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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Oct 2005

Vol. 607 No. 5

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Department. [Unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 14 to 91, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 92 to 98, inclusive, answered orally.

Care of the Elderly.

Phil Hogan

Question:

99 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for improving community services for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28917/05]

I see as a priority supporting people to stay in their own homes and communities and moving away from the practice of placing people in residential care as a first option. This is the express wish of the majority of our older people.

The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined all issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. Following the publication of this report, a working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs, has been established.

The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, including improvements in community care, taking account of the Mercer report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea. This group will report to me and to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, shortly.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

John Perry

Question:

100 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the waiting times for procedures under the national treatment purchase fund is three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28938/05]

The national treatment purchase fund has reported that, in most instances, anyone waiting more than three months for a routine surgical procedure will be facilitated by the fund. A patient may contact the fund directly or through his or her general practitioner, hospital or consultant to have his or her treatment arranged. The fund has pointed out, however, that in certain cases, for reasons of clinical or patient complexity, it may not be possible for the fund to arrange treatment immediately.

Up to the end of September over 35,000 patients have had treatment arranged for them by the national treatment purchase fund. The fund has made significant progress in reducing waiting times for patients.

I launched the NTPF new patient treatment register, PTR, in early September. The PTR is a new national database of patients waiting for admission to hospital for treatment. The register will allow for more accurate identification of waiting lists and, more importantly, waiting times. The first phase of the register was implemented in September 2005. Phase 1 of the project includes data from seven hospitals which, under the previous waiting list system, accounted for approximately 40% of the total number of patients waiting nationally. The published data for the seven hospitals showed that patients are waiting between two to four months for their operation for 17 out of the 20 most common surgical procedures.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

101 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which 83% of hip replacements were done in a public hospital under the national treatment purchase fund, which was established to carry out procedures that could not be carried out in the public sector to be carried out in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28934/05]

The national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, was established as one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists arising from the 2001 health strategy. The strategy envisaged that the NTPF might make use of any capacity within public hospitals to arrange treatment for public patients. It was recognised that during the start-up phase of the fund, the use of public capacity could account for 30% of total NTPF activity, once public core service planned activity was not compromised. The Department has recently advised NTPF that use by the fund of public facilities should be limited to 10% of its total referrals for treatment.

The majority of elective orthopaedic surgery, including hip replacements, takes place in public elective orthopaedic facilities which do not provide accident and emergency services. As elective activity in these hospitals does not take place 24 hours per day and seven days a week, using theatres and beds outside of normal working hours is one way of creating extra elective capacity in the public system. Allowing public hospitals to undertake work under the NTPF initiative also incentivises hospitals to perform extra work and to treat more patients over and above core funded activity. This activity is carried out often by staff working overtime, who come in at weekends or who extend theatre time on occasions.

Other situations that compelled the use of public or "in-house" capacity were cases where, for reasons of clinical or patient complexity, it was clearly best practice to have certain patients treated by their own consultant in the hospital where they were on the waiting list. Not to have used this facility would have effectively barred this cohort of patients from accessing the NTPF scheme.

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

102 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report of the National Economic and Social Forum on early childhood care and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26488/05]

The National Economic and Social Forum, NESF, report on early childhood care and education was presented to the Government on 20 September 2005. The Government welcomes the publication of this report, which focuses on developing a long-term vision for the provision of integrated early years services for children from birth to six years of age.

The NESF has a mandate from Government to monitor and analyse measures and programmes concerned with achieving equality and social inclusion and to facilitate dialogue and discussion on these issues. The Government is committed to continuing to develop relevant policies to support child care and early education and the NESF provides a vital forum for discussion and debate by politicians and many interest groupings in our society. The report provides a welcome and valuable input into policy development in the future in this area.

A high level working group on early childhood care and education was established by the Cabinet committee on children to consider these important issues. The terms of reference of the group, chaired by the National Children's Office, were "to recommend an integrated national policy on child care and early education which will result in improved co-ordination at national and local level and which incorporates a child centred approach to service delivery." The Government asked the high level group on early childhood care and education to consider the recommendations of the NESF report as part of its deliberations. The NESF report has contributed to the preparation of an options paper prepared by the group for the Cabinet committee on children earlier this month and which is currently under consideration.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

103 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress to date in 2005 on delivery of the commitments made on 29 September 2004, regarding the development of Monaghan General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28889/05]

I wish to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of the late Mr. Patrick Walsh, RIP, who died tragically at Monaghan General Hospital last Friday. This should not have happened. I have now been informed that there was an intensive care bed vacant in Cavan General Hospital when Mr. Walsh needed to be transferred. The circumstances surrounding this tragedy require thorough investigation.

Mr. Patrick Declan Carey, a consultant surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, and an honorary senior lecturer at Queens University, will carry out an independent and external review of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Walsh's death. This review will be completed and a report issued within an eight week timeframe. I look forward to this review answering all the questions around this tragic case as a matter of urgent public interest.

With regard to the Deputy's specific question, the current position regarding services at Monaghan General Hospital is as follows. Monaghan General Hospital went back on call for medical emergencies in January 2005 and five NCHDs were recruited to facilitate the return of the hospital to medical on-call. A larger treatment room is to be opened on a 24 hour, seven day basis. A capital grant of €750,000 was provided to upgrade the treatment room facilities at the hospital. Construction work commenced in October 2004 and was completed recently. The development consists of a two bay resuscitation facility, two clinical examination rooms and two minor injuries rooms with associated ancillary accommodation. The HSE has advised that it is currently working to ensure that this expanded facility is available as soon as possible. In this regard, the executive will be working with all relevant stakeholders regarding referral protocols.

With regard to provision of a CT scanner, a regional procurement group has been set up within the HSE north eastern area to examine the provision of CT services within the north east and it is expected to issue its report in the near future. Three surgical posts are to be provided for the joint department of surgery, Cavan-Monaghan. Interviews were held for these posts and contracts have been issued to the three successful candidates. Selective elective surgery is being provided at Monaghan General Hospital consistent with the recommendations of the steering group report on the joint department of surgery. The scope of this service is expected to increase when the full surgical team is in place.

Compensation Schemes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

104 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to bring in a no fault compensation for babies who are brain damaged at birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28921/05]

A group was established in 2001 by my predecessor to examine, among other issues, the feasibility of introducing a "no fault" compensation scheme for infants who sustain brain damage at, or close to, the time of birth.

Two main reasons were advanced for the establishment of the group. First, there existed a body of opinion which believed that the conventional tort system was not best suited to establishing the reasons some infants suffered brain damage before, or during, birth. Uncertainty about the precise cause of the resulting disability was believed to give rise to inconsistencies in the making of awards by the courts. Second, the increasing size of awards made by the courts to brain damaged infants was leading to unsustainable increases in the cost of public liability insurance for health boards and hospitals with maternity units and to similar increases in the cost of professional indemnity cover for consultant obstetricians.

The group was chaired by Dr. Peter McKenna who was then master of the Rotunda Hospital. It included representatives of the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Finance, the Attorney General's office, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Faculty of Paediatrics, the Incorporated Law Society, the Bar Council of Ireland, an academic expert on medico-legal issues and representatives of Justice and Equality for Brain Injured Babies. The group undertook an intensive work programme over the following two years. At an advanced stage in its activities in early 2003 it had to suspend its work due to hospital consultants' withdrawal of co-operation with ministerial working groups as part of the consultants' opposition to the introduction of the clinical indemnity scheme. The group has not met since that time.

In the interim, advice received from the Attorney General about another proposed no fault compensation scheme has raised a number of constitutional issues which throws doubt on the feasibility of establishing such schemes in Ireland. I am conscious of the huge amount of work which Dr. McKenna and his colleagues on the group invested in this exercise and I hope to meet him in the next few weeks to discuss how the group's analysis and conclusions to date might be made use of by my own Department and other interested agencies.

The introduction of the clinical indemnity scheme has removed the need for health boards and hospitals to purchase public liability insurance cover for clinical negligence claims. The Government has put in place arrangements which effectively cap the amount of professional indemnity cover which consultant obstetricians in private practice need to purchase at €500,000 for any one claim with a further aggregate cap of €1.5 million per consultant in any one year. These provisions have removed the threat which spiralling insurance costs had posed to the availability of maternity services.

Consultancy Contracts.

Seán Ryan

Question:

105 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of contracts awarded by her to outside consultants in respect of each year since 2000; the recipient of the contract in each case; 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. [28780/05]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be made available shortly.

My Department applies stringent controls on the employment of external consultancy assistance. A business case must be prepared to support the need for the consultancy and approved at either principal officer or MAC level as appropriate. Funding to support the procurement, which can be project specific or from within the Department's administrative budget, must be identified and approved before any commitment is made. The procurement of all consultancies must comply with public procurement law, which covers such items as European rules, and also must comply with national guidelines. Once awarded, the procurement contract must then be managed in accordance with the Department's best practice protocols.

Deputies will also be aware that, in addition to measures to ensure the appropriate use of consultancy assistance across the Civil Service as announced by the Government last week, I have recently introduced measures within my own Department to ensure that all such contracts receive my approval.

Computerisation Programme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

106 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all information technology projects undertaken by her Department and national information technology projects of the Health Service Executive are running on time and on budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28931/05]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

183 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a list of all national information technology projects that are currently under way in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28930/05]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

210 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of all national information technology projects under way in her Department and the Health Service Executive; the sections of the health services where they are under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28932/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 183 and 210 together.

The required information is contained in the following tables. The national health information strategy proposed that the health information and quality authority draw up a multi-annual information and ICT plan which, among other objectives, would ensure a standardised approach to systems is taken on a national basis and that value for money is achieved. Legislation to establish the health information and quality authority is currently being drafted and the full range of its functions is being considered in that context. It is anticipated that heads of Bill will be submitted to Government in the near future.

HSE projects currently under way

Project

Objective

On Time

On Budget

CIDR Project

To provide a single National reference database for Public Health Management of infectious diseases.

Yes

Yes

Dental System

One single National Dental System

Yes, based on revised implementation plan

Yes

FISP

Deliver enhanced performance measurement and financial accountability in the Irish Health Service.

Paused

Yes

Food Safety Lab System

To supply, install, configure, roll out and support a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Yes

Yes

Laboratory Information System

One single National Laboratory System.

Procurement negotiations being finalised for submission to HSE Board for approval

Patient Management System (iSOFT)

Provide patient administration functions and major elements of clinical support.

Yes

Yes

PORTAL

Provide a single electronic point of entry to the health services

Paused

Budget under review

PPARS

To modernise and reform payroll and personnel systems

Paused

Budget under review

STARS Web

To provide a single National system for clinical Risk Management and incidence reporting.

Yes

Yes

Other national projects

Project

Objective

On Time

On Budget

System for Involuntary Admissions and Tribunals (SIAT) interface for Mental Health Commission

Interface for bespoke case management system

Yes

Yes

National Patient Treatment Register

New national database of patients waiting for admission to hospital for treatment

Yes

Yes

GRO Accenture contract

Support , maintenance and minor enhancements for civil registration computer system.

Yes

Yes

ICT Strategy for Primary Care

Development of an ICT Strategy for Primary Care

Yes

Additional work in relation to the development of an ICT Strategy for Primary Care was agreed with the contracted company during the course of the project and this involved an additional cost of €37,000 (27%) over the original contract price.

National Drug Treatment Reporting System

Upgrade the System from MS Access to MS SQL

Yes

Yes

Projects in the Department of Health and Children

Project

Objective

On time

On budget

Data failover project

Project to provide access to critical information services in the event of the technology recovery plan being executed.

Yes

Yes

Management Information Framework (Phase 1)

Upgrade of the Department’s existing financial management system

Yes

Yes

Remote access service

To provide remote access to information technology services in the Department’s main office

Yes

Yes

Social Services Information System

To facilitate and support the SSI inspection process.

Yes

Additional work in relation to the development of the system was agreed with the contracted company during the course of the project and this involved an additional cost of €20,000 (15%) over the original contract price.

Health Action Plan.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

107 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the recommendations of the Hanly report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28796/05]

John Deasy

Question:

204 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the implementation of the Hanly report is still Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28907/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 204 together.

The report of the national task force on medical staffing or Hanly report made a series of important recommendations about the development of hospital services. These covered issues such as: the changes needed in NCHD work patterns; reform of medical education and training; the need for a significantly revised contract for medical consultants and an increase in the number of consultants; the reorganisation of acute hospital services.

My Department is working closely with the HSE to build on, and progress, these recommendations. I am pleased that the IMO and the IHCA have now agreed to enter into negotiations on a new contract for consultants. It is important that a new contract be put in place as soon as possible. I also want the discussions, which have been under way for some time, about the work patterns of NCHDs to be brought to a successful conclusion at an early date. I am currently considering a report from the medical education and training group relating to postgraduate medical education and training. I hope to bring proposals in this regard to the Government soon in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, who is considering the recommendations of the Fottrel report.

These measures, combined with ongoing investment in acute hospital facilities, extra consultant posts and the organisation of services around hospital networks, are designed to provide patients with faster access to high quality consultant provided services.

Ambulance Service.

Billy Timmins

Question:

108 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to allocate additional funding and human resources to the ambulance service in the old Eastern Region Health Authority area to assist it in the expansion of the first responders scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28949/05]

Liz McManus

Question:

110 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the review of the ambulance command and control centre in central Dublin that called for the establishment of a joint ambulance control in Dublin, to be staffed by the Dublin Fire Brigade and Health Service Executive staff; if her attention has further been drawn to the findings of the review that the current system represents a substantive, identifiable, measurable risk to the patient population in the greater Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28781/05]

Billy Timmins

Question:

176 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will extend the first responders scheme, currently in progress in County Wicklow, to other regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28948/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 110 and 176 together.

Deputy Timmins'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. As part of the reform of the health service a national ambulance office has been established under the auspices of the national hospitals office within the HSE. The office has responsibility for the provision of pre-hospital emergency care nationally, including the development of the "first responder" service where required.

The report of the Strategic Review of the Ambulance Services, 2001 has largely formed the basis for the development of pre-hospital emergency medical services in recent years. One of the recommendations in that report is that all ambulance services should consider setting up first responder programmes to support the ambulance service. Consistent with this recommendation, the HSE eastern region trained over 1,000 people last year in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the community. My Department is advised that there are a number of community first responder schemes operating in County Wicklow. The Executive has advised that it intends to progress the further roll-out of the community first responder scheme, subject to the pre-hospital care needs of particular regions.

With regard to the question from Deputy McManus, ambulance services in the eastern region are provided by the HSE and Dublin City Council through Dublin Fire Brigade, DFB. The HSE eastern regional area provides services in counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow while the DFB largely operates in Dublin city under an arrangement with the executive. The HSE has overall responsibility for the provision of ambulance services and allocates funding annually to Dublin City Council.

In 2004, the former Eastern Regional Health Authority commissioned a review of an integration agreement relating to the operation of the command and control centre at Townsend Street, Dublin. The centre is staffed by ambulance personnel from the HSE and the DFB. The review was commissioned arising from difficulties which had arisen in operating the centre in a fully integrated fashion. The review was conducted by an independent management consultant.

The principal recommendation arising from the review was that discussions should take place at senior management level between Dublin City Council and the Health Service Executive. Among the issues to be considered are: the need to establish a fully integrated joint ambulance control based in Townsend Street staffed jointly by the HSE and DFB; the need to ensure that previously agreed protocols on the dispatch of emergency ambulance services are implemented and monitored; and the need for a single information and communication technology system to be introduced for the dispatch of emergency ambulances.

My Department is advised that the national hospitals office has since had preliminary discussions with Dublin City Council to discuss the implications of the report and with a view to setting up the senior management group as recommended. My Department is further advised that the composition of the group has been agreed and that it is scheduled to meet later this month. The review further recommended that in the absence of agreement to the resolution of difficulties which have arisen in the operation of a fully integrated centre, the HSE should commission a risk management audit to assess the risks to patients arising from a continuation of the existing arrangements at Townsend Street.

I strongly support the recommendations in the report. Furthermore, I consider that risk management-audit should form an integral part of any future arrangements governing the provision of ambulance services nationally.

Medicinal Products.

Willie Penrose

Question:

109 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that value for money generic drugs will be prescribed by general practitioners wherever possible; if she will review the high mark up paid to retail pharmacists; if savings from the high margins charged by pharmacists in a number of schemes where they are reimbursed by the State will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28805/05]

All aspects of the drug delivery system, from the manufacturer to the patient, are currently under review. A number of proposals, including better access to generic drugs and supply chain costs such as pharmacy mark-ups, are being considered with a view to addressing the rapidly rising costs in medicines expenditure both by the State and by private individuals. I must stress that no single measure will achieve this by itself. Indeed, international experience has shown that this is a very difficult task, as the sophistication and range of treatments continue to increase along with, quite justifiably, increased expectations on the part of patients.

With regard to increased use of generic medicines, it is my intention to give patients, and ultimately the taxpayer as the biggest buyer of drugs, better access to generic drugs where this is possible and appropriate. My Department has begun preparatory work for the introduction of structures appropriate to the Irish drug schemes. In addition, negotiations will shortly commence for a new national pricing and supply agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, IPHA, and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland, APMI, for supply of medicines to the health services and it is intended to address this issue within that agreement.

In regard to pharmacy fees, both my Department and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union agree that the current remuneration system is inappropriate and in need of revision. My Department is considering proposals to address the anomalies in the current system, with a view to creating fairness and equity across the drug schemes in terms of how pharmacists are paid for their professional services under the community pharmacy contract.

Question No. 110 answered with QuestionNo. 108.

Hospital Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

111 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received a proposal from the Health Service Executive to establish four hospital networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28927/05]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

112 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the establishment of four hospital networks as opposed to the ten previously announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28901/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

118 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will release the proposals from the Health Service Executive to the Joint Committee on Health and Children to establish four hospital networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28928/05]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

124 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if hospitals will be reconfigured into four hospital networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28929/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

152 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the establishment of four hospital networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28919/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 112, 118, 124 and 152 together.

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive is currently considering a proposal to put in place, as part of its national hospitals office, four administrative regions for hospital services. These are the western region, Dublin/north-east region, southern region and Dublin/mid-Leinster region. This proposal, if implemented, would not necessarily mean a reduction in the existing ten hospital networks. The proposed administrative regions for acute hospital services would be the same as the existing four regional structures for delivering primary, community and continuing care.

I understand that the aim of the proposal, which is still being considered within the HSE, is to achieve greater co-ordination of service delivery at regional level. It recognises that one of the problems to date with the health service is the lack of co-ordination between the acute services and the community services. A seamless delivery of services is the key to meeting patient needs and requirements. Lack of cohesion in this area has led to people accessing services in inappropriate settings. Co-ordination is an essential component in the spectrum of health care provision required to achieve responsive and appropriate delivery.

It is entirely for the board of the HSE to decide how best to organise the management and delivery of health and personal social services. Any measures which impact positively on patients will have my support.

Michael Ring

Question:

113 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce more MRI scanners to the public health system; if so, the amount of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28926/05]

Michael Ring

Question:

134 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of MRI scanners in the public service which are in use 24 hours a day seven days a week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28925/05]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

177 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of MRI scanners which exist in the public health service; the number which are in use in the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28924/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 134 and 177 together.

The Deputies' questions relate 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. The national hospitals office is organised into networks. Within each network, hospitals provide full CAT scanning services in one of three ways, on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on-call for emergencies outside normal working hours, or at neighbouring hospitals. The table outlines the numbers of scanners in each hospital and their hours of operation.

Hospital

No.

Hours of Operation

On Call Service

Network 1

Waterford Regional Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24hr emergency service

Wexford General

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Out of hours, head injuries are transported to Beaumont and all other injuries are transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital

St. Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny

1

09.30am-5.00pm

Out of hours head injuries are transported to Beaumont or Cork University Hospital. All other injuries are transported to Waterford.

