Written Answers.

Question:

261 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential customers throughout the country who have so far been unable to obtain broadband services; if he will issue instructions to the regulator or the service providers to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28134/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 94, 95, 124, 149, 167, 242, 246, 249, 250, 258 and 261 together.

The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

In March 2004, my predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, under section 13 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, issued policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, including one on broadband. This direction required ComReg to use regulatory and enforcement tools, where necessary and subject to relevant requirements under European and national law, to support initiatives to develop broadband and remove regulatory barriers, if any exist, to such initiatives. ComReg was required to have a particular focus on the residential and SME sectors, balanced regional development, and the potential for broadband provision on alternative platforms. The goal set for ComReg was to be at, or better than, the EU 15 average, excluding accession countries, for end-user access to, and usage of, broadband by mid-2005. Going forward, the acceleration of local loop unbundling should stimulate improved broadband offerings.

In 2004, there were over 80 Internet service providers, today there are over 156 companies listed by ComReg, with at least 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including DSL, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly, and the lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity, and the development of Wi-Max offers considerable potential in the future. In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any broadband customer in Ireland right now. The rate of uptake is dependent on access by the service providers to suitable infrastructure.

The latest quarterly data report from ComReg on broadband delivery rates indicates that broadband subscriptions have grown by 15% in the last quarter and stand at 175,000. DSL remains the largest platform for broadband access, representing 80% of subscriptions and a growth rate of 44% in the last quarter. Fixed wireless broadband services have exhibited the fastest growth in subscriptions in the broadband market. Cable subscriptions have grown by 25% in the quarter and represent around 8% of total broadband subscriptions.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase 1 of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget. This programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to start early in 2006. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

In June 2004, the contract for management of the Government and local authority regional metropolitan broadband networks was awarded to E-Net, a company based in Limerick. The term of the contract is 15 years. E-Net operates as a wholesaler of access to the MANs and offers a full suite of products including ducting, sub-ducting, dark fibre, high level managed capacity, co-location facilities and relevant auxiliary services.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area, with each application being assessed by the Department's technical advisers. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme.

A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the beginning of 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. Funding arrangements are also in place for the updating of computer networks and equipment within schools. The construction-installation phase is now under way, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie.

Broadcasting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

91 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his options for the development of the broadcasting service with reference to independent and national broadcasting; the role for each in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28013/05]

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

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's statement of strategy 2003-05. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; and to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.

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

I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences.

Mobile Telephony.

Phil Hogan

Question:

92 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that he has taken all the necessary steps to ensure cost effective and efficient mobile telephone services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28064/05]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

98 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the quality of the mobile telephone services here are on par with the quality elsewhere throughout Europe; his plans for improvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28071/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

107 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Ireland is still at the top of the European league regarding costs in respect of mobile telephone services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28031/05]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

115 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which competition has contributed to date to mobile telephone costs to subscribers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28072/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

129 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if service providers here are keeping pace with mobile telephone service providers throughout Europe in respect of both quality of service and cost to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28070/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

144 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which mobile telephone costs have been reduced; the consequent benefit to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28069/05]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

155 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which market share in respect of mobile telephone service providers has altered to the benefit of the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28066/05]

Pat Breen

Question:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 98, 107, 115, 129, 144, 155, 161, 168, 234 to 238, inclusive, 241, 243 and 267 together.

I have no function in the regulating of pricing for phone services, mobile phone termination costs, cost effectiveness and efficiency of mobile telephone services, market share, quality of service or competition in the mobile market. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulating of pricing for phone services, mobile phone termination costs, quality of service and competition in the mobile market is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. The provision of telecommunications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have responsibility for overall telecoms policy. My main goal in this policy is to create conditions for sustainable growth and competition that will benefit the economic and social development of Ireland and facilitate competitive services. It is my belief that improving the market conditions to enhance competition is the best way to drive down mobile phone charges to the end user. The more competitive telecoms services that are on offer, the better in the long run for consumers, the sector and the economy.

In March 2004 my predecessor issued policy directions to ComReg, including a direction on competition. The direction on competition mandates ComReg to focus on competition as a key objective, with a particular focus on competition in the fixed and mobile markets and to implement, where necessary, remedies which counteract or remove barriers to entry and support entry by new players to the market and entry into new sectors by existing players. ComReg has, as one of its key objectives, under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, the promotion of competition in the exercise of its functions. Competition in the fixed and mobile markets will drive down prices for consumers.

I have no information to say that Irish mobile charges are generally the highest in Europe. However, ComReg's quarterly key data for the Irish communications market for the second quarter of 2005 indicates that the Irish mobile operators' average revenue per user is the second highest in Europe; Switzerland has the highest.

The high penetration rate of 94% for mobile phones, representing 3.83 million subscribers, and the recent rollout of 3G services in addition to the existing mobile phones demonstrates that there is a wide range of choice for Irish businesses and citizens.

Post Office Network.

Phil Hogan

Question:

93 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether it is not intended to close any post offices or sub-post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28078/05]

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

As clearly set out in the programme for Government, this Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

The An Post network comprises the single largest number of retail outlets in the country. In the European context, Ireland still has the highest number of post offices per head of population. In recent years some network restructuring has been undertaken. This activity is in line with similar trends across Europe.

Specifically, in relation to the closure of post offices or sub-post offices, it is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed. It is the Government's objective to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current size.

While the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment in a tangible fashion, with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings. The network has a high footfall and to capitalise on these advantages it is essential that existing and new services are developed to meet customer requirements. The network also has the capacity and potential to deliver more private business especially in financial services and opportunities are actively being pursued by An Post in this area.

On foot of substantial investment in computerisation, a significant amount of extra business has already been obtained for the network in terms of banking and utility business. At present 95% of An Post's business is conducted through automated offices. Also under way is a new pilot scheme to automate a total of ten smaller post offices. This will allow the company to determine to what extent, if any, further investment in automation might be justified. The results of this project will be evaluated at the end of the trial period.

I have also asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long-term viability of the post office network and in this light An Post is currently working on a new initiative which could see the development and expansion of the range of financial services that it can deliver through its network of post offices. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business and contribute to the viability of the network.

Questions Nos. 94 and 95 answered with Question No. 90.

Offshore Exploration.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

96 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number and location of oil, gas or other mineral discoveries identified on or offshore in the past ten years; the commercial value or nature of such finds; the intentions for their future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28008/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number and location of oil, gas or other mineral discoveries identified on or offshore in the past ten years; the commercial value or nature of such finds, the intentions for their future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28162/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 285 together.

Since 1996 there have been offshore petroleum discoveries or "shows" at four locations: the Corrib discovery in 1996 in the Slyne-Erris Basin west of Ireland; the Seven Heads Field, originally discovered in 1984 but declared commercial in May 2002; the Connemara discovery in 1997 in the North Porcupine Basin west of Ireland; and the Dooish discovery in 2002 in the Erris Basin. Of these only the Corrib and Seven Heads were declared commercial five years ago. Since then the Seven Heads Field has experienced serious production difficulties and is producing at a fraction of the level originally planned. Given these difficulties any estimate on its commercial value is meaningless. The value of the Corrib Gas Field is tentatively put at €3.67 billion. While this is lower than the current price I point out the difficulty of predicting prices for 15 to 20 years into the future. The Connemara and Dooish discoveries have not been declared commercial.

On the development aspect of discoveries, Seven Heads is already in production albeit at a very reduced level. The development of the Corrib continues and the Deputy will be aware of the difficulties there. I point out that the Corrib gas was discovered in 1996 and will not start production until 2007 or even 2008 at the earliest — 11 or 12 years later.

No new economic deposits of non-petroleum minerals have been discovered in the past ten years. There have been some encouraging results, however. Exploration adjacent to existing base metal mines at Navan, County Meath — New Boliden Tara Mines Limited — and Galmoy, County Kilkenny — Arcon Mines Limited — has discovered additional resources which have the potential to extend the life of those mines. I have recently granted new State mining licences to Arcon for extraction of part of these additional resources and my officials are currently in discussions with New Boliden Tara Mines Limited on the terms for new facilities to extend the underground workings to the south-west and north of the existing operation. Details of all current leases and licences for extraction of minerals, including royalty terms, are included in the six monthly report laid before the Oireachtas under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. The value of these deposits to the companies concerned is a matter of commercial confidentiality. However, I expect that substantial royalties will be paid to the State on foot of these discoveries.

A good zinc prospect area near Pallas Green, County Limerick also has the potential to host an economic deposit. Exploration is continuing but it is too early to say whether it will prove an economic deposit.

The acid test of commerciality with any new discovery is that having made a find, the explorationist is then prepared to invest in planning for mining and therefore makes the necessary applications for permits to me, the relevant local authority and the EPA, and can raise the substantial funds required to bring a mine into production.

Energy Market.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

97 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the all-island energy market programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27886/05]

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

As the Deputy is aware, in November 2004 the all-island energy market development framework was published jointly by Mr. Barry Gardiner, MP, the then Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and myself. The framework document, which was produced in collaboration with the two energy regulators and involved widespread consultation with industry and other energy stakeholders, sets the policy context for the creation of an all-island energy market. It includes a high level development programme, setting out goals and timeframes over a range of policy areas.

As the Deputy is probably aware, the key priority within the framework is to have an all-island wholesale electricity market in place by 1 July 2007. The two regulators are making good progress and have agreed the high-level principles that will govern the operation of the single market. I understand they are aiming to agree the detailed rules for the market by February 2006. This process involves close consultation with stakeholders.

A key task for both Governments is to ensure that an appropriate legislative framework is in place to underpin the single electricity market. While full implementation of the market by July 2007 presents a very challenging timeframe in which the necessary parallel legislation must be enacted, my officials have been working closely with their northern counterparts and the two regulators' offices to ensure that this target is met.

While the main priority is the creation of the single electricity market, the framework document also outlines policy for all-island collaboration in a number of other areas, including gas and sustainable energy. My officials have had discussions with their northern colleagues on the gas agenda and, together with the regulators' offices, have commenced the task of developing a project-driven work programme for the delivery of the objectives outlined in the framework.

With regard to sustainable energy, in July my northern counterpart, Angela Smith, MP, and I published a preliminary consultation paper on an all-island vision for renewable energy to the year 2020 and beyond. The consultation period recently ended and the response has been very encouraging. The aim is to develop a long-term strategy for renewable energy on the island as a whole.

A number of infrastructural projects are also in progress. Bord Gáis Éireann is set to complete the construction of the North-South gas pipeline from Gormanstown to Belfast in 2006. In addition, a second North-South electricity interconnector is expected to be operational by 2012.

Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Television Reception.

Liz McManus

Question:

99 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for digital television rollout; the proposed timeframe for such rollout and the corresponding analogue switch-off date; his estimates of the number of Irish citizens who are not currently digital subscribers and will be affected by this changeover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27883/05]

John Gormley

Question:

132 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timetable and plan for the switchover to a national digital broadcasting platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27839/05]

David Stanton

Question:

173 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, further to Question No. 579 of 28 September 2005, the length of time the digital terrestrial television pilot programme will take to complete; the projected cost of the pilot programme; when he will be in a position to introduce digital television to every house; the benefits of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28036/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 132 and 173 together.

Digital television is already available in Ireland. Both cable-MMDS operators and satellite operators provide subscription digital television services to an estimated 40% of Irish television households. It is estimated that 28% of households receive analogue cable-MMDS services, and 32% of households avail of analogue terrestrial services as their sole means of receiving television broadcasts. It is also estimated that up to 90% of households receive analogue terrestrial transmissions on at least one television.

Analogue terrestrial television services are provided on a free-to-air basis. Over time it is expected that analogue terrestrial services will migrate to digital terrestrial services in most countries. This migration is already happening on a significant scale in a number of European countries.

I am committed to the long-term provision of a free-to-air digital terrestrial television, DTT, platform in Ireland. DTT can provide much more to the free-to-air viewer in terms of additional channels, improved quality of service, innovative new services, including data and interactivity, and increased availability of public and government information. I have proposed that a digital terrestrial television pilot programme be developed in Ireland. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service. I have asked my Department to implement the pilot and procurement processes are under way.

There are a number of stages to the pilot programme. Current procurement processes focus on the multiplex and transmission aspects of the pilot programme, essentially the construction of the necessary digital terrestrial television infrastructure. I expect that agreements will be in place on foot of procurement by the end of the year and that the infrastructure will be rolled out in early 2006. The initial transmission sites are at Clermont Carn in the north-east and Three Rock covering parts of the Dublin region. Once the pilot infrastructure is in place, broadcasts of various programme and data services can commence. It is expected that the pilot programme will continue for up to two years. As the pilot programme is subject to procurement, the actual costs of rolling out and operating it will become clear through competitive procurement processes.

I expect that the pilot programme will generate awareness and discussion among broadcasters, investors and other interested parties to move towards a full national rollout of DTT in time. I will be engaging with interested parties in this regard as the pilot programme commences and I will look to the Irish broadcasting sector to play an active role in the development of proposals for national DTT rollout.

A legislative framework for a national rollout of DTT is set out in the Broadcasting Act 2001. I will amend the existing statutory provisions, if necessary, to facilitate the introduction of DTT in Ireland.

As the pilot programme is developed and proposals for a national DTT rollout emerge, I will outline my intentions regarding possible dates for a switch-off of analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasts. Free-to-air analogue terrestrial transmissions will continue for a period after the national rollout of digital terrestrial television has begun. At a certain point analogue transmissions will be turned off and the full switchover will then be complete. While the pilot programme is under way, I intend to hold comprehensive discussions with all relevant stakeholders around the timing of analogue switch-off. Switch-off of analogue television services is being strongly advocated by the European Commission, with 2012 a target date suggested by the Commission. When decisions have been taken about the nature and timing of analogue switch-off, it will be necessary to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all the issues arising, such as issues around reception equipment replacement. All stakeholders will have a role in informing viewers of the likely changes.

Postal Services.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

100 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the prospects of market deregulation in the postal sector; his proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/05]

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

With globalisation, liberalisation and developments in technology which are changing the way people communicate, all national postal operators, including An Post, have to change very rapidly to stay competitive and commercial in the European postal market. This reflects the change in the market from one dominated by letters to one dominated by parcels and direct mail. Both of these areas are much more open and attractive to competition, especially international competition, than the traditional letters business. Competition in the sector is growing and at present there are 26 firms operating in Ireland with a postal service authorisation from ComReg.

Ireland has fully implemented European Directives 97/67/EC and 2002/39/EC, which set out the requirements for member states on the provision of high quality postal services and liberalisation within their postal networks. Under the directives, each member state is obliged to provide a universal service whereby a minimum level of service must be provided. Both of these directives have been transposed into Irish law in Statutory Instrument 616 of 2002 European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations. The statutory instrument also provides for further liberalisation of the postal market. Since the transposition of the directives, the weight limit applying to postal items falling within the reserved area and therefore not open to competition has been reduced to 100 g from 2003 with a price limit of three times the basic tariff for domestic and inbound international. The reserved area will be further reduced to mail weighing 50 g or less and two and a half times the basic tariff from 2006 for domestic and inbound international. Outbound international mail was fully liberalised on the 1 January 2004.

The second directive also stipulates that the postal sector is to liberalise across the EU in full on 1 January 2009 subject to political agreement. I understand that the next steps for the Commission include a study to be completed on the impact on the universal service of the full accomplishment of a liberalised postal market. Based on the outcome of this study, the Commission will present a report to the European Parliament and Council by 31 December 2006 accompanied by a proposal confirming, if appropriate, the date of 2009 for the full liberalisation of the postal market or to determine alternative steps in light of the study's conclusions.

Furthermore, under the statutory instrument, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has been designated as the national regulatory authority for the postal sector. Ireland has adopted a light regulatory approach to liberalisation so as to encourage and maximise the number of postal operators that might wish to enter the market.

The postal sector in Ireland needs competition especially in light of the many internationally traded sectors operating in the country but it also needs An Post to be competitive. I believe that liberalisation and the expected increase in competition will ultimately be good for both An Post and consumers and that the company can continue to be a significant and strong player in the market post-liberalisation.

Energy Resources.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in the view of concerns expressed recently by the British Minister for Energy regarding potential power cuts this winter due to gas shortages and problems with the British wholesale gas market, there are similar expectations for the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27865/05]

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

I have been apprised of the comments made by the UK Minister for Energy in respect of the outlook for UK gas supplies this winter. Bilateral contact between my Department and the Department of Industry in the UK has clarified that the Minister recently sounded a note of caution for UK businesses that do not book firm gas supplies and capacities in advance. Such businesses may face interruption of supplies in the event of colder than average weather conditions. The choice between booking firm or interruptible gas supplies is a commercial decision for individual businesses.

The UK National Grid's winter outlook report was published last week. It concluded that below average winter weather conditions, gas supplies and power generation capacities are sufficient to meet all demand for gas and electricity. If winter weather conditions are extremely cold, then there is a programme in place in the UK to reduce gas demand without leading to power cuts.

In Ireland, the Commission for Energy Regulation has responsibility for monitoring on an ongoing basis the security of natural gas supply. The commission publishes an annual gas capacity statement. This provides a forecast of capacity, flows and customer demand to assess the adequacy of the Irish gas transmission system. The gas capacity statement also considers whether projected supplies of gas, from indigenous sources, imports and storage, are sufficient to meet forecast demand. A key finding of the 2005 gas capacity statement is that even under unusually cold weather conditions, the Irish gas transmission system should cope with forecast demand.

Telecommunications Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

102 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if measures will be brought forward for enabling the rollout of VoIP technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27875/05]

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

VoIP is the technical term for the transmission of voice over telecommunications networks using the Internet protocol standard. The increased use of Internet protocol technology is changing the way telecommunications networks are designed and operated. It is expected that the early adoption of this technology will lead to the more cost effective delivery of telecommunications in the future.

A number of telecommunications operators providing service in the Irish marketplace have already deployed this technology in their telecommunications networks. In addition to this, a number of the group broadband schemes, which my Department is grant aiding, have indicated that they will be deploying this technology for the benefit of users connected to their networks.

My Department is considering announcing a call in the near future to assist operators in the trial and adoption of VoIP technology. It is hoped that this will help to accelerate the take up of this technology and the delivery of cost effective telecommunications services to the public.

Digital Hub.

Damien English

Question:

103 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the future of the Digital Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28060/05]

Dan Neville

Question:

139 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of the Digital Hub in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28059/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the future of the Digital Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28119/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of Digital Hub in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 139, 247 and 248 together.

The Digital Hub project, managed by the independent Digital Hub Development Agency, has been and will continue to be successful in developing a digital industry cluster, as well as in regenerating an historic community area in the heart of Dublin by operating a number of significant community and educational initiatives as part of its role in the Digital Hub district.

On 5 October, the agency announced a competition to develop over five acres of land in the Digital Hub. This land will be developed as a mixture of residential, commercial and retail properties, in addition to public spaces. The private developers will compete on the basis of bids of cash plus office space. The office space will be handed back to the Digital Hub Development Agency and will be used to accommodate an increased number of digital enterprises in the area. These tenders must be submitted by 18 November for evaluation.

In relation to industry development, the agency has been successful to date in growing the cluster with about 50 companies now employing approximately 400 employees in the hub. These enterprises are involved in a range of activities including games software development, mobile technology, animation and TV production.

In relation to the social and community development remit of the hub, the agency has operated the Liberties learning initiative, which uses technology to tackle social and educational disadvantage in the area. Supported by funding from Diageo Ireland, the programme delivers a range of learning and showcasing projects focused on the creative use of digital media and reflects the national priorities of building a knowledge-based society and addressing the digital divide.

In addition, the schools programme of the Liberties learning initiative has developed a range of programmes in 16 local primary and second level schools aimed at addressing the digital divide. These include providing information and communication technology, ICT, equipment and technical support to local schools, providing professional training to teachers so they are fully informed about the education benefits of ICT, and advising and informing the schools of employment opportunities in the digital sector. The schools programme aims to equip local children with the skills needed to live in a digital age, and to work in the digital media industry, which will be located on their doorstep.

In relation to digital research and development, I intend to establish a national digital media research and innovation centre, the National Digital Research Centre, NDRC, in the hub, subject to a satisfactory proposal being put to me. The Higher Education Authority, on my behalf, has invited proposals for the establishment and management of the proposed centre. The proposed centre will complement existing Government initiatives focused on digital media and technology enterprises and assist in the development of the Digital Hub district.

Ferry Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

104 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the European Commission’s proposal for an EC directive on manning conditions for regular passenger and ferry services operating between member states — Com(1998)251 final of 29 April 1998 and amended proposal Com(2000)437 final of 13 July 2000, and its position on Article 2.2 of the proposal. [27861/05]

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

There is no EU directive on the manning of regular passenger and ferry services operating in and between member states, in force or being considered at present by member states. If the Commission were to initiate such a proposal, I would, of course, give it very careful consideration.

In 1998, there was an EU Commission proposal: Commission communication on a common policy on manning of regular passenger and ferry services operating in and between member states, COM/98/0251.

A key provision of the Commission's draft directive was its Article 2.2 which states "If the vessel used is not registered in a Member State, the terms and conditions referred to shall be those applicable to the residents of one of the Member States between whose ports the service is provided and with which the service has the closest connection. The closest connection shall be determined on the basis of the place from which the service is effectively managed." The European Parliament approved the proposal in March 1999. The Commission issued a revised proposal in 2000, COM/2000/0437. However, no final agreement was reached in the Council of Ministers on the matter and the Commission formally withdrew the proposal in August 2004.

Energy Resources.

Joan Burton

Question:

105 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on fiscal incentives to promote renewable and alternative energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27888/05]

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

My Department operates a number of fiscal incentive programmes aimed at promoting the integration of renewable technologies. To date in Ireland, 675 MW of renewable capacity has been connected with a further 175 MW under active construction. Further development will also take place from the last two rounds of competitive tendering, the AER V and AER VI competitions.

Last month, I announced a new support programme to further increase the contribution to electricity production from renewable energy sources. This new programme will move away from the competitive tendering model to a fixed price scheme. This means that any applicant, whether an individual or company, may submit an application at a fixed price based on technology and, in the case of wind, the capacity of the project.

In the area of alternative fuels, the biofuels mineral oil tax relief scheme was launched in April this year and has resulted in eight biofuels projects being awarded excise relief for a period of two years. Excise relief of €6 million will be allowed for these projects, over a two-year period to 2007. It is anticipated that this will result in 16 million litres of biofuels replacing imports on the Irish transport market during that period. The scheme is an initial measure designed to stimulate market development.

In addition to these initiatives, Sustainable Energy Ireland administers a series of programmes aimed at supporting the integration of renewable technologies and sustainable energy practices across all sectors of the economy. Its programmes include: the house of tomorrow programme which supports sustainable energy practices in Irish housing, by providing grant aid to developers of groups of housing; the public sector buildings programme which supports the development of energy efficient public sector buildings; the renewable energy research development and demonstration programme which aims to stimulate deployment of renewables close to market and address the need for information and education; the large industry energy network which promotes sustainable energy best practice in industry; and the low income housing programme which aims to upgrade low income households with energy efficiency features. SEI has a budget of €16.1 million in 2005 for the administration of these and a range of other sustainable energy programmes.

I am fully committed to the development of our renewable resources and I believe that the combination of these programmes is serving to ensure the increased deployment of renewable and alternative energy within Ireland's electricity, heat and transport markets.

Port Development.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

106 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if ministerial approval has been granted or refused in respect of the request in May 2005 by the Dublin Port Company for the approval of the arrangement it entered into without going through the normal tendering process with the Anna Livia consortium to facilitate its bid for the national conference centre contract together with further and complementary commercial development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27756/05]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

187 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current position regarding the process applicable to the proposal by the Dublin Port Company to make available to the Anna Livia consortium a site in order to facilitate the development of the National Conference Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27757/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 187 together.

As the Deputy will no doubt recall, I outlined in detail the background to this matter during an Adjournment debate in this House on 28 June 2005. I can inform the Deputy that some advice was received from the Attorney General on 29 July 2005 in this regard and further advice is awaited.

A reply to the Dublin Port Company letter of 18 May 2005 requesting ministerial approval in this matter will issue when all the necessary advice is to hand and fully considered.

Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Telecommunications Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

108 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued directives in respect of the completion of local loop unbundling with particular reference to the need to achieve the highest possible availability of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28046/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued directives in respect of the completion of local loop unbundling with particular reference to the need to achieve the highest possible availability of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28133/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 260 together.

Local loop unbundling, LLU, is mandated by a European Council Regulation and responsibility for its implementation is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the transposed EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services.

ComReg is independent in the execution of its functions in accordance with the provisions of the 2002 Act. As Minister with policy responsibility for the electronic communications sector, I can issue strategic policy directions to ComReg, as I may consider appropriate, in the interest of proper and effective regulation of that market.

147 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his projections in respect of the maximum achievable target in terms of biofuel production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28007/05]

Dan Neville

Question:

163 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to offer research and development funding toward the development of alternative or renewable fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28021/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 110, 147, 163, 179, 185, 244, 252, 253, 277, 278 and 286 together.

My Department is responsible for the promotion and development of renewable energy including biofuels and I am committed to the development and promotion of a biofuels sector in Ireland's transport fuel market, which will contribute to emissions reductions and overall security of supply.

In 2004, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a scheme for mineral oil tax relief for biofuels. A scheme under the Act was agreed between my Department and the Department of Finance and was launched in April 2005. A total of 34 applications were received under the call for proposals by the closing date. The proposals were evaluated by my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and recommendations were made to the Minister for Finance, and eight projects were awarded excise relief under the scheme. Of the eight projects, four were pure plant oil, three were biodiesel or other biofuel, and one was bioethanol. Excise relief of €6 million will be allowed for these projects, over a two-year period to 2007. It is anticipated that this will result in 16 million litres of biofuels replacing imports on the Irish transport market during that period. The scheme is an initial measure designed to stimulate market development.

Under SEI's renewable energy research, development and demonstration, programme capital grant aid is also available for biofuels market demonstration projects in the pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol categories. Funding of almost €250,000 has already been awarded to support engine modifications of up to 100 vehicles and provide plant and monitoring equipment.

In addition, SEI has provided grant aid of €40,000 to Teagasc, for a study to establish oil quality testing procedures for pure plant oil. This study will be critical to building market confidence. SEI also provided funding for the publication of a resource study on recovered vegetable oil and animal fats and study on quality assurance for rapeseed oil as a vehicle fuel.

An interdepartmental biofuels group was established in 2004 to consider policy options for the development of the biofuels market and to consider these options from the perspectives of the sectors or interest represented by each Department. It comprises representatives from my Department, the Departments of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance, Transport and Agriculture and Food and SEI. As part of its work, the group commissioned a Liquid Biofuels Strategy Study for Ireland, which was published by SEI in December 2004. The report examines the full range of options and potential supports for liquid biofuels development in Ireland, including bioethanol and biodiesel. The targets achievable for biofuel production and distribution in Ireland depend on a variety of factors including availability and end-use of agricultural land and the levels of indigenously sourced or imported feedstock or biofuels.

The national climate change strategy sets out the strategies and targets for meeting Ireland's Kyoto commitments. Implementation of transport initiatives in the national climate change strategy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has lead responsibility for Government policy on meeting Ireland's target under the Kyoto Protocol. I understand that work on a review of the national climate change strategy, taking account of developments since its publication at the end of 2000, is currently in progress in his Department.

The number of applications in the pilot scheme clearly indicates the strong interest there is in developing a biofuels industry in Ireland. I have had contact with the Minister for Finance about the possible scope for scaling up fiscal support for biofuels. Further measures to increase market penetration over a longer timeframe are also being considered in consultation with all the relevant Departments.

Harbours and Piers.

David Stanton

Question:

111 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will make necessary funding available for the development of the harbour, in particular remedial works, in Ballycotton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/05]

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

The harbour at Ballycotton is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. In 2001 the council submitted a report prepared by consulting engineers on the estimated cost of the Ballycotton Harbour development plan. The proposed development was estimated to cost a total of €6 million.

Cork County Council applied for funding in 2002 under the marine tourism grant scheme of the national development plan for a development including a marina at Ballycotton, County Cork. However, as the applicants had not obtained the necessary statutory permissions, their application could not be considered further. The applicants were informed of this and that they could apply for funding under a future call. No funding was available for the grant scheme in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The findings of the mid-term review of the regional operational programmes recommended the reallocation of funds to other priorities.

The Ballycotton Harbour Development Association recently submitted a summary of an updated proposed development for Ballycotton Harbour to the Department. The proposed development consists of ten phases over a year and a half and is estimated to cost a total of €3.07 million.

The allocation for the fishery harbours development programme is €20.55 million for 2005. There was no Exchequer funding available for Ballycotton in 2005. The fishery harbour programme involves co-funding by the local authorities and the updated proposal for development at Ballycotton would have to be submitted by the local authority. In this case Cork County Council would be required to submit its updated proposal to the Department and be prepared to contribute 25% funding to the project.

Departmental Agencies.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

112 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of NORA; the timeframe for the establishment of the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27889/05]

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

Prior to 1995 the oil companies in Ireland were obliged to meet a substantial portion of Ireland's oil stockholding obligations. This system proved unsatisfactory however, and under the European Communities (Minimum Stocks of Petroleum Oils) Regulations 1995, responsibility for the maintenance of strategic oil stockholding was removed from the industry and vested in a new State body, the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, which, for pragmatic reasons, was set up as a subsidiary of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation, INPC. NORA acts as the agent of the Minister with the function to arrange for the holding of strategic oil stocks at a level determined annually. Such stocks may be held directly by the agency itself or on its behalf by third parties at home and-or abroad.

Following a thoroughgoing review of the functions of NORA by my Department, it was determined that NORA should be established on a statutory basis as a stand-alone State body under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. On 21 July 2004, the Government approved the drafting of the National Oil Reserves Agency Bill. Following work by my Department and its legal advisers, and liaison with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has recently furnished a draft text of the Bill to my Department. It is anticipated that the Bill will be settled and published by the end of the year.

Telecommunications Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

113 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a directive to ComReg on the operation of the ECAP will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27870/05]

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

SI No. 307 of 2003, the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2003, provides for the establishment and operation of independent appeal panels to hear and determine appeals of decisions made by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

As ComReg is therefore a party to the appeals process and the appeals panel is independent in its functions, there is no question of me issuing a directive to ComReg. I may give instructions to ComReg to meet the costs incurred by the appeals panel, in accordance with the framework regulations, however, this does not form part of the overall deliberations.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding developments in An Post; if he has issued directions to the management with a view to ensuring continuity of service and finalisation of a development plan for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/05]

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

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network, is in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. I believe that there will continue to be a key national role for An Post, both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing globally and meeting customer needs has become more important than ever. In order to remain competitive, An Post needs to make the best possible use of its long established and trusted brand name and deploy its resources in a manner which continues to serve existing customers' needs and attracts additional customers for a range of new services.

There is agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future. With this in mind, the board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan, incorporating details of proposed new collection and delivery arrangements, which I believe is vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing. The plan has assumed significant changes in work practices, tariff increases and the payment of wage increases. It sets out the way forward for the company. Adoption of restructuring that delivers real change is the only way that An Post workers can look forward to receiving pay increases in line with other sectors. To this end, I have continuously emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the company to work together in a partnership approach and to utilise the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, where necessary, in order to agree and implement the recovery strategy to return the company to financial stability and prepare for the challenges ahead.

In order to progress the change agenda, an exhaustive process of negotiation between An Post management and An Post trades unions, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and then the Labour Court, was entered into. This process was recently concluded with the court's recommendation that the company accept the proposals as set out by a three-person expert group on the proposed new collection and delivery arrangements. The court also recommended that acceptance of the productivity agreement was contingent on the balance of increases being paid out under the Sustaining Progress agreement. It is my understanding, however, that, on 5 September 2005, the Labour Court's recommendations were rejected by the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers Union. A three-week cooling off period has followed in which every effort was made by the parties to resolve the issues. I understand that, following a special delegate conference, the union has now decided to ballot its membership for industrial action up to and including strike action. The ballot will be concluded by Friday, 21 October.

With regard to the future of the post office network, the Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

As a commercial company, the challenge ahead for An Post is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers, while attracting new customers into the post office. An Post has already had some success in winning new business and continues to benefit from a considerable amount of Government business, especially in the areas of social welfare payments and savings products. In addition, a pilot project is under way which involves the automation of ten small post offices.

In light of the need to ensure the long-term viability of the network, An Post is working on a new initiative which would see the development of An Post financial services. Its aim is to supply a wide range of retail financial services through the branch network. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business.

Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Telecommunications Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

116 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the cost of the .ie domain; the current poor take-up rate of the .ie domain; and his plans to reform the regulation of the .ie domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27874/05]

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

The management of the .ie domain name is carried out by IE Domain Name Registry Limited. It is responsible for the setting of the fees and for the day-to-day management of all aspects of the administration of the registry. The registry recently announced that it has over 50,000 customers.

In relation to the regulation of the .ie domain name, I propose to bring proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas in the forthcoming electronic communications (miscellaneous provisions) Bill.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

117 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the decision made by the regulator in regard to the development of wind generated electricity here; his plans to issue instructions or directions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28067/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the decision made by the regulator in regard to the development of wind generated electricity here; his plans to issue instructions or directions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28112/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 240 together.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is an independent body under paragraph 9 in the Schedule to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. I have no statutory function in this matter.

Port Development.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

118 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on his policy to boost capacity at Irish ports; the details of these new port initiatives as recently announced; the way in which the proposed new port of Bremore will be incorporated in these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27894/05]

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

In January of this year, I launched the Government's ports policy statement. The policy statement aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs. One of the key challenges that lies ahead is the provision of adequate in-time port capacity, particularly for unitised trade. The policy statement sets out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.

As an initial step, the Department sought information from the commercial ports which handle unit load cargo on key projects identified by them as essential to deal with anticipated capacity deficiencies to 2014 and beyond and whether the ports see these as being funded from their own resources or in partnership with the private sector. In its response to this request, Drogheda Port Company provided information to the Department concerning its proposal for the development of a new deepwater port at Bremore. The timeframe for the proposed development and the preparation of a detailed business plan are matters for Drogheda Port Company in the first instance.

As indicated in the ports policy statement, it is intended to prioritise a range of projects catering for unitised traffic at our commercial ports from an overall economic national and regional perspective, as opposed to the perceived requirements of individual ports. To that end, the Department recently appointed Fisher Associates consultants to advise on refining the criteria to be used for project evaluation; drawing up a uniform template for submission of detailed project proposals; assessing the scope for efficiencies within existing areas of ports handling unitised trade; and evaluating the projects submitted with a view to the Department's recommendations to Government. As an initial step in their assignment, I understand that Fisher Associates will shortly consult with ports, including Drogheda, and other key stakeholders in relation to the criteria to be used for project evaluation.

Fisheries Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

119 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the recently established Regional Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27893/05]

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

The Regional Advisory Council to which the Deputy refers is the RAC for north western waters. This covers the waters to the north, west and south of Ireland, to the west of Scotland, the Irish Sea and the English Channel; which are the waters of primary interest to Irish fishermen. I was delighted to welcome the RAC to Dublin Castle for its inaugural meeting on 30 September.

This is the third of a proposed seven RACs to come into being. The principle of establishing RACs was agreed as part of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2002, as a means of increasing stakeholder involvement in and ownership of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, as well as improving communications and relations between fishermen and other stakeholders. The mechanism for establishing RACs was agreed at political level in May 2004 under the Irish Presidency of the EU. Subsequently, Bord Iascaigh Mhara was appointed as the secretariat of the north western waters RAC. The Commission declared the RAC operational on 22 September 2005.

The structure of the RAC for north western waters consists of a general assembly, an executive committee and four area-based working groups. These consist of two thirds fishing industry representatives and one third other stakeholders. The six member states involved in the RAC are Ireland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. The general assembly of the RAC will meet at least once a year. The executive committee will be the main decision-making body of the RAC, consisting of 24 members and meeting at least three times per year. The working groups will carry out the detailed work of the RAC which will then be considered by the executive committee.

I am delighted at the successful inauguration of the RAC on 30 September. I am especially pleased that the RAC has signalled an intention of getting down to business quickly by holding its first working group meetings early next month. This will enable it to have an input into the process following the publication of scientific advice on the state of the stocks and leading up to the decisions on total allowable catches, quotas and fishing effort limitation to be made at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. It is by having a meaningful input into the serious issues facing the sector that the RACs can establish their credibility and contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, and I am confident that they can achieve this objective.

Mobile Telephony.

Jack Wall

Question:

120 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the 3G mobile rollout across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27876/05]

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

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. Rollout of 3G mobile telephony is an operational matter for the 3G licence holders.

Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under section 10 (1)(d) of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Offshore Exploration.

Seán Ryan

Question:

121 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide an assessment of the current state of play with the Corrib gas pipeline development in relation to the safety audit and mediation; when building will re-commence on the project; if he will report on the manner in which consents were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27859/05]

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

The Deputy will be aware that I received a positive response to my indication that the Government would appoint a mediator provided both sides indicated their willingness to participate in the mediation process. I am in the process of identifying a mediator to undertake this work.

On 25 August last I appointed Advantica consultants to conduct a safety review of the Corrib onshore upstream gas pipeline. This review is currently under way. The review includes a public consultation process and a two-day public hearing in the locality. The public hearing commenced this morning. Pending the outcome of this review, Shell E&P Ireland Limited has, at my request, ceased all works on the onshore pipeline. In addition, it has ceased works on the offshore pipeline to allow for a period of public discussion and dialogue. The company will use this time to address remaining public concerns.

The development of the Corrib gas field has received all required approvals and consents from my Department as required by law. My Department is responsible for the regulatory aspects of petroleum exploration and development. Authorisations were granted for the Corrib gas field under a number of provisions. Under the Continental Shelf Act 1968, authorisation was given for the construction of the sub-sea facilities within the continental shelf designated areas by my predecessor. My predecessor also gave consent for the plan for the development of the field under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960. Under the Gas Act 1976, as amended, consent was given for the construction of a gas pipeline from the gas field through the offshore up to the terminal building. A foreshore licence was also granted under the Foreshore Acts. In accordance with EU environmental impact assessment directives, an environmental impact statement was carried out and submitted with each application for consent or approval.

Fisheries Protection.

Dan Boyle

Question:

122 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role he has played in the investigation into the alleged malpractice in the reporting of mackerel catch quotas in Donegal ports; and his views on the matter. [27834/05]

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

When this matter was brought to my attention, I arranged to have the matter formally referred to the Garda Síochána with a request for an investigation. I understand that the gardaí are conducting an investigation into the matter. That investigation is solely a matter for the Garda Síochána and I have no role in that investigation. As the timeframe and conduct of the investigation are matters solely for the gardaí, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further or make a statement on the matter.

Broadcasting Fund.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

123 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the funding scheme which was introduced under the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 will be available to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/05]

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

The EU Commission recently notified Ireland of its decision not to object to the proposed broadcasting funding scheme on the basis that it considers that the scheme is compatible with the relevant provisions of the EC treaty. I will now write to the chairman of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland formally approving the scheme. This will allow the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to launch the scheme and to invite applications.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

125 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of activity on each of the metropolitan area networks in operation during the first six months of 2005 in relation to the development telecommunications infrastructure; and the overall value in sales from those transactions. [27838/05]

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

E-net has taken charge of all 19 metropolitan area networks under phase 1 of the MANs programme. This handover phase has been ongoing over the course of the last year with different networks coming on stream at different stages. It is E-net's responsibility to manage, maintain and operate the networks. Activity has now begun on the networks with several customer contracts being signed by E-net, including arrangements for backhaul. The details of these contracts are commercially sensitive and are a matter for E-net.

Alternative Energy Projects.

John Gormley

Question:

126 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason he restricted the feed-in fixed price tariff support system to 400 MW of installed power; if he will extend such a support system to include offshore wind farms and the wide variety of new biomass technologies which could provide a consistent and secure source of energy supply; and the reason for the restrictions in the development of new renewable resources when the fixed prices are in many cases below the best new entrant price for a gas fired power station as estimated by the energy regulator. [27840/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

180 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to increase the provision of renewable energy following the report from the Commission for Energy Regulation which estimates that the cost of electricity is set to rise significantly due to higher fuel costs and rising carbon emission costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 180 together.

