curriculum.

Ciarán Cuffe

Departmental Staff.

Willie Penrose

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Physical Sciences.

Pádraic McCormack

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Institutes of Technology.

Gerard Murphy

Broadband Internet Access.

Billy Timmins

Education Welfare Service.

Pat Rabbitte

Capitation Grants.

Kathleen Lynch

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Schools of Music.

Simon Coveney

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Third Level Funding.

Jack Wall

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

School Enrolments.

Emmet Stagg

Special Educational Needs.

Gerard Murphy

Willie Penrose

Departmental Expenditure.

Mary Upton

School Meals.

Arthur Morgan

Early School Leavers.

Pat Rabbitte

Gay Mitchell

Third Level Enrolments.

Damien English

Special Educational Needs.

John Perry

School Supervision and Substitution Scheme.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 2004