South Tipperary General Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

All injuries are transported to Waterford or Cork University Hospital

Network 2

Cork University Hospital

2

09.00am-5.00pm

24 hour out of hours

Tralee General Hospital

1

24hrs 7 days per week

Emergency out of hours

Mercy University Hospital Cork

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital Cork

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Network 3

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda

1

24hrs 7 days per week

Our Lady’s Hospital Navan

Scanner planned in the coming months

In the interim all patients requiring CAT scans are transported to Drogheda

New General Hospital Cavan

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24 hour emergency

Network 4

Sligo General Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24 hr emergency service

Letterkenny General Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

Network 5

Galway University Hospital

1

09.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

Merlin Park Regional Hospital

1

09.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

Mayo General Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

Portiuncula Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

Network 6

Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar

1

24hrs 7 days per week

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore

1

24hrs 7 days per week

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise

All patients are transported to Tullamore for CT Scans

Network 7

Mid-Western Regional Hospital Dooradoyle

1

08.45am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Mid-Western Regional Hospital NenaghMid-Western Regional Hospital Ennis

All patients requiring CAT scans at Nenagh and Ennis Hospitals are transported to Mid-Western Regional Hospital at Dooradoyle. Plans for CAT Scanners which are suggested in the report of the national task force on medical staffing are included as priorities in the planned capital developments for each of these locations

Network 8

St. Vincent’s University Hospital Elm Park

2

08.30am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours

St. Colmcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown

1

09.00am-5.00pm

Emergency out of hours scans are transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital

St. Luke’s Hospital Rathgar

1

09.30am-5.00pm

Network 9

St. James’s Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

AMNCH Tallaght

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Naas General Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 scanning will be available in the coming months in the interim all emergencies are transported to AMNCH

Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Network 10

Mater Misericordiae Hospital

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Beaumont Hospital

2

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown

1

09.00am-5.00pm

24/7 on call service

Total

32

Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Consultancy Contracts.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

115 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of consultants currently employed by her Department; the total cost outstanding to her Department; and if she can state the areas these persons are working on; when each of these projects will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28965/05]

The information requested is in the following table.

Consultants Currently Employed

Nature of Consultancy

Completion Date

Costs Outstanding (€ inc. VAT)

Accenture

Support, maintenance and minor enhancements for civil registration computer system.

31 December 2005

165,000

Business2Enterprise

Clean up of HR data for transfer to new system and selection of interim solution

End 2005

6,760

CAPITA Consulting

Evaluation

Imminent

21,377

CAPITA Consulting

Evaluation

Imminent

Nil

Dr. Satya Brinks, Assoc. Prof. Anne Sanson, Mr. Jeremy Neathey

Assisting with the commissioning of The National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland.

End December 2005

4,000 (approx.)

Dr. Fiona Keogh

Project Worker for the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

December 2005

12,000 Approx.

Dr. John Bowman

Work in relation to the organisation (including the chairing) of the National Health Strategy Consultative Forum scheduled to take place on 2nd December 2005 in Dublin Castle

End January 2006

6,050 (total)

Grayling Gilmore

Public Relations

March 2006

1,500,000 estimated

Hay Group (Ireland) Ltd.

Personnel Management and Development

Mid-September 2005

4,840 plus travel expenses

Health Science Management Dept. TCD.

Facilitation of input workshops & production of feedback Report on Part 9 of the Health Act, 2004 — the introduction of a statutory Complaints Process.

November, 2005

12,000 to 15,000 approx.

Indecon Economic Consultants

Economic Analysis of Childcare Policy Options

End October 2005

181,821

Lynne Peyton

National Children’s Advisory Council — Mid-Term Review of the National Children’s Strategy

31 December 2005

57,500.00

Maura McGrath and David Hanly

Devolution of Functions from the Department of Health and Children to the Health Service Executive

December 2005

6,000 approx.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Provision of continuous expert actuarial advice, assistance and information, in relation to the Irish Health Insurance Market, in particular to risk equalisation and risk equalisation related issues.

31st August 2006

None.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Actuarial assessment of Department’s liability with regard to the transfer of pension funds of nurse tutors who have assimilated into the third level sector.

December 2005

54,506

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd.

Insurance scheme for persons infected by Hepatitis C and HIV by blood and blood products administered within the State: feasibility study, analysis of the available options and production of draft scheme.

Nov/Dec 2005

21,780

National Nutrition Policy Advisor

Advice in relation to Nutrition

31 December 2005

Nil

National Nutrition Surveillance Centre

Supply of Data and advice in relation to Nutrition and Health

31 December 2005

Nil

Ogilvy

Advertising services for National Drugs Awareness Campaign

31 October 2005

7,260

PMI Software Ltd

Development of capital project management and software

September 2004 (substantially complete)

3,000

PricewaterhouseCoopers

To implement the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers (Mullarkey Report) PricewaterhouseCoopers were engaged to facilitate the introduction of a risk management process which will identify and evaluate the key risks facing the Department of Health and Children

February 2006

45,746

QMP

Advertising

March 2006

500,000 estimated

RGC Technologies

Project management of software development

Mid-2004

6,000

Sandra Roe

Analysis of Responses to Public Consultation on the Development of a Recreation Policy for Young People in Ireland and to produce a report on the outcome of the Public Consultation

17 February 2006

16,000.00

Sopra Newell & Budge

Information systems security advice. These services are obtained on a draw down basis. The average annual cost is around €20,000.

The duration of the contract is for 4 years with 2.5 years yet to run.

No outstanding costs.

Suzanne Campbell

Research Project to assist the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists

End September-October, 2005

9,052

Target Health

Advice in relation to Alcohol Policy

31 December 2005

20,000

The Children’s Research Centre, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2.

Intercountry Adoption Research Project

May 2006

205,790

Tony Murphy

Evaluation of the work of the Student Council Working Group

November 2005

11,798

Wilson Hartnell Public Relations

PR services for National Drugs Awareness Campaign

31 October 2005

3,025

Primary Care Strategy.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

116 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that was invested in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the primary care strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28808/05]

Simon Coveney

Question:

185 Mr. Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the primary health care strategy is still Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28903/05]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

212 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of the primary health care strategy which has been implemented; the projected cost of implementing this strategy; when it will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28966/05]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

213 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will abandon the primary health care strategy unless she gets funding from the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28914/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 185, 212 and 213 together.

The primary care strategy aims to develop services in the community so that patients will have direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, health care assistants, home helps, occupational therapists and others. The principles set out in the strategy remain Government policy and this document provides a template for the development of primary care services over a period of ten to 15 years. However, the successful implementation of the strategy is about much more than the provision of additional funding. It is first and foremost about developing new ways of working and of reorganising the resources already in the system in line with the service model described in the strategy. It is in that context that additional resources can be deployed to best effect.

Implementation of the primary care strategy will require sustained investment, over a period, to expand capacity and enable primary care to become the cornerstone of our health system. Three broad approaches will be taken to enable this to happen, namely, the substantial reorganisation of resources to which I have already referred; further revenue and capital investment by the State to deliver additional services; and a structured role for the private sector in the development of facilities and possibly also the delivery of services.

The strategy estimated the capital cost of developing a primary care facility at some €2.5 million for each team, which is approximately €1.27 billion for the first 400 to 600 teams. The additional staffing costs involved, allowing for the availability of existing staff and taking account of the composition of typical core teams and the associated network professionals, were estimated to amount to approximately €615 million per annum for the first 400 to 600 teams. The strategy also estimated that up to €63 million in once-off costs and running costs of €12.7 million per annum would be required for ICT supports. However, the required investment can come from a range of sources and not solely from the Exchequer.

With regard to implementation, one of the first steps was to establish an initial group of ten primary care teams, with funding to enable existing staff resources within the public system to be augmented. These teams were intended to demonstrate the primary care model in action and also to enable practical experience to be gained of the process involved in developing a primary care team and expanding the range of services available.

In 2005, I provided an additional €5 million in revenue funding to support the implementation of the primary care strategy. Coupled with the €5 million allocated in 2002 and the €2 million in 2003, this brings total ongoing additional revenue funding to €12 million per annum. To date, capital funding of €2.725 million and a further €1.8 million in respect of ICT supports have been provided for the initial primary care teams. Funding has also been applied to a range of other initiatives intended to advance implementation. These include: planning and mapping work by the HSE; service developments in specific locations; a review of ICT needs in primary care; support to university departments of general practice and the Irish College of General Practitioners; research fellowships in primary care.

In light of the considerable private sector interest in the development of hospitals and long-term care services, I envisage much potential for such developments in primary care to complement investment by the State. I have asked my Department to consider, in conjunction with the HSE, how this agenda can be advanced in a way that will harness this undoubted potential within the non-State sector and so enable and support the delivery of integrated primary care services in line with national policy.

The Deputies' questions are also relevant 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 chief executive officer of the HSE has emphasised the importance of developing our primary care services, both as the appropriate service for the delivery of the majority of people's health and social care needs and to complement services provided by our acute hospitals. This is an important priority of the executive which has my full endorsement.

Hospital Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

117 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the discrepancies of treatment between older cancer patients and middle aged cancer patients; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the treatment rates of those aged 70-79 were half to a third of cancer patients in the 50-59 age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28811/05]

An analysis by the national cancer registry of treatment data for the years 1994 to 2001 for the commonest cancers showed that treatment rates for chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, to a lesser extent surgery, declined with age.

Information on reasons for treatment choices in Ireland is limited. However, lower rates of cancer treatment in older patients have been widely reported from many countries. This decline in treatment rates with age is multifactorial. Older patients tend to present at a later stage with cancer, when curative treatment may not be an option. Older people often have additional medical conditions that are associated with age such as respiratory, cardiac and renal conditions. These conditions can limit treatment options for cancer. Cancer is often a less aggressive disease in older people. In some cases decisions are required in consultation with patients which balance stress of treatment with possible benefits.

The Government is committed to making a full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients, including elderly patients, throughout Ireland in line with best international standards.

Question No. 118 answered with QuestionNo. 111.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

119 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take regarding the 500 patients awaiting treatment in Ireland’s only hospital based obesity clinic in St. Columcille Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the estimates in view of the fact that up to 30 patients on the waiting list could die if the necessary funding is not put in place; the methods she will implement to combat Ireland’s obesity epidemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28801/05]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the numbers of people awaiting treatment and the necessary funding of hospitals. 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.

The report of the national task force on obesity, published in May of this year, includes recommendations for the clinical management of obesity in adults and children. An implementation strategy for this report is currently being developed by my Department to progress the implementation of the recommendations.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Simon Coveney

Question:

120 Mr. Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General regarding the national treatment purchase fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28904/05]

John Perry

Question:

137 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which a hospital with a long waiting list for operations can have the spare capacity to do private work following from the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General; if these hospitals, if funded properly, will do the same work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28937/05]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

143 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that the national treatment purchase fund spent €600 on taxi fares to send a patient from Dublin to Limerick for a minor operation; her views on whether this is the most appropriate use of taxpayers’ money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28783/05]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

151 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the criticism made by the Comptroller and Auditor General of the national treatment purchase fund; the amount the treatment purchase fund has cost in 2005; if she can justify spending a reported €600 on a taxi for a patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28961/05]

Michael Noonan

Question:

201 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which 45% of hip replacements were carried out in the same hospital under the national treatment purchase fund, which was established to carry out procedures that could not be carried out in the public sector to be carried out in the private sector, where the patients name was on a waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28935/05]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

206 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General which found that 36% of patients were actually referred by the National Treatment Purchase Fund for private treatment in the very same hospital for which they were waiting for public treatment in the first place; if her further attention has further been drawn to the difficulties reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General in getting information from the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if the Comptroller and Auditor General will be asked to undertake a full value for money audit of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28782/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 137, 143, 151, 201 and 206 together.

The national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, was established as one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists arising from the 2001 health strategy. The strategy envisaged that the NTPF might make use of any capacity within public hospitals to arrange treatment for public patients. It was recognised that during the start-up phase of the fund, the use of public capacity could account for 30% of total NTPF activity, once public core service planned activity was not compromised. The Department has recently advised NTPF that use by the fund of public facilities should be limited to 10% of its total referrals for treatment. The allocation available to the fund in 2005 is €64 million.

The majority of elective orthopaedic surgery, including hip replacements, takes place in public elective orthopaedic facilities which do not provide accident and emergency services. As elective activity in these hospitals does not take place 24 hours per day and seven days a week, using theatres and beds outside of normal working hours is one way of creating extra elective capacity in the public system. Allowing public hospitals to undertake work under the NTPF initiative also incentivises hospitals to perform extra work and to treat more patients over and above core funded activity. This activity is carried out often by staff working overtime, who come in at weekends or who extend theatre time on occasions.

Other situations that compelled the use of public or "in-house" capacity were cases where, for reasons of clinical or patient complexity, it was clearly best practice to have certain patients treated by their own consultant in the hospital where they were on the waiting list. Not to have used this facility would have effectively barred this cohort of patients from accessing the NTPF scheme.

With regard to the transport of patients, the policy of the NTPF is to provide transport for patients where it is deemed medically necessary or where there are people with special needs, for example, the elderly or the infirm. The number of patients that require transport is small. In the case of a patient going abroad for treatment the travel costs are paid for by the NTPF. The authorisation of transport is considered on an individual basis, particularly in circumstances where lack of transport would present a barrier to a patient being treated. Otherwise patients are responsible for their own transport to hospital for treatment.

In the context of his examination of my Department's appropriations account for 2004, the Comptroller and Auditor General carried out a review of the operation of the NTPF in 2004. During his review the Comptroller and Auditor General received the full and comprehensive co-operation of the fund and of my Department. The responses from the fund and my Department to the issues raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report have been fully recorded in the text of the report and are a matter of public record. As a statutory body funded by the Exchequer, the annual accounts of the national treatment purchase fund will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The fund's accounts for 2004 are currently being audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General to decide which State organisations or State funded programmes are to be the subject of value for money audits.

Health Insurance.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

121 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she decided not to proceed with the implementation of risk equalisation due to the recommendation of the Health Insurance Authority; if her attention has been drawn to the serious problems created for the VHI as a result; if she has received representations from the VHI to proceed with risk equalisation; if she has received another report from the Health Insurance Authority on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28786/05]

I decided last June not to commence risk equalisation transfers, having considered the recommendation of the Health Insurance Authority and the subsequent representations made by health insurance undertakings. This also allows time for further corroboration of observed trends in the market. I am due to receive the authority's fourth report by the end of this month.

The VHI has made a number of representations highlighting the need for risk equalisation. Following my decision not to introduce risk equalisation last June, the VHI, within the context of its submission outlining its proposed price increase, and in a separate submission on the company's annual report and accounts, has continued to emphasise the significance of risk equalisation for the future of the company.

The provisions of the Health Insurance Acts provide that in considering whether risk equalisation transfers are warranted in the best overall interests of health insurance consumers, there should be reference to the need to maintain the application of community rating across the market and to facilitate competition between undertakings. Any decision on the commencement of risk equalisation cannot therefore be taken by reference only to the position of any one company in the market.

Health Service Staff.

Seán Ryan

Question:

122 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that front line health services will not be affected by the 600 job cuts proposed as part of the restructure of the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28814/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

150 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government decision to put a ceiling on the number of staff that can be employed in the health sector still stands; her views on claims by Professor Drumm that this will drive up the costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28803/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 150 together.

There has been no alteration to Government policy on employment ceilings in the public sector, including the health service. Employment levels for the health service have been adjusted since 2002 in line with Government policy on public sector employment and also to take account of specific policy measures aimed at increasing service levels for patients. The employment ceiling for the health service currently stands at 97,550, in wholetime equivalent terms. This ceiling reflects not only the 600 post adjustment required by the Government decision on public sector numbers but also includes an increase of 1,200 posts in respect of the opening of new units in 2005. Further increases in the employment ceiling for the health service in 2005 are being finalised by my Department and the Department of Finance in respect of both the accident and emergency initiative and the Disabilities Act 2005.

I have repeatedly stressed the need for compliance with approved employment levels consistent with safeguarding and, indeed, enhancing the delivery of front line services and achieving an appropriate balance between clinical and non-clinical employment levels in the health service. This has been underlined by my Department in direct discussions with the HSE's senior management team and in the context of the finalisation of the executive's national service plan for 2005. I believe there is a general consensus that the organisation of human resources is critical to good service delivery.

The proper management of employment levels and skill mix together with the prioritisation of front line services is, of course, central to the organisation of human resources and is the most effective mechanism for ensuring the best use of resources overall within the health service. My Department will continue to work closely with the HSE in this matter.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

123 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available to implement the recommendations of the Irish College of Psychiatrists on child and adolescent psychiatric services. [28951/05]

The expert group on mental health policy is examining all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry. The report of the Irish College of Psychiatrists referred to by the Deputy is being taken into account by the expert group. The group is due to complete its work by the end of this year.

Additional funding for all mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, is being considered in the context of the Estimates process.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 111.

Hospital Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

125 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the provision of 3,000 acute beds is still Government policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28902/05]

An Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand public hospital beds in line with the health strategy commitment to increase total acute hospital bed capacity by 3,000 by 2011. Substantial investment in additional bed capacity in acute hospitals has already taken place.

Funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds/day places in public acute hospitals throughout the country. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that as of 14 October 2005, 806 of these beds/day places were in place and the remaining 94 beds/day places will come on stream over the coming months.

In addition, a further 450 acute beds/day places are in various stages of planning and development under the Capital Investment Framework 2005-2009. I announced in July this year an initiative which will provide up to an additional 1,000 beds for public patients in public hospitals over the next five years. The Health Service Executive, HSE, has been asked to begin to develop an implementation plan and to prioritise proposals with reference to the public hospitals' requirement for additional bed capacity. Initial discussions have already taken place between my Department and the HSE on this matter.

These additional beds/day places will go most of the way to achieving our commitment in the programme for Government to increase total acute hospital capacity. The health strategy acknowledges that a significant proportion of additional capacity in the acute hospital system will be supplied in future by private providers. My Department, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, will review public capacity requirements in the acute hospital sector in light of developments since the health strategy was published and the progress of the initiative I announced in July.

Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

General Practitioner Services.

John Deasy

Question:

127 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the number of general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28908/05]

The Health Service Executive's primary care re-imbursement service — formerly the General Medical Services Payments Board — annual report for 2004 indicates there were 2,210 general practitioners providing services in the general medical service and other community based schemes in that year, up from 2,181 for the previous year.

On the issue of future manpower requirements for general practitioners, my Department has met with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, and accepted in principle its recommendation to increase the number of trainee places on GP vocational training schemes from 84 to 150 on a phased basis, providing 22 additional places each year over three years. Accordingly, funding was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2005 to enable an additional 22 GP trainees to be taken on in the 2005-06 academic year. I understand that the ICGP is in the process of making further proposals in this area and my Department will, in conjunction with the HSE, consider these when they are received.

Hospital Accommodation.

Damien English

Question:

128 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on her 1,000 bed plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28912/05]

Joan Burton

Question:

133 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the development of 1,000 private beds on the campuses of existing public hospitals; if any cost benefit analysis has been done of this plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28785/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 133 together.

This Government is committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity. The health strategy recognises that additional capacity will be provided in the future by a combination of public and private providers. In July this year, my Department issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive which is aimed at freeing up additional beds for public patients in public hospitals through the development of private hospital facilities on public hospital sites. The initiative will provide up to 1,000 additional beds for public patients over the next five years.

The Health Services Executive, HSE, has been asked to begin to develop an implementation plan which will identify where these private facilities might be located and to prioritise proposals with reference to the public hospitals' requirement for additional bed capacity. Initial discussions have already taken place between my Department and the HSE on this matter.

I consider that this approach offers better value for money to the Exchequer compared to the traditional approach which would require the Exchequer to cover the full capital costs and to meet, on an ongoing basis, the full staffing and running costs of additional beds. The assessment framework which has been issued to the HSE will require it to undertake a rigorous economic assessment of each individual proposal, which includes estimating the costs to the Exchequer, including tax foregone, and the benefits of the proposed development.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

129 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the continuing crisis in Letterkenny General Hospital due to inadequate accident and emergency facilities and shortage of beds; her plans to alleviate the ongoing difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28942/05]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

130 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale for a national roll out for cervical cancer screening; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is estimated that it will take at least 18 months to set up a national screening programme; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the State’s rate of invasive cervical cancer is one of the highest in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28810/05]

I am committed to the national roll out of the cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North.

An international expert examined the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. Following the publication of this report my Department undertook a consultative process with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders. The consultative process is completed and my Department will now discuss options for the roll out of the programme with the Health Service Executive, including indicative timelines.

Fluoridation of Water.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

131 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on a recent American study on the addition of fluoride to tap water which found that exposure to fluoride increased the risk of bone cancer in boys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22316/05]

The study referred to by the Deputy is, in fact, an unpublished student dissertation. It is not possible to comment on unpublished research. However, I am informed that a number of peer reviewed published studies have shown no evidence of a link between water fluoridation and cancer.

The Irish expert body on fluorides and health held its inaugural meeting in April 2004. The terms of reference of the expert body are: to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum on fluoridation; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required; to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or on its own initiative.

Should any peer reviewed research be published which indicates any harmful effects of fluoridation, I will be happy to refer it to the Irish expert body on fluorides and health for its advice as to any necessary action.

General Practitioner Services.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

132 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to put out of hours services in other areas out to tender, following her decision to put the out of hours services in north Dublin out to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28906/05]

Gerard Murphy

Question:

170 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if tenders for the out of hours services in north Dublin affect the GMS contract with general practitioners. [28933/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 170 together.

The Deputies' 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. The terms of the current general medical service GP contracts which are held with the HSE require GPs to provide services for 40 hours each week and to put in place suitable arrangements to allow public patients access to services outside of these hours for urgent cases. Such arrangements are a matter between the HSE and the individual contractor.