Ireland has a renewable electricity target of 13.2% of electricity consumption to be sourced from renewable technologies by 2010. To meet this target Ireland needs in the region of 1,450 MW of renewable capacity connected. Currently Ireland has 675 MW of renewable capacity connected with a further 175 MW under active construction. This consists of 400 MW of wind, 240 MW of hydro with the balance made up of different biomass technologies. Further development will also take place from the last two rounds of competitive tendering, the AER V and AER VI competitions.

To, at a minimum, achieve our target, 400 MW of new renewable capacity will be supported and this will be increased to accommodate any slippage rates from previous competitions.

Earlier this year I announced, in outline form, the next support programme to further increase the contribution to electricity production from renewable energy sources. This new programme will move away from the competitive tendering model to a fixed price scheme. This means that any applicant, whether an individual or company, may submit an application at a fixed price based on technology and, in the case of wind, the capacity of the project. There are ample proposed onshore projects available to deliver the capacity that can be connected without compromising the continuity of electricity supplies generally. However, the cost to consumers of supporting additional offshore projects is significantly higher than similar onshore projects. A total of 85 MWs is one conservative estimate of the short-term market interest in offshore projects. The net additional cost above the onshore costs of supporting 85 MW of offshore wind capacity is calculated at €139 million over the guaranteed 15 years, at June 2005 energy prices. This additional charge, plus VAT, would add directly to the cost of the public service obligation levy.

The detailed draft terms and conditions of the proposed feed-in support programme were posted on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in draft form, on 29 September last and interested parties have until today to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals, as published. Following a consideration of any details raised the new programme, to be known as the renewable energy feed-in tariff, REFIT, will be put in place.

Port Development.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

127 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current position regarding the sale of lands at the former Irish Glass Bottle factory site; if he will also outline the position regarding the port company’s plans for a second site opposite the Point Depot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27898/05]

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

On 17 June 2005 Dublin Port Company wrote to me to the effect that the company had received notices of intention from a tenant to acquire the fee simple interest at the Irish Glass Bottle site. In the first instance, this is a matter for the company and I understand it is procuring legal advice in the matter. Dublin Port Company has a number of legal defences available to it and these will be relied on to the fullest extent. This is a complex and technical area of law and Dublin Port Company is taking further legal advice in the matter.

Turning to the second element of the question concerning the port company's plans for a second site opposite the Point Depot, the Department received a letter from Dublin Port Company on 18 May 2005 requesting ministerial approval for its proposal to enter into an arrangement with a consortium as detailed in draft heads of terms attached to the letter. This agreement relates to a plot of land opposite the Point Depot. The company states that, in essence, the proposal provides that, in the event that the consortium is successful in its bid for the development of the national conference centre and appropriate planning and other consents issue in respect of the national conference centre, Dublin Port Company will make available a site in order to facilitate the development of the national conference centre together with further and complementary commercial development.

I can inform the Deputy that some advice has been received from the Attorney General on 29 July 2005 in this matter and that further advice is awaited. A reply to the Dublin Port Company letter of 18 May 2005 requesting ministerial approval in this matter will issue when all the necessary advice is to hand and fully considered.

Post Office Network.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

128 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices in place on 1 October 2005; the number on 1 January 1999; the progress being made towards computerisation; the number of post offices currently linked in this system; his views on whether the post office service is a vital link especially in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27826/05]

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

On 1 January 1999 there were 1,911 post offices in the post office network. As of 1 October last, there were 1,425 post offices. The Deputy should note that of this reduction of 486 in the number of post offices, 306 can be accounted for by postmasters who availed of the terms of the agency conversion scheme since its inception in 2002. The Deputy should also note that, to date, An Post has established 2,864 postpoint outlets in retail premises of which 600 can be used for bill payment.

The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

With regard to computerisation of non-automated offices, the automated network accounts for over 95% of An Post's counter business. This means that the 996 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 429 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. This figure clearly illustrates the level of business transacted by individual non-automated offices. The current level of automated coverage is considered by An Post to be extremely comprehensive by any objective standard and this level of coverage makes it difficult to justify on either customer service or economic grounds the extension of automation to all offices, regardless of their location or business volumes.

Automation of the post office network was completed in 1997. It is, therefore, only in very exceptional circumstances, such as an existing automated office closing and its equipment being transferred to a suitable neighbouring location which transacts significant volumes of welfare business, that offices are automated today. Nevertheless, I have asked An Post to undertake a pilot project to automate a selected number of non-automated offices to gauge the effect on new business. Ten post offices have been selected for automation and the results of the pilot project will be evaluated following the trial period.

Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Telecommunications Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

Question:

Question:

283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding Ireland’s place in the international European league in availability of broadband services and the likelihood of the provision of same in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 148, 156, 177, 257, 259, 262 and 283 together.

In late 2004, I set a Government target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006. Subsequently, broadband subscriber numbers have grown by 73%, in the nine months since I set that target, to reach approximately 175,000 by the end of July 2005.

There has been no change in the Government target of 400,000 subscribers by the end of 2006. When I set that target, I made it clear to the telecommunications industry that it should be even more ambitious in its broadband plans. I challenged it to increase the roll-out and take-up of broadband services to reach 500,000 by the end of 2006, surpassing the Government target for the same period. I am confident these targets can be achieved.

The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent regulator, ComReg. ComReg's register of authorised undertakings lists no less than 169 companies offering Internet access services in Ireland with a wide variety of service levels.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has a broadband website, www.broadband.gov.ie, which gives prices, service levels, locations and contact details of 44 service providers offering a wide range of broadband services from 0.256 megabits per second to 56 megabits per second, using a range of delivery platforms such as cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite. A range of broadband technologies can deliver broadband to any customer in Ireland.

The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors. These include access by the private sector service providers to suitable infrastructure, as well as competition between broadband service providers and demand conditions for broadband in the economy. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities nationwide in association with the local and regional authorities. It is also offering funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to support the roll-out of broadband services through the county and group broadband scheme, under which 150 projects have already been approved covering over 450 communities. The provision of broadband to all primary and post-primary schools has now begun and will be completed by early 2006.

Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on the website of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, www.dcmnr.gov.ie.

Radio Frequency Spectrum.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

135 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the European Commission’s proposals for a single market for radio waves; the effect of this on the licensing radio spectrum here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27884/05]

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

The recent communication from the European Commission to Council and Parliament outlined its proposals for changes in how the radio spectrum should be managed. It is the initial stage of the process and Ireland will actively participate in the process.

Traditionally, the radio spectrum has been licensed on the basis of assigning particular frequency bands for specific uses though variations arise between different member states. This is often referred to as a command and control approach. This approach no longer seems appropriate for electronic communications services in a world of accelerated technical development, where compartmentalisation of services becomes increasingly difficult due to digitisation and convergence with a technology being able to deliver a combination of communications services, such as television, telephony and broadband access.

The radio spectrum is managed by member states at the national level and in international co-ordination. The Commission's proposals focus on the development of a harmonised framework and on the introduction of new approaches for managing the radio spectrum, such as a market-based approach. Member states will continue to manage the spectrum in the future.

Internet Governance.

Mary Upton

Question:

136 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the negotiations for the future of Internet governance and existence of ICANN; if he will be attending the world summit on the information society in Tunis in November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27869/05]

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

Internet governance is one of the main issues scheduled to be discussed at the forthcoming world summit on the information society in Tunis. At the first world summit in Geneva in December 2003, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, requested a working group be set up to look at Internet governance. While the working group published its report in July 2005, several outstanding issues remain to be addressed. These issues were further discussed in a preparatory conference in Geneva that ended on Friday, 30 September.

As there is no agreed position across the United Nations on Internet governance it is proposed to hold a further meeting immediately prior to the summit in the hope an agreed position can be endorsed by the summit. A decision on attendance by me at the summit will be made nearer the date of the conference based on the final documents of the conference, the level of attendance from other countries and any possible national strategic advantages that might arise from attendance.

Postal Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

137 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent deterioration in postal delivery service around the country; if An Post will be in a position to meet the full demand at Christmas; if the universal service obligation is being fully implemented; the steps he is taking to ensure it is upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/05]

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

Matters relating to quality and levels of postal service are a matter in the first instance for the management and board of An Post.

ComReg, in accordance with the provisions of SI 616 of 2002 European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations, is responsible for the monitoring, measurement and regulation of the postal sector including measuring the levels of service to be achieved by An Post and ensuring the company abides by its statutory universal service obligations.

The quality service target for the nationwide next-day delivery of single piece priority mail set for An Post by ComReg during 2004 was 94%. The results of the measurement of compliance with this target reported that 78% of national mail was delivered the next day during the most recent measurement period. This represents an improvement of 8% on the similar period last year.

Energy Resources.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

138 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the failure to spend €5 million of the budget for sustainable energy in 2005 following on from the underspend of €15 million in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27947/05]

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

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of natural resources in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28123/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in respect of future policy for the development of oil or gas resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28141/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142, 251 and 268 together.

Ireland has two gas producing fields, namely the Kinsale-Ballycotton field and Seven Heads field. Kinsale-Ballycotton is in serious depletion now. We do not have any oil producing fields. The Corrib gas field is due to go into production in the next few years.

Before oil and gas resources can be developed, they must first be discovered. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources takes an active role in the promotion of petroleum exploration. Earlier this year, an area in the Rockall Basin was opened for licensing and two exploration licences were awarded. In March 2006, certain areas in the Slyne, Donegal and Erris Basins will be made available for licensing. This policy of opening areas occasionally for licensing in licensing rounds will continue into the future.

The terms governing petroleum exploration and development are kept under review by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. These terms are designed to encourage exploration in the Irish offshore. There are no immediate plans to reform the terms. Exploration and development of minerals is undertaken by private enterprise and regulated under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. All extraction of minerals under the Acts is subject to payment of royalties to the State. While those Acts will be consolidated and updated in a new minerals development Bill in preparation, it is not proposed to change that policy.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

143 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the postponement of the broadcasting Bill to 2006; and the reason there has been such a long delay in introducing this legislation. [27841/05]

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

The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new broadcasting Bill include the establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters; the establishment of RTE as a company under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2003; the provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee; the development of the right-of-reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress.

Work on developing the legislative proposals needed to address these issues commenced following the passing of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Amendment Act 2003. Advancement of these proposals has taken longer than originally anticipated due to the complexity and range of issues which require to be addressed. However, good progress has been made and proposals will be brought to the Government later this year, with publication of the broadcasting Bill in 2006. The legislative proposals will ensure the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters.

Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Joe Costello

Question:

145 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the recent biofuels initiative; his views on the replacement support pricing mechanism for the AER scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/05]

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

In 2004, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a pilot scheme for mineral oil tax relief for biofuels which is designed either to produce biofuel or test the technical viability of biofuel for use as motor fuel.

A scheme under the Act was subsequently agreed between the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of Finance and received state aid clearance from the EU Commission in March 2005. Under the scheme, mineral oil tax relief may be granted for pilot projects producing up to 6 million litres per annum of pure plant oil, 1 million litres per annum of biodiesel and 1 million litres per annum of bioethanol.

A total of 34 applications were received under the call for proposals by the closing date. Applications were received under all three categories of biofuel. A total of eight successful projects were selected, comprising four pure plant oil projects, three biodiesel projects and one bioethanol project and excise relief of €6 million has been granted to the successful applicants over two years commencing in August 2005.

Ireland has a renewable electricity target of 13.2% of electricity consumption to be sourced from renewable technologies by 2010. To meet this target Ireland needs in the region of 1,450 MW of renewable capacity connected. Ireland has 675 MW of renewable capacity connected with a further 175 MW under active construction. This consists of 400 MW of wind, 240 MW of hydro with the balance made up of different biomass technologies. Further development will take place from the last two rounds of competitive tendering, the AER V and AER VI competitions. To achieve our target, a minimum of 400 MW of new renewable capacity will be supported and will be increased to accommodate any slippage rates from previous competitions.

Earlier this year I announced, in outline form, the next support programme to further increase the contribution to electricity production from renewable energy sources. This new programme will move away from the competitive tendering model to a fixed price scheme. This means that any applicant, whether an individual or company, may submit an application at a fixed price based on technology and, in the case of wind, the capacity of the project.

The detailed draft terms and conditions of the proposed feed-in support programme were posted on the website Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in draft form, on 29 September last and interested parties have until today to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals, as published. Following a detailed analysis of the matters raised the new programme, to be known as the renewable energy feed in tariff, will be put in place.

Post Office Network.

Liam Twomey

Question:

146 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the initiatives he has taken to improve the viability prospects of An Post and post offices in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28074/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the initiatives he has taken to improve the viability prospects of An Post and post offices in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28105/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 233 together.

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network is a matter for the board and management of An Post. There will continue to be a key national role for An Post, both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing globally and meeting customer needs has become more important than ever. To remain competitive, An Post needs to make the best possible use of its long established and trusted brand name and deploy its resources in a manner which continues to serve existing customers' needs and attracts additional customers for a range of new services.

There is agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future. With this in mind, the board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan outlining the steps including comprehensive restructuring and cost savings, which are vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing.

I have emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the company to work together in a partnership approach and to utilise the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, where necessary, to agree and implement the recovery strategy to bring about the cost savings and productivity growth required to return the company to financial stability and prepare for the challenges ahead. The Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

As a commercial company, the challenge ahead for An Post is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers, while attracting new customers into the post office. An Post has already had some success in winning new business and continues to benefit from a considerable amount of Government business, especially in the areas of social welfare payments and savings products.

Having an automated network is an important prerequisite to avail of the opportunities for additional business. At present 95% of An Post's business is conducted through automated offices. In order to gauge the impact of automation on business generation, I asked the company to initiate a pilot project to automate ten small post offices. This project is under way and the results of the project will be evaluated after the trial period has come to an end. Furthermore, at my request, An Post is working on a new initiative, which could see the development and expansion of the range of financial services that it can deliver through its network of post offices. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business and contribute to the viability of the network.

Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Question No. 148 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Question No. 149 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

European Council Meetings.

Joe Costello

Question:

150 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the Irish proposals on quotas and efforts that will be advanced at the December 2005 Fisheries Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27895/05]

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

Total allowable catches, TACs,for the various fish stocks are established each December by the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, taking account of scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea on the state of the stocks. This scientific advice is being finalised and will be published in the coming weeks. This advice will be reviewed by the scientific, technical, economic committee for fisheries, a group of independent scientific, technical and economic experts appointed by the European Commission. The Commission will then bring forward its proposals for all stocks taking account of both the international council's advice and the comments of the Scientific, Technical, Economic Committee for Fisheries. These proposals will be considered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December.

The Commission's proposals for 2006 will be considered in the context of the scientific advice, current measures in place, including recovery plans and effort restrictions, and in consultation with industry representatives in order to determine a national position, taking account of the need to achieve sustainable fishing opportunities for the Irish industry.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

151 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce a capital grant system for the purchase of wood fired, geothermal or solar heating system as exists in Northern Ireland. [27835/05]

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

Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, established as a statutory agency in May 2002, implements a wide variety of programmes on energy efficiency and renewable energy on behalf of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Under SEI's house of tomorrow research, development and demonstration programme, financial support is directed at encouraging developers of housing, both new-build and refurbishment, to incorporate design and technology features, which deliver significantly superior energy and CO2 performance. By targeting developers of schemes of houses, from the private or social housing sectors, the aim has been to establish over several years a nationwide network of accessible examples of more sustainable energy design and technology practices. Together with other promotional measures by SEI, this is intended to encourage a sufficient degree of market replication, without subsidy, to elevate energy performance standards across the wider housing stock. This targeted approach is also designed to be an administratively efficient method for deployment of public moneys.

To date, the programme has committed over €9 million in funding to 48 projects comprising a total 2,269 housing units. All feature an integrated approach to design, orientation, building fabric and energy supply and use, that achieves performance of at least 20% better than current building regulations and in the majority of projects, 40% better. The sustainable energy features across the range of projects funded include solar hot water systems, ground source heat pumps, condensing boilers, group heating schemes and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery along with higher levels of insulation.

The programme has been directed at suppliers and developers of housing, rather than individual householders. This is because the house of tomorrow is a research and development support scheme, not a home improvement grants scheme. It is seeking projects of sufficient scale and impact to influence wide application of the practices and technologies demonstrated. An effective way to achieve this is by means of clusters of homes that will provide regionally visible and accessible examples which can be replicated. Overall, integrated developments are encouraged. A key need in moving towards more energy efficient planning and construction practices in Irish homes is to develop the necessary awareness and capability within the construction industry. SEI, through its consumer awareness programmes, seeks to increase the demand for energy efficiency amongst homeowners and occupants. House of tomorrow, as a research, development and demonstration programme, supports the development and demonstration of capability in the industry to deliver higher quality energy efficient homes to meet such a demand. The aim is to increase standards and practices across the industry as a whole.

Regular reviews are conducted on all SEI's funding programmes. Factors entering any such consideration include the establishment of consumer product standards, supplier capability and installation quality assurance systems appropriate to consumer markets. This is in addition to the core requirements of energy and CO2 saving impact, market impact potential, administrative efficiency and ultimately, value for money for the taxpayer.

Funding for SEI is determined on an annual basis. SEI submits a proposed work programme for the coming year along with a budget for each of its programmes, such as the house of tomorrow programme, to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Any increase in funding required for these programmes would have budgetary implications and could only be considered in the light of the overall budgetary requirements of SEI and the level of funding available to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

I am keen to see a wider take up of energy-efficient technology in design, building and use of homes. Many of the measures involved are self-financing, with payback periods of as little as two or three years. Increasing the energy efficiency of our building stock reduces our energy imports, reduces our CO2 emissions and saves money for the individual household and for the Exchequer.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

152 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the proposed decommissioning scheme for whitefish trawlers (details supplied) will include mechanisms to provide the crews of these trawlers with adequate compensatory measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27892/05]

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

The fundamental aim of the fishing vessel scrapping scheme, recently announced, is to secure the permanent withdrawal of excess capacity in both the whitefish and shellfish sectors. The withdrawal premia payable under the scheme are the maximum permitted by EU regulations and are related specifically to the permanent removal of the fishing vessels concerned from the EU register of sea fishing vessels. The scheme implements the recommendations of the Padraic White report, Decommissioning Requirements for Ireland's Demersal and Shellfish fleets, presented to me in early July. The report does not provide for the payment to the crews of the vessels concerned.

While the scrapping scheme will remove boats from the fleet right around the coast, the majority of the fleet will continue fishing and will continue to need crew. Many skippers have great difficulty securing crew as there is an overall shortage reflecting the strong performance of the economy generally. In this situation, good opportunities remain for crew members whose current boats are leaving the fleet.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

153 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the likely level of excess carbon emissions from the electricity generating sector above the amount allocated under the European emissions trading system for 2005; and if the trading price for such emissions will have an effect on the future cost of electricity to the Irish public. [27842/05]

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

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has overall responsibility for the management of the EU emissions trading scheme in Ireland. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for operating and monitoring the scheme with participants being legally obliged to report their emissions levels on an annual basis to the agency. The Commission for Energy Regulation is responsible for setting electricity prices. Accordingly, I have no function in the matters raised in the Deputy's question.

Fisheries Protection.

Jack Wall

Question:

154 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding salmon stocks here; his plans for establishing a buy-out scheme for drift-netting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27864/05]

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

The Government has consistently ruled out buy-out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and has instead, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be acquired by the State in a publicly funded buy-out of commercial salmon licences nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase.

As a result I have no plans to introduce a buy-out of commercial salmon fishing licences. However, I am continuing to review the matter in the context of the policy outlined above. In this regard, I would be open to any relevant proposals presented to me whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch would engage in the first instance with licence holders and indicate a willingness to address any compensation issues that might arise. Broad outline proposals have been submitted to me recently, which I intend to consider in the context of any review of policy. Since taking up my appointment I have reaffirmed the Government's belief that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

In national terms, the latest scientific advice on wild salmon stocks is that 359,002 wild salmon returned in 2004 including 191,579 spawners. Data for 2005 will not be available until full analysis of the exploitation during the 2005 season has been completed by the fisheries boards and the Marine Institute. While there remains an abundance of salmon returning to Irish rivers, the Government has accepted the scientific advice that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide. For this reason, current Government policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limits as soon as possible. In keeping with this policy, when setting the commercial salmon quotas for the 2005 season, I gave a firm commitment to fully align the exploitation of salmon, both at national and district levels, on the scientific advice by 2007. To achieve this, I have asked the new National Salmon Commission to advise as to how best the alignment of exploitation of salmon with the scientific advice can be implemented by 2007.

Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 156 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Postal Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

157 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with the An Post management and the workforce in An Post; the best options for the future development of the postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28076/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

232 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with the An Post management and the workforce in An Post; the best options for the future development of the postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28103/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 232 together.

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network, is in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. An Post plays a key role, both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. However, there is universal agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future.

The board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan, incorporating details of a proposed new collection and delivery service, vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing. The plan has assumed significant changes in work practices, tariff increases and the payment of wage increases. It sets out the way forward for the company. Adoption of restructuring that delivers real change is the only way that An Post workers can look forward to receiving pay increases in line with other sectors.

To progress the change agenda, I have met with representatives of An Post management on eight occasions over the past 12 months. I have also met twice with representatives of the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers' Union and met also with representatives of the Irish Postmasters' Union on three occasions. I have listened with interest to the views of all parties concerned on the future of the network. I have emphasised to all parties the importance of an early start to the company's modernisation and that both sides must engage directly to resolve long-standing and deep-seated problems besetting the company.

Fisheries Protection.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

158 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the level of drift-netting for wild salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28037/05]

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

Since taking up my appointment as Minister of State, I have reaffirmed the Government's acceptance of the scientific advice that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide. For this reason, current Government policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limits as soon as possible. In keeping with this policy, when setting the commercial salmon quotas for the 2005 season, I gave a firm commitment to fully align the exploitation of salmon, both at national and district levels, on the scientific advice by 2007.

To achieve this, I have asked the new National Salmon Commission to advise as to how best the alignment of exploitation of salmon with the scientific advice can be implemented by 2007. This must be done bearing in mind the requirement to ensure the future biological viability of the salmon resource in all catchments and also the needs of all stakeholders, including those who derive their living from the wild salmon resource. I will examine carefully all recommendations, including those relevant to drift-netting, made by the salmon commission in this regard.

Electricity Generation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

159 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of a distributed electricity grid system here; and the measures which are being put in place to ensure that current investment in the upgrade of the national grid will facilitate such a development. [27836/05]

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

It is general policy to support development of distributed generation where economically feasible. Under the oversight of the Commission for Energy Regulation several measures have been put in place to ensure the development of a grid system that will facilitate the development of distributed or embedded generation. The commission has introduced an autoproducer tariff to ensure equitable treatment for distributed, embedded, and autoproducer generation.

The grid upgrade development programme funding is being used to invest in the network in advance of the connection of embedded generation where appropriate. The commission provides financial support for research and is funding a research project in this area. The refurbishment of the distribution network and the building of new substations will ensure the capacity and reliability of the distribution system. The sum of €1.25 billion will be spent reinforcing and renewing the distribution network in the coming five years.

The ESB distribution grid has been designed to distribute electricity from higher voltage input points to lower voltage premises, homes and businesses. This is the traditional design of electricity distribution networks, and is the most efficient method of guaranteeing good quality electricity supply across large geographical areas and to large numbers of customers. The investment by ESB Networks in the network renewal programme is designed to refurbish the existing medium voltage network and improve the quality of supply to electricity users. ESB Networks typically needs to upgrade the distribution networks to facilitate the connection of embedded generation. This work is carried out on a project-by-project basis where connection agreements with generators have been signed and the costs of these works are borne by the generator. It would not be economically feasible to upgrade the entire network to allow embedded generation at any point on the distribution network as this would require a great many additional substations and overhead lines to be built around the country.

Micro-combined heat and power is not a major feature of the Irish distribution network at this stage. A micro-combined heat and power unit would require the installation of an input-output meter to record levels of electricity travelling into and out of the premises. There is no EU standard for input-output meters. The ESB is working in co-operation with the EU to develop a standard that is expected in 2007. The ESB is monitoring the installation of any input-output meters on the distribution grid to gauge the efficiency of the units and any implications these units have for local networks. For example, if a large number of micro-combined heat and power plants were outputting electricity at the same time in one locality it may result in a power surge to neighbouring premises. There are further regulatory matters surrounding tariff prices and spill prices for electricity produced by micro-combined heat and power units.

Domestic customers wishing to install micro-generation units without a requirement to sell their exported units can do so on a fit-and-inform basis, that is, the customer advises ESB Networks of the unit being installed. In most of these cases the actual amount of units being exported would be small, if any. In recent years there has been a rapid development of smaller generation and renewable generation. There is approximately 420 MW of embedded generation plant, that is, connected to the lower voltage distribution system or at a directly-connected demand customer's site. This figure comprises combined heat and power schemes and small thermal units, and renewable generation from wind, small hydro, landfill gas and biomass sources. In the longer term there may be issues, specifically around wind generation, which would result from significant penetration of distributed generation. The commission for energy regulation is monitoring developments in this area.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

160 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has finalised his proposals for public and private broadcasting in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28052/05]

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

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

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

Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences.

Question No. 161 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

162 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he sought or received information from the regulator with a view to identification of the future role of alternative fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28024/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he sought or received information from the regulator with a view to identification of the future role of alternative fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28147/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 274 together.

Within the electricity market a target is established to increase the amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources to 13.2% by 2010 as an alternative to existing fossil and carbon fuel sources. This is regarded as a challenging target to achieve. The new fixed price feed-in tariff support programme, recently announced, will stimulate market interest. The work-programme of the renewable energy development group has progressed many of the technical and administrative challenges which could have impeded us delivering the target.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is an active participant in the work of the group. In addition to this work within the group, the commission is also an active participant in the north-south all-island market strategy steering group and participates actively in the cross-Border programme to deliver an all-island vision for renewable energy to the year 2020 as part of a long term strategy for renewable energy on the island as a whole.

Question No. 163 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

164 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for public and private broadcasting in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28051/05]

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

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

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

Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences.

Energy Resources.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

165 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of events in the USA and UK and the difficulties in refining capacity, the effect this will have on the security of supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27890/05]

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

Ireland is a member of the International Energy Agency, IEA, an OECD body which, inter alia, monitors developments in the international oil market. The IEA keeps the oil market situation under constant review. As a member of the IEA, Ireland is required to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports of crude oil equivalent in the previous year. The EU imposes a similar requirement based on consumption. At 1 August 2005 Ireland’s oil stock reserves were estimated at 124 days net imports. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has contingency arrangements in place to deal with major oil supply disruptions. In the event of a significant global oil supply crisis, Ireland’s oil reserves would be eked out over an extended period to supplement commercial supplies which would continue to be available, albeit at a reduced level, in the normal course. Reserves provide cover for periods far in excess of their expression in terms of number of days.

There would be no question of Ireland attempting to deal on its own with an international oil supply disruption. If such a crisis were to occur, the response, including the release of emergency stocks and the identification of alternative sources of supply, would take place within the framework of the formal emergency regime developed and maintained by the IEA.

With regard to the recent hurricanes which hit the US, IEA member countries agreed on 2 September 2005 to offer a total of some 60 million barrels of crude oil equivalent to the market over 30 days as a measure to offset production and refining losses. In accordance with IEA rules, the contributions were based on agreed shares of oil consumption. Ireland's contribution, 0.4% of the total required, amounted to a draw on NORA stocks of some 33,000 metric tonnes of gasoline, equivalent to one and a half days of stock reserves. The cargo was sold, via a tender procedure, and has been shipped to the US.

With regard to the UK, while there was a recent threat of a blockade of refineries this did not actually occur and consequently there was no disruption to supplies into Ireland. In the event that such a disruption had materialised I have significant legislative powers to address the situation. Short-term disruptions would probably be met by a drawdown of Government stocks held by the National Oil Reserves Agency into the Irish market.

Notwithstanding the stockdraw and normal commercial fluctuations in the volumes of industry stocks that occur, I am satisfied Ireland's emergency stock levels are more than sufficient to ensure we would be in a position to participate effectively in any further internationally co-ordinated response in the event of a world oil supply crisis or manage any short-term disruption specifically impacting on the Irish market.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Joan Burton

Question:

166 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadcasting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27880/05]

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

Work is continuing on the development of legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new broadcasting Bill. The priority issues to be addressed by the legislative proposals that will form the basis of a new broadcasting Bill include the establishment of a single content regulator for commercial, community and public service broadcasters; the establishment of RTE as a company under the Companies Acts 1963 to 2003; the provision of a statutory mechanism for future adjustments to the level of the television licence fee; the development of the right-of-reply mechanism, allowing persons whose reputation and good name have been damaged by an assertion of incorrect facts in a television or radio programme to gain redress. The legislative proposals will ensure the broadcasting regulatory environment continues to encourage the parallel development of high quality broadcasting by Irish public service, commercial and community broadcasters. I expect to be in a position to bring proposals to Government later this year, with publication of the Bill in 2006.

Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question No. 168 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Electricity Generation.

Mary Upton

Question:

169 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the state of industrial relations at the ESB; if this will have any effect on the security of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27887/05]

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

The state of industrial relations in ESB is a matter to be dealt with in accordance with the established industrial relations procedures within the company and is not one in which I have a function.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Simon Coveney

Question:

170 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of alternative energy projects funded to date with particular reference to renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28009/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of alternative energy projects funded to date with particular reference to renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28161/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 284 together.

My Department administers the alternative energy requirement, AER, competitions, the underlying principle of which is that prospective generators are invited to make a formal application to build, own and operate newly installed renewable energy based electricity generating plant and to supply electricity from these to the ESB under a power purchase agreement of up to 15 years. The additional costs of this programme are funded by a levy on all electricity customers known as the public service obligation, PSO, levy. So far, 61 renewable energy projects have received funding under this programme. Further projects currently under construction will receive funding through the PSO when commissioned.

To the best of my knowledge, six projects received funding under Thermie and one under Valoren. These are EU operated programmes and my Department is not involved in their administration.

Sustainable Energy Ireland's research and development programmes and alternative and renewable energy projects have been funded under the renewable energy research, design and development — demonstration projects and studies — and house of tomorrow — housing developments with renewable energy sourced heating — programmes. The number of projects in each category with committed funding is 150 projects in terms of renewable energy research, design and development and 21 in terms of the house of tomorrow programme.

I recently announced the next support programme to further increase the contribution to electricity production from renewable energy sources. This new programme will move away from the competitive tendering model to a fixed price scheme. The detailed draft terms and conditions of the proposed feed-in support programme were posted on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in draft form on 29 September and interested parties have until today to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals as published. Following a detailed analysis of the matters raised the new programme, to be known as the renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT, will be put in place. REFIT will further stimulate the construction of new renewable electricity generating plant. Successful projects under the programme will receive funding through the PSO.

Energy Efficiency.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

171 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he will take to ensure that Ireland will achieve the new European goal of 20% energy efficiency improvements by 2020. [27837/05]

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

The EU Commission has commenced a consultation process on its Green Paper, On Energy Efficiency Or Doing More With Less, which was published on 22 June. A broad consultation is taking place across all branches of Government to ensure a joined up and inclusive response to this initiative. There are three main ways to reduce our energy demand: eliminating waste, cutting back on demand, and using fuels more efficiently. Every stage of every process whether industrial, commercial or domestic will yield efficiencies when examined and all these savings will aggregate to form a substantial total. Even while preserving our economic growth, energy efficiency will allow us to reduce our energy demand, meaning a saving on fuel import bills, a contribution to our Kyoto commitment on greenhouse gases and a payback to the Exchequer and to individuals.

Electricity Generation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

172 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued or will issue instructions to the regulator with a view to achieving easier access to the national grid for medium and small energy producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28025/05]

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

At present, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, and these do not include a power to issue instructions on this matter. They are restricted solely to electricity trading arrangements.

Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Dan Boyle

Question:

174 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his role in the introduction of co-firing of biomass material in existing peat power stations here; and the impediments to the immediate introduction of such an initiative. [27833/05]

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

Last April, I announced that I was changing the renewable energy support mechanism from competitive tendering to a fixed feed in tariff mechanism. In September, I announced the support prices for different technology bands including general biomass price support.

The new fixed price tariffs are: large wind energy, over 5 MW, 5.7 cent per KW hour; small wind energy, under 5 MW, 5.9 cent per KW hour; biomass, landfill gas, 7 cent per KW hour; and hydro and other biomass technologies, 7.2 cent per KW hour. It is a matter for the peat station owners to determine the commercial viability of co-firing with other materials based on commercial and environmental considerations. However, the availability of price support as outlined above provides an incentive for fuel switching to be considered.

The detailed draft terms and conditions of the proposed feed in support programme were posted on the Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in draft form on 29 September and interested parties have until today to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals as published.

Postal Services.

Simon Coveney

Question:

175 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the non-payment of cost of living pay increases promised to An Post staff; his views on the likely consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the non-payment of cost of living pay increases promised to An Post staff; his views on the likely consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28129/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 256 together.

An Post is a commercial State body and the question of pay increases in the company is one in which I have no function. An Post has a remit to be financially viable and, following significant losses which amounted to €43 million in 2003 alone, An Post management invoked the "inability to pay" clause provided for in Sustaining Progress.

I believe that an agreement on a viable recovery plan is the only way forward for An Post to deliver quality services to our citizens while at the same time providing sustainable well paid employment for its staff. Therefore, the key challenge for the company is to return to long-term financial stability. In this regard, An Post unions and management were involved in intensive negotiations with the assistance of the State's industrial relations machinery in a bid to agree a recovery plan that will put the company on a sound footing. The question of Sustaining Progress related payments was addressed in a Labour Relations Commission, LRC, brokered process. Assessors appointed by the LRC recommended that An Post was in a position to pay a 5% increase to its employees. This increase, backdated to 1 January 2005, was paid to An Post employees and pensioners at the end of June 2005. I also understand that the assessors' report finds that An Post cannot afford any further elements of Sustaining Progress or the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress other than in the context of securing finalisation on rationalisation and restructuring requirements.

It is my understanding, however, that the An Post unions rejected the assessors' report in its entirety. The matter was then referred to the Labour Court which issued its recommendation on 13 July 2005. The court recommended that on acceptance of the recommendation made in a recent court appointed technical group's report on An Post's collection and delivery service and upon ratification by both parties of the draft agreement annexed to that recommendation, the company should arrange for payment of all 2005 and future increases due under Sustaining Progress. The court further recommended that all retrospective payments relating to the recent 5% increase paid by An Post be made as soon as the company is returned to reasonable and sustainable profit and when commercial circumstances permit.

I understand, however, that on 5 September 2005 the Labour Court's recommendations on the issues of Sustaining Progress and collection and delivery were rejected by the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers Union. It is my understanding that, following a special delegate conference, the union has now decided to ballot its membership for industrial action up to and including strike action. The ballot will be concluded by Friday 21 October.

Fisheries Protection.

Denis Naughten

Question:

176 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to address the impact of drift netting on the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27762/05]

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

The central and regional fisheries boards devote considerable effort and resources in collaboration with Tourism Ireland to the promotion of angling abroad. I understand, however, that the overall decline in angling tourism is not unique to Ireland but reflects a trend widespread in Europe. The report of the tourism policy review group to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in September 2003 observes a decline in activity holidays which is not confined to angling but also includes cycling and hill walking.

While I am aware of the argument that the affect of drift netting on salmon stocks is a reason for the decline in tourism angling in Ireland, I am not aware of any study that supports this premise. I am advised that Tourism Ireland is carrying out research among tour operators involved in promoting special activity holidays. Problems identified include rising costs and access to activities. Tourism Ireland has also identified angling among main areas of activity for which detailed marketing plans have been agreed, targeting the markets offering the best short-term return. Several other supporting activities are identified across all products including greater understanding of international trends in demand for special interest products.

It is my belief that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on scientific advice holds out the strongest prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

Question No. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Prospecting Licences.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

178 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if measures will be brought forward to reform the licensing and exploration system for regulating the exploitation of natural resources here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27896/05]

Marian Harkin

Question:

302 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the strategic environmental assessment reports for the offshore waters of Ireland, in particular the Corrib and Kinsale gas fields. [28365/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 302 together.

As part of the commitments in the programme for Government, I intend to bring forward proposals for a new Minerals Development Bill to consolidate and update legislation enacted between 1940 and 1999 regulating the non-petroleum minerals sector. Work is under way on this in my Department. I also intend bringing forward Bills to update the legislation governing petroleum exploration and development, namely the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 and the Continental Shelf Act 1968, and this work is also under way. The terms governing petroleum exploration and development are kept under constant review by my Department. These terms are designed to encourage exploration in the Irish offshore. I have no immediate plans to reform the terms at this time.

Question No. 179 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Question No. 180 answered with QuestionNo. 126.

Energy Efficiency.

Liz McManus

Question:

181 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the European Parliament’s proposal for a target of 20% alternative energy of the total energy market by 2020; his views on adopting this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/05]

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

Question No. 185 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

186 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details on the terms of the contract to operate the metropolitan area network; the methods in place to invigilate the performance of the operating company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27873/05]

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

Further to a competitive, public tender process, E-net was awarded the contract to manage, maintain, market and operate the MANs for a period of 15 years. E-net is an independent company based in Limerick and established solely for this purpose. Tight controls exist within the concession agreement to allow the Department to closely monitor E-net's performance. E-net formally reports to the Department on a quarterly basis and is obliged to file various documents throughout the contract term detailing its activities. E-net also publishes an annual set of accounts. The Department is at all times entitled to carry out an audit of the networks.

Question No. 187 answered with QuestionNo. 106.

Broadcasting Policy.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

190 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28349/05]

The Taoiseach

Details of all contracts awarded to outside consultants by my Department in respect of each year since 2000 are listed in table 1. Details in respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department are listed in table 2.