The provision of more general practitioner out of hours services is an important element of the ten point plan for accident and emergency services. The decision of the HSE to engage in a public procurement process to put in place arrangements intended to complement and enhance existing out of hours GP services for the north Dublin area has my support. The HSE has indicated to me that its experience in putting this additional service in place will inform future decisions about meeting service needs.

Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 128.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 113.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

135 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the future delivery of community care, general hospital and special hospital services; if she will utilise any of the reports previously commissioned as part of a master plan; if the Hanly or other reports are likely to form all or part of her plans for the future with reference to the various hospitals throughout the country mentioned in the Hanly report for action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28939/05]

The national health strategy, Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You, sets out this Government's vision for the development of health and personal social services into the future. The strategy sets out the key objectives for the health system: better health for everyone; fair access; responsive and appropriate care delivery; high performance. To achieve these objectives it is recognised that major change needs to take place in the health system, including organisational reform, strengthening primary care, reforming the acute hospital system and developing information.

The national health strategy is backed up by numerous reports which deal with specific areas mentioned above. These reports include: "Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Services", Brennan; "Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System", Prospectus; "Primary Care — A New Direction"; "Acute Hospital Bed Capacity — A National Review"; "Health Information — A National Strategy" and "National Task Force on Medical Staffing", Hanly. The report of the national task force on medical staffing or Hanly report made a series of important recommendations regarding the development of hospital services. Responsibility for building on the recommendations of the report regarding the organisation of hospital services has been transferred from the Department to the national hospitals office, NHO, of the Health Service Executive. The NHO's key priority is to ensure that patients, wherever they live, have equitable and rapid access to high quality hospital care.

The Department and the NHO will continue the planned investment in new hospital facilities, new consultant posts in a team based system and the organisation of services around hospital networks.

Consultancy Contracts.

John Gormley

Question:

136 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the basis of the PPARS and FISP contracts; if she was advised of difficulties with these systems when she first took office; the steps she took to deal with these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28963/05]

Liz McManus

Question:

199 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to establish responsibility for the huge waste of public money involved with the PPARS and FISP computer system; if she is satisfied with the level of supervision exercised by her Department over the project; the measures she will take to ensure that taxpayers get better value for the money spent by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28779/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 199 together.

In 1995 a steering group composed of representatives of the health boards was formed to modernise and reform payroll and personnel systems. In 1997, the CEO group sought funding from the Department of Health and Children to support work on the project and to proceed with the implementation of a new system. In 1998, a sum of £7 million was provided to assist with the implementation of the system during the years 1998-2000. In addition, the Department requested the health boards to supplement new capital where necessary with their existing resources, including locally generated funds from the sale of surplus assets.

In 2001, following shared concerns between the CEO group and the Department, a quality assurance review and investment appraisal was commissioned on the project. This was carried out by Hay Management Consultants and it stated that the project should proceed but that the original costing had been understated. In March 2002 it set the revised costs at €107 million and underlined the need to manage the risks of the project by the health boards. In May 2002, the Department wrote to the health boards indicating that national coverage was an essential element and, given the escalation in costs, that the project would have to have assertive negotiations with suppliers and ensure vigorous project management arrangements.

In 2004, due to concerns regarding the consultancy and staff costs, an independent review was commissioned and carried out by Gartner. While this concluded that the costs were within industry norms, it was nevertheless a very high and significant cost. The Department raised those issues with the health boards and urged all parties involved to ensure best value for project expenditure and indicated that significant discounts should apply on such a large project. In reply the health boards indicated that significant discounts had been obtained and that factors such as the scale of the programme, organisational complexity, level of variances between agencies and so forth significantly contributed to the cost of PPARS.

The basis of the PPARS and FISP contracts are as follows: PPARS — SAP Software licences and annual maintenance; IBM — managed service contract, technical consulting contract — these two contracts also covered the FISP project; Deloitte Consulting UK — programme management, business process design, change management — this contract was the per diem rates — no fixed overall contract price.

The FISP contract is based on fixed price with payment by results, that is, production of project deliverables at defined milestone date. Deloitte is the primary contractor. IBM is the technical implementation partner — subcontractors to Deloitte.

In January 2005, the HSE became a statutory authority with its own vote, with new governance structures and arrangements. As soon as major difficulties with the project were brought to my attention, the Secretary General of my Department met with the HSE and the Department of Finance. This meeting led to the establishment of a review of the system by the HSE and to the decision of the HSE of 6 October 2005.

The roll out of the PPARS project to other areas of the country has been suspended by the HSE pending further examination. The HSE is setting up a group to establish the long-term value of PPARS by developing a business case to show the full lifetime costs of the project over the next five years, to evaluate any other options to deliver on the HSE's requirement of an integrated payroll/HR management system and to determine the most cost effective and efficient option for the HSE. The Comptroller and Auditor General is carrying out a value for money examination of the PPARS project, which is expected to look at issues such as the development, governance and management of the project.

The appropriate steps have, therefore, been taken at this stage. With regard to the financial information systems project, FISP, the HSE has also decided to pause this project and evaluate it further. Unlike PPARS, this project is at a much earlier stage of development.

The Government has decided on a number of new measures to improve the management of consultancies. The level of engagement of consultancies in any Department/agency will necessarily reflect their specific circumstances and the following measures have now been approved. In the context of the formulation of the 2006 Estimates, Ministers will review the financial provisions for consultancy and, in that context, will confirm that the guidelines are being applied in their Departments and that proposed expenditure is necessary. The Department of Finance has been asked to review existing guidelines on the commissioning and management of consultancies to ensure that they accord with best practice and the Government is instructing Secretaries General/Accounting Officers to certify compliance with the terms of the guidelines in respect of major projects.

Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Hospital Accommodation.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

138 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is in agreement with the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive that it is hard to justify a further increase in acute hospital beds and that the development of primary and community care services should be encouraged instead; the action she proposes to take regarding this approach to health care provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28943/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

211 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals in respect of comments made recently by Professor Drumm that acute hospitals are over equipped with beds and that the focus needs to be redirected to community care; the measures she will take to develop community beds and the amount of money that is being spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28804/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 211 together.

The health strategy identified a requirement for additional capacity throughout the health system and a need to reconfigure services to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. The concerns about capacity and the configuration of services underline the need for ongoing investment, expansion of acute hospital services and substantial strengthening of primary care and community services. There is a need to build up primary care, community services and acute hospital capacity and reform the health system to underpin the achievement of this objective.

The decision to increase the number of beds in acute hospitals was taken on foot of a detailed national review of bed capacity. The report recognises that acute hospital care is just one component of the health care delivery system. Hospital services cannot be evaluated in isolation from primary care, community and specialist services. The need for hospital services is influenced by the availability and accessibility of those services.

Following the bed capacity review, the Government's health strategy identified a requirement for 3,000 beds in the acute hospital system. Government policy has tackled this in the following ways. Funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds and day places in acute hospitals. To date, 806 beds are in place and the remaining beds are to come on stream over the coming months. A further 450 acute beds/day places are in various stages of planning and development under the Capital Investment Framework 2005-2009. I launched an initiative which will provide up to 1,000 beds for public patients over the next five years. Tax reliefs provided under the Finance Act have been successful in attracting additional private capacity. The national treatment purchase fund has used capacity in the private hospital sector to treat some 35,000 public patients who have been waiting longest for admission to hospital.

On foot of my initiative to provide up to 1,000 beds for public patients over the next five years, I have asked my Department and the Health Service Executive to review public capacity requirements in the acute hospital sector in the light of developments since the health strategy and the progress of this initiative. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance regarding the provision of community based capacity for older people. Both Departments in recent times have discussed the possibility of providing 850 beds under a public private initiative and more recently have been looking at an option of providing additional capacity under a service level agreement.

This would take the form of the Health Service Executive working closely with the private sector to provide the extra long-term beds for older people with a high to maximum dependency. The private providers would work to general admission and policy criteria set down by the executive over, for example, a five to seven year contract period. The present position is that the departmental discussions are proceeding around the service level agreement concept.

Up to 90-95% of people's health care needs are capable of being met in the primary care setting and, to enable this to happen, it is necessary to continue to develop and enhance the range of services available in the community. I am committed to doing this in line with the principles set out in the strategy, "Primary Care: A New Direction". Implementation of the strategy will require the development of new ways of working and the reorganisation of resources already in the system, both those in the statutory sector and those contracted to provide services, in line with the service model described in the strategy. It is in that context that additional resources can be deployed to best effect.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

139 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional provision which is being made by her for services that will be required following the coming into operation of the Disability Act 2005; the locations and facilities in which these services will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28944/05]

I believe the Deputy is referring to the services which will be put in place as a result of the multi-annual investment programme announced as part of the national disability strategy, which includes the Disability Act 2005. The multi-annual investment programme is being introduced to support the development of high priority disability services over the period 2006-09. The cumulative additional spend over this period will total almost €900 million.

Additional revenue funding of €70 million and capital funding of €60 million provided in 2005 for services for people with physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities, autism and mental illness is being used to put in place a broad range of new and enhanced services throughout the country. These include, among others, new residential, respite, day and home support services, together with enhanced access to child and adolescent mental health treatment services.

As part of my Department's Estimates discussions with the Department of Finance, an increase in funding is being sought in 2006 to achieve the targets set out for residential, respite, day and other services and for other key supports required which were not provided for in the multi-annual investment programme. The locations and facilities in which these services will be provided are a matter for the Health Service Executive.

Hospital Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

140 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the 30 beds in Hume Street Hospital that will not be replaced when the hospital closes; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that those 30 beds are in constant use and that there is a 17 month waiting list; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that bookings are still being taken in view of the forthcoming closure of the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28813/05]

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.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

141 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal that St. Bricin’s Military Hospital will be used to help relieve pressure on the Mater Hospital; if this proposal will be feasible in view of the estimated cost of up to €25 million for the refurbishment of St. Bricin’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/05]

Representatives from my Department and the Health Service Executive made a number of site visits to St. Bricin's Military Hospital to review the facilities and to consider the feasibility of the hospital being utilised for public health purposes. Following detailed consideration, the view was that St. Bricin's was not suitable for use as an acute or sub-acute facility. I visited the hospital myself last July and I agree that it is unsuitable for this purpose.

Care of the Elderly.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

142 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns that the failure to provide adequate funding for the supports necessary for older persons to remain in their own homes was increasingly forcing many of them into nursing homes; if her attention has further been drawn to the significant reduction in the number of home help hours in different parts of the country and the substantial waiting lists for the home care grant; if additional funding will be provided for both of these services; if she will publish the total hours for home help services in 2002, 2003 and 2004 in respect of each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28798/05]

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.

Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

145 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department is conducting any research into the numbers and needs of children who are carers of parents or siblings with disabilities; if such research is not currently underway, if she will commission such research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28945/05]

My Department is not currently conducting research into the numbers and needs of children who are carers of parents with disabilities and does not have any plans at present to do so in the immediate future.

Child Care Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

146 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department is represented on the high level group on early childhood care and education and when it is expected to report to the Cabinet committee on children. [26487/05]

The high level working group on early childhood care and education to which the Deputy refers was established by the Cabinet committee on children in June 2003. The director of the National Children's Office, NCO, which is part of my Department, chairs the group. The terms of reference of the group are "to recommend an integrated national policy on child care and early education which will result in improved co-ordination at national and local level and which incorporates a child centred approach to service delivery."

Members of the group initially comprised representatives from the Department of Education and Science, Department of Health and Children, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education. In April 2005, the high level working group prepared an interim report for the Cabinet committee. At that stage, it was agreed that the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment should join the group.

The Taoiseach's office has liaised closely with the group and while not a formal member, it has participated in the deliberations of the group since then, attending the majority of meetings of the group. A second interim report was prepared for the Cabinet committee in July 2005. The Cabinet committee on children received an options paper from the group in early October and this is being considered at present.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

147 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is Government policy to provide hospice care for persons dying in the home; if so, if it is available nationwide; under what criteria can this care be accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28897/05]

The HSE has advised that there were 22 home care teams throughout the country at the end of 2004 providing services to the ten former health board areas. The HSE has estimated that the total number of patients who accessed palliative care services provided by the home care teams was 7,203, with an estimated 95,000 home visits.

The HSE has advised that criteria for accessing palliative care services are based on the needs of the person with regard to their medical condition. However, a patient's medical condition may deteriorate to the extent that it may necessitate admission to hospital or specialist inpatient units for intensive medical and nursing care. In this regard, the HSE has advised that there are eight specialist palliative care inpatient units across the country and there are a number of inpatient units and satellite units at varying stages of operation and planning. There are in the region of 116 designated support beds available for patients needing palliative care in various community hospitals located throughout the country.

The HSE has further advised that one of the key priorities for it and for voluntary agencies is the continued development of integrated specialist palliative care services. This includes progressing with the design, planning and development of further inpatient and satellite units, increased availability and scope of home care teams nationally and further development of day services and bed capacity at community hospitals.

Fluoridation of Water.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

148 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a reply to Professor Connett’s 50 questions on fluoridation on her Department’s website was not signed; the person who wrote this piece; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28964/05]

The forum on fluoridation considered Professor Connett's document, entitled "50 reasons to oppose fluoride". The forum undertook to respond to the document but the report of the forum was finalised before it had time to respond. My Department agreed, at the request of the forum, to commission the Oral Health Services Research Centre in Cork to compile a response to Professor Connett's "50 reasons to oppose fluoride". The comprehensive response to Professor Connett's document was published on my Department's website on 4 May 2005.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

149 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the 30,000 plus patients who were discharged from hospitals in 2004 only to be re-admitted within a week; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many are discharged ahead of time due to hospital overcrowding and pressures on accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28806/05]

My Department is aware that in 2004 some 32,000 patients were readmitted to hospitals within one week of discharge. This figure is derived from the hospital in-patient enquiry, HIPE, system which gives details of activity in all publicly funded acute hospitals in the State. HIPE data only allow the identification of a readmission if it is to the same hospital as the original admission. The above figure includes all inpatient readmissions, that is, readmissions for the same condition, for an unrelated condition and planned readmissions, and excludes day cases. The figure of 32,000 represents just over 3% of the total number of patients discharged in 2004.

The timing of a patient's discharge from hospital is a clinical matter where decisions are made by doctors who are acting in the best interests of their patients.

Question No. 150 answered with QuestionNo. 122.
Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Question No. 152 answered with QuestionNo. 111.

Infectious Diseases.

Joe Costello

Question:

153 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the figures in respect of the number of cases of MRSA in each of the past three years and to date in 2005; the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA; the steps that are being taken to reduce the incidence of MRSA; if her attention has been drawn to the view expressed by top management in the main teaching hospitals in Dublin that measures to improve facilities and tackle overcrowding in hospitals will be required to deal with MRSA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28789/05]

Methicillin-resistant staph aureus, MRSA, can exist without affecting people's health and information on the prevalence of such asymptomatic carriage is not routinely reported. For the purposes of the surveillance, prevention and control of this infection, however, the health protection surveillance centre collects data on MRSA bacteraemia, also known as bloodstream infection or "blood poisoning", as part of the European antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, EARRS. EARSS collects data on the first episode of blood stream infection per patient per quarter. EARSS was designed to allow comparison of antimicrobial resistance data between countries and possibly regions but not between hospitals. In 2001, there was 337 reported cases of MRSA bloodstream infection, 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003 and 550 cases in 2004. The figure for the first six months of 2005 is 314 cases.

I have already asked the Health Service Executive to develop systems and methodologies of reporting of MRSA infections by hospital so that we may have a fuller picture of the location and extent of these infections. It is difficult to identify the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA as many people also have significant co-morbidity factors. The prevention and control of hospital acquired infections, HAIs, including MRSA, is a priority issue for the HSE. Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital acquired infections, including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA.

The HSE health protection surveillance centre has published guidelines on hand hygiene and guidelines on the control of MRSA for hospital and community settings. These significant documents give clear policy and practice guidance to health care workers on the control of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA. Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective measures that can be used to stop the spread of MRSA and other infections. Attitudes and practices need to change in health care environments to ensure that basic standards of hygiene apply.

The national hygiene audit has been completed and I expect to receive a report shortly from the director of the national hospitals office. The results of the audit will form the basis for the changes that are required in both work environments and work practices so as to meet the highest possible standards of cleanliness in hospital settings. The results of the hygiene audit will be made public.

The HSE will also publish national infection control standards and national cleaning standards — a consistent and robust set of hygiene standards for hospitals. Where previously standards may have depended on the approach of a particular hospital or health board, the HSE can now ensure every hospital will share and meet the same high standards of cleanliness and infection control. Measures to improve facilities and tackle overcrowding in hospitals are being taken as part of the capital investment framework which has and will continue to provide new and improved infrastructure in hospitals all around the country.

My Department is continuing to engage with the HSE to agree on a series of actions over the next period of time so that MRSA can be effectively dealt with so as to see a reduction in the incidence and effects of these infections.

Hospital Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

154 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the decision of the Mater Hospital Dublin to defer approval of testing of an anti-cancer drug due to the fact that it required those involved to use contraception; her response to the move; the steps she will take to ensure that no woman is denied access to potentially life saving treatment through the use of such drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28784/05]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

189 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has a record of the membership of ethics committees of hospitals that are in receipt of State funding; if she keeps a record of decisions taken by those committees in hospitals that are in receipt of State funding; her views on whether such committees should be selected if the patient’s best interests are to be paramount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28967/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 189 together.

I am, of course, aware of the concerns that have been expressed about the Mater Hospital and the trial of an anti-cancer drug. Officials in my Department have written to the chairperson of the Mater Hospital ethics committee in regard to this matter and I will review the position when his reply is received.

The European Communities (Clinical Trials on Medicinal Products for Human Use) Regulations 2004, S.I. 190 of 2004, govern the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use. I am arranging to have copies of these regulations forwarded to Deputy Burton and to Deputy Gogarty.

Ethics committees established under the regulations are required to be independent, consisting of health care professionals and lay members and to have responsibility for protecting the rights, safety and well-being of those involved in a trial — which is a paramount consideration. They are also required to provide a public assurance of that protection by, among other things, expressing an opinion on the trial protocol, on the suitability of the investigators, on the adequacy of the facilities, on the availability of insurance, indemnity or compensation and on the methods and documents to be used to inform those participating in the trial and to obtain their informed consent.

Ethics committees are required to submit annual reports to my Department detailing their activities during the year. These reports are required to include a list of applications for opinions in respect of clinical trials and the decisions made by committees on these trials.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

155 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to continue the roll out of BreastCheck; the proportion of the population which is currently covered; when the service will be available in all areas of the country and to all women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28797/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

194 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to introduce a breast screening programme throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28602/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 194 together.

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in 2000 and currently covers the eastern, north-eastern, midland and part of the south-eastern regions of the country. There are approximately 160,000 in the target age group in these regions.

The roll out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for two new clinical units, one at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and one at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006. Approximately €21 million capital funding has been made available and my Department is in discussions with BreastCheck about the revenue requirements for the programme.

There are approximately 130,000 women in the target population for screening in the southern and western regions and it is expected that screening will commence in these regions in 2007. This will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.

When the national roll out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered at national level, consideration will be given to including older women and continuing the screening of women in the programme who have reached 65 years of age. There is no evidence of the value of population based breast screening programmes for women under 50 years of age and there are no plans to extend the programme to this age group. Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

Suicide Incidence.

Dan Neville

Question:

156 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the Reach Out report on suicide prevention. [28950/05]

"Reach Out"— a national strategy for action on suicide prevention — was launched by the Tánaiste on 8 September this year. This strategy builds on the work of the national task force on suicide, 1998, and takes account of the efforts and initiatives developed by the former health boards and the voluntary sector in recent years. In the course of the development of the strategy, wide ranging consultation took place throughout the country to draw on the experience, perspectives and ideas of the key stakeholders and interested parties. I believe that this consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, has allowed for both an evidence based and pragmatic approach to be taken to effect real change over the next five to ten years.

The strategy takes a combined public health and high risk approach to the issue of suicide prevention. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the report. These can be categorised as: a general population approach, a targeted approach, responding to suicide and information and research. At each level, action areas have been identified — 26 in total — and specific points of action have been identified to be implemented in three phases over the coming years.

The Health Services Executive, HSE, will take a lead role in overseeing the implementation of the strategy, in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations. Driving the implementation of the strategy will be a new national office for suicide prevention. The strategy is based on extensive consultation, sound evidence and international best practice. It is practical and achievable. It is evidence of this Government's determination to take whatever steps we can to reduce the level of suicide in our society and it will enable us to do that in a more comprehensive, co-ordinated and cohesive manner.

In addition to existing funding, a further €0.5 million has been allocated for the remainder of this year to commence the implementation of the national strategy for action on suicide prevention and funding for 2006 is currently under consideration in the context of the Estimates process. Additional funding allocations will be made available over the coming years to support the strategy and to complement local and national efforts.

Health Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

157 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to improve cancer treatment in general, especially accessibility to radiotherapy for Donegal cancer patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28941/05]

The Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients throughout Ireland in line with best international standards. It is important to build teams of highly expert clinicians working together to deliver top quality cancer care to cancer patients. To this end, we will provide considerable investment in oncology services in the coming years. We will build on the substantial investment in cancer care since 1997 which has resulted in the funding of over 100 additional consultant posts in key areas of cancer care and over 327 cancer care nurses throughout the country.

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, covers the eastern, north-eastern and midland regions of the country. The expansion of the programme to the south east has commenced and screening services are now available in counties Wexford and Carlow. The roll out to County Kilkenny will commence in 2006.

The roll out of the programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for the construction of two new BreastCheck clinical units, one at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and the other at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006. Approximately €21 million capital funding has been made available and my Department is in discussions with BreastCheck about the revenue requirements for the programme. There are approximately 130,000 women in the target population for screening in the southern and western regions and BreastCheck is confident that the target date of April 2007 for the commencement of the roll out will be met.

I am committed to the roll out of the national cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. Following the publication of the international expert's report on the feasibility and implications of a national roll out, my Department undertook a consultative process with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders. My Department will now discuss options for a national roll out of the programme with the Health Service Executive.

The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the report, "The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland". Recent developments in Cork and Galway have resulted in the provision of an additional five linear accelerators and the appointment of an additional five consultant radiation oncologists. Last July, I announced the Government's plan for a national network of radiation oncology services to be put in place by 2011 and commencing in 2008. The network will consist of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital.

The Government considers that the best option in terms of improving geographic access for patients in the north-western area is to facilitate access for those patients to radiation oncology services as part of North/South co-operation on cancer. I have already met the Minister for Health for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, MP, to discuss access by patients, mainly in the north west, to radiation oncology services at Belfast City Hospital. I will meet with him again shortly to further progress the Government's position on radiation oncology. Officials of my Department will also meet shortly with officials of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland.

The national cancer forum is currently finalising a new national cancer strategy. The strategy has been developed in consultation with major stakeholders, including professional and voluntary groups and the general public, and will have regard to the multi-faceted aspects of cancer control. The strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on a balanced organisation of cancer services nationally, with defined roles for hospitals in the delivery of cancer care. I expect the national cancer forum to submit the new cancer strategy to me by the end of the year. On receipt, my Department will assess the policy implications, including costs, and I will then bring the new cancer strategy to Government.

Health Education.

David Stanton

Question:

158 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the role of her Department in encouraging citizens, in particular adults, to maintain an active lifestyle; the initiatives she has to encourage participation in sport to combat the steady rise in obesity levels in recent years; the success of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28960/05]

Physical activity is important for health, well being, disease prevention and treatment. The almost €60 million invested by the Government in recent years towards the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy has helped put much of the infrastructure in place to address obesity prevention. Part of this funding provided for the appointment for the first time of physical activity co-ordinators throughout the Health Service Executive areas.

The 2004 national public awareness campaign to tackle obesity and overweight, "Every Step Counts — Small Changes Make the Difference", highlighted the combined importance of physical activity and healthy eating and a similar campaign is planned for November of this year. The report of the national task force on obesity, published in May of this year, makes a number of recommendations regarding increasing physical activity among the population, particularly within the educational setting.

Care of the Elderly.

Tom Hayes

Question:

159 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps and funding she has provided to tackle abuse of the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28915/05]

The report of the working group on elder abuse, "Protecting Our Future", was launched on 11 November 2002. One of the recommendations in the elder abuse report is the establishment of a national implementation group, which was established in December 2003. Earlier this year the Department appointed a senior policy adviser and a secretary to assist the group in its work and, more recently, the Health Service Executive appointed a senior officer to assist the group with implementation issues.

The Government is fully committed to developing the services needed to tackle elder abuse and in 2003 provided funding of €0.8 million to commence the implementation of the elder abuse programme. In 2004, an additional €75,000 was allocated to each health board for its continued implementation of the programme and this year an additional €0.9 million has been allocated for the elder abuse programme.

The Health Service Executive advised that it has implemented a number of recommendations included in the elder abuse report. These include the establishment of steering groups in each former health board area to provide a common response to elder abuse throughout the State. Steering groups comprise representatives from the public sector, private organisations and voluntary organisations, including groups for older people. Steering groups are in the process of developing clear policies and guidelines for the protection of vulnerable adults following wide consultations with staff, and progress their work through subgroups on legal aspects, policy and procedures and training.

The report recommends that a senior case worker be appointed to each former community care area and it is anticipated that the Health Service Executive will shortly recruit a senior case worker for each local health office area. Among the responsibilities of the senior case worker, in conjunction with the appropriate health service providers, will be the assessment of suspected cases of elder abuse referred to the local health office area.

The Health Service Executive has also advised that awareness training for Health Service Executive staff has been provided in line with paragraph 2.20 of the report and that it has been involved in awareness training with volunteer staff, including the national senior citizens helpline. The issue of elder abuse is being incorporated into professional training courses, including gerontology courses. A number of research projects have been undertaken, including the examination and review of medication in older persons in continuing care settings.

Departmental Reports.

Richard Bruton

Question:

160 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the Fottrell report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28899/05]

The arrangements for the provision of third level primary medical education are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Education and Science. The working group on undergraduate medical education and training, Fottrell, submitted its final report to me and my colleague, Deputy Hanafin, Minister for Education and Science during the summer. The report is under consideration in both our Departments and it is intended to bring it to Government in due course, in tandem with a separate report on postgraduate medical education and training — the Buttimer report — with a view to their publication.

Health Services.

Damien English

Question:

161 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for improved rehabilitation services for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28911/05]

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.

Infectious Diseases.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

162 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to combat a flu epidemic; the timescales involved for the production and distribution of a vaccine; the numbers of vaccinations involved; if she has satisfied herself that an appropriate action plan to expedite the vaccine for the bird flu strain is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28807/05]

Dan Boyle

Question:

180 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to deal with the possible flu pandemic; if she has satisfied herself that Ireland has sufficient stocks of anti-viral drugs at present; the details of current stocks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28957/05]

Mildred Fox

Question:

268 Ms Fox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has formulated a strategy to deal with a flu pandemic should one occur; the details of this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28991/05]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

300 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she has taken in preparation for a potential avian flu outbreak here; the measures she proposes to take in the future regarding such an outbreak; if these measures are in accordance with World Health Organisation recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29143/05]

Seán Crowe

Question:

309 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken since 1 July 2005 to address the threatened avian flu pandemic; if further stocks of medicines to combat the threat have been ordered and when stocks already ordered will come on stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29152/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

348 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which it is intended to distribute the stocks of anti-flu virus drugs available to her in the event of an outbreak of avian flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29519/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 180, 268, 300, 309 and 348 together.

I wish to take this opportunity to clarify that avian influenza, "bird flu", is an infectious disease of birds caused by the type A strains of the influenza virus. The Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for controlling avian influenza in birds and mammals other than humans. That Department has a contingency plan for avian influenza and all questions relating to this should be referred to my colleague, Deputy Coughlan, Minister for Agriculture and Food.

There have been a number of outbreaks in poultry in Asia since late 2003. Countries currently affected are Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Russian Federation east of the Ural Mountains. Turkey and Romania have now been added to this list. According to the World Health Organisation, the spread of the A/H5N1 virus to poultry in new areas is of concern as it increases opportunities for further human cases to occur. However, all evidence to date indicates that the H5N1 virus does not spread easily from birds to infect humans. The WHO level of pandemic alert remains unchanged at phase 3: a virus new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one person to another.

My Department and the Health Service Executive are closely monitoring avian influenza developments with particular reference to the public health implications. Information on avian influenza is available on the health protection surveillance centre website under the health topics section and a factsheet for travellers forms part of this information. There are no special travel restrictions, immunisations or precautions to countries affected by avian influenza, A/H5N1, because of the presence of that virus. Standard precautions for travellers are: to avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds; to avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms; to avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal faeces; to avoid handling birds found dead; not to eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes; exercise good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing; do not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to Europe.

The health protection surveillance centre posted the following documents on its website, www.hpsc.ie, on 14 October: Interim guidance for protection of persons involved in Avian Influenza outbreak control and eradication activities in Ireland; Interim guidance on public health actions to be taken on notification of Avian Influenza in animals in Ireland; Avian Influenza Case Surveillance Form. A sub-group of the influenza pandemic expert group had been working on this guidance material. It was published on Friday last due to the increased concern following confirmation of H5N1 infection in Turkey.

In addition, interim Irish guidelines on the investigation and management of suspected human cases of avian influenza — influenza A/H5 — have been circulated to all health care professionals and are also posted on the HPSC website. A clinical management algorithm has been circulated to hospitals and clinicians on the appropriate management of travellers returning from countries affected by avian influenza presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms. This will assist in early detection of any influenza A/H5 cases.

Three times in the last century, the influenza A viruses have undergone major genetic changes, resulting in global pandemics and large tolls in terms of both disease and deaths. The most infamous pandemic was "Spanish Flu" which affected large parts of the world population and is thought to have killed at least 40 million people in 1918-1919. More recently, two other influenza A pandemics occurred in 1957, Asian influenza, and 1968, Hong Kong influenza, and caused significant morbidity and mortality globally.

The overall aims of influenza pandemic planning are to reduce mortality and morbidity, and to minimise the resulting disruption to society. However, the consequences of a global pandemic are still likely to be serious. Pandemic planning can only mitigate the effects. My Department and the Health Service Executive are working closely together on pandemic planning. A detailed plan for response to an influenza pandemic was prepared in 2004. This plan is currently being updated to reflect the most up to date advice of the influenza pandemic expert group and the World Health Organisation, WHO. This work has continued over the summer.

Vaccination will be the primary public health intervention in the event of an influenza pandemic. Developments are taking place at international level seeking to expedite the pandemic vaccine production process. A vaccine is in development which could offer some protection against an H5N1 flu strain. International experts consider that a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine could be used as a first line of defence for priority groups while a vaccine against the exact pandemic influenza strain is manufactured. It was decided in August on foot of expert advice that a limited amount of H5N1 vaccine should be purchased. It is intended to purchase 400,000 doses, sufficient for 200,000 people. The Department of Health and Children is actively pursuing this matter. H5N1 vaccines will not be available anywhere before March/April 2006.

Antivirals can shorten the duration of the disease and alleviate symptoms. We already have an emergency supply of over 45,000 treatment packs of antivirals, Tamiflu®, and 10,000 units of paediatric suspension. We are stockpiling a further 1 million treatment packs of Tamiflu®. This quantity is sufficient to treat 25% of the population. A total of 600,000 packs will be delivered by the end of this year. The remaining 400,000 packs will be delivered next year. Plans for the storage and distribution of antivirals are being developed as part of the planning process. The size of the stockpile is in line with international trends, for example, the UK is also building up a stockpile to cover 25% of its population. Its stockpile will be complete by the end of 2006.

I am aware of reports regarding research which is to be published later this week regarding the possibility that the use of Tamiflu® may have contributed to the emergence of partial resistance to the drug in a Vietnamese patient. This interesting study will be considered by the expert group in the course of its ongoing work. However, it was already known that the potential for drug resistance exists and the situation is being monitored. Tamiflu® remains the internationally agreed antiviral of choice in the context of a pandemic.

It should be noted, however, that pandemic planning is a dynamic process. This means that the strategy for use of antivirals must be kept under review. In particular, the expert group will need to review the epidemiological data before final recommendations are decided in the setting of an imminent pandemic. The decision making process will be guided at all times by relevant expert advice from the European Commission and the World Health Organisation.

Health Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

163 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if figures will be provided to explain the discrepancy between Question No. 27 of 7 April 2004 and the Health Service Executive’s business plan 2005 which shows a cutback of 2 million hours of home help in 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28916/05]

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.

Hospital Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

164 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when Comhairle na nOspidéal will report on the review of neurosurgery services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28923/05]

At the request of the Department of Health and Children, a committee was established by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal, currently the national hospitals office/Comhairle, to review the existing arrangements for the provision of neurosurgical services and consultant staffing nationally and, following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations on the future organisation and development of neurosurgical services. My Department has been informed that this committee is in the process of completing its report.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

165 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress of the implementation of a ten point plan to deal with the accident and emergency crisis; her views on the assessment of Professor Brendan Drumm that the difficulties will exist for another two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28962/05]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

174 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on her ten point plan for the accident and emergency crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28905/05]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

187 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, regarding the package of measures announced by her on Estimates Day in November 2004 to improve accident and emergency services, the measures implemented to date and the timetable for the implementation of each other planned measure; if she is satisfied with the rate of progress regarding the serious problems that continue to be experienced in many accident and emergency Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28787/05]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

328 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the 50% increase in 2005 in patients on trolleys in hospital accident and emergency departments; her proposals to minimise hospital accident and emergency overcrowding during the oncoming winter months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29171/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 174, 187 and 328, together.

The Health Service Executive is advancing the implementation of a series of measures to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services. These measures take a wide ranging approach and are aimed at improving access to accident and emergency services, improving patient flows through accident and emergency departments, freeing up of acute beds and providing appropriate longer term care for patients outside of the acute hospital setting.

A particular focus has been placed on those patients in acute hospitals who have completed their acute phase of treatment and are ready for discharge to a more appropriate setting. The HSE is making sustained efforts to arrange for the discharge of these patients in order to have more acute beds available in hospital for emergency patients. The number of delayed discharges in the major Dublin hospitals now stands at 378. This is the lowest number since January 2005 and has been achieved as a result of the various measures being implemented to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services.

The following is the current position regarding the implementation of these measures. In the care of the elderly area, 48 high dependency beds have been contracted in private nursing homes for those patients with more demanding care needs. A total of 318 patients have been discharged to 95 intermediate care beds for six to eight week stays since contracts with private providers commenced in May. Seventy long-term patients in St. Mary's in the Phoenix Park are being identified in consultation with clinicians and families for transfer to private nursing homes. These beds will allow for the discharge of 35 patients each from the Mater and Beaumont Hospitals. A further 65 patients have been transferred to private nursing homes pending the re-opening of 65 public long-stay beds which were closed in nursing facilities on the southside of Dublin. Additional homecare packages and enhanced subventions have facilitated the discharge of 246 and 94 patients respectively in the Dublin area. It is recognised that a range of short-term, medium-term and long-term measures are needed which transcend the immediate operational issues in accident and emergency departments and which are integrally linked to the development of primary care services and support services for the elderly. My Department and the Health Service Executive will continue to work closely to maintain a focus on the implementation of system-wide measures to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services.

Vaccination Programme.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

166 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total cost to the State of immunisation programmes; the immunisation injections which are available; and the breakdown for the cost of each to the Exchequer and which companies benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28968/05]

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 requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated. The Health Service Executive has advised that it was not possible to collate the relevant information within the time available. I will arrange to have the information requested forwarded directly to the Deputy.

Organ Retention.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

167 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the organ retention inquiry is the only inquiry in the history of the State that has been abandoned before reaching a conclusion; the steps taken by her to ensure that no human tissue or organs will ever again be retained during post mortem and used for research or teaching or sold to any pharmaceutical company or other institution without full informed consent of the next of kin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28800/05]

Following a review of all inquiries by the Attorney General during mid-2004, the Government decided in September 2004 that the Dunne post mortem inquiry should submit its report on or before 31 March 2005, on which date the inquiry would cease to exist. The chairman, Ms Anne Dunne SC, submitted her report on the due date. However, following consultation with the Attorney General, I was advised that for legal reasons the report could not be published. On 3 May 2005 the Government approved the appointment of Dr. Deirdre Madden BL, to complete a final report on post mortem practice and procedure. I expect Dr. Madden to present her report on 21 December 2005.

In late 1999, my Department wrote to all health boards and hospitals requesting that they ensure that a policy of informed consent should operate in regard to the retention of organs following post mortem examination, pending the issue of guidelines by the faculty of pathology. These guidelines for post mortem consent and retention of tissues at post mortem examination were issued by the faculty in February 2000.

The Health Service Executive has confirmed that guidelines and protocols are in place for families in regard to both coroners' and non-coroners' post mortems. In accordance with these guidelines, families are to be informed when retention takes place in a coroner's post mortem and permission is to be sought to retention in the case of a non-coroner's post mortem.

European Directive 2004/23/EC requires member states to endeavour to ensure voluntary and unpaid donation of tissues and cells for human applications. The directive, which must be transposed into national law by 7 April 2006, will also make informed consent mandatory.

Question No. 168 answered with QuestionNo. 98.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Enda Kenny

Question:

169 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the alternative funding for care which is available to parents of babies who were brain damaged at birth besides going to the courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28922/05]

The Health Service Executive, HSE, provides a range of services including home support and personal assistance services, aids and appliances, therapy services etc. for babies who suffered brain damage at birth. The HSE also funds agencies to assist families. My Department is considering the future funding of early intervention multidisciplinary funding for children in the context of the 2006 Estimates process.

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 provide further information on this matter directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 170 answered with QuestionNo. 132.

Consultancy Contracts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

171 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of each of the reports, consultancies or public relations contracts commissioned by her in the past seven years; the subsequent action taken on foot thereof; the possible benefit to the consumer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28940/05]

The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

172 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address the serious rise in the incidence of prostate cancer; her plans for the introduction of a national screening service to combat prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28799/05]

The most recent report from the National Cancer Registry, Cancer in Ireland 1994-2002, estimates the annual incidence of prostate cancer to have increased by 5% over the period.

A new national cancer strategy is currently being finalised by the national cancer forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in oncology. As part of this work, the forum has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The forum has also developed criteria against which all future screening programmes will be assessed.

In regard to screening for prostate cancer, I understand that the forum will decide that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme. This issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised control trials currently being conducted internationally.

This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.

Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns about prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

173 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for improved services at the accident and emergency department of Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28947/05]

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.

Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 165.

Health Forums

Martin Ferris

Question:

175 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the National Health Consultative Forum will be convened; the proposed composition of the forum; if she will provide for representation for persons in Northern Ireland on the forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28893/05]

Section 41 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the convening of a National Health Consultative Forum to advise me, in my capacity as Minister, on matters relating to the provision of health and personal social services as defined in the Act.

This forum will replace the National Consultative Forum on the Health Strategy which has been convened annually since 2002. The strategy forum will be held in December this year. The strategy forum participants are primarily drawn from senior management in the health system, the voluntary sector, patient and client groups, service providers, trade unions, professional bodies, Departments and other sectoral interests.

My Department is currently preparing a ministerial order in regard to the membership, rules and procedures of the National Health Consultative Forum. While its composition has yet to be decided by me, it is envisaged, having regard to the provisions of the Act, that its membership will be on similar lines to the existing strategy forum.

Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Question No. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 113.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

178 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to improve the ambulance service in the west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28600/05]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

179 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on putting trolleys from accident and emergency into existing wards in hospitals to relieve the ongoing pressure in accident and emergency around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28896/05]

My Department is aware that proposals are being formulated by at least one Dublin hospital to put additional beds on certain wards in order to ease overcrowding in the accident and emergency department. These proposals have been drafted in the light of the Health and Safety Authority's report on certain accident and emergency departments earlier this year which recommended that hospitals address overcrowding in their accident and emergency departments in the context of overall hospital capacity. It is a matter for each individual hospital to consider how best to address capacity issues and to develop the appropriate protocols and procedures for such measures in consultation with clinicians and nursing staff. Any measures that improve services for patients, and their experience of hospital services, will have my full support.

Question No. 180 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

181 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to provide an adequate number of residential places for intellectually disabled or autistic persons presenting with seriously violent challenging behaviour in the family home. [28599/05]

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.

Mental Health Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

182 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that suicidal children are ending up in adult psychiatric wards; her plans for the provision of psychiatric services for young persons, especially those at community level; if eating disorders will be considered under the new Disability Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28802/05]

I am aware of concerns expressed regarding the practice of admitting children to adult psychiatric units. I accept that the placement of children with mental health problems in adult facilities is inappropriate.

The first report of the working group on child and adolescent psychiatry, recommended that a total of seven child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units for children ranging from six to 16 years should be developed throughout the country. Project teams have been established to develop child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units in Cork, Limerick, Galway and one in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview. Approval to tender for design teams for the units in Cork, Limerick and Galway has been granted by my Department. At present, inpatient services for children and adolescents are provided at Warrenstown House, Dublin and at St. Anne's in Galway.

The working group on child and adolescent psychiatry also recommended the enhancement and expansion of the overall child and adolescent psychiatric services as the most effective means of providing the required service for children with mental illness. This has been a priority for my Department in recent years. Since 1997, additional funding in excess of €20 million has been provided to allow for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant-led multidisciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. This has resulted in the funding of a further 23 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrists. Nationally, there are now 56 such psychiatrists employed.