Table 1: Department of the Taoiseach
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2000-2002	PricewaterhouseCoopers	eCabinet Consultancy	152,094	152,094
2000	Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, UCD	Study of progress on Partnership	50,789	50,789
2000	Drury Communications	Development of PDMS pack	7,093	7,093
2000	IPA	Development of Guidelines for the preparation of strategy statements & assistance with customer action plans	4,916	4,916
2000	Dominic McCanny	Analysis of HRM Questionnaire	952	952
2000	BFK Design	Development of PDMS pack	14,134	14,134
2001	Hays Management Consultants	Effective systems of feedback on PMDS	45,170	45,774
2001	CBC	Customer Service Guidelines document	152	152
2001	Dr. Jane Pillinger	Equality Diversity Research	38,717	38,717
2001	Arthur Andersen	Management Information Framework	93,440	93,440
2001-2002	Mr. Alex Matheson, OECD	Evaluation of SMI	14,014	14,014
2001-2002	PA Consulting Group	Evaluation of SMI	471,036	491,992
2001	IPA	Preparation of HR Strategy Guidelines document	18,284	18,284
2001-2002	Oracle	Management Information framework	229,623	229,623
2001	Deloitte & Touche	Value for Money Audit of Mobile Phone services	7,618	7,618
2001	IBEC	Review of Health & Safety	4,889	4,889
2001	Hosca Management Consultants	Employee Opinion Survey	12,077	12,077
2002	Octagon Ltd	IT Strategic Principles	8,400	8,400
2002	Dr. Patrick Butler	Evaluation of Customer Action Plans	30,473	30,473
2002	Prof. Philip Lane	Commentary on Better Regulation Submissions	4,500	4,500
2002-2003	Bearing Point	HRMS	103,220	103,220
2003	Watson Wyatt	Employee Opinion Survey	21,300	21,300
2003	Enterprise LSE	London School of Economics provision of training course on regulation	50,820	38,879
2003	Grayling Gilmore PR Consultants*	EU Presidency Logo Launch & Public Relations Campaign	60,000	60,000
2003	Jacobs & Associates	Economic Report	12,947	12,947
2003	Langley Freeman Design Group	Production of Link Newsletter	35,884	35,884
2003	Martin Cave	Economic Report	589	589
2003	Design ID Ltd	Production of Link Newsletter	50,712	50,712
2004	Red Dog Design	EU Presidency Awareness Campaign	65,740	65,740
2004	Des Geraghty	Affordable Housing Initiative	1,050	1,050
2004	Hay Group Ireland Ltd		4,670	4,670
2004	Carr Communications	Disability Bill	12,147	12,147
2004	Good Practice Ltd	Tailoring of on-line toolkit for Department Intranet	33,350	33,350
2004	McCann Fitzgerald	Redress Report	45,375	76,894
2004	Watson Wyatt	Employee Opinion Survey	27,947	27,947
2004	The Design Consultancy	Step by Step Guide to the PMDS System	4,719	4,719
2004	Carr Communications	Development and delivery of Career Development Programme	68,100	62,646
2004	Paddy Walley	Ingenuity Project	6,000	6,000
2004	Grayling Gilmore	PR re EU Presidency	21,023	21,023
2004	Red Dog Design	EU Presidency Posters	2,060	2,060
2004	David Donaghy	Day of Welcomes production	28,900	28,900
2004	Academic Conferences Ltd	ECEG Conference Management	53,240	53,240
2004	Langley Freeman Design Group	Production of Link Newsletter	140,000	146,000
2004	HCM International	Research on the integration of the PMDS system with HR policies and processes	39,930	Ongoing
2004-2005	Goodbody Economic Consultants	Economic assistance to Departments piloting regulatory Impact Analysis	21,780	21,054 ongoing
2004	RTE	EU Presidency Consultancy Services	35,256	35,256
2004	Elucidate	eCabinet Design Summary Screen	8,546	8,546
2005	Tansey, Webster Stewart & Co	Affordable Housing Proposal	9,680	9,680
2005	Hay Group (Ireland) Ltd	Business Plan Facilitation	3,876	3,876
2005	Graham and Stapleton Design Consultants	Progress report on Special Initiatives	6,345	6,345
2005	Pan Research Ltd	Customer Service Evaluation Report	6,313	6,313
2005	Des Geraghty	Affordable Housing Initiative	2,625	2,625
2005	Design Consultancy	Design for Strategy Statement	809	809
2005	Design Consultancy	Guide to Government Buildings	11,809	11,809
2005	Enterprise LSE	Training course on regulation	59,600	41,343
2005	First Impression	Design of “Reaching Out” Guidelines on Consultation for Public Sector Bodies	10,200	13,225
2005	First Impression	Design of report on the introduction of Regulatory Impact Analysis	8,200	14,254
2005	Slick Fish Design	Design & Print of “Guidelines on Regulatory Impact Anaysis”	21,059	Ongoing
2005	Boyd Freeman Design	Three-year rolling contract for the production of LINK newsletter	324,500	101,385 ongoing
2002-2005	InVision Research Ltd	Developing and implementing the eCabinet initiative, including business process analysis, design and software systems development and transition to application maintenance		1,236,217 ongoing

*Met from funds provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Prior to commencement of the e-Cabinet project, PwC was engaged as consultant to advise on its feasibility. Details are given in the table above. Since then, the main expenditure on eCabinet has been in respect of development rather than consultancy. The software developers are the InVision Research Corporation. The original estimate for the project set out in the PwC feasibility study in 2001 was up to €6.45 million at 2001 values. The fixed price contract negotiated with InVision is for a total amount of €952,000. The final cost of the project, which will also include security, hardware, software licences, support and maintenance, etc. is expected to be around €5 million. That includes the cost of a small number of additional service providers engaged to build the infrastructure and to provide security for the system.

Table 2: Bodies under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach.
Information Society Commission
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2000	MRBI	Research into awareness and usage of information and communications technology amongst Irish businesses	21,332	21,332
2000	MRBI	Research into General Public Awareness and usage of ICT	32,355	32,355
2000	Paul Tanney	Report on Personal use of technology	317	317
2000	NW Labs	To examine the issues of convergence and the implications for telecommunications communications regulation in Ireland	26,977	26,977
2000	Centre for Research in Technology in Education	Research Material for Seminar	20,890	20,890
2000	Dunnion Partners	Development of Government websites review and report	4,609	4,609
2000	KMPG	Investigation of tax incentives & barriers to eworking in Ireland	6,349	6,349
2000	Barry McCall	Copywriting of Business & General Research reports	1,371	1,371
2000	Farrell Grant	Research into future needs for Irelands development as an Information Society	30,669	30,669
2001	Chapman Flood Mazars	Auditing services supplied for Equalskills initiative	19,600	19,600
2002	Chinook Consulting	Evaluation of Equalskills Initiative	18,165	18,165
2002	ElectricNews.net	Production of eGovernment Ireland Bulletin	24,040	24,040
2002	Text 100	Messaging Workshop of ISC members	6,655	6,655
2002	MRBI	Business survey on attitudes to the Information Society in Ireland	28,740	28,740
2002	MRBI	General Public survey on attitudes to the Information Society in Ireland	56,628	56,628
2002-2003	Models Research (now Itech Research)	Consultancy and report on inclusive Information Society Development	59,931	59,931
2002	Accenture	Consultancy and report on a National ePayments strategy	155,334	155,334
2002-2005	Fleischman-Hillard Saunders	Engaged on a retainer basis to manage a communications and media strategy for the ISC	133,677	133,677
2003	Parallel IT	Electronic Document Management Exchange	13,613	13,613
2003	Sonas Innovation	Consultancy and report on Irelands Broadband Future	49,610	49,610
2003	CBC	Editorial Work on Broadband report	3,993	3,993
2003	DCU	Research on Perspectives of Information Society Thinkers	6,655	6,655
2003	ESRI	Analysis of General Public and Business Surveys 1996-2002	7,260	7,260
2004	Version 1 Software	Report on the assessment of the eHealth progress and potential benefits	48,400	48,400
2005	William Desmond	Ethics Conference	991	991

National Forum on Europe
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2002	Keating and Assoicates	Media Strategy and market Survey	6,278	6,278
2002-2005	Caroline Erskine	PR Consultancy	179,589	Ongoing
2002-2005	Conor Joyce	PR Consultancy	85,568	Ongoing

All Party Committee on the Constitution
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2001	Gerard Hogan S.C.	Research on Referenda	480	480
2000	Moss Technologies	Year 2000 Compliance	307	307
2000-2001	Shelbourne Public Affairs	PR	16,837	16,837
2000	Sureskills.com	IT Support	3,687	3,687
2000-2001	Diarmuid Rossa Phelan	Legal research	6,200	6,200
2001	Richard Humphreys	Research on rights	16,349	16,349
2002	Sean de Freine	Feasibility study	500	500
2002-2003	Donal O’Maolfabhaile	PR Consultancy	11,600	11,600

Tribunal of Inquiry (Payments to Messrs. Charles Haughey and Michael Lowry)
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2000	Confidential	Commercial research	3,851	3,851
2001	Ionet Ltd	Demonstration	107	107
2001	Moss technology	Report on Tribunal IT network and system	3,055	3,055
2003	Confidential	Specialist Data etc	46,948	46,948
2004	Peter Bacon & Associates	Analysis and Advice	50,820	50,820

National Centre for Partnership and Performance
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2001-2002	Bradley McGurk Partnership	Corporate Identity	25,242	25,242
2001	Woodgrange Consultancies	Irish Times 2000	7,999	7,999
2001	Bill Roche	Consultative Process and Strategic Planning	31,743	31,743
2001	Tom Neville	Guidelines on Organisational change	20,570	20,570
2001-2003	Bradley McGurke	Corporate Identity	1,116	1,116
2002	Options Consultancy	Information & Consultation Project	5,445	5,445
2002-2003	Options Consultancy	Learning Strategy	2,420	2,420
2003	Options Consultancy	Learning Strategy	11,206	11,206
2003	Tom Neville	Employee Financial Involvement	30,949	30,949
2003	Paern Kandola	Competency Development	11,206	11,206
2003	ESRI	Surveys (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	76,481	76,481
2003	Align Management Solutions	Health Strategy using a Partnership Approach	7,000	7,000
2003	Roy Greene	Scoping paper (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	4,980	4,980
2003	Maria Maguire	Scoping paper (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	26,988	26,988
2003	John Geary	Scoping paper (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	5,600	5,600
2003	Align Management Solutions	Consultation paper (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	1,400	1,400
2004	Brian Moss	Forum on the Workplace of the Future	9,600	9,600
2004	William Roche	Forum on the Workplace of the Future	13,197	13,197
2004	Maria Maguire	Forum on the Workplace of the Future	13,672	13,672
2004	John Caden	Public Relations	83,445	83,445
2004	ESRI	Surveys (Forum on the Workplace of the Future)	28,785	28,785
2005	Maria Maguire	Forum on the Workplace of the Future	11,514	11,514

National Economic and Social Forum
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2000	Agtel	Social Housing	38,092	38,092
2000	NI Housing Executive	Social Housing	7,389	7,389
2000	C. O’Connell	Social Housing	1,206	1,206
2000	Freda Keeshan	Lone Parents	2,971	2,971
2000	Hay Consultants	Labour Shortages	2,920	2,920
2000	Mary Murphy	Labour Shortages	1,778	1,778
2001	Kieran McKeown	Lone Parents	6,223	6,223
2000	Anne Clark	Lone Parents	4,400	4,400
2000	NUI Maynooth	Lone Parents	7,927	7,927
2000	Goodbody	Draft opinion on National Anti Poverty Strategy	3,143	3,143
2000	UCD (Equality Studies Centre)	Draft Opinion on Equality issues	18,056	18,056
2000	Professor Chris McCrudden	Draft Opinion on Equality issues	2,184	2,184
2001	Ian O’Donnell	Prisoners and ex-offenders	6,096	6,096
2001	Tamarron	Work on NESF Report No. 23	5,079	5,079
2002	ESRI (Brian Nolan)	Health	8,832	8,832
2002	ESRI (Emer Smyth)	Early School Leavers	3,892	3,892
2002	Maureen Lynott	Evaluation of working arrangements	3,239	3,239
2002	Eithne Fitzgerald	Older workers	3,600	3,600
2002	Jerry Sexton	Older workers	15,392	15,392
2002	ESRI Survey	Older workers	15,730	15,730
2002	ESRI Questionnaire	Social Capital	12,342	12,342
2002	PA Consulting Services Ltd	LGB’s	8,105	8,105
2002	Ann Clarke	Older workers	3,282	3,282
2003	Mary Murphy	NAPS	400	400
2003	Carmel Corrigan	NAPS	3,939	3,939
2003	Mary Murphy	Child Income support paper	1,440	1,440
2003	Bernard McDonagh	LGB’s	1,431	1,431
2004	Ita Mangan	Co-op	3,030	3,030
2005	Peter Humphries	Delivery of Quality Public Services	1,236	1,236
2005	C. Corrigan	NAPS	1,970	1,970
2005	Brian Nolan	NAPS	1,252	1,252
2005	Colm Harmon	Early Childhood Care and Education	6,323	6,323
2005	RAND Europe	Evidence Based Policy Making Seminar	£6,737stg.	£6,737stg.
2005	WRC Consultants	Creating a more inclusive labour market	15,094	15,094
2005	Patricia Quinn	Cultural Citizenship	15,150	15,150
2005	Eustace Patterson	Creating a more inclusive labour market	4,292	4,292

National Economic and Social Council
Year of Contract	Supplier	Description	Estimated Cost	Total Expenditure
			€	€
2001	ESRI	Research re Strategic review of Tax and Welfare system under PPF	12,697	12,697
2001	Sile O’Connor	Research for reports 107 & 108	6,984	6,984
2001	J Visser	Paper for Report No 111	13,069	13,069
2001	Indecon Consultants	Regional Development in the North West	21,202	21,202
2003	Edgeworth Organisational Consultants	PR Consultancy	1,200	1,200
2004	UPE Consultancy Ltd	Housing Workshop	7,139	7,139
2004	Kathleen Scanlon	Housing Workshop	889	889
2004	Bill O’Herlihy Communications	Professional Services for NESC’s 30th Anniversary Conference	3,779	3,779
2004	Katholieke Universiteit	Housing Workshop	3,147	3,147
2004	Prof. G Meen	Housing Workshop	1,538	1,538
2004	Bill O’Herlihy Communications	Professional Services for EESC Conference	3,025	3,025
2004	Intl. Org. for Migration	Consultancy fees for NESC Migration Policy Study	119,692	119,692
2005	O’Herlihy Communications	Professional Services for media coverage of housing report	4,273	4,273
2005	Ms Bernadette Andreosso	Consultancy fees for “Ireland & Globalisation” Strategy report	7,000	7,000

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

191 Ms Burton asked the Taoiseach the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28384/05]

The Taoiseach

Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website, www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, there was a scheme for assistant secretaries which was based on 4% of the assistant secretary group pay bill. Details of the amounts paid in 2000 and 2001 and other bonus payments made to staff in my Department are set out in the following table.

Recognition Awards 2000-2005
Year		Total Amount	Higher
		€	€
2000	(a) Individual Award — Assistant Sec. Bonus Scheme	8,162.90	2,978.81
	— Y2K Retention Bonus	49,757	14,284
	(b) Team Award	N/A	N/A
	(c) Cross Departmental Team Awards	11,768	N/A
	(d) Millennium Office (Performance Bonus Award)	5,000	5,000
2001	(a) Individual Award — Assistant Sec. Bonus Scheme	10,149.24	2,537.31
	(b) Team Award	N/A	N/A
	(c) Cross Departmental Team Awards	16,010	N/A
	(d) Millennium Office (Performance Bonus Award)	5,000	5,000
2002	(a) Cross Departmental Team Awards	15,510	N/A
	(b) Millennium Office (Performance Bonus Award)	5,000	5,000
2003	(a) Individual Award	517	517
	(b) Team Award	4,513	517
	(c) Cross Departmental Team Awards	16,398	N/A
2004	(a) Individual Awards	3,000	12 x 250
		500	500
	(b) Team Awards	4,000	100 to each team member
	(c) Cross Departmental Team Awards	15,803	72

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

192 Ms Burton asked the Taoiseach the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28401/05]

The Taoiseach

Details of consultancies awarded by my Department to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997 are given in the following table.

Description of consultancy	Overall cost	Date
Business analysis and review of financial management function	€46,691	1999-2000
Value for money audit of mobile phones	€7,618	2001

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

193 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the refund of nursing home charges under the national repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28182/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

As the Deputy will be aware, the placing of a person in a private nursing home is a private matter between the person or his or her representatives and the nursing home proprietor, as are the fees charged in these facilities. The Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 allows for the payment of a subvention towards the cost of such care based on a medical and means assessment. The process used in determining a person's eligibility for subvention is set out in the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993.

The repayment scheme for charges for publicly funded residential long-term care does not apply to individuals in private nursing homes who pay the full cost of private nursing home care or who have entered these homes under the nursing home subvention scheme.

Any person who considers that he or she or a family member may be eligible for repayment may register his or her interest in advance with Health Service Executive, HSE, by writing to the National Refund Scheme, HSE Midland Area, Arden Road, Tullamore, County Offaly; or by e-mail to refundscheme@mailq.hse.ie; or by calling the helpline 1800 777737 during office hours.

Hospital Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

194 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding will be made available to the authorities at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin to purchase software which will enable a bone scan machine to measure children’s bones; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of this software is only €5,000; if her attention has further been drawn to the anxiety the non-availability of this software is causing to parents and children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28183/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

195 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if services will be curtailed at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, County Galway as a result of the proposal by the Health Service Executive to promote the concept of only four hospital networks for the entire country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28184/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

196 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will gain entry to a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28185/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Mary Wallace

Question:

197 Ms M. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average annual funding per person in he intellectual disability sector for a day activation place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28186/05]

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

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

198 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive south-east region will assist in the planning, delivery and funding of community and health facilities at Bagnelstown, County Carlow through Bagnelstown Family Resource Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28188/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

199 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the cost of providing the previous service in Parkanaur Training College, Dungannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28274/05]

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

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

200 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide additional facilities for persons suffering from dementia and Alzheimer diseases in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28275/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

Health Service Staff.

Mildred Fox

Question:

204 Ms Fox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need for an additional outreach worker for a refuge (details supplied) and if funding will be increased to this group in order to provide it. [28279/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

205 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the categories of long stay accommodation which are covered by the refund scheme as a result of unlawful deduction of charges; if community homes catering for persons with a disability or with a psychiatric illness are covered; the steps taken so far to contact those believed eligible for refunds in all categories; the number of persons to whom a €2,000 interim payment have been made and the number to whom no such payment has been made; and the entitlement of estates of persons who are now deceased. [28311/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded residential care. All those fully eligible persons, including those with disability or psychiatric illness who were illegally charged for long stay care in an inpatient setting, will have the charges repaid in full. The estates of all those who were charged and died in the six years prior to 9 December 2004 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died more than six years prior to that date. The repayments will include both the actual charge paid and an amount to take account of inflation, using the consumer price index, since the time the person involved was charged.

Legislation will be brought before the Oireachtas as soon as possible to provide a clear legal framework for the scheme. In the case of those who were charged and are still alive, the repayments will be exempt from tax and will not be taken into account in assessing means for health and social welfare benefits. The normal tax and means assessment arrangements will apply to those who benefit from repayments to estates.

The legislation will include appropriate safeguards to prevent exploitation of those who receive repayments and are not in a position to manage their own financial affairs. The scheme will include a provision to allow those eligible for a repayment to waive their right to a repayment and have the money assigned to fund one-off service improvements in elderly, mental health and disability services. A national oversight committee has been appointed and has already begun its work. It will provide an independent input into the design of the scheme and will monitor the operation of the scheme in order to ensure that it is being implemented quickly and in the most equitable and effective way possible. The scheme will be designed and managed with the aim of ensuring that those who are eligible for repayments receive them as soon as possible and with the minimum possible imposition in terms of bureaucracy. Priority will be given to those who are still alive. Many of those eligible for repayments have already been identified under the ex gratia payments process. The scheme will include a transparent and thorough appeals process.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. The HSE has made provision to progress the phase 2B development at Mullingar within the health capital investment framework 2005-2009.

It was recently decided to fast-track the first phase of the development, which involves the completion of the fit out of the ward accommodation in the shelled out area. The design team is currently preparing detailed drawings with the intention of going to tender in March 2006. With this in mind, a prior indicative notice, PIN, is to be lodged in the EU Journal shortly. Planning permission is also to be sought, and the target completion date for the fit out of the shelled area is early 2007.

The first stage of the project, as planned to date, includes the provision of an additional 43 beds, mainly medical and surgical. The design work on the second stage of the project is to continue in parallel with the fit out and equipping of the shelled accommodation project. The second stage will include the provision of the following new facilities: pathology department; operating department; medicine for the elderly — rehabilitation unit; acute psychiatric unit; child and adolescent psychiatric unit; occupational therapy department; administrative accommodation; staff accommodation; education facilities; catering facilities; and new entrance concourse.

The second stage of the project as planned to date provides for a further 16 additional beds, mainly for day cases, as well as accommodating the transfer of 50 rehabilitation and acute psychiatric beds from facilities currently located outside the hospital. It has been estimated by the Health Service Executive that additional revenue funding of the order of €10 million, excluding inflation, will be required on an annual basis to run the shelled out area when it is fully fitted out. This estimate reflects a combination of the additional pay and non-pay costs required. Given the significant level of additional annual revenue costs associated with the project, I have asked that an independent review of the estimate be conducted, to ensure that the estimate represents best value for money. The terms of reference for the review are currently being finalised. A steering group will oversee the review and will facilitate access to other health care facilities which the reviewer may consider it necessary to examine. It is intended that the review will be completed prior to the project going to tender as planned and therefore will not delay the project.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

210 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28385/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

My Department makes payments under a number of schemes as follows. Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. The Deputy has sought information dating from 2000. Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, there was a scheme for assistant secretaries which was based on 4% of the pay bill for the group of assistant secretaries. Payments made under the above schemes are as follows. In 2001 a total of €21,420.48 was awarded to seven individuals and in 2002 a total of €11,172.00 was awarded to four individuals. The awards paid in 2001 are in respect of two years to 31 April 2001. The awards paid in 2002 are in respect of the eight month period to 31 December 2001.

On payments in relation to the EU Presidency, the following payments were made in 2004 and 2005 in respect of consistent and exceptional attendance by principal officers and assistant principal officers, non-overtime grades, in respect of the special extra attendance required in the context of the EU Presidency. A total of €64,383 was paid to 22 officers. Details are as follows.

Grade	Amount	Number
	€
Principal Officer	5,000.00	2
Principal Officer	2,500.00	3
Principal Officer	2,083.00	1
Assistant Principal Officer	4,200.00	7
Assistant Principal Officer	2,100.00	5
Assistant Principal Officer	1,750.00	1
Assistant Principal Officer	1,050.00	3

The purpose of the INPUT scheme is to facilitate and encourage the submission of suggestions by eligible civil servants aimed at improving Civil Service operations. All grades up to and including principal officer and their equivalents are eligible to submit suggestions. My Department made the following payments under the INPUT staff suggestion scheme.

Year	Grade	Amount	Number
		€
2001	Porter	959.52	1
2001	Assistant Principal Officer	63.49	1
2001	Assistant Principal Officer	38.09	1
2002	Porter	2,685.76	1
2005	Executive Officer	2,540.00	1

On the merit award scheme, the Minister for Finance sanctioned expenditure from subhead A.1 for ex gratia payments or other awards to individual staff members or groups of staff in recognition of exceptional performance of duty provided that such expenditure can be met from within the overall allocations and does not exceed 0.2% of the subhead A.1 allocation. It enables Departments and offices to grant awards to staff and is considered to make a valuable contribution as part of the overall reward and motivation system in the Civil Service. Under this scheme awards in my Department are made under the headings of exceptional performance; departmental activities which promote team building and social cohesion; hardship; and awards recognising long service and retirement. Details of the individual awards made are as follows.

Category	Year	Individual / Group	Amount	Number	Total
			€		€
Exceptional Performance	2002	Assistant Principal Officer	1,015.76	1	1,015.76
Exceptional Performance	2003	Principal Officer	4,276.39	1	4,276.39
Exceptional Performance	2003	Clerical Officers	500.00	4	2,000.00
Exceptional Performance	2003	Executive Officer	500.00	1	500.00
Exceptional Performance	2003	Higher Executive Officer	500.00	1	500.00
Exceptional Performance	2004	Clerical Officers	500.00	4	2,000.00
Exceptional Performance	2004	Higher Executive Officer	500.00	1	500.00
Exceptional Performance	2004	Assistant Principal Officers	500.00	3	1,500.00
			250.00	1	250.00
			200.00	2	400.00
Exceptional Performance	2004	Principal Officers	500.00	1	500.00
			250.00	1	250.00
Exceptional Performance	2004	Group Individual	1,000.00	4	4,000.00
			Various	48	1,500.00
Retirement	2003	Individual	500.00	2	1,000.00
Retirement	2004	Individual	500.00	9	4,500.00
Retirement	2005	Individual	500.00	4	2,000.00
Hardship	2003	Individuals			2,000.00
Hardship	2004	Individuals			2,000.00
Long Service	2004	Various Grades		185	10,580.84

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

211 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28402/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The consultancies awarded by my Department are as follows:

Consultancies	Year Awarded	Total Cost
		€
Managing Reporting and Control Service Planning, and Financial Position of Tallaght Hospital	1998	149,000
Development of Annual Financial Statements Reporting system for Voluntary Hospitals and Agencies funded by Department of Health & Children	1999	51,193
Value for Money Audit of the Irish Health System	2000	615,757
The Evaluation of ‘Cancer Services in Ireland’ A National Strategy 1996	2002	134,000
Reports on the Management Information Framework and Review of Internal Audit and Internal Financial Controls in the Department of Health & Children	2003	145,695
Rostered Year Replacement Ratio Project (Nursing Degree Students)	2003	134,421

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

212 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the discussions, advice or information she has had in relation to the establishment of a private hospital in the grounds of the Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; the personwith whom she has had these discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28416/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Over the last year, I have had discussions with numerous people on a great variety of different proposals to develop private hospitals on public hospital grounds throughout the country. In relation to Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, I have accepted invitations to attend two meetings hosted by Dr. Conor Burke, consultant respiratory physician at Connolly Memorial Hospital. One was attended by many of the consultants at the hospital, a representative of the hospital's management and its director of nursing, the Secretary General of my Department, an official from the Department of Finance and my special adviser. Among the many topics discussed were the potential for the development of step down beds and a private hospital.

The other was attended by Mr. Bernard MacNamara, Mr. Noel Corcoran and my special adviser, Mr. Oliver O'Connor. I listened to a presentation of ideas about step down facilities and a private hospital. I recently made a policy direction to the board of the Health Service Executive in relation to private hospital developments that would free up new public beds. It is for the HSE to implement this policy.

Medical Cards.

Joan Burton

Question:

213 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role of community welfare officers in assessing and approving the new doctor only visit medical cards in view of the fact that the published criteria for the allocation of such cards is based on income levels and means tests clearly set out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28419/05]

Joan Burton

Question:

214 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of computerisation of community welfare officers in each county and health centre; the proportion of community welfare officers who have computer systems fully integrated with revenue and social welfare computer databases suitable for verifying incomes and means tests for the purposes of granting full medical cards and the new doctor visit only medical cards. [28420/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.

The Deputy's questions relate primarily to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. The determination of eligibility of applications for a medical card is a matter by legislation for the HSE. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have the matters concerned investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

In examining applications for medical cards the HSE undertakes an assessment of the income of the applicant, and spouse, if any, after income tax and PRSI have been deducted. Allowances are made, where relevant, in respect of dependants and for reasonable expenses incurred in relation to child care, rent or mortgage and commuting to work. Medical cards may be made available by the HSE where the income guidelines are exceeded in circumstances, for example, where there is heavy demand for medical services.

Tax Code.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

215 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the July 2006 deadline for the completion of qualifying hotel projects in respect of the current tax incentive schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28205/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

As the Deputy is aware I announced in my 2005 Budget Statement that I had directed my Department, together with the Revenue Commissioners, to undertake a detailed review of various property tax reliefs and exemptions. These reliefs include the tax incentive for hotels. As these are being prepared in the context of forthcoming budgets, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

216 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider in the context of budget 2006 exempting old age pensioners from payment of VAT on piped gas in view of the recent increase in the cost of same. [28206/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The position is that the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of an exemption from VAT for supplies to old age pensioners.

However, under the social welfare code, the household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and free lifetime television licence is available to people living permanently in the State. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. The package is also available to carers. Customers under the age of 70 who are in receipt of a qualifying payment and live alone or only with certain categories of people may also have an entitlement to the package. For those customers aged between 66 and 69 years and who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment, a means test must be satisfied to determine eligibility for the package.

The electricity allowance covers the normal standing charge and up to 1,800 units of electricity each year. At current prices, the value of the electricity allowance to the consumer is approximately €339 per annum for urban dwellers, and €381 for rural dwellers, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%. An electricity group account allowance may be paid if a customer lives in self-contained accommodation and operates an electricity slot meter or where the registered consumer of electricity is the landlord. Payment is made by way of 12 vouchers at an annual value of €360, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%.

Alternatively, if the natural gas allowance option is selected, the customer is entitled to the supply charge and up to 1,674 kwh of gas per year. The annual value of this is up to €313 per annum inclusive of VAT at 13.5%. If the person's home is not connected to an electricity or natural gas supply, the person is entitled to 15 cylinders of bottled gas per annum at an annual value of approximately €320 inclusive of VAT at 13.5%.

The telephone allowance is paid as a credit on the customer's telephone bill. The value of the allowance is €24.70 per month, including VAT, or €296.40 per annum.

Pension Provisions.

Paul McGrath

Question:

217 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost per annum, to the State, of providing tax free lump sums, over the past ten years to private sector occupational pension scheme members per year; the number of members who benefit and the amount of benefit enjoyed by the top ten members for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28250/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

218 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost to the State of providing tax free lump sums over the past ten years to all pension scheme members; the number of members who benefited and the amount of benefit enjoyed by the top ten members for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28251/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide the cost sought by the Deputy in regard to the payment of tax free lump sums because the relevant data is not captured in such a way as to make this possible. The only relevant data available are estimates of the cost of tax forgone to the Exchequer derived at aggregated level from very tentative estimates of aggregated amounts paid out under pension schemes. The tentative estimates of cost are based on the taxpayer's marginal rate and the figures, which are available for the years 1997 to 2002, the latest available, are as follows:

Estimated cost to the Exchequer of tax free lump sums
Year	All tax free lump sums
	€ million
1997	68
1998	85
1999	114
2000	124
2001*	102
2002	147

* The 2001 short income tax year was a short transitional tax "year" running from 6 April to 31 December 2001 which preceded the first full calendar tax year 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002. The tentative estimate attributed to this year will not be directly comparable with those of earlier or later years.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

219 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the floor area of office space occupied in Dublin by each of the proposed early mover decentralisation locations; the floor area proposed in each case to be provided in the new decentralised location and the current estimate of site acquisition, construction, fit out and commissioning costs involved; and if he will indicate in respect of each the buildings which will be sold or the bases terminated at the Dublin location. [28314/05]

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

Under the initial phase of the decentralisation programme approximately 90,000 sq m of office accommodation will be provided in the regions for staff moving out of Dublin. A broadly equivalent amount of space will as a consequence be vacated in the Dublin area. The approach to the disposal of the space to be vacated in Dublin is under consideration. Ultimately, any decisions on disposals will depend on a range of factors including the particular requirements of the Departments remaining in Dublin; the specific circumstances associated with each building including location, quality and design, tenure, office area and whether its leasehold or freehold; the timing of property disposals as sales are directly affected by the prevailing market conditions; and the timing of the relocation of staff to decentralised offices.

The cost of acquiring sites or properties for the early mover Departments is estimated to be in the region of €47 million excluding VAT. Although property solutions will include leasing and fitting out of existing buildings, it is anticipated that, in the majority of cases, the accommodation facilities will be provided by the construction of new office buildings and cost estimation can be approached on this basis. However, in advance of market testing of any procurement methodology, it is possible, at this time, only to assign the most general measurements of cost to such a large-scale, diverse and complex programme.

Current OPW cost norms in respect of offices would indicate an average build cost to fit out standard in the range of €1,800 to €2,200 per square metre. Such figures exclude VAT, professional fees and inflation. In addition, the cost of equipping the accommodation to standard office equipment levels could be estimated at approximately €4,000 per person. This would exclude the cost of information and communication technology and specialised equipment requirements.

Such general measures of cost do not include specialised facility and equipment requirements and other variables, which would arise from the spread of possible procurement methodologies. In addition, general cost indicators of this type show a snapshot in time.

It is self-evident that a firmer scale of costs for the decentralisation programme will only emerge on foot of cost proposals being received from the market. It will be some months yet before sufficient data can be extracted from a suitable range of tender competitions to provide a basis on which more robust estimates of the overall cost of the programme can be made. Nevertheless, it can be estimated that, generally speaking, the cost of providing accommodation in provincial, compared to central Dublin, locations should yield considerable cost savings to the State over time in terms of site costs, capital build costs and indeed maintenance costs.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

220 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28351/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I refer the Deputy to replies to two previous parliamentary questions about this topic, copies of which are being forwarded to the Deputy. These are of 17 February 2004 and 28 June 2005, and together they give details of the purpose and recipient of my Department's consultancies in the years he mentioned, along with the payments made in each year. As the Deputy will appreciate, given the amount of information they contain it has not been possible, in the time available for answering this question, to compile the information in the format sought by him, that is, showing the cost by contract rather than by year and showing also the original estimate of the cost of the contract. However, I am having the information compiled in that format and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Tax Code.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

221 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to adjusting the credit card tax of €40 per annum to a quarterly tax of €10, to take account of persons who are cancelling cards or changing from one bank to another without having to incur the full tax twice. [28379/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

It was announced in the 2005 budget that the Finance Bill 2005 would contain measures to eliminate the double stamp duty charge on financial cards where a person is merely switching from one provider to another. This was legislated for in the Finance Act 2005. Any further changes to stamp duties on financial cards will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget.

Tax Yield.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

222 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the tax yield from the credit card tax for each year since its initiation. [28383/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that separately identifiable figures of the yield of stamp duty on credit cards are available for the years 1996 to 2004 inclusive and are as follows.

Stamp Duty yield on Credit Cards
Year	€million
1996	11.1
1997	11.5
1998	13.8
1999	15.4
2000	18.1
2001	20.8
2002	22.9
2003	51.7
2004	59.0

The increase in yield in 2003 relates largely to the increase in the rate of stamp duty on credit cards that was introduced in budget 2003.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

223 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28386/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The following are details of a number of schemes in operation within my Department. Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. Since 2002, the funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the grades covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% of basic salary can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. Prior to 2002, a scheme of performance related pay for assistant secretaries provided for payments of up to 4% of payroll for that grade. Details of the amounts in each year since 2000 are as follows:

Year in which paid	For period	Total Gross	Highest amount
2000	Year to 30/04/2000	£26,490	£3,090
2001	Year to 30/04/2001	£27,600	£3,000
2002	Part year 01/05/01 to 31/12/01	€26,640	€2,600
2003	Year to 31/12/2002	€122,700	€13,000
2004	Year to 31/12/2003	€114,950	€14,600

Note: payments are made annually for the preceding year.

Grades at principal and assistant principal have a separate scheme which arises as a result of the restructuring agreement for these grades under the programme for competitiveness and work. It provides that 1% of payroll for these grades be made available in the form of special service payments, for which staff are invited to apply, based on the following criteria: contribution by the individual to the work of the Department in his or her job; special demands of the job; and experience brought to the job. Initial special service payments were effective from 2000 and were paid out in 2002 along with the 2001 payments. The following are the details of payment in respect of each of special service payments in each year since 2002:

	2002	2003	2004
Total amount	€79,278	€33,858	€39,077
Highest amount	€3,674 This highest individual payment of €3,674 in 2002 is the total of Special Service Payments in respect of the calendar years 2000 and 2001.	€2,090	€2,196

In 1993, the then Minister for Finance sanctioned expenditure in respect of merit awards to individual staff members or groups of staff below assistant secretary level by way of recognition for exceptional performance of duty which was based on 0.1% of the salary allocation, as published in the Revised Estimates, in any one calendar year. This percentage was revised to 0.2% in 1998.

An independent committee administers the merit awards scheme up to AO-HEO level; an assistant secretary group administers the awards at assistant principal and principal level. Nominees for the annual merit awards must, during the year, have demonstrated one or more of the following criteria: given an exceptional performance in some aspect of his or her work; demonstrated unusual commitment and dedication to some aspect of his or her work; or made a notable contribution to the successful achievement of the section's targets.

The following are the details of payment in respect of each of merit awards in each year since 2000.

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Total amount	£20,071	£13,250	€38,302	€42,652	€44,720
Highest amount	£700	£360	€1,270	€750	€800

Following an analysis of staff attrition rates in IT areas in the Civil Service and their adverse impact on achieving year 2000 compliance, agreement was reached at general council to payment of a once off loyalty bonus to key IT staff on year 2000 work. Year 2000 loyalty bonuses totalling £115,625 were paid in April 2000, the highest individual amount of which was £10,625.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

224 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28403/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

My Department awarded consultancies to Deloitte & Touche in most of the years in question. In addition, the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland, ECBI, which operated under the aegis of my Department, and the NDP-CSF evaluation, information and IT unit, which operates under the aegis of my Department and is part funded by the EU, each awarded consultancies to Deloitte & Touche in two of the years in question.

The following tables set out the year of award, the purpose and the total cost of each such consultancy.

Year	Department of Finance Purpose of Consultancy	Cost
		€
1999	Contract for a series of three annual audits on the operation of business travel policy by Government Departments and Offices and Club Travel Ltd.	268,567
2000	Provision of advice to the Department in relation to the negotiation of the National Lottery Licence with An Post National Lottery Company.	239,082
2000	Review of the Department’s management information requirements in the context of the Management Information Framework.	145,323
2001	Provision of advice in relation to the negotiation of the National Lottery licence with An Post National Lottery Company.	12,697
2001	Secondment of accountant to provide financial, accountancy and related advice.	209,448
2002	Assistance in the detailed specification of new software to support the department’s Management Information Framework project.	34,568
2002	Advice and support in relation to financial system implementation and documenting of financial policies and procedures in the context of the Department’s Management Information Framework project.	202,092
2003	Research on Public Sector Benchmark and Value for Money Comparison in Public Private Partnerships.	143,990
2003	Assistance to an interdivisional study group on Shared Services.	28,713
2003	Study of Best Practice in HR.	17,424
2003	Personnel data integrity checking exercise.	7,260
2003	Advice and support in relation to the procurement of a Financial Business Intelligence application to support the implementation of the e-Estimates project.	88,481
2004	Financial assessment of decentralisation costs and savings.	48,400

Year	Euro Changeover Board of Ireland Purpose of Consultancy	Cost
		€
1999	Advice on blueprint for Cash Changeover Plan	4,044
2001	Advice and assistance in development and implementation of euro changeover oversight plan.	156,554

Year	NDP/CSF Evaluation, Information and IT Unit Purpose of Consultancy	Cost
		€
1998	Phase One of a study of the Labour Market Impact of Human Resources (Education and Training) Interventions in the Community Support Framework for Ireland, 1994-1999	32,559
2003	Professional services rendered in relation to Ireland/Wales INTERREG II	5,929

Computerisation Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

225 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance when his attention was drawn to a letter sent by his Department to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children in relation to computer systems for financial management information systems in the Department of Health and Children; if he has made observations on the cost of such systems to date; the difficulties arising with their implementation and any recommendations he has made in relation to such projects; if he has met with the Department of Health and Children on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

My Department through CMOD operates a formal process of delegation to ensure that ICT policy is being implemented in a cost efficient manner in relation to information and communication technology, ICT, activities across the Civil Service, the Prisons and Courts Service, the Garda, Defence Forces and from earlier this year the HSE. Decisions in relation to VFM issues arising from ICT investments in other bodies are the responsibility of the relevant parent Departments and this was the case with the Department of Health and the health sector prior to the setting up of the HSE.

As part of these arrangements and following a meeting at the beginning of June in relation to the PPARS project, my Department requested the HSE through the Department of Health and Children to consider the FISP project in light of the discussion regarding PPARS. A follow-up meeting on the FISP project was arranged by my Department on 9 September and following this, a briefing document was sent to me for information on 13 September in relation to the still outstanding concerns. The HSE was then conducting an initial review which led to Professor Drumm, the CEO of the HSE, putting a hold on the further rollout shortly thereafter.

As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE have since decided to pause the rollout of the PPARS implementation and to review both the PPARS and the FISP project. I believe this to be the right approach given all the circumstances and the amount of money involved. I expect recommendations will arise from the review in relation to the future of both of these systems. I can confirm that my officials have had discussions with officials in the Department of Health and Children on this and related issues.

Departmental Offices.

Joan Burton

Question:

226 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the role of CMOD in his Department; its responsibility in relation to the purchase of information and computer systems; its advisory role in relation to other Departments; the number of persons employed in this section; their relationship with consultant advisers on such systems; the computer systems and consultancy projects they have advised on in relation to each Department for each year to date; the cost of such projects and the annual cost of CMOD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28418/05]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

The Centre for Management Organisation and Development, CMOD, is part of the organisation management and training division of the Department of Finance. Its function is to provide a number of advisory land support services to the Civil Service in the areas of information technology, staff development and management, and organisation systems development. It aims to support and improve public service management which includes, inter alia, the improved management of resources and ensuring Departments and offices achieve better value for money in the development of human resource management, financial management, e-Government initiatives and information management generally.

As the computing needs of organisations across the Civil Service differ widely, responsibility for the delivery of most computing services rests with each organisation. In this regard, individual organisations operate under a delegated arrangement which incorporates a number of centrally imposed controls and constraints such as: compliance with standard governance and technical principles; the use of project boards and formal project management techniques in their internal ICT projects; compliance with competitive procurement procedures; use of common infrastructures and systems; and accessing common central procurements, where applicable etc.

In operating the delegation arrangements, Departments and offices are required to submit a broad value for money justification for each of their major ICT project proposals. This justification has to receive my Department's approval prior to any commencement. The delegation arrangements also require Departments and offices to report on an annual basis their progress in relation to projects in the previous year.

CMOD retains a number of computing functions where they are substantially common to all Departments-offices, for example, HR and payroll, or where bulk purchasing advantages arise from common procurements, for example, telecommunications services. Accordingly, CMOD has no direct responsibility for acquiring or managing consultants other than for projects that it is managing itself, that is, for cross-departmental systems such as HR and payroll and for telecommunication services.

CMOD's full complement of staff is 96. The annual cost for CMOD as a whole is €7.5 million. CMOD provides advice and guidance on a range of IT projects and across a whole range of IT issues from telecommunications to maintenance and it is not possible to indicate the specific costs of projects for which advice is given.