Under the new Disability Act, the definition of disability is based on the degree of disability and not on the type of illness. This means that all severe and enduring, or chronic, mental illnesses would be covered. It is most likely, therefore, that the severity of the eating disorder and the patient's prognosis would determine eligibility for services under the Act.

The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including services for eating disorders and child and adolescent psychiatry, will be considered in the context of the work of the expert group on mental health policy which is due to complete its work before the end of the year.

Question No. 183 answered with QuestionNo. 106.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Michael Noonan

Question:

184 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there are so many hip replacements carried out under the national treatment purchase fund when other patients are waiting for an orthopaedic outpatients appointment for between three and five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28936/05]

The national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, was established as one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists arising from the health strategy. It is used for the purpose of treating public patients who have been waiting longest for surgery. Up to the end of September over 35,000 patients have had treatment arranged for them by the NTPF.

The management of outpatient waiting lists is, in the first instance, a matter for the National Hospitals Office and the individual hospitals concerned. However, earlier this year I asked the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, to examine the position with a view to further assessing the needs of patients waiting longest on outpatient waiting lists and the most appropriate clinical pathways and protocols required for their care.

As a result the NTPF set up a number of pilot projects around the country. The intention is that the longest waiters in a number of specialties will receive consultations at outpatient level in private hospitals. It is envisaged that between 4,000 to 5,000 patients will have outpatient appointments arranged for them. Monitoring and evaluation arrangements will be put in place by the NTPF in order to assess the outcome of the outpatient pilot projects. I understand that the pilot projects are under way and I expect to receive a report from the NTPF in due course.

Question No. 185 answered with QuestionNo. 116.

Proposed Legislation.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

186 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she has decided to abandon the Alcohol Products Bill against the advice of leading health experts and contrary to the recommendations of the alcohol task force and the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children; the length of time the voluntary code will last before she will introduce legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28958/05]

My Department has for some time had concerns in regard to the advertising and marketing of alcohol products, in particular with regard to young people. These concerns relate specifically to the content and placement of alcohol advertising. One of the recommendations contained in the interim report of the strategic task force on alcohol, STFA, was to reduce the exposure of young people to alcohol advertisements. In pursuance of this recommendation the heads of a Bill were drafted to restrict alcohol advertising.

In parallel with this process, representatives of the advertising, communications, drinks and media sectors were informed of the Department's concerns and of the proposal to introduce the legislation. The industry representatives acknowledged the Department's concerns and sought time to respond on an incremental basis.

Following the industry's response a code of practice has now been agreed which will significantly reduce the exposure of alcohol advertising generally but particularly to young people which was the purpose of the task force recommendation. An independently chaired monitoring body is to be established to oversee the operation of the code. Consequently, it has been decided to delay the introduction of the Bill for the moment pending the implementation and evaluation of the code.

Question No. 187 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Question No. 188 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
Question No. 189 answered with QuestionNo. 154.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

190 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the proposed new community nursing unit on the grounds of Kerry General Hospital will go to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28601/05]

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.

Sudden Deaths.

Jack Wall

Question:

191 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the rising number of sudden deaths of amateur or professional athletes here while participating in their chosen sports; the efforts she is making to educate sports clubs, institutions, and organisations regarding sudden deaths; if specific facilities will be available at sports fixtures and events to allow treatment for athletes who may be at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28310/05]

In September 2004 a national task force on sudden cardiac death was established to address the problem of sudden cardiac death in Ireland. The task force, chaired by Dr. Brian Maurer, will make recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk. The task force will also advise on equipment and training programmes to improve the outcome in those suffering from sudden cardiac collapse and on the establishment of appropriate surveillance systems.

I understand the task force has been involved in widespread consultation with individuals and organisations, including major sports bodies, and that a report is currently being finalised. The recommendations of the task force will inform future policy in this area.

Medical Cards.

Mary Upton

Question:

192 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a letter by the Health Service Executive stating clearly that medical card national assessment guidelines require terminally ill patients to be means tested before being given a medical card; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that despite letters such as these being sent that representatives of the Health Service Executive have denied this change has taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28809/05]

There has been no change in the eligibility determination process. Since 2001 people who are aged 70 or over have a statutory entitlement to medical cards. Under the terms of the Health Act 1970, applications for medical cards for persons other than those in this group are a matter to be assessed and decided upon by the Health Service Executive, HSE, based on a range of measures including the household income, particular circumstances and medical needs in individual cases.

The HSE has indicated that applications from persons with a terminal illness have and will continue to be dealt with in as sensitive and compassionate a manner as possible, with the exercise of discretion directed towards the needs of applicants during what is a very difficult and stressful time for them and their loved ones.

Hospital Accommodation.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

193 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, in regard to the commitment given in the national health strategy to provide an additional 3,000 hospital beds, the number provided to date, and the hospitals in each case; the projected number that will be provided before the end of 2005; the number of beds lost since 1997 in each such hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28795/05]

On foot of the commitment in the health strategy, funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds and day places in acute hospitals. Health agencies have informed my Department that as of 14 October 2005, 806 beds were in place. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the remaining 94 beds/places will come on stream over the coming months. My Department will provide details separately to the Deputy.

There has been no overall diminution in the number of acute hospital beds since 1997. It is important to note that the numbers of beds available in any hospital may fluctuate over time depending on service demands and other factors such as seasonal closures and refurbishment.

In addition to the 900 inpatient beds/day places mentioned, a further 450 acute beds/day places are in various stages of planning and development under the capital investment framework 2005-09. I announced in July this year an initiative which will provide up to 1,000 additional beds for public patients by transferring private activity in the public hospitals to new private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals.

Question No. 194 answered with QuestionNo. 155.

Nursing Home Charges.

Joe Costello

Question:

195 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the information available to her regarding the potential cost to the Exchequer of the illegal charges for nursing home care; the progress made to date by the Government committee regarding the question of repayments; if a decision has been made as to whether the Statute of Limitations will apply; the reason for the delay in making the repayments in view of her comments earlier in 2005 that payments would be made before the end of 2005; when the legislation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28788/05]

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long-stay charges for publicly funded residential care. All those who were charged and are alive and 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.

It is expected that the scheme will cost approximately €1 billion and at this stage it is envisaged that it will run until December 2007. Figures provided by the Health Service Executive show an estimated 60,000 people are likely to be due a repayment. Approximately 20,000 of these are living and 40,000 relate to estates of deceased patients.

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 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 independent input into the design of the scheme and will monitor the operation of the scheme to ensure 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.

An outside company with experience in handling mass claims will be engaged by the Health Service Executive, HSE, to design and manage the scheme within the parameters of the key principles approved by Government. The company selected will work closely with the HSE to ensure that the necessary co-operation is forthcoming on records held by the health agencies. The HSE has received expressions of interest from a number of companies and these have been short-listed. It is anticipated that the successful company will be selected in November and will begin work on the design of the scheme. The selection of this company will provide independent input into the design and administration of the scheme.

The national helpline set up by the HSE to allow people to register if they believe they are due a repayment will continue to operate but there is no need for anyone who has already registered using this facility to make contact with the HSE again to register for the scheme.

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard Allen

Question:

196 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for improved respite care here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28910/05]

The Government is very conscious of the changing demographic profile of our population, with more people living longer lives and the consequential greater demand for services, both community-based and residential. The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined all issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. Following on the publication of this report, a working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs has been established.

The objective of this group is to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care for older people, including respite care, taking account of the Mercer report, the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea. This group will be shortly reporting to the Tánaiste and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

197 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress in providing practical support and justice to the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28891/05]

My predecessor in the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Martin, met the Survivors of Symphysiotomy, SOS, group in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the group. My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive, HSE, that the current position in this regard is as follows: the former health boards and the relevant voluntary hospitals appointed liaison officers, who met and continue to meet with patients that have undergone symphysiotomy to discuss their health care needs; independent clinical advice is available, on request, through the liaison personnel, to patients who have undergone symphysiotomy — this has already been availed of by a number of members of SOS and appropriate follow-up has been arranged; an assessment service for patients was established at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin — this service is provided by a multidisciplinary team which undertakes an assessment of patients, following which recommendations for care pathways are discussed with individual patients; medical cards have been granted, based on medical grounds, to SOS patients who do not have such eligibility; the HSE is finalising arrangements for the issuing of replacement medical cards which will contain a special patient identifier that will allow for the fast-tracking of patients requiring hospital appointments and treatments, together with the provision of certain non-GMS items recommended for patients by their general practitioner and/or consultant — the HSE has further advised that these cards will be available in the coming weeks; in addition, medical expenses related to symphysiotomy may be refunded, where necessary, to patients in respect of medication or private treatments required to address the effects of symphysiotomy; applications for home help and modifications are dealt with on an individual basis and applications are fast-tracked, where necessary; independent counselling services are available to patients where requested; and information packs have been made available to general practitioners and relevant health care personnel.

My Department is further advised that the executive is in regular contact with the chairperson of the SOS group, and that she has expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date. It is evident from the foregoing that considerable progress has been made in putting in place a comprehensive range of support services for patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. The HSE will continue to oversee the provision of necessary support services for this patient group.

Departmental Investigations.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

198 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected completion date of the inquiry, to be chaired by Judge Maureen Harding-Clarke, into the activities of the former Drogheda obstetrician, Dr. Michael Neary; if her attention has been drawn to the call made by a number of victims for the establishment of a redress board; if she will act on this suggestion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28794/05]

My Department is advised by the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital inquiry that the report of the inquiry is at an advanced stage and is going through a necessary legal process before it will be furnished to me.

Last March, I met representatives of Patient Focus, a group representing a number of patients who attended the maternity unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. I advised the group that I would await the report of the inquiry before consulting with Government on the request for the establishment of a redress board. I intend to meet the group again following receipt of the report of the inquiry.

Question No. 199 answered with QuestionNo. 136.

Health Forums.

Martin Ferris

Question:

200 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if ministerial regulations have been made under the Health (Amendment) Act 2005 to establish regional health forums; the composition of such forums; the level of representation from local government on these forums; the date of their establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28892/05]

Section 42 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the establishment by the Minister for Health and Children of not more than four regional health forums. These forums will comprise members appointed from each city and county council within the functional areas of the forums.

The function of a forum, as provided for in the 2004 Act, is to make such representations as it considers appropriate to the Health Service Executive on the range and operation of health and personal social services within its functional area.

Section 42 provides that details relating to the establishment, composition and operation of the regional health forums will be set out in regulations to be made by the Minister for Health and Children, following consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These regulations are being drafted by my Department. It is my intention that they will be finalised as soon as possible so as to enable the regional health forums to be established at an early date.

Question No. 201 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Food Labelling.

Mary Upton

Question:

202 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Food Safety Authority that some food companies are misleading the public by falsely claiming that their products are free of genetically modified ingredients; if she will consider the introduction of stricter guidelines regarding labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26447/05]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of EU legislation regarding genetically modified, GM, foods. It carries out checks of the marketplace for compliance with the GM legislation. Under the EU GM food and feed regulation, only authorised GM foods, or foods containing ingredients thereof, can be placed on the market. New legislation, which came into force in 2004, stipulates that persons wishing to place GM foods on the market must provide material and information to enable testing for specific GM organisms, GMOs, before they may be authorised for marketing. The GM labelling threshold provided for in the regulation requires that a food or ingredient be labelled if it has a GM content of more than 0.9%. This labelling threshold is intended to cater for adventitious contamination that may occur as a result of mixing during production, processing, storage or transport.

The FSAI has carried out a number of surveys of the food supply chain in recent years and has employed both the State Laboratory as well as a private laboratory to carry out testing of the genetic material — DNA — in a range of foods using a technique called polymerase chain reaction, PCR. One of the uses of this highly sensitive technique is to allow for the testing for the presence, and sometimes the amount, of a GMO present in a food. The EU Joint Research Centre, based in Ispra in Italy, has undertaken to standardise how GMOs and derived food and feed are tested using PCR, and a number of tests have already been developed.

The FSAI's recently published report concentrated on its surveillance of foods carrying GM-free labels as this type of label had been identified as a potential problem in previous surveys. Terms such as "non-GM" and "GM-free" are not defined by EU or national legislation and thus are subject to the general food labelling directive which stipulates that labels should not mislead the purchaser. Therefore, a food labelled to indicate that no GM ingredients are present may not contain any level of GM ingredients.

The results show that a small number of products with GM-free labels contained low levels of GM ingredients. In addition, a number of foods with GM-free labels had no ingredients that could be from a GM source meaning that such labels in those cases were merely a marketing tool rather than for consumer information. The FSAI is following up on this matter with the companies concerned. The FSAI has requested that retailers remove all batches of foods carrying GM free type labels identified in survey as containing GM ingredients.

In the best interests of the consumer, food business operators are warned that the FSAI will continue to test foods with GM-free-type labels and that legal proceedings will be considered where products bearing GM-free-type labels are found to contain any level of GM ingredients.

Legislative Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the new Medical Practitioners Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28920/05]

Work on the drafting of the new Medical Practitioners Bill is ongoing. Consultations are taking place between my Department and the Medical Council on a number of issues to be incorporated in the Bill. Following these consultations, a second draft of the Bill will be drafted by Parliamentary Counsel. It is my intention to publish the Bill early next year.

Question No. 204 answered with QuestionNo. 107.

Health Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

205 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the evidence of a geographic inequity for persons with heart disease living in western counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28913/05]

Since the launch of "Building Healthier Hearts" in 1999, approximately €60 million has been invested by the Government towards the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy. This has resulted in substantial improvements in treatment and detection of heart disease both nationally and in western counties.

In the HSE western area two additional consultant cardiologist posts have been funded through the cardiovascular health strategy as well as the necessary infrastructure and facilities required to support these appointments. A chest pain clinic in University College Hospital, Galway, UCHG, has also been funded as has the employment of supporting staff providing a structured link between the primary care and hospital settings and the rapid diagnosis of angina, enabling further diagnostic tests and treatment as appropriate. Cardiac rehabilitation is now available in UCHG and Mayo General Hospital.

As a result of the investment through the cardiovascular health strategy there has been a considerable increase in the number of certain coronary procedures in the HSE western area. For example, the figures for coronary arteriography in 1996 were 3.7 per 10,000 population compared with a national average of 16.5. The corresponding figure for 2004 was 26.5, compared to a national average of 25.7. There have been similar increases in other cardiac interventions.

Question No. 206 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Health Service Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

207 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when negotiations on the new consultants’ contracts will conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28959/05]

I welcome the recent statements from the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation that they are willing to commence negotiations on a new consultant contract. While the HSE will obviously take the lead role on behalf of management in the forthcoming negotiations officials from my Department will of course participate in the management team and contribute to the process as required. I hope talks will be progressed through an intensive schedule of meetings with much work being done in the intervening periods. It should be possible to conclude this process within three months of commencement.

Child Care Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

208 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the facilities and supports made available by her Department to its staff to meet their child care needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28890/05]

The following family friendly schemes are available to staff in my Department: flexitime gives staff the flexibility of varying their starting times between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and their finishing times between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; the Department's worksharing scheme allows staff to avail of a 40%, 50%, 60%, 73%, 75% or 80% attendance pattern; maternity leave or adoptive leave, which enables women to take 18 weeks' paid maternity leave or 16 weeks' paid adoptive leave with the option of taking a further eight weeks' unpaid leave; paternity leave, which entitles a father to three days' special leave with pay on the birth or adoption of his child; parental leave, which allows the parent of a child up to eight years to take a block of 14 weeks' unpaid leave or spread it over a period of time; and the term time scheme, which allows staff to avail of eight, ten or 13 weeks' leave during the summer months. Salary is either unpaid for the period or paid pro rata over the year; force majeure leave entitles a parent to three days’ paid leave in one year or five days’ paid leave over three years owing to sudden injury or illness of a child; and special unpaid leave of two months’ or six months’ duration is available for domestic reasons; a career break facility of between six months and five years is also available to all members of staff.

A fully fitted room is provided in the Department for nursing mothers returning from maternity leave. There are also two crèches in Dublin for children of civil servants. These are based in Marlborough Street and Mount Street and staff in my Department may avail of them.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

209 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to deal with the crisis in regard to emergency residential provision for intellectually disabled or autistic persons presenting with seriously violent challenging behaviour in the family home. [28598/05]

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.

Question No. 210 answered with QuestionNo. 106.
Question No. 211 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Questions Nos. 212 and 213 answered with Question No. 116.

Care of the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

214 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on improving the inspection regimes for all residential nursing homes for the elderly in all health regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28909/05]

The HSE has advised that it is aware of the different practices around the country in the past in relation to the inspection of residential homes for older people and is committed to implementing a coordinated standardised approach. The HSE has further advised that it has agreed a national standardised inspection process, to include unannounced inspections, which will be implemented by all inspection teams throughout the country by the end of October 2005.

Moving forward, it is the intention of my Department to put in place a more robust regulatory system as quickly as possible to protect vulnerable older people in long-stay facilities. The process has begun to review the current system with a view to strengthening the powers available to those involved in inspecting facilities and to extend a strengthened inspection system to public facilities. It is intended that the Health Bill 2005 will establish both the HIQA and the SSI on a statutory basis and will contain provisions to underpin a more robust inspectorial system.

Departmental Expenditure.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

215 Mr. Morgan asked the Taoiseach the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied); the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29553/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

228 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29448/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 228 together.

The amounts paid by my Department to Gartner are shown in the following table.

Year

Amount Paid

Details

2002

678

Conference attendance fee

2004

7,744

Subscription to Gartner Research service (6 month period)

2005

16,033

Subscription for Gartner Research service (12 month period)

Gartner publishes independent research and provides one-to-one customer advice, on all aspects of ICT using in excess of 1,000 analysts and consultants who advise executives worldwide. Subscription to this service gives the Department access to a large volume of research information, which is critical in assisting decision making in such a small IT unit. At the time of our subscription, there was no other suitable company in a position to provide us with this vast range of independent research material and one-to-one customer advice. I am satisfied that value for money has been achieved in this case.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

216 Mr. Morgan asked the Taoiseach the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied); the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29568/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

229 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29463/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 229 together.

In 2002, following a competitive tendering process, the Information Society Commission, which came under the aegis of my Department, engaged the services of Accenture to conduct a study on the value of developing a national e-payments strategy.

Accenture was paid €155,333.75 in respect of the development of this strategy, €72,600 of which was subsequently recouped from the information society fund which is administered by the Department of Finance. I am satisfied that value for money has been achieved.

No other payments have been made to Accenture in the period.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

217 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the cost involved in producing and disseminating the booklet Ireland and the European Union or the Irish language version Éire agus an tAontas Eorpach; the number of copies of each which were printed and the way in which they are made available to the public. [28649/05]

The cost incurred to date in producing the 3rd edition of Ireland and the European Union: Identifying Priorities and Pursuing Goals is €11,023 for the design and typesetting of English and Irish language versions of the document and €4,537.50 for the translation of the document into Irish. My Department is awaiting an invoice for the printing of 3,000 English copies and 500 Irish copies of the document. However, it has been agreed that the cost for printing the English version of the document will be €10,350 and €5,308 for the Irish language version.

My Department has sent copies of the publication to every county librarian in the country and has also made the publication available in electronic form from the Department's website. Copies were also sent to public representatives, third level institutes and to a large number of organisations and individuals engaged with European matters.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

218 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29290/05]

Each press officer is normally required to be on call one week in four, for which they receive an on-call allowance equivalent to five hours overtime at double time rates per week. Normal overtime rates also apply where late attendance is required. These rates are set down in Department of Finance circular 27-1999: first hour, no payment, next two hours, rate plus one quarter, next five hours, rate plus one half, thereafter double rate.

Paul McGrath

Question:

219 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department's press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29305/05]

Ex gratia payments are not made to staff in my Department’s press office.

Paul McGrath

Question:

220 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom it was granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/05]

A total of 207 hours compensatory leave was granted this year to six members of staff, namely, two clerical officers, one service officer and three cleaners, in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance.

Where staff opt for time off in lieu, instead of extra attendance payments, the granting of time off in lieu is at the discretion of the manager concerned, having regard to the exigencies of the service.

Paul McGrath

Question:

221 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/05]

No personnel files have been copied or given to external parties, nor is it the practice to do so.

Paul McGrath

Question:

222 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work in excess of two months, was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29350/05]

The following table details the number of staff in my Department who availed of leave of absence in excess of two months for education purposes since 2002.