Industrial Relations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

227 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the current industrial relations situation at An Post; the prospects of An Post pensioners receiving their full entitlements under Sustaining Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28330/05]

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

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

As clearly set out in the programme for Government, this Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

The An Post network comprises the single largest number of retail outlets in the country. In the European context, Ireland still has the highest number of post offices per head of population. In recent years some network restructuring has been undertaken. This activity is in line with similar trends across Europe. Specifically, in relation to the closure of post offices or sub-post offices, it is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants that a post office is closed.

It is the Government's objective to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current size. While the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment in a tangible fashion, with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, develop new product offerings.

The network has a high footfall and to capitalise on these advantages it is essential that existing and new services are developed to meet customer requirements. The network also has the capacity and potential to deliver more private business, especially in financial services, and opportunities are actively being pursued by An Post in this area. On foot of substantial investment in computerisation, a significant amount of extra business has already been obtained for the network in terms of banking and utility business. At present, 95% of An Post's business is conducted through automated offices. Also under way is a new pilot scheme to automate a total of ten smaller post offices. This will allow the company to determine to what extent, if any, further investment in automation might be justified. The results of this project will be evaluated at the end of the trial period.

I have also asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long-term viability of the post office network and in this light, An Post is currently working on a new initiative which could see the development and expansion of the range of financial services that it can deliver through its network of post offices. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business and contribute to the viability of the network.

Question No. 232 answered with QuestionNo. 157.

Question No. 233 answered with QuestionNo. 146.

Questions Nos. 234 to 238, inclusive, answered with Question No. 92.

Question No. 239 answered with QuestionNo. 184.

Question No. 240 answered with QuestionNo. 117.

Question No. 241 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 242 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question No. 243 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 244 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Question No. 245 answered with QuestionNo. 141.

Question No. 246 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Questions Nos. 247 and 248 answered with Question No. 103.

Questions Nos. 249 and 250 answered with Question No. 90.

Question No. 251 answered with QuestionNo. 142.

Questions Nos. 252 and 253 answered with Question No. 109.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has finalised his proposals for public and private broadcasting in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28127/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for public and private broadcasting in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28128/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his options for the development of the broadcasting service with reference to independent and national broadcasting; the role for each in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28157/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 255 and 282 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 91 reference number 28013/05 of Wednesday, 12 October 2005.

Question No. 256 answered with QuestionNo. 175.

Question No. 257 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Question No. 258 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question No. 259 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Question No. 260 answered with QuestionNo. 108.

Question No. 261 answered with QuestionNo. 90.

Question No. 262 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Question No. 263 answered with QuestionNo. 183.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

264 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding development in An Post; if he has issued any direction to the management with a view to ensuring continuity of service and the finalisation of a development plan for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28137/05]

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

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network are, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. There will continue to be a key national role for An Post, both in the delivery of mail and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. The market for traditional postal and post office services is changing globally, and meeting customer needs has become more important than ever. To remain competitive, An Post must make the best possible use of its long-established and trusted brand name and deploy its resources in a manner that continues to serve existing customers' needs and attracts additional customers for a range of new services.

There is agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and continue to offer a top-class nationwide delivery service to the customer. With that in mind, the board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan incorporating details of proposed new collection and delivery arrangements, which I believe is vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing. The plan has assumed significant changes in work practices, tariff increases and the payment of wage increases. It sets out the way forward for the company. Adoption of restructuring that delivers real change is the only way that An Post workers can look forward to receiving pay increases in line with other sectors. To that end, I have continuously emphasised the need for all stake holders in the company to work together in partnership and utilise the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, where necessary, to agree and implement the recovery strategy to return the company to financial stability and prepare for the challenges ahead.

To make progress on the change agenda, an exhaustive process of negotiation between An Post management and trade unions, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and then the Labour Court, was entered into. That process was recently concluded with the court's recommendation that the company accept the proposals set out by a three-person expert group on the proposed new collection and delivery arrangements. The court also recommended that acceptance of the productivity agreement was contingent on the balance of increases being paid out under the Sustaining Progress agreement. It is my understanding, however, that, on 5 September 2005, the Labour Court's recommendations were rejected by the main union in An Post, the Communications Workers Union, or CWU. A three-week cooling-off period has followed, during which every effort was made by the parties to resolve the issues. I understand that, following a special delegate conference, the union has now decided to ballot its membership for industrial action up to and including strike action. The ballot will be concluded by Friday 21 October.

With regard to the future of the post office network, the Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of those social benefits.

As a commercial company, the challenge ahead for An Post is to develop a strategy that satisfies the needs of existing customers while attracting new customers into the post office. An Post has already had some success in winning new business and continues to benefit from a considerable amount of Government business, especially in the areas of social welfare payments and savings products. In addition, a pilot project is under way that involves the automation of ten small post offices.

In light of the need to ensure the long-term viability of the network, An Post is currently working on a new initiative that would see the development of An Post financial services, APFS. Its aim is to supply a wide range of retail financial services through the branch network. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business.

Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to combat spam on the Internet at national or international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28138/05]

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

My responsibility regarding the matters raised extends to the development of policy and legislation regarding the sending of unsolicited emails and faxes for direct marketing purposes. The responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation dealing with unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes rests with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The responsibility for laws to tackle offensive messages sent by e-mail, telephone or fax rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána.

It is an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by telephone any message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of any means including by use of a telephone. Anyone who has information regarding such matters should bring it to the attention of the Garda Síochána immediately.

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the future plans in respect of the provision and location of electricity or gas interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28139/05]

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

As the Deputy is aware, at a bilateral meeting in November 2004, Mr. Barry Gardiner, MP, the then Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and I endorsed plans put forward by the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, and the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation for the construction of a second North-South electricity interconnector.

Planning for the construction of the interconnector is continuing. The transmission system operators are currently working on phase 1 of the project, including technical issues and route selection. That phase is likely to be completed by early 2007. Phase 2, the construction phase, will then commence, and it is estimated that the interconnector will be operational by 2012. The proposed interconnector will provide increased system security and reliability. It will be a positive step toward further developing competition and will facilitate the development of a fully functioning single electricity market.

Regarding the east-west electricity interconnector, the CER has appointed consultants to advise on the financial, technical, commercial and procurement aspects of the development. Phase 1 of the project, which is nearing completion, is examining procurement options, routing, capacity, ownership and operational parameters.

A consultation process has been undertaken with all parties who have expressed an interest. A decision on how best to take the project forward, whether on a regulated or a hybrid regulated or merchant basis, is the next step, and such determination will be informed by the advice of the CER in the matter.

With regard to gas interconnection, the two natural gas interconnectors with the UK, IC1 and IC2, have been operational since 1995 and 2003, respectively. As part of the development of the gas network on an all-island basis, the South-North pipeline, due for completion in 2006, will carry gas to Belfast from the IC2 landfall at Gormanston.

Question No. 267 answered with QuestionNo. 92.

Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 142.

Energy Supply Costs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

269 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the likely negative impact on the economy of electricity or gas price increases; if he is further aware that such price increases are likely to be passed on to the consumer; if he has a strategy in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28142/05]

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

I have no function in regard to the regulation of electricity and gas charges. This is a matter that falls within the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Electricity Generation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views in regard to the generation of electricity from renewable or sustainable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28143/05]

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

The promotion of renewable energy technologies in electricity production is a key Government priority. This priority is shared by EU institutions through the renewables directive, Directive 2001/77/EC, which obliges all member states to increase the consumption of green electricity by 2010. The obligation addressed to Ireland is to deliver a programme capable of increasing the amount of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% of total consumption by 2010.

The target of 13.2% approximates to 1,400 MW to be connected to the electricity network by 2010. It is acknowledged at EU level as a challenging target which will require us to more than double existing capacity within five years. This is the minimum target I demand. My overall target is to optimise the amount of renewable energy technologies which can be connected to the network while maintaining safe and reliable supply and reasonable retail charges for consumers.

Future challenging targets to increase wind powered stations will require co-operation and co-ordination between my Department; Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI; the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER; the electricity networks operators; and developers. I am pleased to report that all these key players, and more, have participated in a consultation process launched in December 2003 and in the work of the subsequently established renewable energy development group. The group's report will form the basis of my future policy decisions on the increased penetration of renewable energy technologies in the electricity market and will seek to ensure developers can make a reasonable rate of return on renewable energy projects while ensuring the interests of national competitiveness and the ultimate burden of cost to the final consumer are all fully taken into consideration.

I recently announced a new support mechanism to be known as the renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT. This revised system will move away from competitive tendering to a fixed price proposal. In addition, the support that was previously tied to contracts with the ESB will now be available for supply contracts with any licensed supplier. The detailed draft terms and conditions of the proposed feed-in support programme were posted on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in draft form, on 29 September and interested parties have until today to raise any queries or to furnish any observations on the proposals as published. Following consideration of the matters raised, the REFIT programme will be put in place.

In July, my Northern counterpart, Ms Angela Smith, and I published a preliminary consultation paper on an all-island vision for renewable energy to the year 2020 and beyond. The consultation period recently ended and the response has been encouraging. The aim is to develop a long-term strategy for renewable energy on the island in its entirety.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

271 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views in respect of the development of renewable road or home heating fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28144/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of his recently announced proposals regarding alternative fuels to meet industrial and domestic requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28149/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, on the basis of progress to date, what are achievable targets in respect of alternatively produced energy; the likely impact in respect of road fuels, home heating or the industrial market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28164/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271, 276 and 287 together.

My Department is responsible for the promotion and development of renewable energy, including biofuels. I am committed to the development and promotion of a biofuels and bio-energy sector in Ireland's transport, domestic and industrial fuel markets, which will contribute to emissions reductions and overall security of supply.

In 2004, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a scheme for mineral oil tax relief for biofuels. A scheme under the Act was agreed between my Department and the Department of Finance and was launched in April 2005. The proposals were evaluated by my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and recommendations were made to the Minister for Finance. As a result, eight projects were awarded excise relief under the scheme, including four pure plant oil, three biodiesel or other biofuel, and one bioethanol proposal. Excise relief of €6 million will be allowed for these projects over a two-year period to 2007. It is anticipated that this will result in 16 million litres of biofuels being placed on the Irish transport market during that period. The scheme is an initial measure designed to stimulate market development.

Under SEI's renewable energy research, development and demonstration, RERD&D, programme, capital grant aid is also available for biofuels market demonstration projects in the pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol categories. Funding of almost €250,000 has already been awarded to support engine modifications in up to 100 vehicles and provide plant and monitoring equipment.

In addition, SEI has provided grant aid of €40,000 to Teagasc for a study to establish oil quality testing procedures for pure plant oil. This study will be critical to building market confidence. SEI has also provided funding for the publication of a resource study on recovered vegetable oil and animal fats and a study on quality assurance for rapeseed oil as a vehicle fuel.

An interdepartmental biofuels group was established in 2004 to consider policy options for the development of the biofuels market and to consider these options from the perspectives of the sectors or interests represented by each Department. It comprises representatives from my Department, the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance, Transport, Agriculture and Food and SEI. As part of its work, the group commissioned a liquid biofuels strategy study for Ireland, which was published by SEI in December 2004. The report examines the full range of options and potential supports for liquid biofuels development in Ireland, including bioethanol and biodiesel.

The number of applications in the pilot scheme clearly indicates the strong interest there is in developing a biofuels industry. I have been in contact with the Minister for Finance about the possible scope for scaling up fiscal support for biofuels. Further measures to increase market penetration over a longer timeframe are also being considered in consultation with all the relevant Departments.

In addition to the ongoing developments in respect of liquid biofuels, in December 2003, my Department established a bio-energy strategy group to make recommendations on policy options for the development of bio-energy in Ireland. The group comprised representatives of my Department, SEI, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, COFORD, Teagasc, and industry representatives. In parallel with this development, my Department launched a consultation process on options for renewable energy support and established a renewable energy development group, REDG. The findings of the bio-energy strategy group are being considered by the REDG in the context of overall policy recommendations.

SEI has supported a number of biomass facilities to date and the biomass sector has attracted the largest amount of support under SEI's renewable energy research, development and demonstration, RERD&D, programme. Among the specific projects addressed to date are funding of €732,000 towards a combined heat and power system, using sawmill residues at Grainger sawmill in Cork. The plant is designed to generate both 1.83 MW electrical energy and 3.5 MW of thermal energy in a single process. Funding of €91,626 has been made towards a 100 kW capacity wood chip-wood pellet biomass boiler at the headquarters of the State forestry company, Coillte. Coillte recently relocated its corporate headquarters to a 100% sustainable, timber-constructed building. The cost and installation of the boiler, including automatic fuel supply auger, amounted to €27,500.

The remaining support from SEI is provided for the solar heating system, monitoring programme and the energy centre. The solar and wood heating systems are located in a purpose-built energy centre that is open to the public. Funding of €40,000 has been made towards the provision of a 500 kW wood boiler and solar panels at Inchydoney Lodge and Spa Hotel in Clonakilty, County Cork. Funding of €18,000 has been made towards the provision of a 100 kW wood chip boiler at Camphill Community, Jerpoint, County Kilkenny.

In addition to the RERD&D programme, SEI's house of tomorrow programme has committed over €7.5 million funding covering 39 projects and a total of 1,818 housing units. The scheme encourages housing developers to incorporate design and technology packages for high standard energy and CO2 performance. The range of technologies in these packages included wood pellet boilers that have been installed in 93 homes.

The SEI renewable energy information office also provides a free information service on wood heating. A free video-DVD on bio-energy, including wood heating and procurement guidelines for installers and others, is being made available as part of this initiative. SEI is also developing training courses for renewable energy installers, as part of a joint initiative with Action Renewables in Northern Ireland. The first of these courses, which will include training for the installation of biomass boilers, is scheduled to be available in 2006. The targets achievable for biofuel and bio-energy production and distribution in Ireland depend on a variety of factors including availability and end-use of agricultural land and the levels of indigenously sourced or imported feedstock or biofuels.

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason it has been deemed necessary to increase gas and electricity prices here in line with international fuel price increases considering the substantial amount of fuel that is produced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28145/05]

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

I have no function in regard to the regulation of electricity and gas charges. This is a matter that falls within the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has issued or will issue instructions to the regulator with a view to achieving easier access to the national grid for medium and small energy producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28146/05]

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

At present, I have certain limited statutory powers to give directions to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. These are restricted solely to electricity trading arrangements.

In the interests of the proper and effective regulation of the electricity and gas markets, I propose, in line with Government approval, to take powers to issue policy directions of a general nature to the CER. Such a provision is included in the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

Question No. 274 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Electricity Generation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of electricity generated through private and renewable sources; the instructions he has given to the regulator to increase such production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/05]

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

Ireland currently has 675 MW of renewable capacity connected with a further 175 MW under active construction. This consists of 400 MW of wind and 240 MW of hydro with the balance made up of different biomass technologies. Further development will also take place from the last two rounds of competitive tendering, the AER V and AER VI competitions.

Ireland has a renewable electricity target of 13.2% of electricity consumption to be sourced from renewable technologies by 2010. To meet this target, we need in the region of 1,450 MW of renewable capacity connected. This means some 400 MW of new renewable capacity must be constructed. Accordingly, I recently announced a new fixed feed-in tariff support programme for new renewable energy electricity generating plant. This programme will support 400 MW and the figure will be increased to accommodate any slippage rates from previous competitions.

In July, my Northern counterpart, Ms Angela Smith, and I published a preliminary consultation paper on an all-island vision for renewable energy to the year 2020 and beyond. The consultation period recently ended and the response has been encouraging. The aim is to develop a long-term strategy for renewable energy on the island in its entirety.

The Commission for Energy Regulation is an independent body under paragraph 9 in the Schedule to the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. I have no statutory power to issue instructions of the type to which the Deputy refers.

Question No. 276 answered with QuestionNo. 271.

Questions Nos. 277 and 278 answered with Question No. 109.

Question No. 279 answered with QuestionNo. 189.

Mobile Telephony.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he will take to combat the use of mobile telephones for bullying or intimidation, particularly where young persons are concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28155/05]

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

As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy but I have no responsibility for the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimation activities over electronic communications networks.

By definition, legislation is already in place to prosecute "illegal activities" whether they are perpetrated using mobile telephones or other media. The possibilities for carrying out illegal activity via any medium are infinite. Much of the criminal activity perpetrated using electronic communications networks is legislated for according to the offence and not the medium by which it was committed. Some such legislation predates the advent of electronic technology. Legislating to combat these offences does not always fall within my remit, nor in these instances are they the responsibility of ComReg.

It is an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by telephone any message or other matter which is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of any means including telephone.

Furthermore, the Irish Cellular Industry Association, ICIA, has published a parent's guide to mobile telephones which aims to inform parents of some key safety tips that will encourage responsible and secure use of mobile telephones by their children. The guide addresses the subject of bullying and malicious communications. A copy is available on the ICIA website at www.icia.ie. Anyone with information on these matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation.

Postal Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with management and unions representing the postal service with a view to developing an enhanced role and function thereby ensuring the medium and long-term viability of the postal service; the retention of the maximum number of post offices and sub-post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28156/05]

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

The development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network, is in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of An Post. An Post plays a key role both in delivery of mails and as a quality service provider through its nationwide network of post office outlets. However, there is universal agreement that change is required if the postal services of An Post are to adapt to the modern business environment and to continue to offer a top-class nationwide delivery service to the customer into the future.

With this in mind, the board and management of An Post have presented a recovery plan which is vital to the re-establishment of the company on a more secure financial footing. The plan has assumed significant changes in work practices, tariff increases and the payment of wage increases, and sets out the way forward for the company. In order to progress the change agenda, I have met with representatives of An Post management and unions on several occasions over the past 12 months. I have listened with interest to the views of all parties concerned in regard to the future of the network. I have emphasised to all parties the importance of an early start to the company's modernisation and that both sides must engage directly in order to resolve long-standing and deep-seated problems besetting the company.

On the matter of retention of the maximum number of post offices and sub-post offices, the Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the programme for Government. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits. The An Post network comprises the single largest number of retail outlets in the country and, in the European context, Ireland still has the highest number of post offices per head of population.

Additionally, in light of the need to ensure the long-term viability of the network, An Post is working on a new initiative which could see the development and delivery of a wide range of retail financial services through the branch network. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business. An Post has initiated a process to seek a joint venture partner for this new initiative.

Question No. 282 answered with QuestionNo. 254.

Question No. 283 answered with QuestionNo. 134.

Question No. 284 answered with QuestionNo. 170.

Question No. 285 answered with QuestionNo. 96.

Question No. 286 answered with QuestionNo. 109.

Question No. 287 answered with QuestionNo. 271.

Coastal Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

288 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will allocate the €38.03 million remaining under the coastal protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28165/05]

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

The national development plan proposed expenditure of €52.01 million under the coast protection measure in the period 2000 to 2006. However actual expenditure is dependent on the allocation of funding under the annual Estimates provision. Up to the end of June 2005 a total of €32.275 million was spent on coast protection. The allocation to the Department for expenditure in 2006 on coast protection is still to be determined.

A value for money report in March 2002 highlighted the need for a more strategic focus in addressing the problem of coastal erosion in Ireland. In the light of this the Department initiated a coast protection strategy study in 2003. The study addresses the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seeks to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. The pilot phase of this study is scheduled to be completed in spring 2006. The question of providing funding for coast protection works in the future will depend on the outcome of the coastal protection strategy study, the amount of Exchequer funding available for such works and overall national priorities.

EU Directives.

Since taking up my appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have reaffirmed the Government's acceptance of the scientific advice that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild salmon stocks nationwide. For this reason, current Government policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limits as soon as possible. In keeping with this policy, when setting the commercial salmon quotas for the 2005 season, I gave a firm commitment to fully align the exploitation of salmon, both at national and district levels, on the scientific advice by 2007.

In order to achieve this, I have asked the new National Salmon Commission to advise as to how best the alignment of exploitation of salmon with the scientific advice can be implemented by 2007, bearing in mind the requirement to ensure the future biological viability of the salmon resource in all catchments and also the needs of all stakeholders, including those who derive their living from the wild salmon resource.

In undertaking its remit, the National Salmon Commission will be required to consider what conservation management mechanisms may be required to achieve the alignment of national and district total allowable catches with the scientific advice given to it by the standing scientific committee. Scientific advice on Irish salmon stocks is based on International Council for the Exploration of the Seas recommendations. The full terms of reference which I have assigned to the National Salmon Commission are provided for in the National Salmon Commission (Terms of Reference) Order 2005 (SI No. 627 of 2005).

John Perry

Question:

293 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if having regard to the very significant benefits that Ireland derives from the set aside of the West Greenland and Faroese salmon fisheries, he will consider having Ireland contribute to the North Atlantic Salmon Fund’s financing of compensation schemes for the fishermen affected by the set aside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28219/05]

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

I understand that the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, NASF, is a private, non-governmental organisation. The Irish Government does not contribute to the financial operation of the organisation nor am I aware that any other national Government contributes towards the set aside of the West Greenland salmon fisheries. I am advised that the compensation provided by NASF for the Faroese set aside expired at least five years ago.

Fishing Fleet Protection.

John Perry

Question:

294 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of the €45 million being allocated to the decommissioning of up to 25% of the whitefish and shellfish trawling capacity which will have to be met from Irish Exchequer resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28220/05]

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

Some €45 million has been allocated for the scheme to decommission fishing boats, which was launched recently. Of this total, €8.8 million is already provided for under the current national development plan which runs to 2006, of which 75%, €6.6 million, is funded from the financial instrument for fisheries guidance with the remaining 25%, €2.2 million, being met through matching Exchequer funding. The future mechanism for EU funding post 2006 has yet to be finalised at EU level.

Telecommunications Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

295 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband services (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28272/05]

Question:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals for improved sub-titling and sign language throughout broadcasting in line with the requirements of those with hearing difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28344/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 to 299, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 568 on Wednesday, 28 September 2005.

Energy Resources.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

300 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure continuity and security of oil and gas supplies given the high dependency of the Irish economy on such imports; the policy of fuel producers to increase their prices in line with international fuel costs and the potential negative implications for the economy; if he will take action to dramatically encourage and co-ordinate the production of alternative clean energy on a scale equal to that of other European countries; his proposals to review energy or mineral exploration policy with the objective of maximising the benefit to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28345/05]

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

As a member of the International Energy Agency, Ireland is obliged to maintain oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of net imports. The oil industry here is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. The industry sources its supplies on a commercial basis from overseas suppliers. Oil prices in Ireland are not controlled and as Minister I have no function with regard to oil prices, which are a matter for the market.

As regards ensuring the continuity and security of natural gas supplies, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has responsibility for monitoring the security of natural gas supplies on an ongoing basis. The commission publishes annually a rolling seven-year gas capacity statement. This provides a forecast of capacity, flows and customer demand to assess the adequacy of the Irish gas transmission system.

The gas capacity statement also considers whether projected supplies of gas from indigenous sources, imports and storage are sufficient to meet forecast demand. A key finding of the 2005 gas capacity statement is that even under unusually cold weather conditions, the Irish gas transmission system will cope with forecast demand.

As regards the production of clean energy, in 2004, my Department secured an amendment to the Finance Act 1999, which provides for the introduction of a scheme for mineral oil tax relief for biofuels. A scheme under the Act was launched in April 2005 and eight projects were subsequently awarded excise relief valued at €6 million over a two-year period to 2007. It is anticipated that this will result in 16 million litres of biofuels being placed on the Irish transport market during that period. The scheme is an initial measure designed to stimulate market development.

The number of applications in the pilot scheme clearly indicates the strong interest there is in developing a biofuels industry in Ireland. I have had contact with the Minister for Finance about the possible scope for scaling up fiscal support for biofuels. Further measures to increase market penetration over a longer timeframe are also being considered in consultation with all of the relevant Departments.

Under Sustainable Energy Ireland's, SEI, renewable energy research, development and demonstration programme, capital grant aid is also available for biofuels market demonstration projects in the pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol categories. Funding of almost €250,000 has already been awarded to support engine modifications of up to 100 vehicles and provide plant and monitoring equipment.

An interdepartmental biofuels group was established in 2004 to consider policy options for the development of the biofuels market. It comprises representatives from my Department, as well as the Dsepartment of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance, Transport and Agriculture and Food, and SEI. As part of its work, the group commissioned a report entitled A Liquid Biofuels Strategy Study for Ireland, which was published by SEI in December 2004. The report examines the full range of options and potential supports for liquid biofuels development in Ireland, including bioethanol and biodiesel.

SEI has supported a number of biomass facilities to date. SEI's house of tomorrow programme has committed over €7.5 million in funding to 39 projects and a total of 1,818 housing units. The scheme encourages housing developers to incorporate design and technology packages for high standard energy and CO2 performance. The range of technologies included in these packages included wood pellet boilers that have been installed in 93 homes.

In so far as the regime in respect of oil, gas and other mineral exploration is concerned, as part of the commitments in the programme for Government, I intend to bring forward proposals for a new minerals development Bill to consolidate and update legislation, enacted between 1940 and 1999, regulating the non-petroleum minerals sector. Work is under way on this in my Department.

I also intend to bring forward Bills to update the legislation governing petroleum exploration and development, namely the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960, and the Continental Shelf Act 1968. This work is also under way.

The terms governing petroleum exploration and development are kept under constant review by my Department. These terms are attractive by international standards and are designed to encourage offshore exploration. I have no immediate plans to reform the terms at this time.

Exploration and development of minerals is undertaken by private enterprise and regulated under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. All extraction of minerals under the Acts is subject to payment of royalties to the State. While it is my intention to consolidate and update those Acts in a new minerals development Bill currently in preparation, I do not propose to change that policy.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28352/05]

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

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Question No. 302 answered with QuestionNo. 178.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

303 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28387/05]

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

The scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of deputy Secretary General and assistant secretary operated as follows: in 2000, a total of €9,283 was spent on performance-related awards comprising three individual payments; in 2001, a total of €10,120 was spent on performance-related awards comprising three individual payments; in 2002, a total of €9,862 was spent on performance-related awards comprising three individual payments; in 2003, a total of €70,750 was spent on performance-related awards comprising seven individual payments; in 2004, a total of €52,900 was spent on performance-related awards comprising five individual payments; and in 2005, a total of €62,600 was spent on performance-related awards comprising five individual payments.

Merit payments to grades below assistant secretary were as follows: in 2000, a total of €15,248 was spent on merit awards comprising 12 individual awards of €380 each and 27 group awards ranging from €63 to €1,301; in 2001, a total of €32,007 was spent on merit awards comprising 58 individual awards ranging €63 to €2,539; in 2002, a total of €33,553 was spent on merit awards comprising 20 individual awards totalling €8,602, 31 group awards totalling €14,451 and a contribution of €10,500 to the social club; in 2003, a total of €15,204 was spent on merit awards comprising nine individual awards totalling €2,500, six group awards totalling €5,704 and a contribution of €7,000 to the social club; and in 2004, a total of €29,030 was spent on merit awards comprising 614 individual awards totalling €27,030 and a contribution of €2,000 to the retired staff Christmas party.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

304 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28404/05]

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

Details of consultancies awarded by my Department to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997 are outlined in the following table:

Communications
Year	Purpose	Cost
2000-2001	Project Manager/Facilitator for Digital Audio Broadcasting Forum	€36,103
2005	An analytical review of the costs of operating Eircom’s emergency call handling service	€50,000 (not paid yet)
2005	Preparation of the implementation plan for the separation of TG4	€87,725 (forecasted cost — no payment made as at 7/10/2005)

Marine
Year	Purpose	Cost
		€
1999	Assessment of the feasibility of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach to the development of the new National Maritime College	51,280
2000	Audit of EU Market Support Schemes for fish withdrawal and Review of Procedures (Fisheries)	18,306
2000	Strategic and Operational Review of Maritime Safety Regulatory Services	53,444
2002	Irish Coast Guard Study	145,483

Energy
Year	Purpose	Cost
		€
2002	Provision of ongoing technical consultancy services to Department and Department of Finance on the management of the INPC Strategic Alliance process and the management of residual matters post sale of INPC businesses	4,922
2004	Provision of ongoing technical consultancy services to Department and Department of Finance on the management of the INPC Strategic Alliance process and the management of residual matters post sale of INPC businesses	42,043
2005	Review of the Electricity Sector in Ireland	1,018,057

Corporate Governance
Year	Purpose	Cost
		€
2000	Annual Audit of EAGGF expenditure for 1999/2000 financial year	23,008
2000	Annual Audit of EAGGF expenditure for 2000/2001 financial year	35,069
2000	Annual Audit of EAGGF expenditure for 2001/2002 financial year	29,075
2001	Facilitation of Department’s Strategy Statement 2001-2003	16,000
2002	Prepare an ICT Security Strategy for the Department	31,108
2003	Annual Audit of EAGGF expenditure for 2002/2003 financial year	41,213
2003	Annual Audit of EAGGF expenditure for 2003/2004 financial year	2,053
2003	Work on closure of EU structural funds	774
2004	Quality assurance of Internal Audit	6,824

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

305 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28353/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28, Foreign Affairs, and Vote 29, International Co-operation. The Department commissions consultancies where specialised knowledge and-or skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of the Development Co-operation Ireland, DCI, programme, where an independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. The awarding of the contracts referred to below is done at official level and I have had no personal involvement in the process.

The information requested by the Deputy for Vote 28 is set out in table A below. The Deputy may wish to note that the majority of expenditure on consultancies for 2002 to 2005 relates to the upgrading of the Department's information technology infrastructure at headquarters and in our missions abroad, and to the development of an automated passport production system, APS.

The upgrading of the Department's information technology infrastructure commenced in 2002 and covered a broad range of technologies that required specialised expertise in a number of areas. No fixed contract was agreed with a single supplier. Instead, rates were agreed for specialised expertise with several suppliers and these were utilised on a draw down basis, as and when required. The spending in this area came in under budget in each of the years in question.

The automated passport production system, APS, was essential to meet demands for passports in an efficient and effective manner and to comply with new international security regulations. It has delivered, to quote the United States authorities, a superb product. Costs associated with the APS are contained in years 2001-05. The actual contract price for the APS system was budgeted at €21.8 million in December 2002. However, during the implementation of the contract, the Department saw the need for further additions to the project and the final outcome for non-recurrent costs was €27.7 million. The APS project is primarily procurement and delivery of service rather than consultancy in the narrow sense. BearingPoint were the main contractors for the APS project and, as such, had responsibility for the supply of hardware, software, design solutions and development. These costs are all included in the figures provided.

A daily rate, based on salary scales at retirement, was agreed with a small number of former officers of this Department who acted on behalf of the Department on international bodies. A daily rate was also agreed with those who provided specialised legal advice.

In 2003 and 2004, payments relating to the EU Presidency website were made to Labyrinth and Amas. Also during this period, payments were made to Red Dog Design for the design of the EU Presidency logo, the branding of the Presidency and other project management costs for campaigns to promote regional awareness of the Presidency and to promote the associated website. These payments also included ancillary production charges covering printing, display units and backdrops, etc. The final outturn costs reflected a combination of the agreed tender fee, together with the volume of services and supplies provided.

The information relating to Vote 29 is set out in table B below. DCI consultancies cover a wide range of sectors including HIV-AIDS, education, health and rural development. A high proportion of the contracts under Vote 29 concern the monitoring, review and evaluation of development programmes and projects commissioned at headquarters to ensure quality and value for money. These contracts are almost always based on a daily rate of payment with a maximum number of days stipulated in the contract. Tight limits on necessary subsistence and travel expenses are also set out in the contract so that the total payments made reflect the original agreed cost. There can be minor variations in travel and subsistence costs.

In addition to the HQ commissioned contracts, our aid missions in Africa use locally based consultants from time to time to evaluate aspects of the programme in the field. Details of these contracts are being assembled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2001
Company	Service Provided	Original Estimate	Actual Cost
		(€)	(€)
RITS	ICT security services to assist delivery of ICT programmes	3,750.00	3,750.00
PricewaterhouseCoopers	Report on the viability of the Irish Centre at Digbeth, Birmingham	£20,000 sterling	£19,387.50 sterling
Padraig White	To advise the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic issues	Agreed Daily Rate	17,526.00
Farrell, Grant Sparks	Procurement and tendering advice regarding the proposed automated passport production system (APS)	See Reply Above	42,250.00
Dr. Tom Hardiman	Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)	Agreed Daily Rate	18,812.00
Mazaars Consulting Limited	Implementation of a new payroll system	Agreed CMOD per diem rate	148,498.41
Eugene Downes	Cultural programme co-ordinator	Agreed Daily Rate	50,494.41
Noel Dorr	Intergovernmental conference representative	Agreed Daily Rate	40,227.77
Fiach MacChongail	Programme Manager, Irish Cultural Centre Paris	39,519.35	39,519.35

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2002
Company	Service Provided	Original Estimate	Actual Cost
		(€)	(€)
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young	Consultancy in respect of the development of the Department's ICT Strategy	170,000.00	155,101.26
Cara	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	27,553.71
Crannóg	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	20,534.75
D.S.S	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	147,818.64
Octogon	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	9,000.00	9,876.63
RITS	ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	15,395.00
Padraig White	To advise the Garvaghy Roads Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic development	Agreed Daily Rate	7,683.50
PricewaterhouseCoopers	Cross-Border mobility study	60,000.00	47,870.00
Indicon	Review of Encounter organisation	31,097.00	31,097.00
Farrell, Grant Sparks	Procurement and Tendering advice regarding the proposed Automated Passport Production System (APS)	See Reply Above	44,130.00
Clifford Associates	Project Management Advice — APS	See Reply Above	14,240.00
Bearingpoint	Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS	See Reply Above	4,390,760.00
Mason Hayes and Curran	Contract and Legal Advice — APS	See Reply Above	268,600.00
Dr. Tom Hardiman	Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)	Agreed Daily Rate	43,464.79
Declan Ryan Consultancy	Consultation on beverage provisions (incl. procuring, discounts and stocking)	under 5,000.00	4,000.00
William Schabas	Representation of Ireland at meetings of the Council of Europe’s Special Committee on the Legal Status of NGOs	Not available	1,370.00
Anglia Polytechnic	Study of the existing sources of information-analysis about Irish emigrants and Irish communities abroad.	58,041.53	58,041.53
McCann Fitzgerald	Review of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ practices in the payments of Foreign Service allowances and entitlements to staff serving abroad in the context of existing equality and employment legislation.	17,768.00	15,427.50
Drury Communications	Advice on a comprehensive communications strategy aimed at improving the transmission of information about the EU to the Irish public.	40,000.00 (ex VAT and expenses)	62999.86 (including VAT and expenses)
Eugene Downes	Cultural Programme Co-ordinator	Agreed Daily Rate	33,478.64
Fiach MacChongail	Programme Manager, Irish Cultural Centre Paris	52,306.87	52,306.87
Geraldine Skinner	Legal consultancy services	Agreed Daily Rate	3,990.58
Noel Dorr	Intergovernmental Conference Representative	Agreed Daily Rate	5,079.97

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2003
Company	Service Provided	Original Estimate	Actual Cost
		(€)	(€)
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young	Consultancy in respect of the development of the Department's ICT Strategy	Included in 2002	22,732.88
Cara	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	333,773.98
Cornwell	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	137,764.64
Crannóg	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	41,143.70
D.S.S	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	643,470.32
Hewlett Packard	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	45,980.74
Microsoft	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	30,461.75
RITS	ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	290,000.00	300,359.26
Centre for Cross Border Studies	Cross-Border mobility study	22,770.00	19,440.00
Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)	Project Management Advice — APS	See Reply Above	106,000.00
Bearingpoint	Main contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS	See Reply Above	14,936,500.00
Mason Hayes and Curran	Contract and legal advice — APS	See Reply Above	9,500.00
Dr. Tom Hardiman	Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)	Agreed Daily Rate	39,687.86
Front Line	Study on possible EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders	25,000.00	25,000.00
Eugene Downes	Cultural programme co-ordinator	Agreed Daily Rate	20,470.42
Fiach MacChongail	Programme Manager, Irish Cultural Centre Paris		103.40
Michael Barsanti	Text for international Joyce exhibition	1,000.00	1,000.00
Labyrinth	Design of Ireland’s EU Presidency Website	See Reply Above	257,889.49
Amas	Design of Youth section of Presidency website and search engine optimisation	See Reply Above	53,280.51
Red Dog Design	Design of the EU Presidency logo, the branding of the Presidency and other project management costs for campaigns to promote regional awareness of the Presidency and to promote the Presidency website. Also includes ancillary production charges relating to costs incurred on technical issues such as printing, display units and backdrops etc.	See Reply Above	49,419.12

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2004
Company	Service Provided	Original Estimate	Actual Cost
		(€)	(€)
Cara	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	827,394.84
Cornwell	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	229,546.68
Crannóg	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	53,542.50
D.S.S	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	1,234,630.47
Hewlett Packard	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	39,023.41
Microsoft	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	9,044.99
RITS	ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	300,000.00	321,164.31
Will Taylor	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	190,904.59
Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)	Project manager and acceptance testing — APS	See Reply Above	314,000.00
Bearingpoint	Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS	See Reply Above	14,358,000
Mason Hayes and Curran	Contract and Legal Advice — APS	See Reply Above	9,971.00
Dr. Tom Hardiman	Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)	Agreed Daily Rate	31,694.40
Declan Ryan Consultancy	Consultation on beverage provisions for EU Presidency	Less than 5,000	2,500.00
Deirdre Donohue	Organisation of December 2004 DFA-NGO Human Rights Forum	1,500.00	1,292.46
Labyrinth	Design of Ireland’s EU Presidency Website	See Reply Above	245,829.31
Amas	Design of Youth section of Presidency website and search engine optimisation	See Reply Above	81,340.18
Fusio	Upgrade of Departmental Website	11,188.30	11,188.30
Red Dog Design	Design of the EU Presidency logo, the branding of the Presidency and other project management costs for campaigns to promote regional awareness of the Presidency and to promote the Presidency website. Also includes ancillary production charges relating to costs incurred on technical issues such as printing, display units and backdrops etc.	See Reply Above	251,363.15
Balcombe Helicopters	Provision of technical advice regarding helicopter transport for the EU Enlargement Day events in Dublin, 1 May 2004	4,235.00	4,235.00
Melt Design	Design and type setting of publication entitled Growth, Jobs and Social Cohesion: What Europe is Doing for You	1,234.20	1,940.84
A&L Goodbody	Expenditure review report on the Department’s EU accession training programmes	2,450.00	4,878.42
Eugene Downes	Cultural programme co-ordinator	Agreed Daily Rate	24,126.33
Dr. Renata Dwan	Research in relation to the link between civilian crisis management and development assistance	Not available	15,000.00
Declan Kiberd	Editorial advice on international Joyce exhibition and Beckett-related project work	900.00	900.00
Laura Weldon	Beckett-related project work	1,750.00	1,750.00

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2005 (to date)
Company	Service Provided	Original Estimate	Actual Cost
		(€)	(€)
Cara	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	1,285,387.65
Cornwell	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	58,166.52
D.S.S	Technical and Helpdesk ICT services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	647,356.07
RITS	ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	315,000.00	216,245.77
Version1	Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes	Agreed Daily Rate	249,945.80
Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)	Project Manager and Acceptance Testing — APS	See Reply Above	87,060.00
Bearingpoint	Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS	See Reply Above	497,300.00
Mason Hayes and Curran	Contract and legal advice — APS	See Reply Above	20,780.00
Dr. Tom Hardiman	Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)	Agreed Daily Rate	31,845.31
Ronan Daly Jermyn, Solicitors	Legal Advice in connection with contracts	Hourly Rate	3,025.00
Declan O’Neill	Evaluation of e-payments solution for the Department	3,000.00	4,000.00
ECA International	An examination of the structure of foreign service allowances and other entitlements available to officers serving overseas	Agreed Daily Rate	3,418.00
Eugene Downes	Cultural programme co-ordinator	Agreed Daily Rate	25,029.12
Declan Kiberd	Editorial Advice on international Joyce exhibition and Beckett-related project work	1,250.00	1250.00
Ronan McDonald	Beckett-related project work	2,000.00	2,000.00
Padraig White	To advise the Garvaghy Roads Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic development	Agreed Daily Rate	22,282.15