Year

Number of Staff

Educational Courses in excess of 2 months

Details

2002

1

Career Break for Study purposes

Special Leave without pay for a period of not less than six months and not more than 5 years

2003

2

Career Break for Study purposes

Special Leave without pay for a period of not less than six months and not more than 5 years

1

Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis

2 years full-time — in the process of completing

2004

2

Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis

2 years full-time — in the process of completing

2005

1

Career Break for Study purposes

Special Leave without pay for a period of not less than six months and not more than 5 years

2

Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis

2 years full-time

The masters programme in public policy analysis is a full-time course organised by the Department of Finance. Each Department is invited to nominate a maximum of two candidates. All nominated candidates go forward to a central selection process for consideration for inclusion on the programme which is of two years' duration, involving academic study and project work in public policy evaluation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

223 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29365/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

224 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29380/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

The information sought by the Deputy about the proportion of the training budget spent and details of courses funded by the Department of the Taoiseach in the last three years is set out in the following table.

The Department of the Taoiseach continues to work towards the target of 4% of payroll being spent on training and development as committed to in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and Sustaining Progress. The Department of the Taoiseach is committed to ensuring that every member of staff has the opportunity to develop the competencies required to meet work objectives, thus contributing to meeting the Department's goals and objectives, now and in the future, and to further personal and career development goals at each stage of the work life cycle from induction to retirement.

In compliance with circular 21-78, third level courses of education, all courses funded in the Department of the Taoiseach are accepted as relevant to employment in the Civil Service generally. To be eligible for a refund of course fees, each person is required to sign a necessary form of undertaking. Therefore, he or she is committed to reimbursing, in full, to the Department of the Taoiseach, the amount paid in respect of their academic studies if he or she discontinues the course or if he or she leaves the Civil Service without having worked a period equal to the duration of the course following its completion.

Proportion of training budget

List of all courses funded

2003€52,761 representing 21% of overall training budget for 2003 of €250,000

200326 members of staff were involved in various training courses as follows:Certificate programmes — 2 Diploma programmes — 5Degree programmes — 6Masters programmes — 8PhD programmes — 1Other e.g. IT, Languages etc — 4

2004€102,597 representing 26% of overall training budget for 2004 of €400,000

200433 members of staff were involved in various training courses as follows:Certificate programmes — 5Diploma programmes — 11Degree programmes — 4Masters programmes — 9PhD programmes — 1Other e.g. IT, Languages etc — 3

2005€77,000 representing 16% of overall training budget for 2005 of €475,000.It is not expected that this amount will increase significantly for the remainder of 2005.During 2005 two people to whom approval was granted to attend a course did not subsequently apply for the refund.

200530 members of staff were involved in various training courses as follows:Certificate programmes — 2 Diploma programmes — 8Degree programmes — 7Masters programmes — 7PhD programmes — 0Other e.g. IT, Languages etc — 6

Paul McGrath

Question:

225 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29395/05]

The total amount spent on briefcases by my Department since June 2002 is €836.81. No refunds were made to staff in respect of purchases of briefcases. Six staff members have received briefcases. The largest single amount paid for a briefcase was €173.51.

Paul McGrath

Question:

226 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29410/05]

There are 47 personal digital assistants, PDAs, allocated to staff in my Department. The costs of the devices vary depending on the model. The most expensive device cost €474.74 but was purchased in 1999. As with other IT equipment, costs have decreased significantly over the years. The most recent device purchased cost €198.44. Expenditure on PDAs in my Department over recent years is shown in the following table.

2002

2003

2004

2005-to date

€4,438.28

€4,521.77

€7,373.74

€2,286.90

Details of the grades to which PDAs are allocated within my Department are listed in the following table. All requests for the allocation of a PDA must be supported by a business case outlining the reasons why a device is required. They are then submitted to the head of corporate affairs for a decision on whether to approve the request.

Grade

Number of PDAs

Taoiseach

1

Chief Whip

1

Government Press Secretary

1

Programme Manager

1

Head of GIS

1

Advisers

8

Personal Assistant

1

Secretary-General

1

2nd Secretary

1

Assistant Secretary

4

Principal Officer

8

Assistant Principal

11

Higher Executive Officer

8

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

227 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29425/05]

No such exemptions apply to any staff in my Department nor is it the practice to offer such exemptions as the Deputy describes to staff.

Question No. 228 answered with QuestionNo. 215.
Question No. 229 answered with QuestionNo. 216.

Health Services.

Michael Lowry

Question:

230 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary on rehabilitative health and medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28716/05]

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.

Michael Noonan

Question:

231 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to establish a sexual assault treatment unit in Limerick; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present persons who are victims of sexual assault in the mid-west region have to travel to Cork for forensic assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29509/05]

A review of the sexual assault treatment services has been under way in recent months. I understand that the committee set up to carry out the review has recently completed its task and I look forward to receiving its report in the coming weeks. A decision will be made on sexual assault treatment services when I have been fully apprised of the committee's findings.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Finian McGrath

Question:

232 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of adults with an intellectual disability on residential, day care and respite waiting lists in the Health Service Executive area of northside Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29091/05]

I have been advised by the Health Service Executive northern area that 53 adults with an intellectual disability will require a residential service, while 303 will require a change in their day service. It is difficult to quantify the numbers on waiting lists for respite due to the wide range of respite services available and the appropriateness of the range of services to the particular client.

Health Strategy.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

233 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the findings of the recent international Shape of the Nations survey into the correlation between waist size and heart disease; the action she proposes to take to safeguard the public from the consequences of waistline obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28994/05]

The Shape of the Nations survey was commissioned by Sanofi-Aventis, a pharmaceutical company and was conducted in 27 countries, excluding Ireland, during July 2005. The survey was carried out among the general public, people identified as at risk for heart disease, and primary care physicians, to assess knowledge and understanding of the increased risk of heart disease posed by excess abdominal fat.

The survey concluded that six out of ten physicians recognise abdominal fat as a significant risk factor for heart disease. However, only a minority of the public is aware of the waist size that puts them at risk for heart disease and fewer than one in five people can expect to have their waist circumference measured by their doctor.

The heart health strategy, Building Healthier Hearts 1999, acknowledged that fat deposits in the abdominal area were a better predictor of coronary artery disease than the degree of obesity. According to the 2004 report of the national task force on obesity, Obesity: the Policy Challenges, obese individuals with excess fat deposited around the abdomen are more likely to develop health problems. The report made a number of recommendations in relation to the measurement of waist circumference, for example, that it be part of routine clinical health care practice and that this information be included in a national database of growth measurements.

An implementation strategy for the report is being developed by the Department of Health and Children in order to progress implementation of the recommendations.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

234 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a full statement on the progress being made on the setting up of a regional acute unit for the National Rehabilitation Centre which was promised several years ago to be located at St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranabraher, Cork, and that in co-operation with Rehab, a rehabilitation unit will be set up by that organisation also in the Cork area. [28609/05]

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.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Billy Timmins

Question:

235 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her areas of responsibility; for example, parliamentary questions about elder abuse, orthodontic treatment, patients waiting to be admitted to hospital and so on have all been referred to the Health Service Executive for replies; the areas on which she will answer parliamentary questions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28610/05]

Prior to the establishment of the Health Service Executive, HSE, parliamentary questions concerning access to services by individuals or in specific geographic areas, were referred to the chief executive officer of the relevant health board for direct reply.

Pursuant to the Health Act 2004, the functions of the health boards were transferred to the HSE. Under the Act, the HSE has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Consequently, operational questions fall within the statutory responsibility of the HSE.

In addition, the establishment of the HSE brought into being a new unitary system for the delivery and management of health services. Under the 2004 Act, the HSE has its own Vote. Accordingly, it is also responsible for service delivery and management questions of a national dimension, including the establishment of service priorities.

The Health Act 2004 contains significant provisions dealing with the accountability of the HSE. These include specific provision for attendance by its chief executive officer before Oireachtas committees to give an account of the general administration of the executive. The chief executive officer is also accountable to Dáil Éireann as the accounting officer in regard to the appropriation accounts of the executive. Part 7 of the Act provides for the corporate plan, annual service plan, annual report and accounts, prepared by the executive, to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

As Minister, I am responsible for the legislative and regulatory framework underpinning the delivery of health and personal social services, national policy issues including overall service, human resources and industrial relations, workforce planning, resource allocation, performance management and health service reform issues, and issues relating to my own Department.

Health Service Allowances.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

236 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 was refused the domiciliary allowance. [28618/05]

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, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

237 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a new health care centre at Glanmire, County Cork; and when funds will be made available for the construction of the centre. [28660/05]

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, HSE, 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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

238 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the provisions that have been made for post-operative consultation for patients who have availed of the national treatment purchase fund; and if her attention has been drawn to the growing concern of patients who, having availed of surgical procedures under the fund, have been denied follow-up care where complications or medical set backs have arisen. [28661/05]

As the Deputy's question relates to operational matters regarding the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, my Department has asked the chief executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the specific information requested.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

239 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent decision of the Health Service Executive to discontinue the payment of enhanced discretionary subventions to qualifying patients in private nursing homes; and her plans to harmonise subvention rates across the country. [28665/05]

A nursing home subvention may be paid towards the cost of private nursing home care, where a person is unable to meet the cost and where he or she has been assessed as needing nursing home care by the Health Service Executive, HSE, and where the person has satisfied a means test. The HSE may pay enhanced nursing home subvention which is more than the maximum rate of subvention at its discretion. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates of subvention.

Every person in receipt of nursing home subvention and enhanced nursing home subvention is being paid and will continue to be paid by the HSE. The HSE has plans to co-ordinate the funding for subvention nationally.

Medical Cards.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

240 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person with a general practitioner-only medical card will be covered for attending nurses in their local general practitioners practice; and if they will be covered for out of hours doctor services, for example, CAREDOC. [28666/05]

The general practitioner services to be provided to people who hold a GP visit card under the general medical service or GMS scheme will be the same as those being provided for medical card holders. Where a general practitioner holds a contract with the Health Service Executive for GMS medical card and for GP visit card patients then the services generally provided by the practice, including the practice nurse, will be free to both medical card and GP visit card patients. Also, under the GMS GP contract services provided out of hours for both medical card holders and GP visit card holders are free. If a general practitioner chooses to fulfil his or her GMS contractual obligation to provide services outside of normal hours through an out of hours GP co-operative then this service will be free to both medical card holders and GP visit card holders.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

241 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason glasses specifically designed for children with hearing aids are not provided under the public health system; the further reason persons had to privately purchase specialised glasses for their child who requires a hearing aid at a cost of €6000; if she will reimburse them for all or part of this sum which they had to borrow; her views on whether it is unacceptable for the doctor to suggest that rather than getting the specialised glasses this child’s parents should use double sided sticky tape to keep the standard glasses in place over the hearing aids which this child is required to wear. [28701/05]

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

242 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application for special housing aid for the elderly for persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the application will be processed or works commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28718/05]

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. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

Health Service Allowances.

Jack Wall

Question:

243 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application for the domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28722/05]

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 Perry

Question:

244 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with Beaumont Hospital on a person’s behalf (details supplied) and have them called for their operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28726/05]

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.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

245 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will give nursing assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10. [28736/05]

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.

Hospital Staff.

Michael Noonan

Question:

246 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when ancillary support will be provided to the third vascular surgeon who has been appointed at the Mid-West Regional Hospital in Limerick; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the effectiveness of their work will be impaired until ancillary staff are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28739/05]

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.

Playground Facilities.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

247 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of playgrounds which have now been opened following the publication of the “ready steady play” policy and using funding provided to local authorities for this purpose; the areas in which these facilities have been provided; the areas they are planned to be built or are under construction; if her Department has consulted with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or local authorities regarding the maintenance and running costs of such facilities; and the age range of children the facility has been provided for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28755/05]

Significant progress has been made since the publication of "Ready, Steady, Play! A National Play Policy" in increasing the availability and quality of playgrounds for children. Two grant schemes were put in place in 2004 as a direct result of the publication of the policy to provide for increased play provision for children, as follows. The local authority playground grants scheme, launched in 2004, was jointly administered by the National Children's Office, NCO, and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and provided up to 50% funding for the development of new, or renovation of existing, playgrounds. A total of just over €2 million was allocated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the county and city councils under the scheme. The 32 new or refurbished playgrounds being developed under this scheme represent a total investment of approximately €4,200,000 and the locations are set out in Appendix 1.

The scheme was continued in 2005 with some changes. On this occasion the scheme was wholly administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Each local authority was allocated a grant of €60,000 to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment which could be spent on one or more facilities. The total expenditure under this scheme in 2005 is €2,040,000 and the locations are set out in Appendix 2.

The RAPID playground grants scheme was also launched in 2004. Funding of €3 million —€1.5 million from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and €1.5 million from the Department of Health and Children — was provided to support the development of new or refurbishment of existing playgrounds in RAPID areas. Each Strand I RAPID area received a total allocation of €72,000 and each Strand II RAPID area received a total allocation of €60,000. The local authority in consultation with the relevant area implementation team selected the projects to be supported. A total of 22 playgrounds have been built, to date, in some of the most disadvantaged areas in the country, at the locations set out in Appendix 3. This scheme was also continued in 2005 with RAPID areas again receiving grants totalling €3 million.

It was a condition of both schemes outlined above, drawn up in consultation with the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, that insurance and maintenance costs of playgrounds built under the scheme would be met by the local authority.

While playgrounds are usually aimed at pre-school and primary school children, some of the playgrounds funded under the schemes were for older children, particularly in the large Dublin areas. The most recent figures available to the NCO suggest that a total of 43 playgrounds have been completed and are now open to the public since the publication of the play policy. It should be noted that in recent years, many local authorities have been putting additional investment into play facilities over and above the matching funding required in the scheme outlined above, thus further increasing the numbers of playgrounds.

While the NCO, which is fully funded by my Department, has an overall role in supporting implementation of the national play policy, individual Departments retain responsibility for implementation of actions falling within their remit. In the context of playgrounds, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has lead responsibility in relation to the provision of playgrounds.

APPENDIX 1

Grants allocated under the 2004 Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme by location

Local Authority

Location of Playground

Amount Approved

Carlow County Council

Leighlinbridge*

40,000

Cavan County Council

Ballyjamesduff*

50,000

Clare County Council

Cloughleigh, Ennis*

50,000

Cork City Council

Loughmahon Park

70,000

Cork County Council

Charleville*

42,000

Cork County Council

Ballincollig*

72,000

Donegal County Council

Donegal Town*

50,000

Dublin City Council

Johnstown Park*

88,000

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Cabinteely*

84,000

Fingal County Council

Millennium Park, Blanchardstown

140,000

Galway City Council

Castlepark

64,000

Galway County Council

Loughrea

100,000

Kerry County Council

Ballybunion

80,000

Kildare County Council

Kildare Town

72,000

Kilkenny County Council

Callan

70,000

Laois County Council

Portarlington*

65,000

Leitrim County Council

Mohill*

41,000

Limerick City Council

Shelbourne Park

89,000

Longford County Council

Granard

49,000

Louth County Council

Dundalk

72,000

Mayo County Council

Ballyhaunis*

60,000

Meath County Council

Athboy*

50,000

Monaghan County Council

Newbliss Village*

17,000

Offaly County Council

Tullamore*

70,000

Roscommon County Council

Loughnaneane Park*

90,000

Sligo County Council

Dramore West*

54,000

South Dublin County Council

Tymon Park

115,000

Tipperary (NR) County Council

Loughtagalla, Thurles*

47,000

Tipperary (SR) County Council

Fair Green, Carrick-on-Suir*

63,000

Waterford City Council

Williamstown

80,000

Waterford County Council

Tallow*

40,000

Westmeath County Council

Kinnegad

40,000

Wexford County Council

Enniscorthy*

45,000

Wicklow County Council

Kilmacanogue*

57,000

Total:

2,074,000

* Confirmed by city/county council as completed and open to the public.

APPENDIX 2

Grants allocated under the 2005 Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme by location

Local Authority

Location of Playground

Amount Approved

Carlow County Council

(a) Hacketstown, (b) Borris

60,000

Cavan County Council

(a) Kilnalack, (b) Ballinagh

60,000

Clare County Council

(a) Ballyvaughan, (b) Lildysart Village

60,000

Cork County Council

(a) Passage West, (b) Whitegate/Aghada

60,000

Donegal County Council

(a) Stranolar, (b) Milford

60,000

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

(a) Loreto, (b) Kilbogget, (c) Sallynoggin

60,000

Fingal County Council

(a) Fortlawn Community Centre

60,000

Galway County Council

(a) Clifden

60,000

Kerry County Council

(a) Caherciveen, (b) Waterville

60,000

Kildare County Council

(a) Clane, (b) Monasterevin, (c) Kilcullen

60,000

Kilkenny County Council

(a) Fairgreen, Callan

60,000

Laois County Council

(a) Mountmellick, (b) Abbeyleix, (c) Mountrath

60,000

Leitrim County Council

(a) Manorhamilton

60,000

Limerick County Council

(a) Newcastle West, (b) Abbeyfeale

60,000

Longford County Council

(a) Ballymahon, (b) Lanesboro

60,000

Louth County Council

(a) Callystown, Clogherhead

60,000

Mayo County Council

(a) McMahon Pk, Claremorris

60,000

Meath County Council

(a) Dunshaughlin Village

60,000

Monaghan County Council

(a) Carrickmacross, (b) Castleblayney

60,000

Offaly County Council

(a) Wilmer Rd, Birr

60,000

Roscommon County Council

(a) Boyle, (b) Ballaghadereen

60,000

Sligo County Council

(a) Riverstown, (b) Tubbercurry

60,000

South Dublin County Council

(a) Corkagh Pk, Clondalkin

60,000

Tipperary North County Council

(a) St. Paul’s, Nenagh

60,000

Tipp (South) County Council

(a) Main Street, Clogheen

60,000

Waterford County Council

(a) Lismore, (b) Kilmacthomas, (c) Dunmore East

60,000

Westmeath County Council

(a) Regional Sports Centre, Athlone

60,000

Wexford County Council

(a) Davidstown, Enniscorthy

60,000

Wicklow County Council

(a) Blessington, (b) Newcastle, (c) Kilcoole

60,000

Cork City

(a) Meelick Park

60,000

Dublin City Council

(a) Ringsend

60,000

Galway City

(a) Ard na Choiste, Castlegar, (b) Bth na Choiste, (c) Castlegar

60,000

Limerick City

(a) Peoples Park

60,000

Waterford City

(a) Butler Comm Cnt, (b) St. John’s Park

60,000

Total

2,040,000

APPENDIX 3

Grants allocated under the RAPID Playground Grants Scheme by location

RAPID — STRAND 1

Area

Dept. CRGA

Dept. Health & Children

Dublin City Council

Dublin South West Inner City (Canals & Kimmage/Crumlin)

36,000

36,000

Dublin South Inner City *

36,000

36,000

Dublin North West Inner City *

36,000

36,000

Dublin North East Inner City*

36,000

36,000

Dublin South East Inner City *

36,000

36,000

Finglas

36,000

36,000

Dublin Northside (Darndale/Belcamp)

36,000

36,000

Dublin Ballymun

36,000

36,000

Fingal County Council

Blanchardstown

36,000

36,000

South Dublin County Council

Tallaght — Killinarden

36,000

36,000

Tallaght — Fettercairn

36,000

36,000

Tallaght — Jobstown

36,000

36,000

Clondalkin

36,000

36,000

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire

36,000

36,000

Wicklow County Council

Bray

36,000

36,000

Louth County Council

Dundalk *

36,000

36,000

Drogheda *

36,000

36,000

Cork City Council

Knocknaheeney/Churchfield

36,000

36,000

Fairhill/Gurranebraher/Farranree

36,000

36,000

Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield

36,000

36,000

Togher/Mahon

36,000

36,000

Limerick City Council

Ballynanty/Kileely

36,000

36,000

Kings Island *

36,000

36,000

South Limerick City *

36,000

36,000

Waterford City Council

Waterford

36,000

36,000

RAPID — STRAND 2

Area

Dept. CRGA

Dept. Health & Children

Westmeath County Council

Athlone

30,000

30,000

Kildare County Council

Athy

30,000

30,000

Galway County Council

Ballinasloe*

30,000

30,000

Tuam

30,000

30,000

Cavan County Council

Cavan*

30,000

30,000

South Tipperary County Council

Carrick-on-Suir*

30,000

30,000

Clonmel *

30,000

30,000

Tipperary*

30,000

30,000

Carlow County Council

Carlow

30,000

30,000

Clare County Council

Ennis*

30,000

30,000

Galway City Council

Galway

30,000

30,000

Kilkenny County Council

Kilkenny*

30,000

30,000

Longford County Council

Longford

30,000

30,000

Cork County Council

Mallow*

30,000

30,000

Youghal*

30,000

30,000

Meath County Council

Navan*

30,000

30,000

Wexford County Council

New Ross*

30,000

30,000

Wexford*

30,000

30,000

Sligo County Council

Sligo*

30,000

30,000

Kerry County Council

Tralee *

30,000

30,000

Total funding approved for playgrounds in RAPID designated areas: €3,000,000 in 2004 and €3,000,000 in 2005.

* 2004 playground projects completed.

Nursing Home Subventions.

David Stanton

Question:

248 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is Government policy for the value of a person’s residence to be taken into account when decisions are being taken regarding levels of subvention or enhanced subvention to be paid in respect of nursing home assistance for persons with Alzheimer’s or dementia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28758/05]

The Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 allows for the payment of a subvention towards the cost of private nursing home care based on a dependency and means assessment. The criteria used in determining a person's eligibility for subvention are set out in the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993. The subvention scheme was introduced to assist with the cost of private nursing home care and it was never intended that a subvention payment would meet the full costs of private nursing home care. It should be noted that the regulations governing means assessment were devised to try to provide an equitable system of payment and to direct available resources to those most in need. These regulations apply to all applicants for a subvention.

The Second Schedule to the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993 sets out the general rules for the assessment of means in respect of an application for a nursing home subvention. "Means" for the purposes of these regulations are the income and the imputed value of assets of a person in respect of whom a subvention is being sought and the income and imputed income of his or her spouse. Article 13 of the Second Schedule to the regulations states that the Health Service Executive "may impute an annual income equivalent to 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of the person, if it was not occupied immediately prior to or at the time of the application by a spouse, a son or daughter aged less than 21 years or in full time education or a relative in receipt of the disabled person's maintenance allowance, blind person's pernsion, disability benefit, invalidity pension or old age non-contributory pension."

Article 22 of the Second Schedule provides that the executive may refuse to pay a subvention to a person if his or her principal residence is valued at £75,000, €95,230, or more and is not occupied by a spouse, a son or daughter aged less than 21 years or in full time education or a relative in receipt of the disabled person's maintenance allowance, blind person's pension, disability benefit, invalidity pension or old age non-contributory pension and the person's income is greater than €6,350 per annum.

My Department is currently reviewing the subvention scheme and the current thresholds set out in the regulations will be examined as part of that review.

Adoption Services.

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

249 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on negotiations towards a bilateral agreement between Irish and Russian authorities on adoption, to facilitate adoption between the two states following discussions between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Foreign Minister in July 2005; the progress that is being made on Ireland’s ratification of the Hague Convention in view of the fact that Ireland became a signatory to same over nine years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28759/05]

Further to the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Foreign Minister in July 2005 at which it was decided to follow up at official level the question of pursuing a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia on intercountry adoption, the Adoption Board has been in ongoing contact with the Irish Embassy in Moscow. Ambassador Harman met with the director of the department of governmental youth policy, upbringing and social welfare of children on 21 September 2005 to further discuss the matter and follow up action is being taken on foot of that meeting. It is important to note, however, that it is not possible at this stage to confirm either a timeframe for the completion of the negotiations or whether or not such negotiations will result in a successful outcome.

Legislation to ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 1993 was prepared by my Department and forwarded to the parliamentary counsel for drafting. It is hoped the Bill will be published in early 2006.

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

250 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have been refused a medical card, for each of the past five years, on a county basis; if she will provide a listing of the categories of refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28762/05]

Michael Ring

Question:

252 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders for each of the past five years, on a county basis; the number of persons who were under the financial guidelines to qualify; and the number granted on medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28765/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 252 together.

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.

Cancer Incidence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

251 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of concerns raised regarding the long-term damage to young people’s health of using sunbeds when under the age of 16, guidelines for their use have been drawn up; if a proposal for licensing public fee paying sunbeds has been considered; if there has been an increase in inspections of such sunbeds to ensure that they are functioning properly in view of the fact that malfunctioning equipment can have adverse effects and accelerate skin cancers; if she has authorised a public health campaign, warning of the dangers of sunbeds to young teenagers and children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28764/05]

I can assure the Deputy that I share his concerns regarding the use of sunbeds. I am advised by the medical staff in my Department that ultraviolet light, either through natural exposure or sunbed exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma. The use of sunbeds leads to damage from ultraviolet radiation in the same way as sunlight exposure. Exposure in childhood is associated with even greater risks of subsequent melanoma.

I am aware that the national cancer forum has been considering measures to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the context of the development of the new national cancer strategy. I expect that the forum will consider it necessary to complement current efforts to promote safe sun practices and to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation with the regulation and restriction of the use of sunbeds to use by adults only. The forum is currently finalising the strategy and I expect it to be completed by the end of the year. I will then bring the document to Government and publish it as soon as possible thereafter.

The health promotion unit of my Department works in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society to develop health promotion programmes with communities and workplaces and to undertake regular public information and awareness campaigns that focus on cancer prevention, risk prevention and early detection. A consumer information sheet on possible risks from sunbeds and sunlamps and the appropriate precautions is available from the Irish Cancer Society. A "Sunsmart" campaign is organised each year by the society to increase awareness of risk factors for skin cancer. With regard to sunbeds the society advises that they are not a safe way to tan. In particular, the society advises that people should not use sunbeds if they have skin which always sunburns with no ability to tan or sunburns quite easily with only an ability to develop a light tan; are less than 18 years of age; have large numbers of moles; tend to freckle; have a history of frequent childhood sunburn; have pre-malignant or malignant skin lesions; have sun damaged skin; are wearing cosmetics, which may increase sensitivity to UV exposure; or are taking medication. In this case persons should seek advice from their doctor to determine if the medication will make them UV radiation sensitive. This advice is in line with the World Health Organisation recommendations for the management of sunbed operations which incorporate the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.

Question No. 252 answered with QuestionNo. 250.

Health services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

253 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the potential to change the system through which orthodontic services are delivered will be investigated; and the need to respond to those requiring these critical services. [28886/05]

In recent years there have been several reviews of the orthodontic service. Formed at the invitation of the Department, a group representative of health board management and consultant orthodontists reviewed the orthodontic service and produced a report in 1998 entitled the Moran report. The objective of this review was to ensure equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards. Furthermore, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, OJCHC, also carried out a review of orthodontic services which culminated in the publication of its report, The Orthodontic Service in Ireland, in 2002. This was followed by a further review by the health board chief executive officers of the orthodontic service to consider the OJCHC's report and assess progress with implementing the Moran report. The OJCHC has also published a follow up to its 2002 report on the orthodontic service in Ireland.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a number of measures have been adopted to improve orthodontic services on a national basis. The grade of specialist in orthodontics has been created in the orthodontic service. My Department and the Health Service Executive, HSE, have funded 22 dentists from various HSE areas for specialist in orthodontics qualifications at training programmes in Ireland and at three separate universities in the United Kingdom. The most recent group of 13 trainees have now completed their training and have taken up posts in the HSE since 1 October 2005. This means that almost half the orthodontists in Ireland are now working in the public health service.

My Department has been informed by the HSE that, at the end of the June 2005 quarter, there were 23,216 patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. This means that there are over twice as many patients getting orthodontic treatment as there are waiting to be treated and more than 7,000 extra patients are getting treatment from the HSE since the end of the June 2001 quarter. The improvement in quality of treatment and numbers being treated is directly attributable to the steps that have already been taken and will continue to be taken to ensure ongoing improvements to the service. The addition of 13 specialists in orthodontics to the service since 1 October 2005 will have a further significant impact on numbers in treatment and waiting lists.

My Department has met the HSE regarding the latest Oireachtas joint committee report. Since that meeting the HSE, in order to ensure ongoing training, has committed funding for the training of a further four orthodontists. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is considering each of the recommendations set out in the report of the Oireachtas joint committee.

John Curran

Question:

254 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if free dental check-ups and treatments for children attending a small school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be arranged. [28888/05]

The statutory position governing the entitlement of children to dental treatment under the Health Service Executive, HSE, service is section 66 of the Health Act 1970 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations 2000, S.I. No. 248 of 2000. Section 66(3) of the Health Act 1970 states that "When the governing body of a school which is not a national school so requests, a health board may at its discretion by order apply this section to the school".

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.

Dan Boyle

Question:

255 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the reason methadone treatment is not available in many areas of the country; and the plans there are to expand this service. [28969/05]

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 Charges.

David Stanton

Question:

256 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the practice of health authorities holding the pension books of elderly patients to pay for their long-term care has reconvened following the reintroduction of nursing home charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28970/05]

David Stanton

Question:

257 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the practice of regional health offices holding the pension books of older persons in public nursing homes following the reintroduction of nursing home charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28971/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.

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.

Hospital Staff.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

258 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a full-time cardiologist will be appointed at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, County Kerry as Kerry has the highest rate of cardiac related illnesses in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28972/05]

In April 2004, funding of €500,000 was allocated to the Southern Health Board under the cardiovascular health strategy. The funding enabled the board to establish a consultant-led cardiology service for patients in Kerry for the first time. A consultant cardiologist was appointed in March 2005 by way of a sessional partnership between Bon Secours Hospital in Tralee and Kerry General Hospital. The provision of additional consultant posts will proceed within the context of the restructuring of the acute hospital services and the negotiation of a new contract for hospital consultants.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

259 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when tenders will be invited for the proposed new hospital in Dingle, County Kerry following the Government’s announcement on 18 June 2005 that the hospital was approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28973/05]

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.

Voluntary Groups.

Liam Twomey

Question:

260 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will meet the owners of Pilgrim House; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28974/05]

Liam Twomey

Question:

261 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the crisis at Pilgrim House and its ability to care for adult men with learning disabilities; the way in which this may affect other voluntary groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28975/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.

While I am aware that there have been difficulties between Pilgrim House and the Health Service Executive, I understand that the executive has nominated two individuals who will engage shortly with the Pilgrim House in order to outline the possible implications of a service review. In the circumstances, I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to meet with representatives of Pilgrim House at this time.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

262 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme will be expedited and if funds will be provided in order that the work will be carried out to the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28984/05]

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. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.

National Drugs Strategy.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

263 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the midlands regional task force Darkness on the Edge of Town into heroin misuse in Athlone and Portlaoise; her views on whether the report’s finding that the location of a treatment centre in Athlone, with a transient clientele from Dublin, had contributed considerably to heroin use in the area; her further views on the need for a dedicated addiction service response for those aged under 18 who are misusing drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28985/05]

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. However, the Deputy may be aware that my Department recently published a report entitled Report of the Working Group on Treatment of Under 18 year olds Presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems. Action 49 of the national drugs strategy 2001-2008 related to the development of a protocol for the treatment of under 18 year olds presenting to drug services with serious drug misuse problems.

In response to this action a working group was established comprising statutory and non-statutory representation. The group undertook a number of initiatives including a review of services within the former ERHA and of service gaps nationally. The group's report sets out a framework for the delivery of drug treatment services for under 18 year olds.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

264 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the report The Health of Irish Students which shows a significant level of drug abuse among college students here; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that drug use among students in the 15-25 age bracket is higher than among those of a similar age in the general population; the steps she will take to implement the report’s ten recommendations for positive health for students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28986/05]

I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. This report entitled The Health of Irish Students was commissioned by the health promotion unit of my Department and published earlier this year. The report provides a national student lifestyle profile and is the result of a national lifestyle survey among undergraduate full time students in 21 third level colleges in Ireland. The health promotion unit is co-sponsoring a two day conference with various stakeholders including the Higher Education Authority, Health Service Executive, Students Union of Ireland etc. to examine ways of responding in a positive manner to the recommendations outlined in the report.

Tobacco Control.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

265 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28987/05]

I intend to bring a motion before the Oireachtas shortly seeking approval for the ratification by Ireland of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The convention is an initiative of the World Health Organisation in response to the global epidemic of tobacco addiction. The treaty, which was adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly in May 2003 and signed by Ireland in September 2003, provides an agreed approach to tobacco control at a global level. This will be the first binding international treaty that addresses all aspects of tobacco control — the traditional health interventions such as advertising and sponsorship bans; passive smoking; and retail licensing. It also addresses economic and trade issues including taxation policy, international trade and smuggling. Other areas include product specification and issues of compensation and liability.

Ireland is a strong advocate of effective tobacco control policies and of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and has consistently pressed these policies nationally and internationally in order to protect public health and reduce deaths from tobacco related illness. To enable the treaty to come into force, ratification by 40 states is necessary and this figure was achieved at the end of last year. Ireland is committed to effective tobacco control policies. Our smoke-free workplace initiative which commenced in March 2004 has drawn favourable comment from public health authorities around the world as an effective public health instrument in tackling the negative health effects of tobacco smoking. A number of other jurisdictions are using the Irish experience as a basis for similar health interventions.

Services for People with Disabilities.

John McGuinness

Question:

266 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical officer’s report has been completed in relation to an application under the disabled persons grant scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [28988/05]

The preparation of medical reports at the request of local authorities in respect of applicants for the disabled person's grant is a service provided by the Health Service Executive from within existing resources. 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.

John McGuinness

Question:

267 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical officer’s report has been completed in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [28990/05]

The preparation of medical reports at the request of local authorities in respect of applicants for the disabled person's grant is a service provided by the Health Service Executive from within existing resources. 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.

Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Health Services.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

269 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the amalgamation of health boards into the Health Service Executive will result in equal access to services such as front line speech therapy and occupational therapy, the availability of which varies considerably depending on where the applicant seeking the therapy is based; the instruction she has given to the Health Service Executive regarding the provision of such front line therapies and the appointment of staff; if the Health Service Executive is limited in its ability to appoint new staff as a result of an embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28998/05]

Equal access for equal need is a core value for the delivery of publicly funded services including access in terms of timing and geographic location and is a key principle of the national health strategy. The establishment of the Health Service Executive, arising from the rationalisation of the health boards and other health service agencies under the health service reform programme, has reduced fragmentation in the health system and is aimed at achieving consistency in service delivery across the country.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of therapies. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the HSE to reply directly regarding the issue of staffing levels.

Hospital Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

270 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, following interviews for the position in July 2005, the Health Service Executive has appointed a third consultant radiation oncologist at Galway Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29001/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

271 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a second permanent consultant medical oncologist has been appointed at Galway Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29002/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the recruitment of consultant staff, which is 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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

272 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding provision of outreach oncology consultancy services at the County Hospital, Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29003/05]

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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

273 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the ongoing delay in appointing a consultant physician at the County Hospital, Roscommon; the timeframe for making this appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29004/05]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

274 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 419 of 17 February 2004, the number of patients being catered for at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon; the staffing levels at the hospital; the number of vacant nursing positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29005/05]

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.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

275 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 7 October 2004, the date for the completion of the business plan for the modernisation of services in east Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29006/05]

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.

Hospital Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

276 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to recruit a senior dental surgeon for special needs to provide services to the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon; the interim plans that are in place to provide for the day to day dental care of the residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29007/05]

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.

Hospital Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

277 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in opening the nine bed medical assessment unit in the accident and emergency department of the County Hospital, Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29008/05]

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that the medical assessment unit at Roscommon County Hospital has opened. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the reasons for the delay in opening the unit investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

278 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 22 March 2005, the Health Service Executive has appointed an audiologist for adult services, an audiologist for children’s services and a senior audiologist to provide audiology services at the County Hospital, Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29009/05]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

279 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has appointed a consultant anaesthetist at the County Hospital, Roscommon; the reason for the delay in appointing a permanent consultant physician at Portiuncula Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29010/05]

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 Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

280 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to recruit a senior area medical officer to provide community services for the Roscommon area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29011/05]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

281 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to fill the two paramedical vacancies at the County Hospital, Roscommon; the paramedical vacancy in community services in Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29012/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

282 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to fill the five paramedical vacancies in community services in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29013/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

283 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to fill the two paramedical vacancies at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe; the reason for the delay in making permanent appointments to two other paramedical positions at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29014/05]

Denis Naughten

Question:

284 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to fill the vacancies of two psychiatric social workers, one chief pharmacist and one occupational therapist in mental health and older persons services in East Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29015/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 to 284, inclusive, together.

The Deputy's questions relate to human resource management issues 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

285 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards issued in counties Roscommon and Leitrim for the most recent year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29016/05]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

286 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected delivery date for the 2005 replacement ambulances for Roscommon and Ballinasloe ambulance stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29017/05]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

287 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the date for the opening of the stroke unit at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe; her plans to develop other stroke units within the Health Service Executive western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29018/05]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

288 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 2 March 2005, the value and number of uncashed cheques issued by the Southern Health Board in each of the past five years; the elements which are EU and State funds in each respective year; the purposes for which these funds are utilised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29019/05]

The HSE Southern Area sent the following reply to Deputy Naughten on 11 March in response to the parliamentary question he asked on 2 March 2005:

Year (issued)

Number of Cheques

Total Value

1999

390

83,938.13

2000

536

68,161.15

2001

757

151,616.93

2002

499

213,861.24

2003

342

149,860.31

All of the above mentioned cheques were originally State funded. These uncashed cheques are taken in as receipts annually — 2003 taken in as receipts in 2004. Funds are subsequently used to provide health services in the southern area.

My Department has asked the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the information updated and to forward the reply directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

289 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the completion date for the upgrading of facilities at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe to include upgrade of all ward areas, kitchenettes and accident and emergency and physiotherapy departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29020/05]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

290 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the upgrades planned for the accident and emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe; if she has satisfied herself that these upgrades will be sufficient to meet the hospital’s needs in view of the fact that the hospital dealt with 18,548 accident and emergency cases in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29021/05]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

291 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the completion date for the refurbishment of the HSSD department in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe; if additional money has been allocated to equip the department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29022/05]

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.

Hospital Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

292 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if accident and emergency and acute services will be continued or discontinued at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29043/05]

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 Service Reform.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

293 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to implement the Hanly report; if she plans to withdraw it; the reason for the decision she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29044/05]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

294 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all hospitals which were to lose their accident and emergency services under the Hanly report will still be subject to downgrading if her Department does not implement the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29045/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

The report of the national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report, made a series of important recommendations regarding changes needed in NCHD work patterns to meet the requirements of the European working time directive and the development of hospital services. Responsibility for building on the recommendations of the report regarding the organisation of hospital services has been transferred from the Department to the national hospitals office, NHO. The NHO's key priority is to ensure that patients, wherever they live, have equitable and rapid access to high quality hospital care.

The implementation of the recommendations in the task force report will be advanced over the coming years. The Department and the NHO will continue the planned investment in new hospital facilities, new consultant posts in a team based system and the organisation of services around hospital networks.

Pre-School Services.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

295 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to provide additional pre-school learning support hours over and above the standard six hours currently available to children with learning disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29046/05]

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 Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

296 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a detailed list of the personnel within the Health Service Executive western area for the purposes of making contact for representations (details supplied). [29048/05]

The following information has been provided by the Health Service Executive regarding contact details for personnel within the Health Service Executive western area: Primary, community and continuing care directorate, non-acute hospital services, local health office, County Galway: Priya Prendergast, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway; Telephone: 091-546312, E-mail: priya.prendergast@mailn.hse.ie. Local health office, County Mayo: Frank Murray, County Clinic, Castlebar, County Mayo; Telephone: 094-9049064 E-mail: frank.murray@mailn.hse.ie. Local health office, County Roscommon: Frank Murphy, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon; Tel: 090-6637557 E-mail: frank.murphy@mailn.hse.ie. National hospitals office directorate, acute hospital services,hospital network manager: Angela Kerrigan, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway; Tel: 091-775406 E-mail: AngelaT.Kerrigan@mailn.hse.ie. Parliamentary affairs division regional office Mary O’Brien, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway; Tel: 091-775403 E-mail: marya.obrien@mailn.hse.ie.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

297 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the supports that are available for a parent (details supplied) whose child has been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. [29051/05]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

298 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been admitted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for medical treatment. [29088/05]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

299 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the ambulance transport service has been curtailed in the western area of the Health Service Executive whereby only certain persons (details supplied) in County Galway are now eligible for the service; the reason patients were not informed of this decision; if he plans to restore this vital service without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29089/05]

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.

Question No. 300 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Computerisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

301 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the contract with iSoft for HIS was signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29144/05]

The HSE has advised that the formal contract was signed on Saturday, 30 April 2005. This is in accordance with the Department of Finance approval which issued to the HSE on 16 May and refers to confirming oral sanction given to HSE over the telephone on 29 April with regard to the signing of a contract with iSoft.

Enda Kenny

Question:

302 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the circumstances under which she halted the rollout of iSoft in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29145/05]

In April 2000, the South Eastern Health Board sought tenders for a suite of hospital information systems on behalf of five health boards and selected hospitals within the Eastern Regional Health Authority. With the creation of HeBE, the proposal became a national one and was handled by HeBE in terms of a national approach. HeBE approached the Department for funding in the context of the national health information strategy and indicated that they wished to place the contract with iSoft on behalf of the health service. The business case for taking that particular supplier was made as a result of a consultancy study carried out by Deloitte & Touche in October 2003.