TABLE B
Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2000
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
Centre for Adult and Community Education	Fellowship policy, guidelines & application-selection criteria	2,475.99
Timothy O'Dempsey	Participation in Roll Back Malaria Meeting, WHO Geneva	2,350.5
John Kevany	Appraisal of International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Proposal	10,221.39
Desiree Dietvorst	Presentation at like-minded meeting on SWAPs Dublin	3,573.09
ESRI	DAC capacity network meeting, Dublin, April 2000	3,313.18
Moss McCormack	Programme Document for Ireland Aid Assistance to Health Sector, Lesotho	3,739.7
Robert Smith	Appraisal of Ireland Aid support to Jimma University, Ethiopia	8,033.61
Vivienne Forsythe	Appraisal of Ireland Aid support to Jimma University, Ethiopia	11,265.04
Mary Jennings	Review of Save the Children micro credit project, Palestine, March 2000	6,162.85
John Grindle	Attendance at expert group meeting on economic vulnerability, Paris	1,168.12
Jim Kinsella	Bethel Evaluation, Lesotho, March 2000	6,911.12
Educational Research Centre	Assess quality of teaching in primary schools, Kibale District, Uganda, March 2000	6,012.59
Centre for Adult and Community Education	Report on meeting of like-minded Donors on SWAPS — March 2000	3,174.35
Ruairí Brugha	Joint Ministry of Health-partners review of health action plan, Tanzania, March 2000	7,445.78
Ann Bourke Garcia	Preparation of programme of support in health sector for Ireland Aid, Tanzania	12,804.9
Cathy Gaynor	Preparation of report for the World Conference on Education for All, Dakar, finalisation of education guidelines, attendance at regional advisers' workshop on education, March-September 2000	15,236.86
Monica Gorman	Seminar on Environmental Best Practice in Development Programmes report, 23 March 2000	571.38
Deloitte & Touche	Review of Ireland Aid Procurement Procedures, March- June 2000	57,083.09
IAAC/ Prof. John Jackson	Attendance at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development	57,43.41
Dr. Timothy O’Dempsey	Participation in Operational Research Workshop, Ethiopia, Phase 1, March 2000	2,539.22
Peit Jan Zijlstra/ CDP Consultants	Evaluation of Area-Based Programmes, Dublin, March-April 2000	60,176.48
Orlaith McCaul	Evaluation of Area Based Programmes, Dublin March-April 2000	5,889.93
Swithun Goodbody	Attendance at IFPRI Workshop in Malawi — March-April 2000	4,646.8
Andrew O’Connell	Strategy and Guidelines for Ireland Aid support to Health Component in the District Development Programmes-April 2000	5,715.46
Nick Chisholm	Preparation of Ireland Aid Policy & Guidelines on Agriculture	12,597.59
Peadar Cremin	Curriculum Development and Implementation for Palestinian Ministry of Education: April 2000	5,401.44
David O’Grady	Curriculum Development and Implementation for Palestinian Ministry of Education: April 2000	5,291.99
Eamonn Brehony	Feasibility Study on the proposed Mungwi Council Sugar Cane Out-Growers Scheme, Zambia, April-May 2000.	4,826.12
Nick Chisholm	Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings April 2000-March 2001	4,441.07
Noel Whelan	Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings April 2000-March 2001	6,148.22
Mike FitzGibbon	Desk Study re Accounting Database in District Development Programmes, Tanzania	1,976.26
David McKevitt	Programme Aid Seminar May 2000	1,100.01
Bannock Consulting	Programme Aid Seminar May 2000	1,100.81
Vivienne Forsythe	Strategy and Sector Guidelines in Emergency Humanitarian Assistance, Emergency Preparedness and Post Emergency Rehabilitation	3,656.85
Conor Ward	Support to the Bethlehem 2000 Palestinian Heritage Centre at Bethlehem University — May 2000	3,669.85
Nils Boesen, AS Denmark	Review of NGO Block Grant Multi-annual Funding — May — June 2000	27,297.43
Swithun Goodbody	Evaluation of Ireland Aid support to IFAD and CGIAR — May-June 2000	18,143.38
Colin O’Sullivan	Member of CSC interview board for IT specialist, Development Co-operation Division	1,269.74
Terence George Baker	Development of the Curriculum for a Diploma course in Medlab Science	13,764.94
John Kevany	Attendance at EU HIV-AIDS vaccine task team meeting, Brussels, May 2000	1,608.24
Andrew Burke	Review of Education Support to Northern Province, South Africa	8,063.1
REPIM Limited	Programme Aid Seminar May 2000	2,296.74
Cathal Higgins	Review of Education Support to Northern Province, South Africa	8,122.53
Tom Dolan, ODT Development Consultancy	Reviewing Plans and Programme to Reform the Justice Cluster in South Africa	6,557.52
John Grindle	Background Paper on Political and Economic Developments, SA in preparation for Country Strategy Review — June 2000	4,357.7
Lars P. Christensen	Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNDP, UNICEF & UNFPA June-Sept 2000	11,500.3
Nedworc Foundation	Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNDP, UNICEF & UNFPA June-Sept 2000	2,765.59
Piet Jan Zijlstra/CDP Consultants	Evaluation of area-based programmes, Ethiopia-Tanzania-Mozambique-Tanzania: Phase 11 - June-July & Sept 2000	10,602.85
Orlaith McCaul/ Development Studies Centre	Evaluation of area-based programmes - Phase 2 - Tanzania-Amsterdam-Tanzania	23,365.61
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine	Mid-term Review of the Reproductive Health Services Project, Northern Province, Zambia June 2000	14,972.15
Brenda Corcoran	Review of the national tuberculosis programme, Tanzania, June 2000	9,208.14
Matthew Jowett	Attendance at WHO meeting on partnership in Health and Poverty, Geneva 12-14 June 2000	2,353.45
Thomas Kellaghan	Issues Paper for Attendance at International working Group on Education — Florence, June 2000	2,623.37
Nick Chisholm	DAC Environmental Meeting June 2000	1,091.59
Mike Scott	Member of Civil Service Commission Interview Board for D C D Accountant, June 2000	1,269.4
David Lovegrove	Foreign Investment Advisory Mission to Laos	8,610.78
John Kevany	EU Health Aids Population Experts Meeting Brussels	1,404.75
Sean Courtney	Increase management capacity of the Ireland Aid country programme, Tanzania, July-Oct 2000	15,236.86
Bernard Mc Loughlin	Appraisal of Inception Report on the Establishment of an ED-SDP Pooled Fund, Tanzania	444.41
Seamus McGuinness	Mid-term review-evaluation of the whole school development, Tanzania, July-August 2000	3,300.05
Bernadette Crawford	Participation In Ireland Aid Education Seminar Aug 2000	2,631.16
Iain Atack	Review of three-year Programme 1998-2000 on Human Rights, Democratisation and Good Governance - August 2000	2,365.84
Mary Jennings	Participation in Regional HIV-AIDS Workshop, Uganda, Sept 00	5,845.73
Vivienne Forsythe	Review of CHAL-RHDP Project Lesotho Sept 2000	7,552.73
Mike Ratcliffe (HRDC)	Evaluation of Trócaire Block Grant Projects in Central America, Aug 2000	19,141.92
Grant Thornton	Review of DCO Administration Budgets and Budgeting Procedures — Aug-Oct 2000	23,568.74
Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales	Review of Agriculture Programme in Ethiopia, Aug-Sept 2000	19,166.29
UCD (Dept. of Agribusiness Extension & RD)	Sokoine Extension Programme Tanzania, Sept 2000	8,226.84
John Grindle	Evaluation of Tanga Coastal Zone Programme — Phase II	12,315.25
Bernadette Crawford	Strategic Approach to Health and Education SWAPs in the Priority Countries — Sept-Nov 2000	2,285.53
Moss McCormack	Attendance at WHO Seminar on Quality Improvement Strategies for Middle & Low Income Countries September 2000	963.67
Nick Chisholm	DAC Environmental Conference — Amsterdam	2,130.51
John Kevany	Inter Agency Group Meeting on SWAPs Geneva	2,478.35
John Kevany	Ireland Aid health policy-programme development: Sept-Dec 2000	13,558.01
Sean Courtney	Increase Management Capacity of the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania	16,760.54
Iain Atack	To attend SIDA workshop, Promoting a Human Rights Approach in Development Co-operation, Stockholm, October 2000	2,632.76
Nick Chisholm	To attend CGIAR Annual Centres Week Washington, October 2000	3,330.76
Therese Dooley	Review of primary schools construction & bursary project for participation of education sector support programme for Lesotho, Oct-Nov 2000	6,610.88
Roger Avenstrup	Review of primary schools construction & bursary project for preparation of education sector support programme for Lesotho, Nov-Dec 2000 & Jan 01	15,505.05
Roger Avenstrup	Ethiopia ESDP Mid-term Review 10 February-4 March 2001	18,658.66
Dr. Shane Allwright	Appraise the desirability of Ireland Aid support for the Mwanza Intervention Trial, Tanzania	3,718.39
Moss McCormack	Health Sector Review Lesotho Nov 2000	3,889
Bernadette Crawford	Health Sector Consultation Nov 2000	406.91
Vivienne Forsythe	Health Sector Consultation Nov 2000	540.38
Dr. Maura Connolly	Health Sector Consultation Nov 2000	903.98
Dr. Bert Schreuder	Health Sector Consultation Nov 2000	1,223.19
Philip Ryan-Precept Consulting	Management Review, Maputo	15,465.52
Kim Forss-Andante Consultants AB	Participation in Health SWAP Meeting Amsterdam, November 2000	4,295.12
Diarmuid McClean	Technical Support to UNICEF, Ghana, re Ireland Aid supported HIV-Aids programme: Nov-Dec 2000	5,947.77
Moss McCormack	Mid-term Review of Medlabs Project Zambia December 2000	(paid in 2002)
Edward O’Loughlin	Production of an Ireland Aid Administrative procedures and Operations manual(s) December-June 2001	14,220.17
Deloitte & Touche	Quality Review of the Evaluation and Audit Unit. Dec 2000-Feb 01	40,966.58
COWI	Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to the UN	45,858.94

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2001
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
Aidan Pender/PA Consulting Group	Facilitator to the Ireland Aid Review Committee	31,452.35
Andrew Burke	Co-ordination of study visit to Ireland by Education officials from Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia Mozambique and S A (Nov 2001)	9,885.68
Bernard McLoughlin	Sidama Area Based Programme Evaluation: Ethiopia (March 2001)	12,914.90
Bernard McLoughlin	Review of Financial Control Capacities and Elaboration of Programme Expansion Proposals (June, 2001)	13,093.88
Brian Barr	Roads Consultancy for Ireland Aid — Ethiopia Programme	11,381.32
Cathal Higgins	Participation in ongoing monitoring and review of Ireland Aid Education Programmes (Jan-Dec 2001)	46,659.36
CDP Consultants	Participation of Mr. Taco Kooistra in the evaluation of NGO Block Grant Scheme: Bangladesh and India (Feb & Mar 2001)	22,431.20
CDP Consultants	Participation in Sidama Area-based Programme Evaluation — Ethiopia (Feb-Apr 2001)	24,966.46
CDP Consultants	Souther Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State ( SNNPRS) Needs Assessment — Ethiopia (Nov 2001)	5,249.76
Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS)	Support to Review of IFSP and Preparation of Position Paper — Ethiopia (Sep 2001)	14,525.14
CHL Consulting Group	Ex-Post Evaluation of Hotel and Tourism Training — Zambia (Oct — Nov 2001)	13,123.09
COWI	Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNHCR and OHCHR (Sep — Nov 2001)	7,488.00
Deloitte & Touche	Study to Develop a Risk Management Process in Ireland Aid.	33,492.16
Development Studies Centre	Participation of Ms Orlaith McCaul in the Sidama Area-based Programme Evaluation — Ethiopia (Feb-Apr 2001)	16,297.33
Diarmuid McClean	Participation in ongoing support to Ireland Aid in the Health Sector (Feb-Jul 2001)	4,072.93
Diarmuid McClean	Health — Programme Support and Development (Oct 01-Mar 02)	2,886.63
Dr. Albert de Groot/Netherlands Economic Institute	Macro-economic Support to Mozambique (Mar-Apr 01)	13,717.13
Dr. Ian Robinson — Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, Bangor	Participate in workshop in Dublin re developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture	1,851.88
Dr. Jim Phelan	Attendance at Agriculture Workshop — Tanzania (May 2001)	2,744.86
Dr. Timothy O’Dempsey	Participation in Operational Research Workshop (Ethiopia); March 2001	939.06
Edward O’Loughlin	Production of an Ireland Aid Administrative procedures and Operations manual(s) December-June 2001	20,320.00
Eric Woods	Review of Teacher Education in the Context of the Education Sector Development Programme — Ethiopia, November 2001	3,657.60
Gavin Olney	Assessment of Microfinance Sector in Kibale, Kiboga, and Kumi — Uganda	10,203.51
HELM Corporation Ltd	Review of Current Practice in Lesson Learning from Evaluations at Country Level. October -November 2001	24,126.76
Horwath Bastow Charlton	Review of Financial Management Systems of NGOs	40,327.97
IG Harmond Associates	Review of Ireland Aid Support to the Rural Access Sector — Lesotho (Aug-Sep 2001)	12,617.28
John Grindle	Participation in workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Agriculture Conference, Dublin (10-11 January 2001)	6,200.14
John Grindle	Assistance to the Czech and Lithuanian Foreign Ministries (April-June 2001)	9,106.70
John Grindle	Ongoing review of Ireland Aid’s policy on debt (May 2001 -April 2002)	17,207.23
John Grindle	Review of the Ireland Aid Country Programme — Lesotho (Oct-Nov 2001)	2,000.25
John McKinnon	Seminar on proposal to provide General Budget Support to Uganda — Dublin (4 April 2001)	689.71
John Telford / EMMA Ltd.	Review of NGO activities in Gujarat, India (April-June 2001)	7,297.51
Kevin Carroll	Support to IA’s Health Advisers (Sep 01-Aug 02)	8,336.57
Kevin Carroll	Preparation of Discussion Paper on Governance/ Civil Society for Programme Officers Meeting (Nov. 2001)	1,905.00
Kevin Carroll	Workshop on Sector Wide Approaches (SWAPs) — Lesotho (Oct 2001)	4,493.95
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine	Participation of Ms Monica Burns in Mid-term Review of the HSDP — Ethiopia (February-March 2001)	30,081.70
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine	Participation of Mr. Peter Petit in Mid-term Review of the HSDP Ethiopia (February-March 2001)	21,836.14
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine	Participation of Dr. Ruairí Brugha in Joint Ministry of Health/Partners Review of Health Plan of Action — Tanzania (March 2001)	15,580.01
Mary Oduka	Member of Ireland Aid Interview Board for Programme Officer (October 2001)	1,270.00
Michael Kelly	Participation in facilitation of workshop on HIV/AIDS and presentation of paper on HIV/AIDS (February — March 2001)	2,698.98
Michael Scott	Assessment of the operations of AMSCO (April-June 2001)	5,043.63
Monica Burns, LATH	Annual Review Meeting of HSDP — Ethiopia (June 2001)	12,265.60
NEDWORC	Participation of Mr. Henk Mutsaers at the Agriculture Conference Workshop on Developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Dublin (11-12 January 2001)	3,140.20
Niall McDermott, Barry International Consulting Engineers	Mozambique Road Sector Analysis (June 2001)	20,550.60
Nick Chisholm	Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings (April 2000-March 2001)	6,020.69
Nick Chisholm	Participation in workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Agriculture Conference, Dublin (10-11 January 2001)	977.09
Nick Chisholm	Ongoing Attendance at Meetings of DAC Working Party on Environment (March 2001 to March 2002)	3,993.39
Nick Chisholm	Seminar on proposal to provide General Budget Support to Uganda — Dublin (4 April 2001)	563.25
Nick Chisholm	Agriculture Position Paper in preparation for the Country Strategy Paper, Ethiopia ( August 2001)	9,096.92
Noel Molony	Review of Current Support to Rwanda — Phase 1 (December 2001)	1,143.00
Olga McDonagh	Administrative arrangements between Ireland Aid and ICOS (March-April 2001)	4,445.00
Overseas Development Institute, London	Participation of Mr. Mick Foster in Joint Donor Budget Support Mission (PRSC) — Uganda (January 2001)	21,689.77
Philip Ryan	Member of Ireland Aid Interview Board for Human Resources and Outsourcing Manager (October 2001)	2,743.20
Philip Ryan / Precept Consulting	Consultancy report to DCD for the Ireland Aid Review April (July 2001)	13,716.00
Prof. John Kevany	Health — Intermittent Specialist Support (October 2001- March 2002)	4,014.56
Prof. John Kevany	Participation in ongoing monitoring on draw-down basis of Ireland Aid support to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative — IAVI (2001-2002)	8,840.69
Prof. John Kevany	Global Health Initiatives Stockholm	2,123.94
Pyramid Consulting Ltd.	Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and Development (1-16/2/2001)	5,715.00
Seamus Ó hUllachain	Facilitator for Study Visit to Ireland (Nov 2001)	3,810.00
Sean Courtney	Increase management capacity of the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (17 January-16 March 2001)	11,582.40
Sean Courtney	Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (April-July 2001)	16,154.40
Sean Courtney	Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (Aug-Oct 2001)	15,240.00
Sean Courtney	Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (01 November 2001-31 January 2002)	4,572.00
Sorcha Corcoran	Production of the Ireland Aid Annual Report	8,628.38
Susan Bragdon CGIAR/IPGRI	Speak at a workshop on Genetic Resources for Agriculture Dublin (8-9 Jan 2001)	833.63
Swithin Goodbody	Participation in Agriculture Conference Workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture (Dublin); 11&12/1/2001 (classified as an extension of contract for Evaluation of Ireland Aid support to IFAD and CGIAR (May-June 2000)	1,263.56
T & B Consult	Review of Ireland Aid’s support to the Development Studies Centre, Kimmage Manor (Sep-Nov 2001)	6,229.35
Therese Dooley	Participation in the Facilitation of workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation (February-March 2001)	1,524.00
Therese Dooley	EU Water Experts Meeting Stockholm (23-24 April 2001)	2,325.19
Therese Dooley	Water & Sanitation sector, SA & Zambia (June-July 2001)	16,360.08
Therese Dooley	Global Health Fund Meeting Geneva (Jun 01). Global Fund for AIDS & Health Brussels (Jul 01)	4,103.50
Therese Dooley	Preparation for Formulation of CSP-Ethiopia, Water Sector (Sep-Oct 2001)	11,986.73

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2002
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
Avenstrup, Roger	Review of IA support to Education Sector — Lesotho (Dec 2001)	8,956.05
McGuinness, Seamus	Mid-term review/evaluation of Whole School Development — Tanzania (Jul-Aug 2000)	10,681.75
Courtney, Sean	Support to the IA Country Programme — Tanzania (Nov 01 to Jan 02)	10,668.00
Sugrue, Ciaran	Joint External Appraisal of MoE Strat Plan — Zambia (Jul-02)	5,522.71
Long, Jean	Evaluation of the Copperbelt Maternity Clinics & the Northern Province Reproductive Health Projects — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	9,776.42
Crawford, Bernie	Development of a Sector Strategy Paper for Urban Development (POCMUS) — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	8,740.96
McDowell, Moore	Preparation in the GoZ /WB workshop on “Deeping Economic Diversification in Zambia”— Zambia (Jun-02)	9,710.38
McCormack, Moss	Mid-term review of the Medlabs Project — Zambia (Jul-02)	6,800.00
Riverine Consulting	Good Governance Northern Province Needs Assessment — Zambia (Jul-Aug 02)	3,291.00
Mtonga, V	Review of the Cooperbelt Reproductive Health — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	1,524.00
Milimo, J	Water Northern Province KAP Survey — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	5,515.00
RuralNet HIV/AIDS	Capacity Needs Assessment OVC Programme Copperbelt — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	4,010.00
Sikwibele, A	Northern Province Education BTL Review — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)	4,995.00
Burke, Andrew	Review of IA support to Primary Education Reform Programme — Uganda (Jul-Aug-02)	15,031.98
Dolan, Tom	Justice Law & Order Sector Review — Uganda (April-May 01)	13,205.54
Dolan, Tom	Preparation of PAEG Documents (2001)	2,795.82
Dolan, Tom	Justice Law & Order Sector & Anti-Corruption — Uganda (May-Jun 01)	33,023.43
Dolan, Tom	Visit of Uganda CRC to Ireland, Preparatory Work (Jan-02)	1,766.84
Dolan, Tom	Justice Law & Order Sector Review-Uganda (Nov 01)	12,457.06
O'Sullivan, Margo	Review of IA support to Primary Education Reform Programme — Uganda (Jul-Aug-02)	10,059.00
Avenstrup, Roger	Review Teacher Education — Ethiopia (Nov-01)	15,658.8
Avenstrup, Roger	ESDP Annual Review — Ethiopia (April-02)	8,379.2
CDP Consultants	SNNPRS Needs Assessment — Ethiopia (Feb-Apr)	15,108.45
CDP Consultants	SNNPRS Needs Assessment Phase II — Ethiopia (May-02)	11,808.87
Higgins, Cathal	Assessment of Teacher Education — Ethiopia (2001)	5,731.00
Phelan, Jim	Technical Needs Assessment for ORCB Project — Ethiopia (Sep-02)	7,465.07
Woods, Eric	Provision of Technical support to Joint Task Force on teacher Education — Ethiopia (Jan-Jun-02)	22,914.78
Woods, Eric	Review of Teacher Education in the context of ESDP (Nov-2001)	9,694.21
Gaynor, Cathy	Training Assignment — Ethiopia (October-02)	11,094.11
CDP Consultants	SNNP Regional Integrated Plan — Ethiopia (September 02)	31,005.68
Dolan, Tom	Appraisal of E-justice Programme — South Africa (Oct-2001)	13,535.48
Dolan, Tom	IA support to Good Governance, Democracy & Human Rights — South Africa (Jul-Sep-02)	7,854.00
Gordon, Adele	Bursary Support Evaluation — South Africa	1,553.18
Corbett Development Service	Technical Assistance to oversee Water Project's Implementation — South Africa	8,516.88
Khulisa Man. Serv.	Id current & future funding in Education Sector in Limpopo Prov. — South Africa	28,588.30
Int. Org. Develop.	Support for NGOs working in HIV/AIDS — South Africa	10,335.86
Int. Org. Develop.	Assistance in Organisational restructuring of DoE, Limpopo Province (Phase 1) — South Africa	3,924.08
Chisholm, Nick	PAC & Pre-PAEG Meeting Jan/Mar/April 02	4,079.45
Chisholm, Nick	Ongoing Attendance at DAC Working Party on the Envir. Meetings	2,380.48
Chisholm, Nick	PAC & Pre-PAEG Meetings (May-Dec 02)	4,183.90
Core Financial Systems	Annual Support/Maintenance/Product Licence for Sunsystems for seven missions	22,149.64
Core Financial Systems	Various on-site consultancies	6,897.20
Core Financial Systems	On-site Development of Sun to reflect changes to Subheads in 7 Embassies (Mar-Apr-02)	23,958.00
Grant Thornton	Preparation of Financial Statements Refugee Agency (2001-02)	4,800.00
Jackson, John	Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)	6,215.68
Ainscow, Robert	Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)	14,018.56
Fell, Art	Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)	7,748.34
Ryan, Philip	IA Review of IAAC & NCDE (2001)	6,856.58
Saville & Holdsworth Ltd	Interviewing for IO & Edu. Specialist (Nov & Dec-2001)	7,867.93
S&H Ltd	Feedback to M. O'Connor & T. Dignan	772.2
S&H Ltd	Competencies & Application Form Design (Mar-02)	2,395.8
Sheils, John	External support in compilation of Job Descriptions for IA	5,793.6
T&B Consult	Review of IA's support to the DSC Kimmage (2001)	16,877.82
Whelan, Noel	Pre-PAEG Meetings Jan 01-Jan-02	11,084.31
Whelan, Noel	Pre-PAEG Meetings Feb-Dec 02	6,750.78
Grindle, John	Debt: Ongoing Review of IA's policy on Debt (01-02)	7,554.97
Grindle, John	Debt: Ongoing Review of IA's policy on Debt (May 02-Apr 03)	7,178.39
Grindle, John	Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)	13,000.00
Jennings, Mary	Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)	14,346.00
Gaynor, Cathy	Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)	13,580.00
Grindle, John	Assessment & expert input to Eastern Europe Aid Committee (Feb-Dec-02)	8,500.00
Carroll, Kevin	Evaluation of in-country micro-projects, Phase I	15881.49
Carroll, Kevin	Eval micro-projects (Phase II) Nigeria	10487.67
Carroll, Justin	Evaluation of in-country micro-projects, Phase I	27,566.00
Carroll, Justin	Eval micro-projects (Phase II)	10,503.00
CDP Consultants	Evaluation of NGO Block Grant Scheme in Kenya, Uganda & Malawi (Jun-2001)	12,162.24
COWI	Evaluation of IA contributions to UNHCR & OHCHR (Sep-Nov 2001)	33,469.52
Deloitte & Touche	Study to develop a Risk Management Process for IA (2Sep-Nov 2001)	5,762.02
Deloitte & Touche	Risk Management Pilot Phase — Zambia (Jun-02)	40,999.22
Grindle, John	Review — Ethiopia (Aug-Sep-02)	10,484.82
HELM Corporation Ltd	Review of current practice in Lesson Learning from evaluations at country level (expenses 2001)	737.00
Horwath Bastow Charleton	Review of Financial Management Systems of 5 NGOs (Sep-Dec 2001)	9,680.00
Molony, Noel	Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 2 (Jan-02)	7,357.59
Molony, Noel	Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 1 (Dec-2001)	2,987.24
Mullan, Mark	Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 1(Dec-2001)	2,987.24
Mullan, Mark	Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 2 (Jan-02)	6,350.00
Shannon Development	Review of FIAS (Apr-May-02)	11,313.50
Deloitte & Touche	Role out of Risk Management to 6 Missions (Oct 02-Jan 03)	65,200.81
Scott, Mike	Support to EAU (Feb-May-02)	14,685.00
Carr, Bronagh	Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)	11,324.40
Molony, Noel	Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)	7,260.00
Telford, John	Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)	15,000.00
Michelson Institute	Review of IA's Human Rights & Democratisation Scheme — (May-Aug 02)	79,356.70
Carr, Bronagh	Develop new instruments for channelling of funds to Irish NGOs for HIV/AIDS Programme- (Jan-Mar-02)	15,240.00
Carr, Bronagh	Assist IA in managing NGO-HAPS — (Apr-Dec 02)	13,831.50
McClean, Diarmuid	Ongoing support HIV/AIDS: SA & Mozambique (2001)	7,046.91
McClean, Diarmuid	Health Prog Support & Development: HIV Strategy — Tanzania	14,305.00
Crawford, Bernie	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)	5,488.90
Hogan, Mark	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)	6,135.00
Manchester, Joanne	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)	4050.00
McMullan, Pat	Ongoing support to IA funding of IFAD (Jan-Dec-02)	29,827.10
Lee, Carol	Photographic assignments — Advance on fees (2001-02)	11,062.85
Red Dog Graphics	Publications: Design IA Annual Report 01	10,000.00
Bourke-Garcia, Ann	Attendance at the XIV AIDS Conference — Barcelona (July-02)	4,909.79
Carroll, Kevin	Programming Support to IA Edu. & Health Advisers — (Sep-01 to Aug 02)	10,596.61
Carroll, Kevin	Programming Support to Health & Edu Advisers — (Mar-Jul 02)	6,480.97
Cremin, Peter	Co-ordination of study visit to Ireland by Education Officials from Uganda (Nov-2001)	6,497.18
Dooley, Teresa	Intermittent Specialist Support to Water & Sanitation Sector (2001-02)	23,496.15
Grindle, John	Review of IA Country Programme — Lesotho (Oct-Nov 2001)	6,067.73
Kevany, John	On-going monitoring of IA support to IAVI (01-02)	9,113.94
Kevany, John	Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — (Oct-01 to Mar-02)	13,227.99
Kevany, John	Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — (Jun to Dec 02)	12,655.55
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine	Attendance at Dep. For Intern' Medical Research Council Meeting London — (Feb-02)	1,300.00
McClean, Diarmuid	Ongoing support: SA April 01 & Ethiopia Jul-01	15,066.57
McClean, Diarmuid	Health Programme Support & Development (Mar-Aug-02)	23,841.51
Ní Duibhir, Denise	Preparation of Edu Fact Sheets & Guidelines Desk Study (2001-02)	2,785.73
O'Donovan, Diarmuid	Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative	8,233.19
St. Patricks Educational Centre	Technical Support to Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) for their National Conference (Feb-Mar-02)	5,852.14
Dundalk Institute of Technology	Ongoing participation in the Intern' Working Group & Formulation on policy & incentives for the ASEM Initiative on Lifelong Learning (Nov 2001- Sep 02)	62,296.35
IMCL	Country Financial Accountability Assessment, Ethiopia (Sep-Oct 02)	44,840.53
LSHTM	Tracking Study for Global Fund for AIDS, TB & Malaria (end 02- mid 04)	55,570.08
Heneveld, Ward	Facilitator for Seminar on Monitoring Education Quality, Dublin Oct 02	5,207.23
Gaynor, Cathy	Monitoring and Evaluation Consultancy, Ethiopia Oct-Nov 02	11,094.11
Kelly, Michael J.	Facilitator for Seminar on Monitoring Education Quality, Dublin	2,981.36
Carroll, Kevin	Facilitate the Development of an interim CSP for East Timor, Nov 02	7,044.56
Fraser, Susan	Identify the most appropriate funding strategies that could be considered by IA for Palestine in 2003, Oct 02	5,053.86
Cremin, Peadar	Assessment of Ministry of Education Proposal for Technical Assistance to Teacher Training Curriculum Reform, Ethiopia, Oct-Nov 02	7,006.25
Crawford, Bernie	Strategic Approach to Health & Education SWAPs in the Priority Programmes, Sep-Nov 02	7,618.42
Scott, Mike	Participation in the Risk Management Process, Uganda Nov 02	3,582.13

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2003
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
ECORYS	Teacher Education Unit Costings Study, Jan-Feb 03	24,063.54
T&B Consult	Public Expenditure Review — Mozambique Jan-Feb 03	27,365.01
Carroll, Kevin	HIV/AIDS Review Tanzania — Review of the Mema Kwa Vijana Project, Feb-Mar 03	16,640.26
T&B Consult	Review of Ireland Aid support to Gender Equality, Jan-Apr 03	77,902.02
Wirak, Anders	2002 Joint Review Mission ESDP, Ethiopia, Feb-Mar 03	23,378.68
Arekibo	Website Redesign and Build, Jan-Apr 03	60,633.00
McClean, Diarmuid	HIV/AIDS Review Tanzania -Review of the Mema Kwa Vijana Project	16,808.90
O'Donovan, Diarmuid	Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Jan-Dec 03	8,793.97
Carroll, Kevin	Assistance in Programming Support to the Education and Health/HIV/AIDS Advisers, Jan-Dec 03	30,644.56
Carr, Bronagh	Support to the Emergency and Rehabilitation Unit, Mar-Dec 03	22,797.30
CATZ (University of Wales, Bangor)	Technical Assistance for a Programme of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security & Sustainable Livelihoods (Ethiopia), Apr 03-04	366,158.71
Sugrue, Ciaran	Finalize the Teacher Development and Management Plan (TDMP) Phase II, Uganda	22,862.19
Grindle, John	Attendance at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, New York, Mar-Apr 03	6,595.64
Grindle, John	Assessment of Proposals submitted under the Eastern European Fund, Mar-Dec 03	8,366.92
Carr, Bronagh	Provision of Technical Support to Ireland Aid in the management of the HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme for NGOs, March to December 2003	11,033.79
Chisholm, Nick	Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar-Dec 03	6,030.80
Whelan, Noel	Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar-Dec 03	6,130.00
Leen, Maura	Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar-Dec 03	3,600.00
CDP Consultants	Review of the Government of Ireland-Government of South Africa Development Cooperation, Mar-May 03	40,864.25
IMCL	Remodelling of Area-Based Programmes, Ethiopia Apr-May 03	32,947.22
CDP	Review District Development Programmes (2000-03), Tanzania	42,624.96
Grindle, John	Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation & Development Programme, Tanzania	4,000.00
Mulkeen, Aidan	ICT in Education Study in Uganda	11,760.34
Hurley, John	Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project	8,650.00
O'Sullivan, Margo	TDMS — Evaluation of CCT Performance, Uganda	17,585.77
Heneveld, Ward	Education Quality Review, Uganda	34,244.49
Cremin, Peader	Assessment of MoE Proposal for TA to Teacher Training Curriculum Reform, Ethiopia (undertaken in 2002)	7,006.25
CDP	SNNPRS Needs Assessment — Phase III/IV, Ethiopia	18,307.66
DECO — Wirak, Anders	2002 Joint Review Mission ESDP, Ethiopia	23,378.68
Woods, Eric	Technical Support to Steering Committee of Task Force for Teacher Development, Ethiopia (Oct 02-Sep 03)	30,380.22
DECO — Wirak, Anders	Education Joint Review Mission (JRM) 2003, Ethiopia	21,625.69
Durkan, Joseph	Preparation of a paper examining the most appropriate means to encourage and support an enterprise culture within the Ireland Aid Programme in South Africa, May 2003	16,096.37
Moore, Kevin	Briefing for the Office of the President on promoting Private Sector Development in Timor-Leste	10,241.15
Chisholm, Nick	Attendance at DAC Meetings (2002-04)	5,151.72
PAI	Management Needs Analysis	92,757.70
Crawford, Bernie	Appraisal of Fellowships	945.00
Jackson, John	Interview Board Member	2,712.05
O'Donnell, B	Interview Board Member	1085.00
Uwakwe, Pamela	Review and Update of Financial Policies, Guidelines and Procedures	26,620.00
Carroll, Kevin	Evaluation of In-country Microprojects Scheme (expenses)	919.60
McClean, Diarmuid	Mid-term Review of IA Support to HIV/AIDS Activities in Zimbabwe & Zambia, (Oct-Nov 02)	9,178.44
Deloitte & Touche	Rollout of Risk Management System to Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho and South Africa Programmes, and Production of a Risk Management Booklet (2002-03)	15,914.94
Boyle, Richard	ERI — Quality Review of IA Reports	2,420.00
Annesley Resource Partnership	ERI — Quality Review of IA Reports	1,815.00
Carr, Bronagh	Malawi — Evaluate Emergency Response (2002-03)	21,457.76
Hall, Nick	Review the Financial Procedures in NGO Partners during the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2000	9256.50
Salephera Consulting Ltd.	Team Member to Evaluate the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003	6,000.00
BDO Simpson Xavier	Financial Management Systems Review of GOAL under MAPS Funding, Dublin — November 2003	18,634.00
Mokoro	Evaluation of the Uganda Country Programme 2000-2003	95,339.26
Grindle, John	Evaluation of DCI (Balkans & CIS) Desk Top Study 2003-04	10,000.00
Ní Duibhir, Denise	Preparation of Edu Fact Sheets & Guidelines Desk Study Advance (2001-2002)	6,573.41
Dooley, Teresa	Intermittent Specialist Support to Water & Sanitation Sector (2001-2002)	23,496.15
McClean, Diarmuid	Health Programme Support & Development (March-Dec 02)	7,158.27
Carroll, Kevin	Support to IA Health/Education Advisers (2002)	5,398.25
Regan, Colm (80:20)	Civic Education Zambia (2002)	12,875.34
Kevany, John	Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — Jan-Dec 03	7,985.63
McClean, Diarmuid	Provision of Technical Support in Health to the Technical Support Unit, Dublin — April 03 to March 2004	60,143.59
O'Donovan, Diarmuid	Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Jan-Dec 03	8,793.97
Phelan, Jim	Uganda Field visit (Membership of the Taskforce on Private Sector & Agriculture)	2,890.22
ODI	Prep. Strategy on ICT & Development	24,980.12
Cremin, Peadar	Attendance at Europe-wide Global Education Conference (Nov 02)	2,232.04
Brugha, Ruairí (LSHTM)	Attendance at “A Confidential Briefing on the Results of the MKV Project’ Meeting	1,573.00
Peberdy, Max	Facilitator for a three day Workshop on the Technical Section’s Strategic Plan — Dublin	3,834.49
Kinsella, Jim (UDC)	Attendance at DAC PovNet Meeting, Florence, Oct 03	3,568.94
O'Dwyer, Jerry	Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03	8,589.72
Crawford, Bernie	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS	2,296.00
Hogan, Mark	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS	4,070.00
Manchester, Joanne	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS	1,089.00
Gaynor, Cathy	Provision of Advice on the Development of a Monitoring Framework for Civil Society Section	1,350.00
Jennings, Mary	Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) (2002)	758.00
Grindle, John	Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) (2002)	2,500.00
Jennings, Mary	Goal Strategy Planning/MAPS Development	750.00
Grindle, John	Evaluation of Bothar Projects (2003-04)	7000.00
Carr, Bronagh	Provision of Technical Support to Ireland Aid in the management of the HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme for NGOs, March to December (2002)	3,800.00
LSHTM	Tracking Study for Global Fund for AIDS, TB & Malaria	55,570.08
Honan, Annette	DEVED Grants Committee Member
Mollaghan, Mary	Production of a Guide to Teaching Resources for DevED	2,970.00
Grindle, John	Assessment of Proposals submitted under the Eastern European Fund (2003-04)	8,000.00
Hayes, Mahon	Constitutional Expert for the Palestinian Authority	5,876.29
Scott, Mike	Ireland Aid-AMSCO Partnership Review	9147.39
McMullan, Pat	Support to IA funding of IFAD (2002)	4,145.52
McMullan, Pat	Support to IA funding of IFAD (2003-04)	15,893.76
Carr, Bronagh	Identify most appropriate funding strategies for Ethiopia (Nov-Dec 2002)	5,152.03
Telford, John	Support to the Emergency and Rehabilitation Unit	13,794.00
Smillie, Ian	Background Paper on and Mission to Sierra Leone	23,882.52
Grindle, John	Ongoing Review & Analysis of IA's Policy on Debt, 2002-03	10,366.92

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2004
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
Gaynor, Cathy	Facilitation of Strategic Planning CSP 2005-07	8,450.53
Jennings, Mary	Facilitation of Strategic Planning CSP 2005-07	8,481.43
Grindle, John	Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation & Development Programme	6,372.33
McClean, Diarmuid	Development of Stat Plan on HIV/AIDS 04-06	15,672.56
Phelan, Jim	Task Force No. 3 on Agricultural Services Agricultural Sector Development Programme — Preparation Mission, Tanzania — February 2004	10,159.07
Ockelford, Jeremy	Evaluation of Northern Province Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme 2000-2002, Zambia — March to April 2004	23,975.99
LATH	Review of the Northern Province Reproductive Health Programme and Ex Post Evaluation	65,382.96
Hurley, John	Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project	9,689.50
Heneveld, Ward	Education Quality Review	15,215.04
Heneveld, Ward	Education Quality Review Phase II	20,950.19
HSLP	Finalise a Strategic Framework for Uganda AIDS Commission Secretariat (UACS), Uganda	65,442.86
Roedde, Gretchen	Mid-term review of the National Primary Health Care Programme, Uganda — September to October 2004	18,475.57
Mulkeen, Aidan	Development of Operational Plan for the integration of ICT in Teacher Education Pilot Project in Rwenzori, Uganda (July to December 2004)	9,467.07
Mulkeen, Aidan	ICT & EDU Follow up visit	4,403.14
Cronin, Patricia	Uganda Law Reform Commission Consultancy	7,000.00
Gaynor, Cathy	Strengthening mainstreaming HIV/AIDS	9,938.29
Jennings, Mary	Strengthening mainstreaming HIV/AIDS	9,971.44
CATZ, Bangor	Technical Assistance for a Programme of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security & Sustainable Livelihoods (Ethiopia)	235,669.32
Hockley,Tom	Relief to Development in Ethiopia, March-April 2004	17,686.34
Polhemus, James	Review of the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa — November to December 2004	14,520.00
PAI	Management Needs Analysis	50,057.70
Whelan, Noel	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	1,021.54
Uwakwe,Pamela	Review and Update of Financial Policies, Guidelines and Procedures	20,916.27
Chisholm, Nick	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	2,718.50
Leen, Maura	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	1,900.00
Whelan, Noel	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	2,120.00
Fell, Arthur	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	8,884.26
McKeown, Mary	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	5,770.81
Leen, Maura	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	4,250.00
Crawford, Bernie	External Member of Fellowships Selection Committee, May-June 2004	2,582.95
O'Regan, Johnny	Evaluation of Internal Financial Controls, September to December 2004	12,100.00
Hall, Nick	Review the Financial Procedures in NGO Partners during the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003	12,132.82
Salephera Consulting Ltd.	Team Member to Evaluate the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003	13,812.15
Grindle, John	Evaluation of DCI (Balkans & CIS) Desk Top Study	5,000.00
Cosgrave, J	PER — Support to Afghanistan	24,154.62
Deloitte & Touche	Facilitation of Risk Management Workshops	12,826.00
O'Regan, Johnny	Audit Support to the E&A Unit (March-May)	28,283.02
O'Regan,Johnny	Audit Support to the E&A Unit (June-August)	38,478.00
ECORYS-NEI	Evaluation of Phase 3 of the Debt Sustainability Capacity Building Programme for HIPCs	245,523.85
Woods, Eric	Desk Study for Development Cooperation Ireland of Support to the Education Sector in Zambia and Uganda 2000-2003, April to June 2004	23,398.29
Agulhas	An Assessment of the Lesotho Country Programme 199-2004, May-July 2004	60,527.82
Uwakwe, Pamela	Provision of Audit Management Support to Evaluation and Audit Unit, June to August 2004	16,940.00
ETC East Africa	Evaluation of the Kilosa District Programme and a Community Level Evaluation of the Kilosa District Programme, Tanzania	64,255.84
CDP	Evaluation of the Area Based Programme in Niassa Province, Mozambique — June to July 2004	44,154.96
Bannock Consulting	Value for Money Study and Transaction Audit, August-November 2004	65,395.99
Petrus Consulting	Expenditure Review Initiative — Quality Review of Development Cooperation Ireland Report (Review of DCI Support to Afghanistan), November 2004	3,176.26
Mokoro	Evaluation of the ETH Country Strategy Paper	71,889.15
McLoughlin, Bernard	Financial Capacity Assessment for Programme Support — Lesotho, October 2004	9,191.68
BDO Simpson Xavier	Goal Assignment	1,089.00
McCormack, Moss	Mid-term review of the Medlabs Project,Zambia	6,863.30
O'Donovan, Diarmuid	Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative	8,369.66
T&B Consult	Review of IA Support to Gender Equality	54,749.17
Kinsella, Jim (UDC)	Attendance at DAC PovNet Meeting, Florence, Oct 03	1,416.00
O'Dwyer, Jerry	Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03	4,277.50
O'Dwyer, Jerry	Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03	30,542.45
Shine, Tara	Support on Climate Change	39,738.56
McClean, Diarmuid	Support to Technical Section — Health	5,667.87
Moore, Kevin	Review of Ugandan Investment Authority (UIA)	5,036.21
Brugha, Ruairí	Attendance at Confidential Briefing on Results of MKV Project	1,573.00
Chisholm, Nick	Attendance at DAC Meetings (Working Party on Environment)	4,450.68
Cremin, Peadar		541.84
Gaynor, Cathy	Report Writing for EFA Global Report Launch 2/4/04	369.00
Jennings, Mary	Report Writing for EFA Global Report Launch 2/4/04	401.55
O'Brien, William	The Private Sector and Agriculture Study, Dublin — February 2004	6,665.75
Kinsella, Jim (UDC)	Technical Support for follow up of PovNet Working Group on Agriculture, March to December 2004	5,085.17
Brugha, Ruairí (LSHTM)	Attendance at’ Combating Diseases associated with Poverty: Financing Strategies for Product Development and the Potential Role of Public-Private Partnerships’, London — 15 to 16 April 2004	3,932.50
McClean, Diarmuid	Participation in Consultative Meeting on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in Montreux, Switzerland, 3-4 May 2004	6,432.50
Shine, Tara	Development of an Environment Policy for Development Cooperation Ireland — July to November 2004	25,751.49
Fitzgerald, Margaret	Attendance at Meeting 'Programme Coordination Board Meeting of the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva — June 2004	2,637.96
Leen, Maura	Provision of technical Support in Trade Policy and Capacity Building, July-October 2004	8,750.00
Gaynor, Cathy	Support for the Development of Education Policy Revision Process, September to December 2004	14,000.00
John, Snow	Review of DCI's Regional HIV/AIDS Programme	28,000.92
Scott, Mick	Assistance with the work of the Private Sector Forum, Sept to Dec '04	12,776.11
McClean, Diarmuid	Provision of Technical Support in Health and HIV/AIDS to the Technical Support Unit, September to December 2004	15,087.62
Cremin, Peadar	Engagement with Educational Institutions in Ireland regarding Education for All (EFA) including Representation of DCI at a UNESCO Conference in Paris, November-December 2004	5,000.00
Wirak, Anders (DECO)	Background paper on DCI engagement with UNESCO, November 2004	5,505.50
Manchester, Joanne	Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS	4,356.00
Grindle, John	Evaluation of Bóthar Projects	5,804.47
Santos Marinho, G	Participation in Evaluation of ADRA Projects	5,967.07
Alves Maia, Maria L	Participation in Evaluation of ADRA Projects	5,950.09
Jennings, Mary	Team leader for the Evaluation of ADRA Projects	10,705.80
Anderson,Ian	Evaluation of Refugee Trust Projects	12,105.58
Jennings, Mary	MAPS monitoring visit by DCI to GOAL’s programme in Angola, September 2004; and an Assessment of GOAL’s performance in relation to agreed benchmarks, September to December 2004	17,805.63
Smith,Marie	Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2004	8,147.45
Costigan,Aine	Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004	2,000.00
Crawford,Bernie	Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004	3,000.00
Farrell,Deirdre	Member of the Development Education Grants Committee, March to September 2004	5,000.00
Grindle, John	External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004	2,000.00
Grindle, John	External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004	12,500.00
Annesley Resource Partnership	Real-time Evaluation of IPA Training Programme	10,890.00
Whelan,Noel	Member of Eastern European Aid Committee Feb-Dec 2002	5,005.23
Grindle, John	Evaluation of DC in the Balkans & CIS — Desk Top Study	8,000.00
Brunel University	Policy study on good practice in child care in Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation	31,629.95
Scott,Mike	Ireland Aid-AMSCO Partnership Review	2,910.82
McMullan, Pat	Support to IA funding of IFAD	20,000.00
Enterplan	Limited Review of Projects Supported by AMSCO/Stichting, April-July 2004	30,925.20
Scott,Mike	Private Sector Resource Specialist, April to December 2004	21,260.31
OPM (Anne Thomson)	Review of DCI Support to IFAD	21,711.43
Goodbody,Swithun	Review of DCI Support to CGIAR	10,000.00
Godden,Kate	Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee	1,210.00
Mokoro	Preparation of Country Strategy for Palestine 2004-2007, November 2003 to January 04	50,628.14
Telford.John	Support to Emergency Section	10,373.15
ODI	External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004	23,021.10
Ngunyi,Mutahi	Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Kenya Mar-Dec 04	10,648.00
Conroy,Anne	Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Malawi Mar-Dec 04	10,648.00
Cosgrave, John	Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee	302.50
Blewitt,Richard	External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004	2,324.37
Telford.John	External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004	7,289.75
Telford.John	Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee	8,388.93
ODI	Good Humanitarian Donorship and the European Union — A study on good practice and recent initiatives, June to October 2004	36,126.97
Corbett, Mary	Independent Consultants for the EHAF/EPPR Funding Committee, June 2004-December 2005	740.00
Madsen,Camilla	Independent Consultants for the EHAF/EPPR Funding Committee, June 2004-December 2005	1,270.50
Willitts-King, Barnaby	Support on Development of DCI Humanitarian Policy, October 2004-early January 2005	13,132.86
Grindle,John	Attendance at Global Bio-Technology Forum	9,317.57
Jackson,John	10 Year Review of ICDP, New York	4,551.31
Grindle, John	Attendance at Crime Commission & IDB Meetings	10,823.11
Meenan,Nahor	Attendance at the UNCTAD International Policy Dialogue in Konigswinter, Germany, 25-26 February 2004	3,387.30
Hayes,Mahon	Attendance at United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) Conference on Palestine, Geneva — June 7-8 2004	3,159.89
Dr. John Cassidy/Roland Berger Strategy Consultants	Survey of the leading European transnational corporations (TNCs) and their strategies in the area of off-shoring of services	25,000

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2005
Consultant	Consultancy Title	€ Amount
LATH	Review of the Northern Province Reproductive Health Programme and Ex Post Evaluation	59,829.51
Cassidy, Paul	Assessment of the current staffing levels and future requirements at Development Cooperation Ireland Headquarters	42,433.36
Courtney,Sean	Temporary Assignment as Programme Coordinator of Development Cooperation Ireland Development Assistance Activities in Northern Province, Zambia — December 2004 to March 2005	67760.40
Hurley,John	Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project	7,892.65
Cronin,Patricia	Uganda Law Reform Commission Consultancy	5,906.31
Gaynor,Cathy	Workshop on Strengthening Capacity to mainstream within the DCI Programme Uganda, February 2005	30670.87
Jennings, Mary	Workshop on Strengthening Capacity to mainstream within the DCI Programme Uganda, February 2005	14329.62
Mokoro	Study to identify Financing Options to Support ESDP, Ethiopia — January to February 2005	40,593.93
Mokoro	Provision of input into PRSC/DBS Workshop	34755.28
Polhemus,James	Review of the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa — November to December 2004	23,687.94
Marsh, Carolyn	3 Year Training Strategy CDCU Feb-April '05	44,797.83
Higgins,Cathal	Review of Timor-Leste Education Sector	8,439.11
PAI	Management Needs Analysis	50,285.42
McKeown, Mary	Participation in the PAEG Meetings	4925.68
O'Regan,Johnny	Evaluation of Internal Financial Controls,September to December 2004	16,656.00
RMI	Preparation & Presentation for HOMs meeting Dec '04	1,210.00
Brindley Advertising	Advertising Costs to update Register of Consultants	11,542.27
Petrus Consulting	Expenditure Review Initiative — Quality Review of Development Cooperation Ireland Report (Review of DCI Support to Afghanistan), November 2004	1,312.50
ETC East Africa	Evaluation of Kilosa District Development Programme — ext. to contract for Workshop in Dublin	9,278.68
INTRAC	Evaluation of DCI's Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005, January to x 2005	309,113.00
ARP (John Shiels)	Quality Review of DCI Report	13,086.15
Cosgrave, John	Evaluation Workshop on Afghanistan & Malawi	22049.07
CDP	Workshop on Area-based Programmes in Dublin 10-11 Feb '05	3,809.21
Agulhas	Reimbursement of Withholding Tax	108.90
CDP	Evaluation of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme in Ethiopia, February to April 2005	27,653.34
Oxford Policy Management	Evaluation of DCI's Zambia Country Programme 2000-2004	77,302.67
O'Dwyer, Jerry	Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria,	14604.73
Brugha,Ruairi (LSHTM)	Attendance at ‘Combating Diseases associated with Poverty: Financing Strategies for Product Development and the Potential Role of Public-Private Partnerships’, London — 15 to 16 April 2004	3,932.50
McClean, Diarmuid	Participation in Consultative Meeting on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in Montreux, Switzerland, 3-4 May 2004	3,932.50
Shine,Tara	Support to Environment	87.44
Shine,Tara	Development of an Environment Policy for Development Cooperation Ireland — July to November 2004	9,250.02
Gaynor,Cathy	Support for the Development of Education Policy Revision Process, September to December 2004	9,863.20
Scott,Mike	Assistance with the work of the Private Sector Forum, Sept to Dec '04	11,303.58
Cremin,Peadar	Engagement with Educational Institutions in Ireland regarding Education for All (EFA) including Representation of DCI at a UNESCO Conference in Paris, November-December 2004	8713.44
Jennings, Mary	Reporting on EU Development Transport Experts Meeting, 30 November-2 December 2004	4,411.45
Brugha,Ruairi (LSHTM)	Review of DCI engagement with Global Health Partnerships (GHPs), November 2004-January 2005	12216.02
Wirak,Anders	Background paper on DCI engagement with UNESCO, November 2004	3,250.00
Higgins,Cathal	Rapporteur for Education Meeting at DCD, 10-13 January 2005	3,390.00
Holmes, Anne	Tsunami Follow-up	8,875.00
Broadreach Healthcare	Facilitator DCI meeting Mozambique Nov '04	1,708.39
Jennings, Mary	Preparation of an “overview paper on poverty impact orientation and target settings for InfraPoor”, January-April 2005	13,300.00
Anderson, Ian	Evaluation of Refugee Trust Projects	6,879.99
Smith, Marie	Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2004	2961.45
Crawford, Bernie	Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004	3,051.00
Crowley, Tom	Scoping Mission to Central America	9,878.36
Smith, Marie	Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2005	16,166.80
Grindle, John	Internship Feasibility Study, February 2005	2,500.00
Farrell, Deirdre	Member of the Development Education Grants Committee, March to September 2004	5,000.00
Horgan, Geraldine	Production of a Report on National Structures for the support, funding & coordination of DEVED	4,300.00
Grindle, John	External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004	3,000.00
Brunel University	Policy study on good practice in child care in Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation	38,272.24
Horgan, Geraldine	Production of a Report on National Structures for the Support, Funding and Coordination of Development/Global Education in Ireland	4,300.00
Grindle, John	External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2005	12,500.00
ARP (John Shiels)	External Evaluator for DCI Organisational Development Grant Scheme, January to December 2005	4,083.75
Real Event Solutions	Management of Primary Schools’ Competition, October 2004-May 2005	84,782.42
McMullan, Pat	Support to IA funding of IFAD	10,400.00
Scott, Mike	Private Sector Resource Specialist	25056.24
Goodbody, Swithun	Review of DCI Support to CGIAR	1898.17
Ngunyi, Mutahi	Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Kenya Mar-Dec 04	14248.96
Conroy, Anne	Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Malawi Mar-Dec 04	7,453.60
Telford, John	Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee	13410.07
ODI	Good Humanitarian Donorship and the European Union — A study on good practice and recent initiatives, June to October 2004	29,050.65
Willitts-King, Barnaby	Support on Development of DCI Humanitarian Policy, October 2004-early January 2005	9,787.61
Willitts-King, Barnaby	Support on Development and Implementation of Humanitarian & Recovery Policy	16,937
Holmes, Anne	Provision of Technical Support for Emergency and Recovery Section; Consultant Specialist for Tsunami Follow-up, March 2005 to March 2006	13250
Jackson, John	Attendance at and Participation in the International Conference on Population and Development, New York — April 2005	3,932.94
Tara Shine	Support E & R Unit	9,620.37
Bannock Consulting	Evaluation of MAPS	12,124.20
Conor Brady	Facilitator for White paper Conf. on Dev. Co-operation	8,564.56
Aine Costigan	Support on HIV AIDS	19,371.81
Johnny O’Regan	Provision of Audit Management Support	10,164.00
Una Murray	Support Implementation of Gender Equality	10,734.50
Mary, Mollaghan	Production of Guide to Development Education Resources	3,960.00
John Snow International	Provision of Technical Support for HIV/AIDS	15,509.81
HELM Corporation	Provision of Audit Management Support	34,750
ECORYS	Training in Public Finance Management	15,726.92
Achilles Procurement Services	Provision of Procurement Services 2005/2006	48,000.00

Diplomatic Representation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

306 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will reciprocate by appointing an Irish ambassador to Cuba, in recognition of the recent appointment of the Cuban Ambassador Mr. P. Noel Carrillo, to Ireland. [28373/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Cuba on a non-residential basis. The Irish Ambassador to Mexico is also accredited to Cuba.

The opening of Irish missions abroad and the appointment of resident ambassadors is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy will appreciate, constraints on Government expenditure and limited resources mean that any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken on a phased basis, and also on a basis of clear priorities.

While we welcome the appointment of the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Ireland, there are no plans to change the status of our representation in Cuba at this time.

Town Twinning Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

307 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money he has made available, including moneys allocated through EU initiatives, to develop, support and expand town and area twinning programmes each year from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28382/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Under the terms of the Local Government Act 2001, the decision to twin a local authority area, or part of a local authority area, is a decision for the elected members of that authority. The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have any formal role in town or area twinning and no specific funding has been allocated by the Department for such programmes.

Our missions abroad do, from time to time, participate in events related to town and area twinning through hosting or attending functions and mission staff are available to provide practical support and advice. For example, the Irish Embassy in Rome made a cultural promotion grant of €3,000 this year to assist an Italian publication entitled Casa Italia: Gemellagi tra Italiae Irlanda concerning twinnings between Ireland and Italy.

The Deputy may also wish to note that funding was made available by Development Co-operation Ireland to "Partnerships Ireland Africa", a County Mayo-based organisation supporting partnerships between communities in the west of Ireland and Africa. This funding amounted to €10,000 in 2000, €13,500 in 2001, €2,500 in 2002 and €2,650 in 2003.

In regard to the EU dimension, the Institute for Public Administration, IPA, functions as Ireland's national contact point for twinning on behalf of the European Commission. Further details on twinning can be found on the IPA's website www.ipa.ie.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

308 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28388/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I, personally, do not have any hand, act or part in the process or decision in the above-mentioned matter. This is a matter for the accounting officer of my Department.

Two schemes involving annual performance-related pay and biannual merit awards are in operation in the Department of Foreign Affairs. These are the scheme of performance-related pay awards for officers at the level of deputy secretary and assistant secretary, and the merit awards scheme, the details of which are outlined below and in the table which follows.

A number of once-off merit awards have also been granted during this period. A recent case involved the recognition of exceptional levels of extra attendance by officers in non-overtime grades in the lead-up to and during Ireland's Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2004. Another, in 2002, related to Ireland's membership of the UN Security Council in 2001 and 2002. Details of such once-off expenditure are also given in the table. With some exceptions, for example, where gift vouchers below a certain value threshold rather than money are given, statutory deductions, including income tax, are made in the normal way.

Regarding scheme of performance-related pay awards for officers at the level of deputy secretary and assistant secretary, Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary have been, since 2002, covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, which are available on the website www.finance.gov.ie.

The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002 there was a scheme for assistant secretaries which was based on 4% of the pay bill for the assistant secretary grade. Details of the payments under this scheme are also included in the table for the relevant period.

Regarding the merit awards scheme, under the Department's administrative budget agreement with the Department of Finance, a fund amounting to 0.2% of the Department's salaries budget is available each year to the Secretary General in respect of ex gratia payments or other awards to individual staff members or groups of staff by way of recognition of exceptional performance of duty. This scheme is administered by a sub-group of the Department’s partnership committee, which assesses nominations for merit awards and makes recommendations to the Secretary General. The objective of the scheme is to reward cases of genuinely exceptional performance by officers in grades up to and including counsellor/principal officer level. Particular attention is paid by the sub-group to the grades of nominees and to the nature and quality of the activities described in the written nominations.

Details of all performance-related pay and merit awards made in the period 2000 to 2005 to date are given in the table below. I am of the view that it would be inappropriate to publicise the names of the recipients of the highest awards. I have, however, indicated the grades of the officers concerned.

2000
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme	24,632.92	3,967.93	Higher Executive Officer
Old scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary (relating to the period 1 May 1999 to 30 April 2000)	126,973.80	8,253.30	Assistant Secretary (10)

2001
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme	8,532.64	406.32	First Secretary (2)Executive Officer (4)Clerical Officer (7)Local staff (8)
Old scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary (relating to the period 1 May 2000 to 30 April 2001)	156,114.29	9,523.04	Assistant Secretary (10)

2002
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme	31,600	500	Counsellor (1)First Secretary (3)Higher Executive Officer (4)Third Secretary (2)Clerical Officer (15)Specialist (1)Local staff (20)
Special payments to 9 officers assigned to the Irish Permanent Mission to the UN in New York during Ireland’s two-year term of office on the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002, in recognition of the exceptionally long hours worked by officers in non-overtime grades	47,000	7,500	Counsellor
Old scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary (relating to the period 1 May to 31 December 2001)	107,292.87	8,253.30	Assistant Secretary (4)
Once-off merit awards in recognition of the exceptional dedication to duty of the two officers concerned	6,000	3,000	Clerical Officer (2)

2003
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme	30,650	750	Clerical Officer (1)Local staff member (1)
New scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary (relating to 2002)	473,780	20,655	Deputy Secretary

2004
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme (including some exceptional EU Presidency-related awards)	226,200	4,000	Counsellor (5)
New scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary (relating to 2003)	473,348	21,420	Deputy Secretary
Exceptional performance awards relating to the lead-up to and the period of the Irish EU Presidency in the first half of 2004, in recognition of the exceptionally long hours worked by officers in non-overtime grades	789,477	5,000	Counsellors/POs (52)

2005 to date
Category and purpose	Total expended	Highest award	Grade of recipient of highest award
	€	€
Merit awards scheme	66,900	1,000	Counsellor (3)First Secretary (2)Third Secretary (3)Assistant Principal Officer (1)Executive Officer (2)Clerical Officer (2)Temporary Clerical Officer (1)
New scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary (relating to 2004)	519,530	26,200	Deputy Secretary
Once-off merit award in recognition of the exceptional dedication to duty of the officer concerned	4,000	4,000	Clerical Officer
Once-off merit awards in recognition of the exceptional performance of certain staff assigned to manage the introduction of a new passport production and issuing system	80,350	5,000	Counsellor (1) Principal Officer (1)

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

309 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28405/05]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

During the period referred to by the Deputy, five consultancies were carried out by Deloitte & Touche. All of these consultancies related to Ireland Aid and details are set out below.

Year	Purpose	Cost
		(€)
2000	Review of Ireland Aid Procurement Procedures (March-June 2000)	57,083.09
2000	Quality Review of the Evaluation and Audit Unit within Ireland Aid (Dec 2000-Feb 2001)	40,966.58
2001	Study to develop a Risk Management Process for Ireland Aid (Sep-Nov 2001)	39,087.74
2002	Pilot Phase of Risk Management Model in Zambia (June 2002)	40,999.22
2002-2004	Implementation of a Risk Management System for the Aid Programmes in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho and South Africa, and the production of a Risk Management Manual (2002-03)	78,026.91

Swimming Pool Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

310 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of an application for funding from Kilkenny Borough Council for the provision of a new swimming pool and sports complex; if he is in receipt of all relevant documentation from the local authority; when a decision will be made on the application and the maximum fund which is available. [28207/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

Kilkenny Borough Council applied for grant aid under the local authority swimming pool programme in respect of a proposed replacement swimming pool for Kilkenny. I approved the preliminary report for this project in March of this year and this approval allows the council to have the detailed contract documents prepared. The project will be considered further when this documentation is provided. The programme provides for a maximum grant level of 80% of eligible costs, 90% in the case of disadvantaged areas, subject to a maximum of €3.8 million.

Michael Lowry

Question:

311 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when construction will begin on the Thurles swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28248/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

Thurles Town Council has applied for grant aid under the local authority swimming pool programme for the provision of a replacement swimming pool in Thurles. I approved the contract documents for the project in May of this year and this approval allows the council to invite tenders for the work proposed. The matter will be considered further when the tender documentation for the project is submitted.

Michael Lowry

Question:

312 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when construction will begin on the Roscrea swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28249/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

North Tipperary County Council has applied for grant aid under the local authority swimming pool programme in respect of a proposed new swimming pool in Roscrea. Earlier this month I approved the preliminary report for this project and this approval allows the council to have the detailed contract documents prepared. The project will be considered further when this documentation is submitted.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

313 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28354/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The information sought by the Deputy regarding my Department, since its establishment in June 2002 is set out hereunder.

Consultancy	Purpose/Report	Year	Estimated Cost	Final Cost
			€	€
Eugene Downes	Advice on Framing new international Arts and Cultural Policy	2003	18,000	18,000
Richard Wakeley	Commissioner for the Irish Festival of Arts and Culture in China 2004	2002-2004	115,500 plus extension 51,334	253,058
Donal Shiels	Irish Festival in China Festival Manager	2003-2004	62,500 plus extension 25,000	153,673
Red Dog Design Consultants	Irish Festival in China Provision of Graphic Design Services	2003-2004	73,000	73,000
Kate Bowe PR Limited	Irish Festival in China Provision of Public Relations Management Services	2003-2004	72,834	72,834
Eamon Fox	Irish Festival in China Provision of Production and Technical Services	2003-2004	40,000	48,354
Sheenagh Gillen	Relations Management Services for Irish China Festival	2004	7,000	7,000
Fiach MacConghail	EU Presidency Cultural Programme Commissioner for the EU Cultural Programme	2003-2004	49,964	49,964
Fiach MacConghail	Arts Adviser to the Department	2002-2005	Per diem rate linked to Principal Officer scale	126,001
Janice McAdam	EU Presidency Cultural Programme Manager	2003-2004	37,494	39,577
Siobhán Colgan	EU Presidency Cultural Programme Public Relations Management Services	2003-2004	26,143	32,778
Peter Sirr	Curator of Irish Literature Exhibition in Brussels	2003	10,000	10,000
Event Ireland Limited	EU Presidency Cultural Programme Provision of Exhibition Design and Management Services	2003-2004	73,200	73,200
Féilte Dhuibh Linne Teo	EU Presidency Cultural Programme Development and organisation of Presidency Events	2004	82,000	82,000
Audrey Behan	Press Assistant Services	2004	3,200	3,200
Red Dog Design Consultants	Advertising and Marketing Day of Welcomes	2004	150,000	150,000
Kern European Affairs	To assist in staging the Creative Financing and Musicseminar	2004	Information not available within PQ reply deadline	59,760
G P O’Brian	Projects under Section 481 (Films)	2004	Information not available within PQ reply deadline	11,729
CHL Consulting	Review of Irish Manuscripts Commission	2004	44,165	44,165
Laura Weldon	National Co-ordinator of ReJoyce 2004	2004	50,000 p.a.	134,690
Marie Claire Sweeney	Funding Raising Services ReJoyce 2004	2004	15,000	15,000
Red Dog Design Consultants	Design & advertising ReJoyce 2004	2004	120,000	100,422
Big Top Multimedia	Web design ReJoyce 2004	2004	20,000	21,223
Kate Bowe	PR services ReJoyce	2004	5,000	4,800
Fleishman Hilliard Saunders	PR services ReJoyce	2004	125,000	127,141
CHL Consulting	Review of the Viability of the James Joyce Centre	2005	18,150	18,150
Red Dog Design Consultants	Provision of Graphic Design services for Culture Ireland	2005	9,680	9,680
Sarah Glennie	Irish Commissioner and Curator of Venice Artist Biennale 2005	2004-2005	25,000	25,000
Jenny Haughton	Co-ordination of Irish participation at the Sao Paolo Artist Biennale 2004	2004	8,000	8,000
Jenny Haughton	Co-ordination of Irish participation at the Venice Artist Biennale 2003	2003	9,930	9,930
Eugene Downes	Consultancy for the draft Cultural Relations Committee on the International Arts	2003	2,000	2,000
Jenny Haughton	Co-ordination of Irish participation at the Venice Artist Biennale 2002	2002	8,000	8,000
G D Bye	Review of News plan Microfilming Unit, National Library of Ireland	2002	4,000	3,929
Higher Education Digitisation Service, University of Hertfordshire	Review of Digitisation, National Library of Ireland	2003	10,500	10,430
Coyle Hamilton	Insurance Consultancy, National Library of Ireland	2004	7,500	7,500
Paul Boksberger Advisory Service	Consultancy Services in relation to new Coffee Shop, National Library of Ireland	2004	3,000	2,723
Marketing Edge Limited	Evaluation of service offered to the public by the National Archives (survey). Compilation of Safety Statement and production of report, National Archives	2002	2,220	2,220
Ergo Consultancy Limited	Compilation of Safety Statement and production of report	2002	2,072-2,381	2,381
Colman McLaughlin	Enhancement of the National Archives website	2003	5,000	7,700
Mahon O’Neill	Media relations in support launch of Counties in Time CD, National Archives.	2003	5,506	6,332
Mahon O’Neill	PR work in relation to the launch of the online exhibition entitled Views of Four Presidencies, National Archives.	2004	7,792	7,792
Colman McLaughlin	Enhancement of National Archives website, National Archives.	2004	7,500	7,050
Newmarket Solutions	Provision of advice and assistance in implementing FMS Financial Management System, National Museum of Ireland	2002-2004	Awarded on per diem rates as service required	186,850
HELM Corporation	Provision of financial-accounting services in NMI	2004-2005	62,668	49,361
Drury Communications	Market Research, NMI	2002-2004	114,825	115,572
Alf Longhurst	Security assessment and recommendations in relation to NMI’s collections	2002	1,812	1,812
James Cavanaugh	Fire safety inspections, advice and training, NMI	2002-2003	5,173	5,173
Achilles Procurement Services	Advice on procurement of security services, NMI	2002-2003	4,663	4,663
Elaine Shields	Report and advice on access by disabled to NMI	2003	4,250	4,250
Aidan Walsh	NMI business planning advice and assistance	2002	10,732	10,783
Sutton Vane	Survey and recommendations on flight levels in the Natural History Museum	2003	12,300	11,732
Compas Informatics Limited	Report with recommendations on the generation and storage of both graphical and digital data, NMI	2003	5,000	5,000
Anne Gallagher	Evaluation of an aspect of the Education and Outreach programme NMI	2004-2005	15,000	9,600
SMT Consultants	To prepare risk assessments of NMI sites and provide assistance in drawing up NMI safety statement and generally advice on safety issues.	2004-2005	11,889	11,889
Leonard Pole	Assessing-reporting on the documentation of the ethnographical collection, NMI	2004	4,108	4,108
Menyma Public Relations	PR for relaunch of Afterdark programme and for two specific Afterdark events, NMI	2003	5,000	4,276
Lisney	Property valuation report	2004	4,235	4,235
Gar Holohan	Assessment of the Feasibility and cost, including the ongoing running costs, of the Morton Athletic Stadium	2003	12,000	12,100
Raymond Burke Consulting	External Evaluation of Sports Capital Programme Expenditure Review Report	2003	4,060	4,060
Fitzpatrick Associates	Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme	2005	54,450	Not yet determined
Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management	List all public and private sector swimming pool facilities in Ireland	2004	6,050	12,100
Capita	Financial Management System V3 Assessment	2003	5,748	5,748
Mr. John Travers	Chair of the Tourism Policy Review Group and Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group	2003-to date	100,000	83,000
Murray Consultants	PR Consultants for Department	2003-to date	166,980	188,270
PricewaterhouseCoopers	External adviser on Steering Committee for Irish Film Board Expenditure Review	2004-2005	10,000	16,290
Webfactory	Feasibility, costs and challenges involved in developing a composite calendar of events to facilitate the joint marketing of activities and events by agencies and bodies under the aegis of the Department	2005	6,563	No payment made to date
Wendy Williams Design	Graphic Design Consultant Military History Exhibition, NMI	2003	195,752	87,254 (payments to date. Contact is ongoing)
Theta ETA Advisors	Advice to NMI on Corporate Governance in the context of impending NMI autonomy	2005	4,937	4,937
Coyle Hamilton Willis	Advice on post-autonomy insurance requirements of NMI	2005	12,000	12,000
Magahy & Company	Project Management Services for Military History Exhibition, NMI	2004-2005	90,000	€85,191 (paid to date. Contract ends Dec. 2005)
Magahy & Company	Project management services for temporary exhibitions, Shackleton & Philip Treacy Hats, NMI	2005	13,000	€11,347 (paid to date. Contract ends Nov. 2005)
Mahon O’Neill	Project management services for events programme,including outdoor museum event	2002-2003	33,635	33,635
Deloitte	Financial Management System Specification & selection	2003-2004	75,293	66,172*
Deloitte	Audit work for tourism operational programme 1994-1999	2004-2005		321,677**

*€50,000 refunded by the change management fund.

**The company was engaged at per diem rates in order to undertake the audit work and was retained for this work due to its experience of the particular EU programme and knowledge of EU requirements, in view of the extreme urgency attached by the Department of Finance to the need to have these verification audits carried out in order to close the programme thereby releasing the final substantial payment from the EU.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

314 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28389/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

Since 2002, Civil Service posts at the level of assistant secretary are covered by a revised scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for such awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within the overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. The details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee and are available on the website of the Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

My Department, under its administrative budget agreement with the Department of Finance, operates a merit award scheme for all staff up to and including the grade of principal officer. The maximum funding is subject to a ceiling of 0.2% of the annual payroll provision. The scheme was agreed through my Department's partnership process and awards are made on the basis of criteria, terms and conditions set out in the scheme. It provides for a minimum award of €750, gross, in the case of individuals and a minimum of €150, gross, in the case of members of teams.

The highest award made under the scheme was for €2,100, gross, in respect of a team of six people. A number of individuals have been awarded €1,000, gross, which is the highest such award made under the scheme.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

315 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the consultancy contracts awarded to Deloitte since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28406/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

The following consultancy contracts have been awarded to Deloitte & Touche by my Department since its establishment in June 2002.

Purpose-Report	Year	Cost
		€
Financial Management System Specification & Selection	2003-04	66,172
Audit work in respect of closure for tourism operational programme 1994-1999	2004-05	321,677

Job Creation.

Shane McEntee

Question:

316 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs created in County Meath in 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [28221/05]

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

The following table shows the number of permanent jobs and new jobs created in companies supported by the economic development agencies in County Meath in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Figures for new jobs created in 2005 are not yet available.

	2002	2003	2004
Permanent Jobs	5,714	5,486	5,631
Full-time Jobs created	362	570	500

(Source: BIS).

Work Permits.

Billy Timmins

Question:

317 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a work permit that expires in January 2006; if this person will have to reapply for a work permit in January 2006; if, due to ongoing medical treatment this person is in receipt of here and will need for the foreseeable future they can remain here on compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28260/05]

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

It is my Department's policy to consider favourably applications from employers for the renewal of existing work permits. Applications for renewals should be submitted to my Department eight weeks before the expiry date of the current permit. It would be a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to decide whether a non-EEA national should be allowed to remain in the State on compassionate grounds for the purpose of receiving continued medical treatment.

Job Losses.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

318 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-supported jobs which were lost in County Kerry in each of the years from 2000 to 2004 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28284/05]

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

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the marketing of Ireland, including its regions and areas, to overseas investors for foreign direct investment, FDI. The following tabular statement sets out the jobs lost in IDA supported companies in Kerry for each of the years between 2000 and 2004. Job creation and job losses are a feature of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change.

The FDI operating environment has changed in recent years, with investors no longer seeing Ireland as a prime location for what might be called low cost, low skill, basic manufacturing and services type activities. Consequently, the primary requirement now is for FDI that is higher value-added, requiring high skill levels, and FDI that is, as far as possible, innovation rather than production orientated and that links to an increasingly sophisticated business environment.

Only economic activities with these characteristics can justify high wage levels and so allow Ireland to maintain economic growth in the absence of the strong labour surplus this country had up until recently. This higher-level FDI will contribute more to growth by increasing value-added and integrate better into the host economy because of its greater complexity.

IDA Ireland has informed me that it is actively seeking to win new projects for Kerry in more advanced, higher value activities, in both manufacturing and services. In addition to its ongoing marketing of the county to potential new investors it is also actively seeking to facilitate a progression in the sophistication and breadth of its existing clients' Irish operations. This means not only increasing value-added in client manufacturing operations, but also adding corporate level innovation, such as research and development, and service, logistics and supply chain management functions alongside manufacturing.

The objective is to create more rounded and strategically important operations within the overall corporation, which are better embedded and more suited to the competitive characteristics of the Irish economy in the medium to long term. I am pleased that IDA Ireland is making some progress in this regard with two expansion projects announced in April 2004 for Killarney and a third for Kenmare announced in November 2004. At the end of 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 2,022 people in permanent employment in 21 IDA supported companies in County Kerry.

The following table shows the number of jobs lost in IDA supported companies in Kerry in each of the years from 2000 to 2004, inclusive:

Year	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Jobs lost	88	57	670	321	284

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

319 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28355/05]

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

I understand that Deputy Gilmore is seeking details of contracts which have a total value of €100,000 or more. The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

2000
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	Sword	Maintenance and development of Patents Office IT administration system	177,636	177,636
2	Sword	Implementation of a community trade mark IT search system	144,284	144,284
3	QMP D’Arcy	Publicity for the national minimum wage	159,928	155,352
4	Deloitte & Touche	Systems development for the registration services system for the Companies Registration Office	Individual hourly rates agreed for each person working on the contract	380,000

2001
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	Deloitte & Touche	Business analysis and reform of my Department's financial management function	155,680	155,680
2	Deloitte & Touche	Upgrade of Redundancy System (RIR) and Euro Conversion Work	235,552	202,944
3	Deloitte & Touche	Various IT systems upgrade and project developments for the Companies Registration Office	Individual hourly rates agreed for each person working on the contract	559,900
4	Deloitte & Touche	Systems Development for the Registration Services System for the Companies Registration Office	Individual hourly rates agreed for each person working on the contract	380,000.
5	Deloitte & Touche	Systems Development for the Registration Services System for the Companies Registration Office	Individual hourly rates agreed for each person working on the contract	557,421
6	PricewaterhouseCoopers	Formulation of Internet Strategy for Department	130,835	130,835
7	PricewaterhouseCoopers	E-Government Consultancy Development of BASIS website which provides access to Government services to business	1,647,370	1,598,994
8	Sword	Implementation of the Madrid Protocol Amendments to the Patents Office IT Administration System	121,240	121,240
9	Sword	Implementation of Phase 1 of a Financial Management Module to the Patents Office IT Administration Systems	306,431	306,431
10	Sword	Maintenance and development of the Patents Office IT administration system	225,460	225,460
11	Client Solutions (formerly Vistech)	Enhancement and development of BASIS website	271,723	271,723
12	Client Solutions (formerly Vistech)	Ongoing support and maintenance of BASIS website	129,371	129,371
13	QMP D’Arcy	Publicity for national minimum wage	114,276	119,816
14	Institute of Public Administration	Customer Care Research (Contract ran to 2004)	161,355	164,490

2002
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	ESRI & Goodbody Economic Consultants	Impact Evaluation of the European Employment Strategy in Ireland	155,461	155,461
2	Sword	Maintenance and Development of the Patents Office IT Administration System	268,328	268,328
3	Cap Gemini Ernst & Young	Cross-departmental study in respect of the delivery of online services for business in the context of development of the Public Services Broker	256,217	270,738
4	Eircom	Provision of internal Departmental IT Helpdesk Services	103,455	103,455
5	Fujitsu Services	Development and implementation of new Financial Management System	1,045,122	2,021,122Includes provision of significant additional functionality and customisations in respect of new financial system that were not included in the original estimate.
6	Curach Technologies	Development and Implementation of new Employment Rights Case Tracking System (ERES)	675,489	804,555
7	QMP D’Arcy	Publicity for national minimum wage	111,000	112,361
8	ESRI	National minimum wage survey	108,537	108,537
9	Tom Walsh	Production of revised and updated Bill to replace the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, revision of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993 and provision of advice to the Department on other occupational health and safety matters	272,868	292,931 to date

2003
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	Deloitte & Touche	Design and development of IT systems for Personal Injuries Assessment Board, contract commenced in 2003 and was completed in 2004	76,109	177,222Includes provision of extra work not envisaged when original contract was agreed.
2	Insurance Services Office Limited	Development of Book of Quantum for PIAB, contract commenced in 2003 and was completed in 2004	1,517,500 (included €1,350,000 for licence)	176,770.34(PIAB took over cost of licence upon its establishment in 2004)
3	Fitzpatricks Associates	Mid-term evaluation of the employment andhuman resources development operational programme	266,200	266,200
4	Indecon Consultants	Mid-term review of productive sector operational programme	173,358	173,358
5	RGC Technologies	Supply, maintenance and support with legal software package	A schedule of prices for different aspects of the task was agreed beforehand.	157,489
6	Sword	Maintenance and development of the Patents Office IT administrationsystem	340,024	340,024
7	Eircom	Provision of internal departmental IT helpdesk service	379,137	379,137
8	Xwave	Development and implementation of new Personnel IT system	149,584	197,849

2004
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	Sword	Maintenance and development of IT Patents Office administration system	343,080	343,080
2	System Dynamics Solutions Limited	Lotus Notes IT system development and maintenance	150,663	150,663
3	Version 1	Analysis and design of work permit management system	178,717	189,123
4	Eircom	Provision of internal departmental IT Helpdesk Services	403,927	403,927
5	Fujitsu Services	Support and Maintenance of Oracle Financials System	100,042	175,531
6	Fujitsu Services	Change management and operating procedures for new Oracle Financials IT system	112,772	112,772
7	Version 1 Software	Development and implementation of online redundancy payments system	477,611	507,340
8	Indecon International Economic Consultants	Review of national employment action plan preventative strategy	167,706 (cost to be shared between DETE, FÁS and DSFA)	Not yet finalised
9	QMP Publicis	Publicity for national minimum wage	120,000	116,117

2005
No.	Recipient	Purpose of Contract	Original Estimate of Cost	Final Sum Paid
			€	€
1	Sword	Maintenance and development of Patents Office IT administration system	236,964	236,964
2	Oracle EMEA Limited	Oracle software licences	180,649	180,649
3	Eircom	Provision of internal Departmental IT Helpdesk Services	418,411	418,411
4	User Friendly Computer Company	Department IT training	102,736	102,736
5	QMP Publicis	Publicity for national minimum wage	123,714	95,984 to date

In addition to the foregoing, my Department would have sought expert legal opinion and audit expertise during the period in question. Details of these particular contracts have not been included in the above list of consultancies but are available should the Deputy require them.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

320 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28390/05]

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

Posts at assistant secretary and deputy secretary level in my Department and some bodies under the aegis of my Department including the chairman and deputy chairmen of the Labour Court, the chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission, the chairman of the Competition Authority, the Director of Consumer Affairs and the Director of Corporate Enforcement, are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in this Department are outlined in the annual reports of the committee and are available at www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, there was a scheme for assistant secretaries which was based on 4% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Under this scheme payments were made to seven assistant secretaries totalling €23,038 and €20,092 for the years 2000 and 2001. Amounts paid to individuals under this scheme are regarded as personal information.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

321 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consultancy contracts awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28407/05]

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

I understand that Deputy Burton has indicated that she wishes to have information on contracts that have a total value of €50,000 or more. The information requested by the Deputy in so far as my Department is concerned is as follows:

Year	Purpose of Consultancy	Cost
		€
1998	Review of redundancy and insolvency IT system	110,46
1998	Review of the community employment programme	69,137
1999	Development of an IT case tracking system for the Registry of Friendly Societies	152,985
1999	Various IT systems upgrades and project developments for the Companies Registration Office	559,900
2000	Organisational review of the structure, operations, resource requirements, business processes and IT systems in the Competition Authority and provision of recommendations on streamlining and improvements	78,356
2000	Systems development for the CRO's registration services system	380,000
2001	Business analysis and reform of my Department's financial management function	155,680
2001	Upgrade of the redundancy, insolvency and recoveries, RIR, system due to euro conversion and implementation of other system changes	202,944
2001	Development of a case management system for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement	98,537
2001	Various IT systems upgrades and project developments for the Companies Registration Office	559,900
2001	Systems development for the CRO's registration services system	957,421
2004	Development of IT systems for Personal Injuries Assessment Board	136,566
2004	Development of interface between RIRsystem to Oracle Financials financial management system	83,715
2004	Development of interface between RIRsystem to new online redundancy payments system	60,785

I have included in this list a small number of contracts that would normally be classified as IT contracts and not consultancy contracts.

In addition to the foregoing, Deloitte & Touche had been engaged by my Department to carry out specific audit work. Details of those particular contracts have not been included in this reply although they are, of course, available should the Deputy require them.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

322 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider making a concession in this year’s budget for old age pensioners who use piped gas in view of the recent increase in the cost of same. [28176/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Year	No. of projects	Costs
2000	19	£1,876,000
2001	22	£3,605,000
2002	53	€4,704,000
2003	43	€1,975,000
2004	39	€2,822,000
2005	46	€2,462,765 (to end of September)

These amounts exclude projects which, although facilitated by this Department, are financed as cross-departmental projects under the information society fund. The detailed information required by the Deputy in relation to names of companies, the details of work covered by the contract and the amounts paid is currently being compiled and will be forwarded separately when complete.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

327 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28391/05]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Civil service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. Prior to the introduction of the current award scheme which came into effect from January 2002, a bonus scheme based on 4% of the pay bill for the group of assistant secretaries and which provided for payments of up to 15% for the deputy secretary grade applied.

The total awards made in the Department under the terms of this scheme in respect of the bonus periods 1999-2000 and 2000-end 2001 were €30,608, to six people, and €53,432, to seven people, respectively.

In addition there is a scheme for recognition of exceptional performance by staff which operates across the Civil Service. This scheme has been in operation since 1996 and allows Secretaries General to make awards for sustained exceptional performance to staff. Awards may be made in respect of performance above the level which would reasonably be expected in the normal course from the grade of staff involved. All staff in the Department, irrespective of grade, can nominate another staff member or a team for an award, at any time during the year. The total expenditure on the scheme, which in my Department is called the Fiúntas scheme, may not exceed 0.2% of payroll costs.

The following tabular statement shows the expenditure on the scheme for the period 2001 to date, including the number of awards made, the highest awards for individuals and teams. Details in respect of 2000 are not readily available but will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The expenditure quoted is gross expenditure and includes any tax and PRSI liability covered by my Department's pay budget.

Details of Fiúntas Scheme 2001-2005
	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Gross expenditure	€68,920	€111,457	€103,708	€198,879	€104,550
No. of individual awards	26	36	67	46	31
Highest individual award	€381	€1,000	€500	€750	€1,000
No. of team awards	15	12	42	48	27
Highest team award	€2,100	€2,000	€5,000	€8,825	€5,300

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

331 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time, the number of applicants on the waiting list and the number of testers in respect of each driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28193/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Driver testers are assigned to headquarter centres. Other test centres within the region are served from the headquarter centres.

Applications on Hand — 10/10/05
Centre	Applications on hand	Average weeks waiting	No. of driver testers
North Leinster
Finglas	10,964	31	17
Dundalk	3,656	36	—
Mullingar	2,073	34	—
Navan	4,864	45	1
Raheny	8,390	26	8
South Leinster
Churchtown-Rathgar	12,070	36	16
Gorey	2,595	46	—
Naas	5,553	27	2
Tullamore	2,210	41	—
Wicklow	2,911	41	—
Tallaght	9,813	41	9
West
Athlone	991	19	2
Birr	1,410	26	—
Castlebar	1,958	27	4
Clifden	487	32	—
Ennis	1,641	24	3
Galway	3,621	35	6
Loughrea	1,177	24	2
Roscommon	1,242	28	—
Tuam	1,277	26	—
North West
Ballina	1,183	21	—
Buncrana	733	32	—
Carrick-on-Shannon	913	18	2
Cavan	1,683	28	2
Donegal	1,176	35	—
Letterkenny	2,309	23	3
Longford	1,030	24	—
Monaghan	1,243	26	1
Sligo	1,782	30	2
South East
Carlow	2,434	26	1
Clonmel	2,099	41	2
Dungarvan	1,617	44	—
Kilkenny	1,885	23	2
Nenagh	765	40	—
Portlaoise	1,801	41	1
Thurles	1,200	45	—
Tipperary	1,141	41	—
Waterford	3,041	33	4
Wexford	2,336	31	4
South West
Cork	6,933	23	13
Killarney	2,010	31	1
Kilrush	519	27	—
Limerick	4,304	28	4
Mallow	2,372	35	—
Newcastle West	1,812	31	—
Shannon	932	39	—
Skibbereen	2,031	40	—
Tralee	1,644	25	3

Totals		Average
North Leinster	29,947	34
South Leinster	35,152	39
West	13,804	27
North West	12,052	26
South East	18,319	37
South West	22,557	31
TOTAL	131,831	31.8

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

332 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of breath specimens taken by gardaí in 2004; the number of these that were certified; the number and percentage that were over the legal limit; and the number of breath tests that did not result in a statement under section 17 of the Road Traffic Act. [28227/05]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

333 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of blood, urine and breath specimens analysed for alcohol concentration in 2004, with a breakdown for each category and the amount over the legal limit for each category. [28228/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.

Data relating to the number of blood and urine specimens analysed in 2004 by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and evidential breath specimens given in 2004 under section 17 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, in respect of persons arrested for drink driving offences, will be presented in the bureau's annual report for that year. That report will be published shortly.

Traffic Management.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

334 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of his meeting of 5 October 2005 on congestion in Dublin; the bodies or individuals who were invited; the bodies or individuals who attended; if he will publish the 37 point plan adopted at the meeting as reported in a newspaper (details supplied); the actions he will take on foot of this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28230/05]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Callely)

I have convened a group of individuals to work on a transport initiative, under the title of the Clare Street initiative, CSI. The purpose of CSI is to progress effective implementation of traffic management and related measures in the greater Dublin area and to bring added value to major transport investments that are under way and planned. In so doing, we are taking account of the experience of an initiative, entitled the Inzeller Kreis initiative, which was jointly established by the Mayor of Munich and BMW in 1995. It is my hope that through the CSI we can learn lessons from the earlier initiative that will help to achieve better traffic management in the greater Dublin area. The following are the names of the individuals who have agreed to participate in the initiative, with an indication of those who attended the meeting in Clontarf Castle on 5 October 2005. Members were invited to join the CSI on a personal basis rather than as a representative of any agency, company or interest, and to bring only their own views to the table.

The CSI charter, adopted in Clontarf Castle at its inaugural meeting on 5 October, makes it clear that the initiative will work with existing agencies and within existing governance structures and that it will be the responsibility of the relevant statutory, or other, agencies to decide whether to proceed with projects suggested by the initiative. I have arranged to have copies of the CSI charter placed in the Oireachtas Library for the information of Deputies.

Members of the CSI tabled 37 projects in advance of the seminar on 5 October 2005. Workshops were held to consider those projects in detail. Each of three workshop groups presented their chosen projects to the plenary session, whereupon they were considered and a short list of projects, in some cases involving an amalgamation of individual projects was identified. The list of projects is not finalised, however, as it still requires those who have been identified as sponsors of individual projects to confirm their acceptance of such sponsorship. Agencies identified as implementers of individual projects must formally accept responsibility for them before the list of projects can be formally announced.

Individuals Invited to join Clare Street Initiative	Attendance at Meeting on 5 October 2005
Frank Allen	No
Anne Butler	No
John Butler	Yes
Liam Brewer	Yes
Frank Coffey	Yes
Tom Coffey	Yes
Mary Cunningham	Yes
Paddy Doherty	Yes
Conor Faughnan	Yes
Jack Golden	Yes
John Henry	Yes
Dermot Jewell	Yes
Eamon Kane	Yes
Vinnie Kearns	Yes
Owen Keegan	Yes
Ray Kelly	Yes
Mary Keogh	No
Ralf Lissek	Yes
Michael Lorigan	Yes
Pat Mangan	Yes
Reg McCabe	Yes
Aebhric McGibney	Yes
Paul Morton	Yes
Eamon O’Hare	Yes
Margaret O’Mahony	Yes
Michael O’Sullivan	Yes
Tim O’Sullivan	Yes
Patricia Oliver	No
Maurice Pratt	No
Conrad Schmidt	No
Willie Soffe	Yes
Tom Wall	Yes
Lorenz Zimmermann	No

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

335 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of the review of reporting serious injuries relating to collisions as provided for in the road safety strategy 2004-2006; and the target that has been set. [28231/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The road safety strategy 2004 to 2006 acknowledges that there are significant difficulties in establishing a benchmark from which to set a target for the achievement of a reduction in the number of serious injuries. For that reason the central target established for the strategy was focused on the realisation of a reduction in the number of road deaths.

The strategy included a commitment to the pursuit of a programme aimed at establishing a more robust basis for determining injury data based on the information flow from the Garda to the National Roads Authority allied to information from hospital admission data and insurance claims. This exercise is being pursued by a number of organisations that are represented on the road safety high level group under the general direction of the National Roads Authority, which is tasked with the publication of national road collision data.

Based on the outcome of that exercise the high level group will consider the establishment of an appropriate target for the achievement of a reduction in serious injuries before the completion of the period of the strategy.

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

336 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the charges that prevail under Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1994; the number of such charges in each of the past five years for which figures are available; the amount collected in each of those years; the specific sub-head where such funds are accounted for in Government estimates; and his plans to raise the charge. [28285/05]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 provides that where a person is convicted of a drink driving offence, the court shall, unless it is satisfied that there are special and substantial reasons for not so doing, order that person to pay a prescribed amount to the court as a contribution to the costs and expenses of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. The prescribed amount, which was established in 1994 at £75, is €95.23.

The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:

Consultant/Adviser	Nature of Report	Year Commissioned	Total Cost (incl. VAT)
			€
Deloitte & Touche	Process fraud auditor for Aer Lingus IPO	2000	14,932
Deloitte & Touche	Accruals, production of accounts and training	2000	123,201
Deloitte & Touche	Report on public transport measures under the Community Support Framework 1994-2001	2001	34,998
Deloitte & Touche	5% verification check of EU grant aided expenditure by Aer Rianta under the Transport Operational Programme, 1994-1999	2002	16,943
Deloitte & Touche	Forensic accountancy analysis of the claim for damages in a case before the European Court of Human Rights	2002	74,142
Deloitte & Touche	Assistance with the drawing up of implementation plans for decentralisation for this Department	2004	20,328
Deloitte & Touche	Audit of Heuston Terminal and South West Rail Corridor (Stage 1) Project	2004	12,100

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

340 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when grant aid will be approved for a community group (details supplied) in County Mayo. [28212/05]

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

I assume the Deputy is referring to Mulranny Western Holdings from which group an application has been received under the 2005 programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations. The process of assessment of the large number of applications received under the 2005 programme is ongoing and I expect to decide on qualifying applications early in November 2005.

Departmental Programmes.

Michael Lowry

Question:

341 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to allocate funding for works (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28226/05]

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

In August 2005, I announced that the CLÁR programme would provide 100% funding for flashing amber safety lights at all national schools in CLÁR areas that did not already have such lights. Each local authority was invited to submit proposals. Tipperary North County Council applied for flashing amber safety lights at five schools and this funding was approved on 11 October 2005.

Departmental Correspondence.

Denis Naughten

Question:

342 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28235/05]

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

The issue raised in the correspondence is one for Waterways Ireland, which is a North-South Implementation Body that is co-sponsored by my Department and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North. My Department contacted Waterways Ireland on the matter to obtain a report, which was received on 11 October 2005. A reply has issued to the Deputy today.

Departmental Programmes.

Jack Wall

Question:

343 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is a mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to reclaim or have waivered their charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28252/05]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 417 of 21 June 2005.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

344 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28358/05]

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

My Department awarded the following number of contracts since it was established in 2002: 2002 — 13; 2003 — 22; 2004 — 13; 2005 — 12.

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to these contracts are set out in the table.

Appendix Contracts awarded to outside consultants each year since June 2002
2002
Recipient of the contract in each case	Details of the work covered by the contract	The original estimate of the cost of the contract	The final amount paid in respect of each such contract
		€ (Incl VAT)	€ (Incl VAT)
CHL Consulting Company Limited	Desktop Evaluation	1,210.00	1,210.00
Transition Management	Working Group on Creation of Employment in Gaeltacht	10,637.49	10,637.49
An tOllamh Mícheál Ó Cinnéide, NUIG	Review of submissions received in response to public consultation process on review of powers and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta	5,000.00	N/A (Report received, invoice outstanding)
Systems Dynamics	Development of information system to support administration of Leader+ and national rural development programmes.	192,024	176,022 paid to date
Systems Dynamics	Various systems enhancements for Leader+ information system requested by the new Department and the Leadergroups.	158,548.15	158,548.15 paid to date
IBM	Provision of assistance in the specification and selection of a new Gaeltacht and Islands Client Database in 2002	112,530	112,530
NIRSA (National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis), NUI, Maynooth.	Review of CLÁR areas and preparation of revised set of maps of areas eligible for CLÁR programme	4,840.00	4,840.00
Goodbody Economic Consultants	Review of statutory funding of the community andvoluntary sector to assist the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board in carrying out its functions. Note: This consultancy project was commissioned by the then Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in May 2002. Responsibility transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in June 2002. First two payments totalling €22,990 were made by DSCFA and final payment of €5,748 was made by DCRGA.	28,738.00	28,738.00
Deloitte & Touche	Provision of assistance in the specification and selection of a new financial management system for the Department.	117,250.00	117,250.00
Nexus Research Co-operative	Completion of the evaluation of the community development programme commissioned originally by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs	The value of the contract offered by the DSCFA was €79,675	72,600
Deloitte & Touche	Provision of professional accounting service between June 2002 and October 2003.	74,004.00	71,513.00
Peter Coyne & Company Chartered Accountants, Aengus House, The Docks, Galway	Provision of professional accounting advice regarding tenders for Aran Islands air service.	4,840.00	4,840.00
Achilles, Procurement Services, I Harmsworth, Greenmount Office Park, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W	Provision of procurement advice in relation to the award of ferry services contracts.	756.25	756.25

2003
Recipient of the contract in each case	Details of the work covered by the contract	The original estimate of the cost of the contract	The final amount paid in respect of each such contract
		€ (Incl VAT)	€ (Incl VAT)
Nexus Research Co-operative	To develop a data collection software package (SPEAK) for the Community Development Programme and to provide support and training to projects funded under the programme.	€69,962.20 plus €450 per day, (on a needs basis), for technical support for project implementation.	2003 €36,468.66 2004 €63,345.57 2005 €1,415.70 Total Payments to date — €101,229.93
NIRSA (National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis), NUI, Maynooth.	Preparation of further detailed maps of CLÁR areas.	1,325.00	1,325.00
DKM Consultants, Davy House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2	Review and analysis of proposed Grant Aid Development of Cargo Apron at Knock Regional Airport under the CLÁR programme.	18,045.00	17,818.00
Fitzpatrick Associates	Review of enterprise support in rural areas.	76,351.00	76,351.00
Oonagh Breen	Specialist advice in relation to charity law.	6,500.00	6,500.00
Arthur Cox	Legal research and assistance concerning charities regulation.	65,000.00	64,850.34
Oonagh Breen	External report on the public consultation about charities regulation.	15,000.00	15,000.00
PricewaterhouseCoopers	Systems audit of Waterways Ireland.	6,500.00	5,505.50
Institute of Public Administration	Review of internal audit function as required under Mullarkey report.	10,890.00	10,890.00
Goodbody Economic Consultants	To assess all applications which were received under the funding scheme to support the role of federations, networks and umbrella bodies in the community and voluntary sector.	34,183.00	34,183.00
Colgan & Associates	To assess all applications received under the funding scheme to provide training and supports in the community and voluntary sector.	25,168.00	25,168.00
Deloitte & Touche	Provision of advice and support in the areas of project management, quality assurance, business process redesign, user acceptance testing, change and risk management and post go-live support in relation to the implementation of a new financial management system in the Department.	167,312.00	288,838.00 The extra cost arose from a decision to extend the scope of the contract to provide full-time support and knowledge transfer to departmental personnel, post go-live.
Farrell Grant Sparks	Review of property and equity portfolio of Údarás na Gaeltachta.	83,883.25	83,883.25
Fitzpatrick Associates in conjunction with Brendan Kearney Associates Limited	Mid-term evaluation of the Leader+ Community Initiative.	100,370	100,370
Indecon Consultants	Review of Area Development Management Limited.	99,558.80	99,558.80
Achilles, Procurement Services, I Harmsworth, Greenmount Office Park, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W	Provision of procurement advice in relation to Long Island ferry service.	605.00	605.00
Malachy Walsh & Partners-Raymond Burke Consulting, c/o Park House, 21 Denny Street, Tralee, County Kerry	To carry out a study of transport service requirements of a number of offshore islands.	86,946.97 excluding expenses	95,641.66 including expenses
Peter Coyne & Company Chartered Accountants, Aengus House, The Docks, Galway	Provision of professional accounting advice relating to Aran Islands air service contract.	1.089.00	1,089.00
Peter Coyne & Company Chartered Accountants, Aengus House, The Docks, Galway	Provision of professional accounting advice in relation to Aran Islands cargo contract.	399.00	399.00
Achilles, Procurement Services, I Harmsworth, Greenmount Office Park, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W	Provision of procurement advice in relation to the award of ferry study contract.	5,445.00	5,445.00
Achilles, Procurement Services, I Harmsworth, Greenmount Office Park, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W	Provision of procurement advice in relation to linguistic study.	1,815.00	1,815.00

2004
Recipient of the contract in each case	Details of the work covered by the contract	The original estimate of the cost of the contract	The final amount paid in respect of each such contract
		€ (Incl VAT)	€ (Incl VAT)
Environmental Resources Management	Assess Cohesion schemes and integrated target plans for social inclusion from county-city development boards in 2004.	8,729.61	€17,459.22 Includes related work additional to that envisaged in original contract.
Law Reform Commission	Specialist legal research, public consultation and recommendations concerning charitable trust law reform.	35,000.00	35,000.00
Dermot V. Cahill	Core information on Irish sectoral regulators,comparative research to inform work on charities regulator.	6,500.00	6,500.00
Mazars	Audit of Foras na Gaeilge.	26,317.50	17,407.25 Ongoing
A &L Goodbody	Legal advice connected with a community development programme tendering process undertaken in 2004.	Not exceed €5,000	4,077.70
Deloitte & Touche	Provision of professional accounting service in February-March 2004.	17,185.00	13,096.00
Deloitte & Touche	Development of the Department’s ICT strategy.	103,280	103,280
Farrell Grant Sparks	Desktop Review.	1,815.00	1,815.00
Sinead O’Connor	Provision of Research and Development support to Comhairle na Tuaithe from 28/6/04 to 31/12/04.	35,000	35,000
Bluett Conran	Review of capital appraisal procedures in Department.	6,050.00	6,050.00
Tipperary Institute	Provision of network services for Leader+ Community Initiative.	1,179,580	643,783 paid to date.
Saltire Management Limited, Victoria House, East Blackhall Street, Greenhock, United Kingdom	Consultancy on aspects of ferry and air services for certain islands.	77,924.00	106,889.25 paid to date. The extra costs arose from a decision to extend the scope of the contract to provide for additional reporting, inspection and advisory requirements. Contract completed and final invoice awaited.
Peter Coyne & Company Chartered Accountants, Aengus House, The Docks, Galway	Examination of accounts for Aran Islands' cargo tenders.		605.00

2005
Recipient of the contract in each case	Details of the work covered by the contract	The original estimate of the cost of the contract	The final amount paid in respect of each such contract
		€ (Incl VAT)	€ (Incl VAT)
Environmental Resources Management	Assess Cohesion schemes, integrated target plans and volunteering measures for social inclusion from county-city development boards in 2005	30,250.00	10,083.33 to date
NIRSA (National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis), NUI, Maynooth.	Analysis of 2002 population census data	3,248.85	Ongoing
Brendan Kearney & Associates	Preparation of a brief background report to assist in ongoing work relating to updating the White Paper on Rural Development	6,050.00	6,050.00
Deloitte & Touche	Decentralisation Risk Exercise	The cost of the consultancy will be €41,454.60.	No payment made yet. Contract placed in September 2005.
Mary Higgins, Management Consultant	Provision of an research on the development of support framework for philanthropy in Ireland	5,102.00	5,102.00
Indecon	Consultancy on the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity	94,234.00	No payment to date
RSM Robson Rhodes	Verification checks of once-off grants made under the 2004 programme of grants to locally based community and voluntary organisations	34,787.00	No payment to date
A & L Goodbody Solicitors	Review of Public Procurement Procedures in relation to certain projects	3,513.92	3,513.92
Fitzpatrick Associates in conjunction with Brendan Kearney Associates Limited	Mid-term evaluation of the Leader+ Community Initiative.	63,812	42,541 paid to date
Sinead O’Connor	Provision of Research and Development support to Comhairle na Tuaithe from 1/3/05 to 31/5/05.	17,500	17,500
Tom Healy, Chartered Consulting Engineer, Railway View, Clifden, County Galway	Supervision of the construction work on Inishboffin airstrip.	64,389.12	No payment yet
Malachy Walsh & Partners-McClure Watters, c/o Park House, 21 Denny Street, Tralee, County Kerry	To review a study conducted in 1999 in respect of the proposed cablecar link between Inishbiggle and Achill Island, County Mayo.	21,489.60excluding expenses and printing costs.	25,676.43including expenses and printing costs.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

345 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28393/05]

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

Under this Department's scheme of exceptional performance, 0.2% of the administrative budget, A1, may be made available to staff in recognition of exceptional contribution or performance by individuals or teams. Merit awards may be awarded to all grades up to and including principal officer.

There were no merit awards granted in my Department in 2002, which was the year my Department was established. In 2003, €20,126 was awarded under the merit award scheme to 16 groups and 21 individuals. The highest individual award was €500, which was awarded to one clerical officer and one higher executive officer. In 2004, €22,340 was awarded under the merit award scheme to 17 groups and 27 individuals. The highest individual award was €800, which was awarded to one clerical officer and one executive officer.

Under the Department of Finance scheme of performance related awards for posts at the level of deputy secretary and assistant secretary, awards totalling €16,500 in 2003, €24,000 in 2004 and €22,700 in 2005 were made. The Department of Finance sanctioned special payments in respect of consistent and exceptional extra attendance for non-overtime grades arising from the Irish Presidency of the European Union in 2004. Three principal officers received €5,000 each, one principal officer received €2,000, three assistant principal officers received €4,200 each, one assistant principal officer received €3,200 and one assistant principal received €1,000.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

346 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28410/05]

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

Details of the consultancies awarded by my Department to Deloitte & Touche since June 2002, the cost of each and the purpose of same are set out in the table. All of these consultancies related to once-off work in improving governance systems in this new Department, including improved ICT, financial control and risk management.

Consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since June, 2002
Year	Purpose of Consultancies awarded to Deloitte and Touche since June, 2002	The cost of each (inc. V.A.T.)
		€
2002	Provision of professional accounting service between June 2002 and October 2003.	71,513
2002	Provision of assistance in the specification and selection of a new financial management system for the Department.	117,250
2003	Provision of advice and support in the areas of project management, quality assurance, business process redesign, user-acceptance testing, change and risk management and post go-live support, in the implementation of a new financial management system in the Department.	288,838
2004	Provision of professional accounting service in February-March 2004.	13,096
2004	Development of Department’s ICT strategy	103,280
2005	The purpose of the contract is to undertake a risk review of its Dublin-based operations and business, both in the context of decentralisation and in terms of advancing and deepening risk management in the Department generally.	The cost of the consultancy will be 41,455

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

347 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having payment of installation aid awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied in 2003. [28194/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The person is an applicant for grant aid under the installation aid scheme. Certain outstanding information is still awaited from the person concerned. His application will be reviewed as soon as this information is received.

Compensation Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

348 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the anger and frustration felt by many pedigree sheep breeders concerning the method by which she introduced a compensation for scrapie monitored rams; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that many breeders sold rams as a consequence of such testing procedures but were subsequently deemed eligible for compensation due to the fact that the animals were tested before 1 September 2005; if she will make retrospective compensation available to the breeders who, at great cost to themselves, were involved in scrapie monitoring over a number of years but who believed that rams disposed of at any time in 2005 would be eligible for such compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28195/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

On 17 August 2005, I announced a number of enhancements to the voluntary national genotype programme, NGP, aimed at encouraging greater participation in the programme and, in particular, to encourage the genotyping of rams in advance of the introduction of a compulsory breeding programme. These enhancements were introduced following discussions between officials of my Department and representatives of the pedigree and non-pedigree breeders.

It was always intended, and it was made clear before their introduction, that the enhancements to the NGP would apply only in respect of those flocks/sheep that were genotyped between 1 September 2005 and 18 November 2005. There was never any question that rams which were tested before 1 September 2005 would be eligible for the flat rate of compensation that will be paid in respect of those categories of rams that are tested after that date and that are considered susceptible or highly susceptible to scrapie. Consequently, I do not intend to make the compensation payments retrospective.

With effect from November 1998, the Minister for Finance sanctioned expenditure of not more than 0.2% of subhead A.1 — Salaries, Wages and Allowances, in respect of ex gratia payments or other awards to individual staff members or groups of staff by way of recognition for exceptional performance of duty. Awards under this provision can be made in the case of all grades below assistant secretary level. The following table gives a breakdown of the moneys paid under this scheme in the years 2000 to 2004.

Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the Department of Finance website. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, there was a scheme for assistant secretaries based on 4% of the pay bill for the group of assistant secretaries. In my Department a total of £27,000 was paid under this scheme in 2000 and £28,550 in 2001.

Merit Awards 2000-2004: Individual Awards by Grade showing Total by Grade and Highest Award by Grade
Grade	2000 Total	2000 Highest	2001 Total	2001 Highest	2002 Total	2002 Highest	2002F&M Total*	2002F&M Highest*	2003 Total	2003 Highest	2004 Total	2004 Highest
			€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€	€
A/DS											495	495
A/SAO											495	495
AAI	2,204	652	3,900	1,500	3,215	875			3,575	520	6,295	1,000
AI	4,084	652	3,910	800	5,275	720			5,305	1,300	9,400	2,000
AO			300	300					600	600	900	450
AP	9,200	1,000	5,370	550	13,330	2,800			5,995	1,000	6,750	1,000
Area Supt	400	400	1,810	605	1,290	445			1,845	600	5,100	1,400
Assistant Librarian					1,000	1,000
Cleaner	1,260	60			445	445
CO	23,070	500	18,080	600	37,696	600			27,606	700	29,865	750
Dairy Inspector			3,000	1,000
Dairy Produce Officer			500	500	875	875					1,000	1,000
DCVO							35,900	15,200
Deputy Chief Inspector									1,500	1,500
DDVRL							2,550	2,550
Director VRL					445	445	2,550	2,550
DS	5,808	750	9,790	1,000	12,415	1,000			7,360	600	4,485	1,250
EO	17,115	750	12,645	700	17,050	600			16,308	600	22,135	600
Farm Manager			490	490
Farm Operative			490	490
General Operative			300	300	500	500
Head Lab. Attendant					470	470
HEO	13,715	1,500	8,390	1,500	12,580	600			14,427	700	13,475	900
House Superintendant											2,000	2,000
Inspector			3,600	600
Inspector Grade 2	3,508	652			595	445			520	520	495	495
Inspector Grade 3									520	520	1,000	1,000
Lab Tech	750	750	4,640	850	4,430	470			1,800	600
Lab. Attendant	3,750	750			1,610	470					500	500
Librarian	750	750			1,000	1,000					750	750
Machinery Attendant			500	500
PO	6,450	750	4,555	1,000	500	500			6,500	1,500	1,650	550
Professional Accountant Gr 1					500	500					500	250
Regional Insp			600	600
Research Officer			1,830	850	470	470
RHEO	750	325									600	600
S. Supt Surveyor			1,505	1,505
S.R.O.					2,820	470
S.S.R.O.					940	470	15,237	15,237
SAO	8,882	750	9,190	1,000	16,260	1,500			8,230	600	10,955	1,250
Senior Dairy Produce Officer											1,000	1,000
Senior Lab. Technician	3,750	750			3,290	470
Senior Solicitor											200	200
Sero. Assistant	750	750			470	470
Service Officer	2,100	60	300	300	500	500			200	200
SI	1,650	750	800	800	1,150	1,150			2,500	1,500
SO	4,185	325	3,685	400	9,300	600			4,470	520	4,480	590
SSSA			490	490
SSVI			500	500			71,741	15,237
ST2			490	490
Stockkeeper					470	470
Storekeeper					470	470
Superintendant Surveyor											450	450
Supervising Sero. Assistant					445	445
SVI	3,600	900	2,000	1,000	8,500	4,000	34,489	12,289	6,700	1,500	5,000	1,000
TAO	14,104	750	7,722	1,000	20,060	4,000			10,650	600	14,965	1,250
Telephonist			200	200					520	520
Tractor Driver-Lorry Driver					470	470
VI	15,900	800	4,550	1,000	12,250	1,500			11,150	1,500	9,250	1,250
Totals	147,735	116,132	193,086	138,281	154,190

*Foot and Mouth Disease

Exceptional Performance Awards Totals for Individual, Group and Team Awards
Year	Individual	Group + Team	Total Individual + Group + Team	Individual Average
£	£	£	£
2000	147,735	35,620	183,355	344
€	€	€	€
2001	116,132	89,835	205,967	478
2002	193,086	134,181	327,267	545
2003	138,281	191,047	329,328	522
2004	154,190	169,160	323,350	463

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

356 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the consultancies awarded to Deloitte and Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28411/05]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Deloitte & Touche has been en-gaged on two contracts since 1997, both ofthem in the capacity of independent certifying body for the Department's CAP guarantee accounts.

The first of the contracts was awarded in 2000 to cover the three year period 2000 to 2002. The value of this contract was €317,054. It was awarded a further contract, again following an open tendering process, in 2003, for the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The contract value is €914,848, on a fixed fee basis. This is broken down per year as €216,368, €224,130, €232,847 and €241,503 for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Under the provisions of the EU Council Regulation No. 1258/99 on the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and Commission Regulation No. 1663/95, since 1995 the European Commission only finances expenditure that is made by paying agencies accredited by member states. As part of the accreditation process, the regulations require that the annual accounts of the CAP paying agencies in member states must be accompanied by an "attestation" certificate regarding the integrality, exactitude and veracity of the annual accounts. This certificate must be given by a certifying body that is operationally independent of the paying agency.

Crime Prevention.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

357 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that has been taken to combat the growing problem of child pornography on the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28153/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

358 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a strategy to track down persons using the Internet with pornographic intent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28154/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

359 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to combat the use of the Internet for bullying or intimidation particularly where young persons are concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28155/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

360 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which directly or through the EU he will take action to combat the unsolicited attention of those who use the Internet to target groups or individuals with malicious intent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 to 360, inclusive, together.

I propose to take these questions together as they all concern the illegal and harmful uses of the Internet. The Internet is an international and world-wide phenomenon with no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Measures to combat child pornography or other illegal materials and activities on the Internet are therefore hampered by a multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and differing societal norms. Furthermore, developments in new communications technologies allow for Internet access from many means other than the traditional personal computer.

For the above reasons, combating the production and availability of child pornography on the Internet requires a combination of responses, and the co-operation of all the stakeholders, at both national and international levels — legislators, law enforcement, schools, child protection practitioners, and most important of all, parents and guardians.

In terms of legislation, in the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, Ireland has one of the most robust pieces of legislation anywhere. Under the Act, the possession, distribution, importation and exportation or sale of all forms of child pornography — films, videos, or material in written or auditory form including material produced or transmitted via the Internet — are offences with penalties of up to 14 years' imprisonment. Possession of child pornography can be punishable by imprisonment for up to five years. Using a child or allowing a child to be used for the production of child pornography is also punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment.

The Garda Síochána is committed to the investigation of all cases of child pornography and the importance of investigating the child protection issues involved in such cases. The paedophile investigation unit was established in November 2002 within the domestic violence and sexual assault unit, under the remit of the national bureau of criminal investigation. The unit is assisted by members of other specialised units, as required. Computer forensics are carried out by the members attached to the domestic and sexual assault unit and also by members attached to the Garda bureau of fraud investigation utilising up-to-date forensic software.

The unit liaises with other relevant outside agencies and international police forces, including Interpol and Europol, to keep abreast of the most recent developments and trends in this area. A proactive approach is taken regarding intelligence received relating to offences of child pornography and the Garda Síochána investigates all breaches of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 coming to its attention in the course of unrelated investigations, reported by external police forces, the Internet advisory board hotline, or by concerned citizens, and each case is investigated to a conclusion, many resulting in prosecutions before the courts.

On the structural side, the Government established a working group in 1997 to examine and report on the whole question of the illegal and harmful use of the Internet with particular reference to child pornography. The report of the working group on the illegal and harmful use of the Internet was published in July 1998. The main recommendation of the report was for a system of self-regulation by the Internet service provider industry and the components of such a system were to include: an Internet advisory board, IAB, established February 2000, to promote awareness of Internet downside issues, co-ordinate efforts to combat child pornography on the Internet and monitor the progress of self-regulation by the Internet service provider industry; a public hotline for reporting child pornography, established in 1999 and funded by the industry; an industry code of practice and ethics setting out the duties and responsibilities of each Internet service provider, agreed in February 2002 and reviewed in 2004.

The Internet advisory board oversees and monitors progress on anti-child pornography measures, and supervises a self-regulatory regime for the Irish Internet service provider industry. The self-regulatory approach to Internet regulation has been adopted world-wide and the Internet advisory board helps and supports the Irish Internet service provider industry to deliver an effective self-regulation environment, in accordance with an agreed code of practice and ethics for the industry. The Irish code of practice and ethics is recognised throughout Europe as a model of its type.

The Internet advisory board's brief extends to general downside issues on the Internet including general safety for children while online, as well as the conduct of research and information campaigns.

The hotline www.hotline.ie, funded by the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland with support from the EU safer Internet action plan, was launched in November 1999 and has been operating since that time. Special protocols operate between the Garda and the hotline that maximise co-operation on law enforcement issues so that offences in the area of child pornography can be detected and prosecuted.

The hotline works closely with and is a founding member of the international INHOPE Association, www.inhope.org, a network of European hotlines which is expanding to all parts of the world. The INHOPE Association develops procedures and shares information on the best practices for the tracing and tracking of illegal child pornography and other illegal materials. International co-operation is a vital part of the fight against child pornography on the Internet, and Ireland is fully committed to playing its part.

In September 2001 the Council of Europe Ministers'deputies approved the first international convention on cybercrime. Ireland signed up to the convention in June 2002. The main objective of the convention is to foster international co-operation in protecting society against cybercrime. The convention deals specifically with the distribution of child pornography on the Internet, infringements of copyright, computer-related fraud and violations of network security.

The European Union has taken a strong line on combating child pornography on the Internet. Since 1999, under the safer Internet action plan, the EU has provided financial and other supports for measures in the member states to combat illegal and harmful uses of the internet, with particular emphasis on protecting children. A new EU action plan, Safer Internet Plus, covering the period 2005 to 2008, and with a budget of €45 million, was agreed under the Irish Presidency in June 2004 and is now in operation.

The EU Council adopted a Framework Decision on Combating the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography on 22 December 2003. While the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 is a particularly robust legislative measure, my Department is currently considering the question of whether additional legislative provisions are required to give effect to this framework decision.

The mechanisms and structures described above to combat child pornography in particular can be and are used to address other criminal activities using the Internet. As a general rule, what is illegal off-line is illegal on-line. This could include illegal pornography, racist or hate materials, financial fraud, intimidation or any other criminal activity carried out via the Internet. However, the targeting of groups or individuals via the Internet by way of spam e-mails, for example, does not in all instances constitute a criminal offence. Bullying or intimidation may constitute an offence of harassment in breach of section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 including harassment via the Internet. The Garda Síochána will examine any complaints reported through the hotline, through other police forces or by members of the public, and where a criminal offence is disclosed, the matter will be fully investigated.

My Department is committed to, and actively co-operates at national, EU and international level, addressing and promoting the means to combat any illegal and harmful uses of the Internet on an ongoing basis.

Visa Applications.

Michael Noonan

Question:

361 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on a visa application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28198/05]

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

The visa application in question was received on 11 August 2005 and refused by my Department. The visa application was refused for two reasons. First, the visa officer was not satisfied that a previous relationship history existed between the applicant and the reference in Ireland.

Second, financial information was not provided, therefore the visa officer could not be satisfied that there would be no recourse to public funds or resources.

An appeal of the decision to refuse the visa application was subsequently submitted on 6 September 2005. However, the visa appeals officer was unable to conclude that the initial decision should be overturned. Consequently, the application was refused on appeal on 27 September 2005. As each application is entitled to only one appeal, no further review can be facilitated.

Garda Investigations.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

362 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will publish the report he has received from a person (details supplied) of the examination he was asked to undertake of the Garda papers on the murder of persons in Grangegorman in March 1997. [28199/05]

Tony Gregory

Question:

371 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the report of a person (details supplied) into the Grangegorman murders will be published; if the report will be made available to the solicitor representing the relatives of the murder victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28245/05]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 371 together.

The report submitted to me by Mr. Shane Murphy SC followed his independent review and thorough examination of the Garda Síochána papers relating to the making by Mr. Dean Lyons of false inculpatory statements in the course of the Garda investigation into the murders of Mary Callinan and Sylvia Sheils on 6-7 March 1997. Consequently, it is not suitable for publication or disclosure to third parties. The report does not in any way constitute an adjudication or finding of fact in relation to either persons or events.

As I indicated to the House in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 297 and 300 on 5 October, I am considering the report. In that context, I am consulting the Minister for Finance regarding the establishment of a commission of investigation. As I indicated then, I will keep the House informed of developments.

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

363 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations which have evidential breath testing instruments installed; and the number of such tests carried out by each station for the three years up to and including 2004. [28229/05]

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

I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to compile the statistics requested by the Deputy. I will of course contact the Deputy again when the figures are to hand.

Garda Operations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

364 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will conclude negotiations in respect of an outsourced fixed charge payment collection system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28232/05]

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

However the person in question made an application for residency in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. The application is currently under consideration and it is expected that a decision will be made within the next two weeks.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

368 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on the planned decentralisation to Thurles, County Tipperary; the expected date by which civil servants will begin working in Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28242/05]

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

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, 114 posts from Garda headquarters are scheduled to relocate to Thurles. The decentralisation implementation group reported to the Minister for Finance on 30 June 2005 and gave early 2008 as the indicative date for completion of the building to house all the civil servants who are moving to Thurles. As an advance move, the Garda Central Vetting Unit will now relocate to Thurles from the Phoenix Park and it is expected that this office will be up and running by the end of November.

Garda Strength.

Willie Penrose

Question:

369 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí serving in each of the Westmeath Garda stations and each of the Longford Garda stations for each year since 1997 to date in 2005; the populations served by each Garda station in 1997 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28243/05]

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

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources, including personnel, have informed me that the personnel strength of each Garda station in the Longford, Westmeath division at the end of each year 1997 to 2004, inclusive, and as at 12 October 2005 was as set out in the accompanying table. Corresponding figures sourced from the 2002 census of population are also included.

Pop	Station	’97	’98	’99	’00	’01	’02	’03	’04	12/10/05
19,884	Athlone	42	47	46	47	49	46	46	47	49
2,573	Ballinahown	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
2,097	Ballinalee	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
3,059	Ballymahon	3	3	2	3	3	3	3	3	3
1,805	Ballymore	2	2	2	1	1	2	2	2	2
2,565	Ballynacargy	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
3,318	Castlepollard	2	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
1,643	Castletown Geoghegan	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
3,622	Delvin	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
2,340	Drumlish	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
2,360	Edgeworthstown	6	6	6	5	4	5	5	5	4
2,853	Glasson	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1
2,965	Granard	22	22	25	26	26	25	24	24	29
1,941	Kenagh	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
2,433	Kilbeggan	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
3,036	Killucan	3	3	2	2	2	3	3	3	2
3,786	Kinnegad	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
2,482	Lanesboro	8	8	8	8	7	7	6	7	6
10,827	Longford	39	38	36	37	33	40	45	44	45
3,768	Moate	5	4	4	5	4	4	5	4	4
20,241	Mullingar	69	71	71	75	73	72	71	72	73
1,834	Multyfarnham	2	2	2	1	2	2	2	1	1
493	Newtowncashel	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
607	Rathowen	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
4,108	Rochfortbridge	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
2,079	Smear	1	1	2	1	1	1	1	1	1
1,116	Tarmonbarry	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

It should be noted that the allocation of Garda personnel is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and other operational policing needs of the area.

With regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context, the needs of the Longford, Westmeath division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Garda Equipment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

370 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the availability of audio visual facilities for interviewing prisoners in Garda stations; the number of Garda stations so equipped and the number not yet equipped; if closed circuit television in cells will be considered for prisoners who may put themselves at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28244/05]

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

The Garda authorities inform me that audio and video recording facilities for recording of Garda questioning of detained persons is installed in 130 Garda stations.

It should be noted that it was never the intention that all Garda stations would be equipped to carry out audio and video recording of interviews. Rather the intention was that a sufficient number of interview rooms in Garda stations across the country be equipped to provide a broad nationwide coverage. In that regard, the most recent report of the steering committee on audio and audio and video recording of Garda questioning of detained persons found that, with the putting in place of additional units of equipment in a number of stations which already have the facility, there is a sufficient number of Garda stations, in all Garda divisions, to ensure that all interviews, as specified in the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations 1997 are recorded. Arising from the committee's report, I understand from the Garda authorities that a working group is examining the extension of these facilities. The committees' report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in 13 June last.

On the issue of CCTV in cells, the Deputy will appreciate that matters of some complexity, not least the right to privacy, arise in this regard. The Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987 contain detailed provisions regarding the treatment of persons in custody in Garda stations, including the requirement on gardaí to make visits at regular intervals to any person kept in a cell and the appropriate actions to be taken where persons detained appear to be unwell. On a related issue, a pilot project is under way involving Pearse Street and Store Street Garda stations to place CCTV in the reception areas and in the corridors leading to the cells. The results of the pilot will be carefully considered and will, I expect, inform the debate on extension of CCTV to the interiors of cells.

Question No. 371 answered with QuestionNo. 362.

Garda Strength.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

372 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase Garda numbers in Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28246/05]

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

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that the twin towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar are policed by gardaí attached to Ballybofey Garda station, Donegal division. The personnel strength of Ballybofey Garda station is currently 19, of all ranks.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are constantly monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

With regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of the Donegal division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and patrol cars available for patrol or general duties in respect of each town and village in County Kildare between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28341/05]

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

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, have informed me that the personnel strength, of all ranks, of each Garda station in County Kildare is as set out in the accompanying table.

Station	12/10/2005
Naas	81
Clane	5
Kill	3
Celbridge	18
Maynooth	15
Kildare	27
Newbridge	32
Robertstown	3
Kilcullen	3
Carbury	2
Monasterevin	3
Rathangan	3
Athy	18
Castledermot	2
Ballytore	1
Leixlip	26
Kilcock	5
Total	247

For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel working in any particular place at any specific time.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are constantly monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

With regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign of 1,100 Garda recruits each year to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An Agreed programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and, in this context, the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

With reference to available patrol cars, details of vehicles attached to stations in County Kildare are as follows:

District	Station	Cars	Vans	4x4	Bikes	Total
Carlow	Athy	2	0	0	0	2
Kildare	Kilcullen	1	0	0	0	1
Kildare	Kildare	2	0	0	0	2
Kildare	Monasterevin	1	0	0	0	1
Kildare	Newbridge	3	0	0	0	3
Kildare	Robertstown	1	0	0	0	1
Naas	Celbridge	2	0	0	0	2
Naas	Clane	1	0	0	0	1
Naas	Kill	1	0	0	0	1
Naas	Maynooth	1	0	0	0	1
Naas	Naas	8	3	2	5	18
DMR West Lucan	Leixlip	2	0	0	0	2
Ashbourne	Kilcock	1	0	0	0	1
Total		26	3	2	5	36

Child Care Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

374 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an application from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 for funding towards a school age child care facility under the recently announced equal opportunities child care programme; if the application has been evaluated; the amount of grant allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28347/05]

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

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform makes funding available for school age child care services as part of the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000 to 2006. In June 2005, I announced the publication of a report of a working group of the national child care co-ordinating committee, entitled School Age Childcare in Ireland.

The report makes a number of recommend-ations for the development of school age child care to support the child care needs of parents, including the use of school premises, where appropriate, as a location to develop a quality school age child care service. It also lays down guidelines for the delivery of a quality service. It is hoped that the publication of the report will give greater impetus to the future development of school age child care at local level.

An application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP was submitted to my Department by the school referred to by the Deputy in July 2005. The capital grant application was forwarded to Area Development Management, ADM. Limited, which is engaged by my Department to carry out detailed assessments of all EOCP grant applications. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by ADM to ensure it meets the EOCP funding criteria.

I understand that this capital application is currently under assessment. When the assessment of the project in question is completed, the application will then be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made regarding funding. The school will be informed of the outcome of this process in due course.

Consultancy Contracts.

Departmental Programmes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

379 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made on the commitment made at the launch of the Women’s Aid helpline figures recently. [28371/05]

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

Responsibility for funding helpline and similar services to women who are victims of violence is a matter for the Department of Health and Children. My Department has raised the issue referred to with that Department and has been informed that a meeting is scheduled in the near future between Women's Aid and the Health Service Executive, at which funding matters will be discussed.

The responsibilities of my Department regarding the issue of violence against women relate to any necessary responses from the civil and criminal justice systems as well as any preventative measures which can be put in place, including intervention programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence, and for awareness raising measures aimed at changing society's attitude to violence against women. Within this remit, my Department is also in discussion with Women's Aid regarding its funding needs. Earlier this year the commission for the support of victims of crime, which comes under my Department's aegis, provided Women's Aid with €28,000 to assist in the provision of a court accompaniment service for victims of domestic violence.

A subcommittee of the national steering committee on violence against women, which is chaired by my Department, is examining the question of funding for the sector generally and its findings, which are expected shortly, will be addressed to the relevant Departments.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

380 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28395/05]

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

Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, there was a scheme for assistant secretaries which was based on 4% of the pay bill for the group of assistant secretaries. The information requested is set out in the table hereunder.

Year	Total Award	No. of people
	€
2000	29,500	9
2001	32,800	10

The Department also operates an exceptional performance awards scheme for staff below the grade of assistant secretary. The total amount available for payment of awards cannot exceed 0.2% of the Department's payroll from the sanctioned subheads. Individual and group awards are only made in respect of genuinely exceptional performance where regard is had to the nature and quality of the activities involved and to the circumstances under which they are carried out. Particular regard is paid to the grade level of the staff member concerned and where the work is considered to be over and above the high quality performance normally expected of such grades.

Firearms Certificates.

John Perry

Question:

381 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28399/05]

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

The Firearms Act 1925, as amended, provides that any person wishing to possess, use or carry a firearm or ammunition must, with certain limited exemptions, obtain a firearms certificate from a garda superintendent. Included among the exemptions from the requirement to hold a firearms certificate are persons who are members of an authorised gun club while engaged, as such a member, in a competition or target practice at an authorised range. For this exception to apply, both the club and the range must be authorised.

The Act provides that gun clubs and ranges may be authorised by a garda superintendent. However, a superintendent shall not grant such an authorisation unless he is satisfied that the possession, use or carriage of firearms in pursuance of such authorisation will not endanger public safety or the peace. In so far as the grant of an authorisation for a gun club or range is concerned, the courts have ruled that the superintendent is persona designate in relation to such decisions and cannot be fettered in any way. Accordingly, any person wishing to obtain such authorisation should apply to their local Garda superintendent.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

382 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28412/05]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Date Awarded	Costs	Purpose of Consultancy
	€
1998	23,660.00	Management and organisation review of the Employment Equality Agency.
1998	14,206.93	Management review of the Irish Council of People with Disabilities.
1998	17,823.00	Management review of the Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests.
1998	114,461.00	Development of a financial management framework in the Garda Síochána.
1999	151,809.00	Review of Garda structures and operating systems.
1999	8,311.83	Process assignment.
2000	81,220.89	Review of Forensic Science Laboratory.
2000	393,545.00	Phase 3 of the review of Garda structures and operating systems.
2000	34,105.00	Recruitment of accountants for the Garda Síochana.
2000-2001	15,436.00	Facilitator for a review of the principal officer forum in the Department.
2001	7,618.00	Recruitment of human resource manager for the Garda Síochána.
2002	94,508.18	Preparation of strategy for the further computerisation and on-line publication of the Registry of Deeds database of records. The funding was provided by the information society fund.
2002	195,794.00	Additional work arising from phase 3 review.
2005	The tendered price is €50,000.00. (No payments made to date).	User requirement analysis for a human resources system. Irish Prison Service.

The above details refer to services that would be defined as a consultancy within the meaning of the Department of Finance guidelines on the subject.

In the case of a small number of consultancy projects involving agencies under my Department's aegis, the details requested by the Deputy are not immediately available in the time allowed. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it comes to hand.

Special Educational Needs.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

383 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the approval of resource teaching in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is just one point short of the assessment criteria. [28166/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

As the Deputy is aware, a new general allocation scheme has been introduced under which schools have been provided with resource teaching hours, based on their enrolment figures, to cater for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs.

My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which has confirmed that following examination of an application for additional support for the pupil in question, it was determined that her needs fall within the high incidence disability category. Therefore, her needs fall to be met from within the school's allocation of one full-time teaching post under the new general allocation system. This outcome was communicated to the school authorities on 6 September 2005.

The general allocation scheme is designed to ensure that each school has enough resource teaching hours to meet the needs of children with high incidence special needs, such as dyslexia and children with learning support needs. Resource teaching hours for children with low incidence special needs, such as hearing impairment, will continue to be provided on the basis of an individual application for each child. It is a matter for each school to determine the pupils with high incidence special education and learning support needs that will receive this support. Each school has been allocated enough resource teaching hours to provide its pupils with a level of support appropriate to their needs.

The school can use its professional judgment to decide how these hours are divided between different children in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some children with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource teachers to work with children in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the children then have to catch up work done by the rest of the class in their absence. The point is that the type of response needed depends on the child.

My Department has recently issued a comprehensive circular Sp Ed 02/05 to all primary schools regarding the organisation of teaching resources for pupils who need additional support in mainstream primary schools. The main purpose of this circular is to provide guidance for schools on the deployment and organisation of the teaching resources that were allocated under the general allocation model. Reference is also made in this circular to the deployment of additional teaching resources that are allocated to schools for the support of individual pupils with low incidence disabilities.

Institutes of Technology.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

384 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount expended on the management information system for the institutes of technology; the amount itemised on an annual basis for each year since the project was commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28168/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The total expenditure on the management information system project for the 14 institutes of technology and the Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute was €44.8 million. This expenditure itemised by annual breakdown is as follows:

Year	Expenditure (€ million)
1995	0.1
1996	0.9
1997	0.2
1998	2.4
1999	3.1
2000	5.6
2001	4.5
2002	11.2
2003	8.8
2004	8.0
Total	44.8

The project involved some 59 installations of hardware and software across 15 institutions. The installation has been completed in all colleges. The MIS system comprises four integrated elements, namely, student registration; a financial element; a payroll-human resource element; and a library element. The system tracks all student records including registration, courses, link modules and examination performance. The financial system provides for individual budget responsibility within the institutes and it produces annual accounts. The payroll-human resource system links with the student system to facilitate time-tabling. The library system tracks all movements of materials and also facilitates on-line access to journals and articles by students and staff.

I understand that the MIS has proved to be a critical and decisive element in the modernisation and transformation of the management and operation of the institutes of technology.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

385 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff seconded in each institute of technology to oversee the implementation of the management information system for the institutes of technology; if this itemised information will be provided by the institute of technology, staff grade and salary; the number of seconded staff for whom replacement staff have been recruited; the costs involved in the replacement of staff at each institute of technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28169/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A total of eight staff were seconded from institutes of technology for varying periods to work on central implementation teams for each of the four MIS applications. The eight staff seconded from institutes comprised, one registrar from Galway-Mayo IT, two at assistant principal officer level or equivalent grading from Sligo IT and IT Tallaght , two at grade 7 level from Waterford IT and IT Blanchardstown, two technicians from Sligo IT and Waterford IT and one librarian from Dundalk IT. They were replaced in the institutes for the duration of their secondments by means of a backfilling arrangement whereby other members of institute staff undertook their duties on a temporary basis.

My Department has sought information from the individual institutes on the specific costs relating to each secondment and I will forward these to the Deputy as quickly as possible. In addition to the central implementation teams, each institute also redeployed members of technical and administrative staff internally to undertake necessary preparatory work locally in connection with implementation of the MIS applications as they were rolled out. I understand that, while the number of staff on these local implementations teams varied from institute to institute, there were on average five persons per institute engaged on local implementation teams at any given time. The members of local implementation teams changed as the different MIS applications were rolled out. Local implementation teams also gave rise to backfilling arrangements and the cost of this was borne by each institute from its own resources.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

386 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for additional facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [28170/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school planning section of my Department is currently assessing the post rationalisation accommodation needs of the schools to which the Deputy refers.

In this regard, the local inspector has been requested to provide long-term projections for both schools to establish the extent of accommodation which will be needed to facilitate the amalgamation. In addition, a technical inspection has been carried out on the existing buildings to determine which, if either, would be suitable to act as a host for the new school. A greenfield site solution will be necessary if a host does not emerge. The technical report will be available in my Department shortly.

In the meantime, the project has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. It will be considered for commencement of architectural planning when the various strands have been pulled together in terms of the long term projected enrolment and a proposed accommodation solution.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

387 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a breakdown of primary school class sizes for each county showing in each case the numbers of pupils in classes of 19, 20-29, 30-39 and 40 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28171/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The most recent data on primary school class sizes available to my Department relates to the 2004-05 school year and are in the attachment provided. The Deputy should note that these figures are provisional.

Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio and in average class size in recent years at primary level. The most recent figure available for average class size at primary level refers to the 2003-04 school year, when the average class size was 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, which includes all the teachers including resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.1:1 — projected — in 2004-05. Over 4,500 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. In allocating teaching posts regard has been had to the commitments of the Government to reduce class size, tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for pupils with special educational needs. The additional teaching posts created since 1997 have been deployed to address all of these priorities.

In regard to providing for children with special educational needs, there are now over 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to under 1,500 in 1998. Indeed, one out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs.

The Deputy will be aware of the new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, which I launched recently. This action plan will result in the reduction in class sizes of 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in 150 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.

In line with the commitment in the programme for Government, class sizes will be reduced still further. The deployment of additional posts will be decided within the context of the overall policy that priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and junior classes.

School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

388 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided for persons (details supplied); and if a decision in the case will be expedited. [28172/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has confirmed that applications in respect of the two pupils referred to by the Deputy were received by the relevant Bus Éireann local office. However, as they do not reside at least two miles from the school concerned, as required under the terms of the primary school transport scheme, they were deemed ineligible for free transport. Pupils who do not meet the distance requirement may, subject to conditions, including the availability of spare seats after all eligible pupils have been accommodated, avail of concessionary fare-paying transport.

My Department understands that one of the pupils concerned has been offered concessionary transport subject to the usual conditions, but that there were not sufficient seats available to offer the second pupil this option.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

389 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if a unit (details supplied) will be included in the schedule of institutions covered by the Institutional Residential Redress Act 2002, as provided for in the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28173/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The level of funding that my Department provides to Educate Together as a school management body is on a par with that provided to Foras Patrúnachta na Gaelscoileanna, the Church of Ireland Board of Education, the Islamic Board of Education and the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education.

However, following discussions with Educate Together, my Department has provided additional funding to Educate Together in 2005 to meet the immediate issues of concern to that body. The matter of the future funding to be provided to the primary management bodies, including Educate Together, in 2006 will be considered as part of the normal Estimates process.

In regard to support for the establishment of new multi-denominational schools, it should be noted that my Department has supported the establishment of many new Educate Together schools in recent years. Of the 24 new schools granted provisional recognition in the past three years, 12 of them are under Educate Together patronage, 11 of which are open. My Department has made a number of changes in recent years which have made the provision of accommodation for new schools much easier. One of these changes, which was strongly welcomed by Educate Together, was the abolition of the local contribution to the building costs for State-owned school buildings, which had cost up to €63,500 per school. Other innovations include the development of the design and build model to provide permanent accommodation much faster, such as in the case of the new Educate Together school in Griffeen Valley, Lucan, which was designed and built in under 13 months.

Departmental Expenditure.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

393 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide an itemised breakdown for costs arising from a project (details supplied); the reason there has been a delay in issuing the report; when she will issue a report for the project; the costings for the implementation of the reports proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28264/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Since the introduction of the ICT in schools initiative in 1998, with the schools IT2000 programme, there has been significant progress in the development of the ICT infrastructure in our schools, in the enhancement of teachers' skills and pedagogical practice and in the development of curriculum and learning resources. My Department has provided capital grants to schools to enable them to purchase computers having regard to their identified needs and priorities as contained in their individual ICT school plans. One useful indicator in this regard is the ratio of pupils to computers, which has lowered from 37:1 in 1998 to 12:1 in 2002 in the case of primary schools and from 16:1 to 9:1 in the case of post-primary schools. The major focus for my Department currently is the rollout of broadband connectivity to all recognised schools. The provision of always-on high speed Internet access represent a major development in the ICT in schools initiative to integrate ICT into teaching and learning in our schools. This project builds on the recent investment of €20 million by my Department in providing grants to schools for the development of computer networking facilities. The development of internal networking facilities in schools is critical to supporting schools full exploitation of the potential offered by broadband connectivity.

The National Centre for Technology in Education, via the ICT advisers in the local education centres, offers a range of courses to meet the continuing professional development of teachers in the area of ICT. My Department is currently examining the future priorities for the ICT in schools initiative and this work is complemented by a further census of ICT infrastructure which is being undertaken by the NCTE and an evaluation of the impact of ICT in teaching and learning in schools, which my Department's inspectorate is embarking on.

Youth Services.

Michael Lowry

Question:

397 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated to each regional youth service from 2000 to 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28268/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I am arranging to have my officials collate the information sought by the Deputy and will have it sent on to him as soon as possible.

Teaching Qualifications.

John Perry

Question:

398 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received correspondence (details supplied) on the higher diploma in arts in the primary education programme; if she will accede to their request and allow the candidates all of whom have level 7 qualifications to proceed in the programme as the level 8 requirement imposed is both unfair and unjust; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28269/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The academic requirements for entry to the postgraduate primary teacher training programme is set at honours bachelors degree or level 8 in the national framework of qualifications. The entry requirement for the programme is set at this level to maintain and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in our schools into the future. This entry requirement, together with other criteria, is applicable to all those graduates who wish to consider primary teaching as a career. As all the criteria are common for all applicants, I do not intend changing the academic requirement for any individual or group of individuals or to make an exception in such cases.

Pension Provisions.

Pat Carey

Question:

399 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the correspondence regarding the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) arrangements will be made to have the case of this person’s pension entitlement re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28270/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The person in question does not hold relevant teacher qualifications and is employed as an unqualified regular part-time teacher in a secondary school. It has for many years been a condition for membership of the secondary teachers' superannuation scheme that the teacher should be fully qualified. The admission of unqualified teachers to membership of the scheme is being addressed by my Department in the context of the implementation of the provisions of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001 and the Protection of Employees (Fixed-term Work) Act 2003. Schools will be advised of the appropriate arrangements in this regard following consultation with the relevant staff and management bodies. Following recent clarification by the Department of Finance of the application of the part-time work Act to public service pension schemes, my Department expects the consultative process will be completed within a matter of months.

Educational Projects.

Pat Carey

Question:

400 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of the support of her Department to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the overall commitment of her Department to same in view of the correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28271/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The project to which the Deputy is referring was established in 2001 as a pilot project to provide assessments for children between the ages of 12 and 16 years from the Finglas and Ballymun areas of the northside of Dublin who had been referred by the courts. The project was a co-operative venture between my Department and the probation and welfare service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It was funded as an interim measure, under the children at risk fund of my Department up to December 2003, when funding and responsibility for it was transferred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and placed under the auspices of the probation and welfare service. The service has adopted this responsibility with a view to the project fulfilling a role under the Children Act 2001. The service has the responsibility of establishing and developing day centres under the Act and it has indicated its desire for the project to fulfil this role.

In this regard, the board of directors of the project has considered how best to meet its funding obligations and type of service it could provide as a day centre. As was originally intended when funding was made available to it in 2001, the project will, in future, cater mainly for children on whom a request has been made by the courts to the probation and welfare service for a probation officer's report. It may also provide a service to referrals from other relevant State and community based services, when resources allow, and it will also be open to children who have had contact with the project in the past to attend occasionally where this is considered to be in the best interest of the children concerned.

My Department will continue to provide for a range of educational disadvantage initiatives which successfully operate in the Finglas and Ballymun areas of Dublin, including the disadvantaged areas scheme, Giving Children An Even Break, Breaking the Cycle and the Early Start programmes. There are also two successful school completion programmes in these areas, with a financial allocation of €752,000 in 2005, which aim to prevent early school leaving and support young people with characteristics and behaviour that are indicative of risk.

Consultancy Contracts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

401 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of contracts awarded by her to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if she will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28361/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The information which the Deputy has sought is being collated and will be forwarded to him as soon as it becomes available.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

402 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the contents of the final paragraph of a letter dated 26 September 2005 sent on behalf of her Department concerning a person with autism (details supplied); and if so, if she instructed her Department’s solicitors to send correspondence to this person’s solicitor. [28370/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers relates to legal proceedings taken against my Department. In that context, I cannot comment on the individual circumstances of the case other than to say that the letter in question was sent by the Chief State Solicitor's office on the instructions of my officials in response to a letter from the plaintiff's solicitors.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

403 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28396/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department operates two bonus or merit schemes for all staff — a performance-related awards scheme for posts at the level of assistant Secretaries General and a merit scheme that recognises exceptional performance for all other grades up to and including principal officer and equivalent in the Department. Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards, which was introduced in 2002. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee — available on the website, www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to the introduction of the current scheme, there was a scheme of awards for assistant Secretaries General which was based on 4% of the pay bill for assistant Secretaries General. Payments under the Department's merit scheme for staff up to and including principal officer and equivalent grades are made annually. The scheme introduced in 2000, was recently reviewed. Following the review, individual awards were increased to €1,000 for all grades and group awards increased to €250 per group member. Nominations for individual and group merit awards in respect of 2004 and 2005 were recently sought from staff. A committee representative of all grades will meet in November to consider all nominations.

Criteria for receipt of an award under the merit scheme for grades up to and including principal officer and equivalent grades include consistently high performance, creative application of skills and initiative to the resolution of difficult issues, development of new procedures and processes which increase the effectiveness and-or quality of a service, exceptional commitment shown in the implementation of specific measures, establishment and maintenance of high standards of quality in the delivery of a particular services, highly effective co-ordination of activities which results in meeting targets ahead of schedule, assuming effective control in areas when urgent action is required to maintain quality-credibility of an educational service and-or providing leadership of a project team resulting in improved performance.

Between 2000 and 2003, the merit scheme allowed for individual and group awards of varying levels. Principal officers and equivalent grades received individual awards of £600 or €761.84 in 2000 and 2001, €750 in 2002 and €825 in 2003. Assistant principals and equivalent grades received individual awards of £400 or €507.90 in 2000 and 2001, €750 in 2002 and €825 in 2003. Higher executive officers and equivalent grades received individual awards of £350 or €444.41 in 2000 and 2001, €500 in 2002 and €550 in 2003. All other grades received individual awards of £250 or €317.43 in 2000 and 2001, €500 in 2002 and €550 in 2003. Group awards ranged between £125 or €158.72 in 2000 and 2001, €250 in 2002 and €275 in 2003.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

404 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28413/05]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The following consultancy contracts were awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997 in my Department. All were fixed price contracts:

Year	Project	Cost
2001	Initial phases of the Management Information Framework (MIF) incorporating Financial Management System (FMS)	€88,853.73*
2001	2001 To specify and select a FMS system	€42,409.25, excl VAT.
2001	2001 National Maritime College Public Private Partnership	€495,000 excl VAT — total price of contract awarded to a consortium of consultants which included Deloitte & Touche.

*The cost to my Department. The total cost of this contract was €177,707.46, exclusive VAT. It was a joint contract between my Department and the Department of the Environment , Heritage and Local Government.

This was a fixed price contract awarded after an EU-wide tender process. Deloitte & Touche were the lead consultants in a consortium that included A&L Goodbody Solicitors and Building & Property-Gleeds Rooney technical advisers to support and advise the Department in the procurement of the €51 million — capital value — National Maritime College public private partnership project. The consortium's tasks included advising on the appropriate procurement mechanism and developing objective and transparent criteria for the short-listing of bidders and appointment of preferred bidder, including the preparation of all project documentation; developing a mechanism for testing value for money of the project; leading the contract procurement process; and reporting on all stages of the process and participating in meetings with all project stakeholders. The contract was for the delivery of specific outputs, all of which were completed.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

405 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of contracts awarded by him to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; if he will identify the recipient of the contract in each case; the details of the work covered by the contract; the original estimate of the cost of the contract; the final amount paid in respect of each such contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28362/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year	Name	Purpose	Estimated Cost	Cost
			€	€
2000	Mr. Mike Ginn	To assist and advise with a tender competition for the supply of Medium Lift Helicopters for Search and Rescue	Not available	121,682
2000-01	Exselan Computer Systems	To facilitate development of Department’s E-Government Strategy Statement	Set fee	22,093
2000-04	Brian Meehan & Associates	Grounds of Appeal on behalf of the Minister relating to Aeronautical Development Planning & Development Control matters adjacent to Casement Aerodrome	12,700-19,000	20,682
2001	Deloitte & Touche	Study in relation to the introduction of the Management Information Framework in the Department and the Defence Forces	127,990	127,925
2001	Intercontinental Aviation Consultants	Carry out an Air Operations Safety Audit of the Air Corps	52,667	55,442
2001-02	Dr. Eileen Doyle	(Chairperson) Report concerning the nature and extent of any harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces	Not available	63,000
2001-02	Gallagher & Kelly Public Relations	Public relations service	1,270 per week as required	32,048
2001	Margaret Considine	Assist in the selection of advertising agency	1,250 per day	6,247
2002	Sweeney Communications	Public relations service	3,809	12,235
2002	Dr. Eileen Doyle	Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces	Not available	20,000
2003	Dr. Eileen Doyle	Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces	Not available	97,400
2003	Mr. Colm Dunne	Expenditure Review on “Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps”	3,500	3,220
2003	Mr. Martin McCoy	Assist in the Department’s preparations to seek ISO 9000 accreditation	9,050	10,150
2003	Deloitte & Touche	Assist with specification and selection of Management Information Framework System	36,103	26,740
2004	Dr. Eileen Doyle	Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces	Not available	43,859
2004	Goldsmith Fitzgerald Partnership	Climate survey analysis in relation to the performance management and development system (PMDS)	1,800	1,800
2005	Occupational Health Consultants	Provision of information sessions for civilian employees in relation to asbestos	Set Fee for all Gov Depts	3,499
2005	Dr. Charles O’Malley	Medical Adviser for Civil Defence	Set Fee per annum	6,400

In addition, consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building, engineering and equipment projects etc. and in connection with psychometric testing for Army, Naval Service and Air Corps cadetships and trainee technicians. It should also be noted that the Department has never included the under-mentioned projects as "Consultancies":

1. Payment of €1.5 million to date to Oracle EMEA Ltd. in respect of implementation services for installation of new financial and management information systems for the Department and the Defence Forces — ongoing. The full value of the contract is €2.6 million.

2. Payment of €1.92 million to date to Hewlett Packard in respect of a contract signed on 18 December 2002 between the Department of Defence and Hewlett Packard Ireland Limited for the supply and maintenance of shore and ship based components of a fisheries control project. The main objective of the project is to collect, manage and disseminate fisheries protection information to support all relevant stakeholders. The full value of the contract is €3.2 million. The contract will be completed this year.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

406 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28397/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Civil Service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance-related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. The funding of awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals. Prior to the introduction of the revised scheme in 2002, the previous scheme for assistant secretaries was based on 4% of the payroll for the posts of assistant secretaries.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, which are available on the Department of Finance website, www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. The total amounts awarded to assistant secretaries in my Department each year since 2000 are outlined in the following table:

Year	Senior Officials
	€
1/5/1999-30/4/2000	6,222
1/5/2000-30/4/2001	7,492
1/5/2001- 30/12/2001	5,340
2002	20,600
2003	20,140
2004	19,425
2005	Award due in 2006

Performance awards for other grades are made to individual staff members and to groups of staff by way of recognition for exceptional performance of duty. In assessing eligibility for awards, regard is given to the nature and quality of the activities involved and to the circumstances under which they were carried out. Attention is also paid to the grade level of the staff members concerned and to what would be regarded as high quality performance from staff in such grades. The total amounts awarded to staff in my Department each year since 2000 are shown in the following table. An amount of €2,500 was the highest single award made to date. This was awarded to a higher executive officer in respect of exceptional performance in relation to the introduction of the management information framework project in 2004.

Year	Staff — all grades below assistant secretary
	€
2000	5,396
2001	4,789
2002	2,200
2003	1,700
2004	21,925
2005	Nil to date

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

407 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28414/05]

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

My Department has awarded consultancy contracts to Deloitte, previously known as Deloitte & Touche, on two occasions since 1 July 1997. Between July 2001 and November 2001, my Department paid €127,925 in respect of assistance provided with the proposed introduction of a new financial and management system for the Department and the Defence Forces. Between September 2003 and August 2004, my Department paid €26,740 in respect of professional services in relation to the specification and selection of the new financial management system. The costs of both engagements were reimbursed to this Department by the Department of Finance under the change management fund for consultancy engagements in connection with the rollout of the financial management system.

Register of Electors.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

408 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the possible updating of the voters register through An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/05]

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

The compilation and publication of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority in accordance with electoral law and includes the carrying out of house-to-house inquiries, delivery of registration forms and running local awareness campaigns. It is the duty of registration authorities to ensure as far as possible the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register; in carrying out this work, registration authorities depend to a significant degree on the co-operation and engagement of the general public.

The focus of my Department's work in respect of the register is to support and assist registration authorities through, inter alia, ensuring that an appropriate legislative framework is in place, developing best practice guidelines for registration authorities and overseeing related national awareness campaigns. While I will continue to keep these issues under review, including the scope for further initiatives in the area, there are no proposals along the lines referred to in the question.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

409 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which Ireland will be in a position to meet Kyoto targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/05]

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

As part of an overall EU commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% during the Kyoto Protocol period 2008-12, Ireland is committed to limiting emissions to 13% above 1990 levels.

The latest available greenhouse gas emissions figures from Ireland's national inventory report, compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, show overall emissions in 2003 to be 66.57 million tonnes C02 equivalent. This figure is equivalent to approximately 25% above 1990 levels. This figure is a significant improvement on the corresponding figure for 2001, 31%, and 2002, 29%, down from approximately 29% in 2002 and 31% in 2001. These figures show that progress is being made towards the 13% target. Through a combination of actions, including emission reductions, participation by Irish industry in the EU emissions trading scheme and the purchase of carbon emission credits through the mechanisms provided for in the Kyoto Protocol, I am satisfied that Ireland is on a pathway to deliver on its emission limitation commitment for the purpose of the protocol.

Environmental Policy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

410 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a deal negotiated between his Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food and local farmers in the Shannon Callows area in County Galway was not proceeded with; his views on the fact that in order to preserve the corncrake farmers will not alone have to take a massive reduction in the profits of the area specified for the corncrake but as a consequence of this development will also stand to lose substantial income for the rest of their farmland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only about 6,000 hectares involved in this highly sensitive scientific area of conservation; his further views on whether farmers will be adequately compensated for managing and farming such important areas of conservation; and the deal he had on the table with the farmers concerned. [28200/05]

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

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

The building at No. 16 Moore Street has been attributed special historical interest as the location of the final headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, and the building where the decision to surrender was made.

Because of its significant historical and cultural interest, in accordance with the provisions of section 53 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 I recommended on 25 August 2005 to Dublin City Council that the building should be added to the Record of Protected Structures, RPS.

I am aware that the council is urgently examining the inclusion of the building in its RPS. In the interim I understand that the city council has arranged for emergency works to be carried out to secure the building temporarily and make it watertight while its future is being decided. I am anxious that the necessary studies be finalised as soon as possible by the council, so that an informed decision can be made about the building.

I have not met with Dublin City Council or the owner in respect of No. 16 Moore Street. However, an officer of my Department did accompany Dublin City Council and its advisers in their inspection of the interior of the building on 25 August 2005.

Local Authority Schemes.

Mildred Fox

Question:

414 Ms Fox asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the development contribution schemes system which is causing revenue difficulties for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28281/05]

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

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

Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers, namely, manufacturers and importers of farm plastics, silage bale wrap and sheeting, are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group, IFFPG, is currently the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste.

Under the IFFPG scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics that in turn is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste. The IFFPG is a not-for-profit organisation and it is a matter for the company, under the terms of this producer responsibility initiative and in accordance with the polluter pays principle, to set a rate of levy which will cover its operational costs.

The scheme has operated successfully to date. It is estimated that around 8,500 tonnes, approximately 55%, of farm plastics placed on the market in 2004 were collected for recycling. An estimated 55,000 farmers availed of the collection service in 2004. IFFPG estimate that over 12,500 tonnes of farm plastics have been collected in 2005. While responsibility for the collection and recovery of farm plastics rests with the compliance scheme, my Department monitors the scheme on an ongoing basis. I am aware of the specific issues raised in respect of the operation of the scheme. Discussions are taking place involving my Department and IFFPG to explore options for improvement to the scheme and resolution of outstanding issues.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

419 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the bonus or merit payments awarded to senior officials and staff each year since 2000, detailing the management and staff category; the purpose and the amount of the award and the highest award made and to whom. [28398/05]

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

Civil service posts at the levels of assistant secretary and deputy secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the committee for performance awards. Since 2002, the funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee for performance awards, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.

Prior to 2002, the scheme was based on 4% of the paybill for the group of assistant secretaries; the total amount paid in 2000 was €15,051 and in 2001 it was €11,518, a nine month period.

The provisions for the recognition of exceptional performance scheme, REPS, as outlined in the administrative budget agreements 1999-2001 and 2002-04 permit expenditure of up to 0.2% of the Department's payroll costs for the purposes of the scheme. In accordance with these provisions, criteria for this Department's REPS were developed in consultation with the Department's partnership committee, and provide recognition for individual and group achievements across the Department. The maximum payable, net of income tax, to individuals under the scheme is €650 per annum. The total payments made under the REPS scheme in respect of individual and group awards for each year since 2000 are outlined in the following table:

2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
40,874	46,018	51,105	72,680	87,519

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

420 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the commencement of works in a specific location in County Cork under the Department’s water services investment programme 2004-06 under the serviced land initiative; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that information sought by his Department from the local authority has been submitted; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is no water pressure should a fire break out; and if he will make this an urgent case in view of the expansion of the area and the serious difficulties being encountered by residents. [28400/05]

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

The Killeagh water and sewerage scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-06 under the serviced land initiative. I understand that the sewerage element of the scheme has already been completed.

A revised preliminary report for the water supply proposals has been submitted by Cork County Council in response to amendments requested by my Department. It is currently being examined in the Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. The council will be in a position to prepare contract documents once the preliminary report has been approved.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

421 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the consultancies awarded to Deloitte & Touche since 1 July 1997; the cost of each; and the purpose of same. [28415/05]

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

Details of relevant contracts are outlined below.

Purpose	Year	Amount
		€
ICT strategy for Department of Environment	1998	115,215.10
Scoping report for management information system for Department of Environment and Local Government	2001	107,343.66
Assist with business analysis and development of the financial management function (engaged by Dept. of Environment & Local Government and Dept. of Education and Science)*	2001	106,053.10
Assist with specification and selection of financial software following on the above	2002	32,263.44
Examination of interim accounts system with a view to certifying that system is fair and transparent in relation to the computation of charges to aviation**	2003	29,764.00
Update/development of ICT strategy for Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government	2005	108,739.55

*Fees were paid by this Department and then recouped from the Department of Education and Science. Fees listed here refer to this Department's portion only.

**This work was carried out for Met Éireann.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 12 Oct 2005

Telecommunications Services.

Pat Breen

Damien English

Olwyn Enright

Bernard Allen

Michael Noonan

Fergus O'Dowd

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Broadcasting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Mobile Telephony.

Phil Hogan

Pádraic McCormack

Paul McGrath

Fergus O'Dowd

Paul Kehoe

Paul McGrath

Olwyn Enright

Pat Breen

Seán Ryan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Post Office Network.

Phil Hogan

Offshore Exploration.

Gerard Murphy

Bernard J. Durkan

Energy Market.

Róisín Shortall

Television Reception.

Liz McManus

John Gormley

David Stanton

Postal Services.

Joe Sherlock

Energy Resources.

Eamon Gilmore

Telecommunications Services.

Emmet Stagg

Digital Hub.

Damien English

Dan Neville

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Ferry Services.

Brendan Howlin

Energy Resources.

Joan Burton

Port Development.

Jim O'Keeffe

Jim O'Keeffe

Telecommunications Services.

Liam Twomey

Bernard J. Durkan

Alternative Energy Projects.

Pádraic McCormack

Gay Mitchell

Bernard Allen

Dan Neville

Denis Naughten

Enda Kenny

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Oct 2005