In late 2003 HeBE had been pressing the Department for an approval to sign the contract and a submission was made to the Minister setting out the case for a hospital information system. The Secretary General raised issues concerning the operational support of the system and indicated that time should be allowed to ensure that a correct decision was made. The Minister raised issues regarding tendering requirements, suitability for major hospitals and the approval that would be required from the Department of Finance. The Minister decided to await a report on these issues before making any decisions on the project.

Subsequently, the interim Health Service Executive sought independent advice on the system and the Health Service Executive sought approval for the system early in 2005. Department of Finance approval of 2005, which was essentially for the replacement of two old health board sites and approval for national rollout was subject to a number of stringent conditions. There has to be further agreement from the Department of Finance before the project as originally submitted can begin.

Departmental Meetings.

Enda Kenny

Question:

303 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the health services capital programme, including PPARS was discussed at her Department’s MAC meetings that were attended by Ministers during 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29146/05]

PPARS was funded each year from within the annual current and capital Estimates. Successive Ministers have been involved in agreeing the overall capital requirement for ICT, which was also examined by the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children and approved by the Dáil. In particular, the health service capital programme which includes PPARS was discussed at the Department's MAC meetings attended by Ministers during 2003 and 2004. It is the Tánaiste's practice not to attend MAC meetings of her Department but officials have on occasion discussed the capital programme with the Tánaiste.

Hospitals Ethos.

John Gormley

Question:

304 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the imposition of religious ethos by hospital authorities on taxpayers who may be of a different religion or of no religion; the steps she will take to avoid hospitals’ religious ethos preventing optimal treatment for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29147/05]

John Gormley

Question:

305 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the constitutional review group’s judgment that hospitals should not be debarred from public funding provided they do not discriminate on grounds of religious practice or belief, save where this can be shown in any given case to be necessary in order to maintain hospitals’ own religious ethos; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29148/05]

John Gormley

Question:

306 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she still maintains that she would not wish to interfere in the ethos of any institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29149/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 306, inclusive together.

I am aware of the constitution review group's view that institutions which retain a religious ethos should not be debarred from public funding, provided that they do not discriminate on grounds of religious practice or belief, save where this can be shown in any given case to be necessary in order to maintain their own religious ethos. Such instances would, I hope, be extremely rare.

Computerisation Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

307 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the iSoft information technology system is currently in use in the health services; the cost of this system to the Exchequer thus far; her plans for future use of the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29150/05]

For a number of years, iSoft systems have been installed at Cork University Hospital, Kerry General Hospital and the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospital, Tallaght.

I am informed by the Health Service Executive that in February 2005, the board of the Health Service Executive approved the implementation of an integrated patient management system to be implemented across the entire system at hospital and community level over the next ten years. The board approved a maximum figure for the project of €400 million over ten years. However, this does not infer that the estimated cost will be incurred.

The HSE has advised that the formal contract was signed on Saturday, 30 April 2005, in the amount of €56 million payable to iSoft over the ten year period. This is in accordance with the Department of Finance approval which issued to the HSE on 16 May and refers to confirming oral sanction given to HSE by telephone on 29 April concerning the signing of a contract with iSoft and is subject to a number of conditions being fulfilled by the HSE. The HSE must revert to the Department of Finance before any national rollout takes place.

Nursing Home Charges.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

308 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of her advice to Dáil Éireann on 11 October 2005, that 15,000 applications for repayment of charges for care in long stay residential homes and institutions have been processed; the approach and methodology these and all other awaiting applicants should employ in order to have their cases considered and processed; the projected timeframe for the presentation of required legislation; when repayments will commence; when it is anticipated that the full assessment and repayment process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29151/05]

The Government has agreed the key elements of a scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded residential care. However, full details of the scheme have yet to be finalised. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that an outside company with experience in handling mass claims will be engaged by it in November to provide an independent input into the design and administration of the scheme. It is my intention to have legislation brought before the Oireachtas during the next parliamentary session and to commence repayments shortly after the Bill is approved and signed into law.

A national helpline has been set up by the Health Service Executive to allow people to register if they believe they or a family member may be due a repayment. More than 18,000 applications have been registered with the executive to date. This helpline will continue to operate but there is no need for anyone who has already registered using this facility to make contact again to register for the scheme.

Question No. 309 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Departmental Reviews.

Seán Crowe

Question:

310 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report of the working group on medical training and education; if she will publish the report; and her plans for the implementation of its recommendations. [29153/05]

I have received the reports of the postgraduate medical education and training group, the Buttimer report, and the working group on undergraduate medical education and training, the Fottrell report. Each report contains a detailed plan of action for the implementation of its recommendations. Both reports are under consideration by my Department and by the Department of Education and Science and it is intended to bring them to Government in due course with a view to their publication.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

John McGuinness

Question:

311 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an operation to remove a cataract will be arranged as soon as possible for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if a decision on the matter will be expedited. [29154/05]

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 Service Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

312 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the regional health areas where there is a consultant with responsibility for palliative care; when each of those consultants were appointed; and the reason one area does not have such an appointment. [29155/05]

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.

Paul McGrath

Question:

313 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the core funding supplied by her for hospice care support in each health region in each of the past five years; and the reason there is a discrepancy in funding between those regions. [29156/05]

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 McGrath

Question:

314 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding available from her Department for the Irish Hospice Foundation for each of the past five years; and the staff numbers to which these funds relate for each of those years. [29157/05]

A once off grant of €55,000 was provided to the Irish Hospice Foundation from this Department's capital allocation in 2003 towards the establishment of an information centre.

With regard to the further information requested by the Deputy, this 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.

Paul McGrath

Question:

315 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the location of each palliative care unit funded by her Department; the year each of these was established; the funding provided to each of these in each of the past five years and the staff numbers in each of these units. [29158/05]

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.

Question No. 316 withdrawn.

John McGuinness

Question:

317 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is the Health Service Executive or her Department that sets the criteria for qualification for home help; if the criteria is the same in every area if set at county or regional level; the reason the criteria was changed so dramatically in County Kilkenny; if the change was caused by lack of funding; if funding was reduced or cut back; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29160/05]

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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

318 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses here who have been overpaid under PPARS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29161/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

319 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hospitals nationally in which nursing staff were overpaid under PPARS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29162/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 319 together.

I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the total number of nurses overpaid under PPARS is 258, in a total of 49 hospitals. To put this in context, I advise the Deputy that for the three HSE regions concerned — the midland, mid-western and north-western regions but excluding St. James's Hospital — there are 9,568 nurses on the payroll, almost 190,000 payments have been made through PPARS, and 130 nurses were overpaid in these areas. The HSE is satisfied that the overpayments in the main have resulted from incorrect entry of data on the system or the late input of data, rather than from flaws in the configuration of the PPARS system. In interpreting this figure, the Deputy should note that, unlike the old systems, PPARS deems even a single cent over to be an overpayment and hence the numbers of overpayments can appear much greater in comparison to the old systems.

I am advised that an upgrade of the system has occurred on the weekend of 2 October 2005, which will result in staff being more accurately paid, and a further 651 nurses will be impacted. The net value of these payments is very small, as a number of employees had also been underpaid. This upgrade will result in more accurate payments for allowances and deductions for part-periods, which were not dealt with automatically under the old manual payroll systems.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

320 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure in place for the repayment of money mistakenly overpaid under PPARS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29163/05]

Each agency had its specific procedure for recoupments except for recoupments identified as part of the upgrade in September 2005 where a national agreement was made. Prior to the upgrade in September 2005 there was no national agreement in place for overpayments. The following was agreed nationally and communicated to trade unions at national and local level, namely, that for recoupment values less than €15, employees were notified in advance through internal notification — notices on notice boards, internal e-mail and through line managers. The recoupment value is listed on employees' October 2005 payslips as advance notice. The recoupments will be deducted from employees in November 2005. For recoupment values greater than €15, a separate letter is being issued to the individual employees advising them of the arrangements. The recoupment value is listed on employees' October 2005 payslips as advance notice. Employees are being contacted during October 2005 to agree a repayment process. Repayments can be made over a number of pay periods and this is based on the amount due.

Prior to the upgrade in September 2005 there was no national agreement in place for overpayments, and the following agency agreements were operated. The process for recovery of overpayments in the north-western area is as follows: identification of overpayment is made; the recoupment is agreed with the employee; for smaller amounts recoupment is made in the next available pay cycle; and for larger amounts the period is agreed with the employee and, as a rule of thumb, should be less than one year. The amount may extend beyond one year on occasions if the amount involved is large.

The process for recovery of overpayments in the midland area is as follows: for small amounts the overpayment is recouped in the next available pay cycle; and the maximum period allowed for repayment is two years.

Regarding the mid-western area, once an overpayment has been identified the employee is notified and recoupments are made in accordance with an agreed repayment schedule.

At St. James's Hospital, the payroll department will not deduct an overpayment unless agreed with the employee or, in the absence of employee agreement, the payroll department will initiate a repayment plan resulting in a 5% fortnightly or 10% monthly deduction of the total amount overpaid.

Hospital Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

321 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to recruit an adequate number of doctors and consultants to operate the new 21 bed unit at Wexford General Hospital. [29164/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

322 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps which are being taken to recruit an adequate number of nursing staff to operate the new 21 bed unit at Wexford General Hospital. [29165/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

323 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps which are being taken to procure the necessary equipment for the new 21-bed unit at Wexford General Hospital. [29166/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 to 323, 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 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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

324 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all the necessary equipment has been procured for phase 2 of St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29167/05]

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. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting 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 Kehoe

Question:

325 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when phase two of St. John’s Hospital in Enniscorthy will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29168/05]

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. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Liam Twomey

Question:

326 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the ambulance service for Wexford town will change from on call to on duty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29169/05]

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.

Liam Twomey

Question:

327 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the ambulance control service for the south east, which is based at Wexford General Hospital, will be moved to Cork under recent plans to reorganise the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29170/05]

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.

Question No. 328 answered with QuestionNo. 165.

Organ Retention.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

329 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the state of the inquiry conducted by Dr. Deirdre Madden, BL, into post mortem practice and procedure, especially in relation to children; the reason the abandoned Dunne report could not be published in its then state; the further reason it merely reported on three hospitals out of approximately 200; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29172/05]

Following a review of all inquiries by the Attorney General during mid-2004, the Government decided in September 2004 that the Dunne post mortem inquiry should submit its report on or before 31 March 2005, on which date the inquiry would cease to exist. The chairman, Ms Anne Dunne, SC, submitted her report on the due date. However, following consultation with the Attorney General, I was advised that for legal reasons the report could not be published. On 3 May 2005 the Government approved the appointment of Dr. Deirdre Madden, BL, to complete a final report on post mortem practice and procedure. I expect Dr. Madden to present her report on 21 December 2005.

In late 1999, my Department wrote to all health boards and hospitals requesting that they ensure that a policy of informed consent should operate in respect of the retention of organs following post mortem examination, pending the issue of guidelines by the faculty of pathology. These guidelines for post mortem consent and retention of tissues at post mortem examination were issued by the faculty in February 2000.

The Health Service Executive has confirmed that guidelines and protocols are in place for families in relation to both coroners' and non-coroners' post mortems. In accordance with these guidelines, families are to be informed when retention takes place in a coroner's post mortem and permission is to be sought to retention in the case of a non-coroner's post mortem.

European Directive 2004/23/EC requires member states to endeavour to ensure voluntary and unpaid donation of tissues and cells for human applications. The directive, which must be transposed into national law by 7 April 2006, will also make informed consent mandatory.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

330 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the building of the new hospital in Dingle, County Kerry will commence; if there is any date set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29173/05]

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.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

331 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be transferred to Beaumont Hospital. [29285/05]

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:

332 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no dental service is available at the Athy health centre, Athy, County Kildare; if there is a waiting list for dental treatment at the centre; the plans or mechanism in place to deal with applicants for dental treatment at the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29287/05]

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.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

333 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in her Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29291/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

334 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in her Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29306/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.

There are no additional allowances payable or ex gratia payments made to staff who work in my Department’s press office. If staff are required to attend outside normal working hours they are paid overtime at the same rate as applies to all other staff in my Department. The overtime regulations for civil servants are set down by the Department of Finance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

335 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in her Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29321/05]

All grades who are entitled to overtime for attendance outside normal working hours may claim payment or leave in lieu of extra hours worked. Staff in grades to which overtime is not payable are expected to attend outside normal working hours where this is required. Every effort is made to ensure that such attendance is kept to a minimum.

Paul McGrath

Question:

336 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the personnel files of staff in her Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in her Department will be released to third parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29336/05]

Personnel files of staff in my Department are not, as a rule, released to external parties. The only two exceptions to this rule are: first, where the chief medical officer in the Civil Service occupational health department has requested an officer's sick leave or personnel file in order to make a decision on the officer's entitlement to pay while on sick leave or on their fitness to return to work; and second, personnel files of staff may have to be copied to the Chief State Solicitor's office where an officer has instituted proceedings against the Department. In all cases, these files are delivered by hand to these offices.

Paul McGrath

Question:

337 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29351/05]

Two years' leave of absence was granted to one officer in 2003, one officer in 2004 and three officers in the current year to participate in a masters programme in public policy analysis. This programme is delivered by the IPA in association with the faculty of commerce at UCD. Each officer is required to have an honours primary degree or equivalent professional qualification to participate in the course. The officer is then required to undergo a competitive interview in the Centre for Management and Organisation Development, CMOD. During the course officers carry out evaluations in relation to departmental policies and activities. On completion of the course participants return to the Department and undertake work in public policy analysis. The officer who undertook the 2003 course has satisfactorily completed the course and returned to my Department. Before being released for the course each officer is required to sign an agreement declaring that if s/he leaves the Civil Service within two years of completing the course, s/he would refund the cost of the course and salary costs paid during release from normal working hours. Staff may also apply for a career break for educational purposes to pursue a course of their choice.

Paul McGrath

Question:

338 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by her Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29366/05]

For the academic year 2004-05, 44 members of staff applied for refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evening. The value of the refund for the year 2004-05 is expected to be €69,316. All staff who were granted approval to attend a course subsequently applied for a refund.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

339 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of her Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by her Department in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29381/05]

The following table sets out my Department's breakdown of refund of fees as a percentage of the training budget. I have also listed for the Deputy the night-time and weekend courses staff have undertaken in my Department over the last three academic years.

Year

Total amount

% of Department’s Training Budget

%

2002

50,537

9

2003

45,886

11

2004

53,187

13

Name of courses refunded in last three years: MSc in organisation behaviour; master in information studies; MSc in health service management; MSc in social psychology; MBS in strategic international marketing; masters in information studies librarianship; MSc in strategic international marketing; MS in international relations; masters in social science; MSc in business administration; MSc in strategic management; BSc in computing science; higher diploma in public management; higher diploma in health care; BA in community studies; BA modular degree — arts; BA in public management; BA in psychology; Open University health and disease degree; degree in biological science; BA in community development; BA in local and community studies; BA in psychology and sociology; BA in training and education; diploma in humanities; diploma in information technology; diploma in information systems; diploma in Irish; diploma in policy analysis; diploma in Oracle database programme; NCI diploma in people management; diploma in legal studies; diploma in business studies; diploma in management and employee relations; Chartered Institute of Management and Accountancy; accountancy — Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; certificate in public management; IMI supervisory management course; certificate in supervisory management; certificate in employee assistance and social support certificate in personnel practice; Gaeleagras; Spanish course; Cursa Gaeltachta Bhord na Gaeilge; ECDL; Portuguese language; Advanced Word; introduction to human resource management; and foundation in criminal law.

Paul McGrath

Question:

340 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in her Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29396/05]

Briefcases are only provided to members of staff in cases where a specific official need has been identified. Since 2002, a total of approximately €1,143 was spent on the purchase of briefcases for eight staff members — the most expensive of which cost €250. A total of €512 of that total amount was refunded directly to four members of staff on production of receipts.

Paul McGrath

Question:

341 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in her Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29411/05]

There are 25 personal digital assistant, PDA, type devices in use in my Department. The devices most commonly in use, which are also used as mobile phones, cost €200 each, exclusive of VAT. These are also the most expensive purchased to date. These devices are distributed to grades as follows:

Grade

Numbers in each category

Ministers of State, advisers, private secretaries, etc.,

9

Principal officers, equivalent or higher grades

8

Grades below principal officer.

8

Total

25

PDA devices are not issued as a matter of course. They are only given to staff who, either for technical or business reasons, are away from their offices on a regular basis and require e-mail and telephone contact with head office both during and outside office hours. Requests are considered on an individual basis and the allocation of devices is managed by the internal systems unit in my Department. The PDA devices in use give 24-hour, 7 days a week, year-round access to mail, calendar, contact and voice communications and are a vital communications facility for certain staff who need to be in constant contact with colleagues.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

342 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in each general service and department grade in her Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29426/05]

There have been no exemptions for a period in excess of six months granted to any officer in my Department from dealing with correspondence, telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

343 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to a consultancy company, details supplied, in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29449/05]

Details of the contract between my Department and the consultancy company concerned follow. I am satisfied that it provided value for money in this case.

Contract-Service Details

Year Awarded

Procurement Process Controls

Achievement of Value for Money

Amount Paid (€ inc. VAT)

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

A “Membership Licence” for the research services of the company concerned. This was a subscription based service. It allowed 1 Reference Seat for research resources such as research papers produced by the company. It allowed access to ICT research advice such as strategic analysis reports, research libraries and direct access to the company’s analyst staff by phone or e-mail.

2003

This was a subscription based service for an on-line resource library of articles by the company’s analysts.

Yes, provided useful advice on ICT trends.

Nil

Nil

Nil

€5,687

€5,687

Nil

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

344 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to a consultancy company, details supplied, in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29464/05]

Payments made by my Department to the firm in question during the period 2000 to date relate solely to work undertaken by it in respect of the civil registration modernisation programme. The work undertaken relates primarily to the development of and support for the information technology system required to support the modernisation programme.

The civil registration modernisation programme was a programme of work undertaken jointly by my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. One of the main elements of the programme was the development of an information technology system for electronic registration of life events and sharing of registration data. The programme was overseen by a steering committee with representatives from a number of Departments and agencies and was managed by a programme management group which reported to the steering committee. The procurement exercise for the appointment of consultants to develop the computer system was undertaken by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand that the procurement exercise was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance requirements. Moneys in respect of this contract were paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the firm in question during 2001 and 2002 and my Department, as the ultimate owner of the new system, took over responsibility for payments in respect of the contract in 2003. The total amount paid by my Department in 2003 was €1,271,662.40.

The civil registration information technology system went live in the former southern health board region in late 2003 and was subsequently rolled out to all other former health boards during 2004. The system has brought considerable benefits to members of the public and other Departments and public bodies. The registration of life events and production of certificates is now electronic and the time taken to complete these transactions has been significantly reduced.

Data is passed electronically from the General Register Office, GRO, to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the purpose of processing claims and payments for child benefit. The processing time for child benefit applications has been reduced from 20 days to two days as a result. This process is further enhanced by the transfer of births data electronically from maternity hospitals to GRO and the electronic allocation of PPS numbers in respect of newly registered births.

Deaths data are made available to all public bodies through REACH via the inter-agency messaging service. This is of considerable value to public bodies in managing schemes such as medical cards, pensions and so on. Statistical data are also transferred electronically to the Central Statistics Office, CSO, and this greatly improves the ability of the CSO to manage, analyse and report such data which is essential for public policy and planning.

A further contract was subsequently entered into by my Department with the same firm for the provision of support and maintenance and for minor enhancements to the civil registration computer system. This contract was awarded following a competitive tendering process which was carried out in accordance with EU and Department of Finance procurement rules. The contract is for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2005. The amounts paid to date to the firm in question are as follows: 2004, €560,457.60 and 2005, €491,219.28.

The civil registration modernisation programme has been recognised nationally and internationally as an excellent example of best practice in public administration and has received awards from the EU, the European Institute of Public Administration, The Wall Street Journal and Computerworld magazine. I am satisfied that the modernisation programme has resulted in a greatly improved service to the public and to public service organisations and represents value for money.

Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

345 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if Naas General Hospital will continue to play a central role in the delivery of surgical and medical inpatient and outpatient services, with reference to the need to increase delivery of such services in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29515/05]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

346 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the delivery of an improved, efficient and effective health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29516/05]

With effect from 1 January 2005, the Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the delivery of health services. The Health Act 2004 provides that the object of the executive is to use the resources available to it in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public. I fully support the work of the board of the executive and its chief executive officer in the pursuit of these objectives. Under Section 31 of the 2004 Act, the executive is obliged to prepare, adopt and then submit to me for approval a service plan for the financial year or other period as may be determined by me.

I approved the executive's national service plan for 2005. The plan covers all the main programmes of care and treatment for the health services and sets down projected activity levels for those programmes. The plan also describes the objectives of the programmes and the actions to achieve these objectives. It outlines the key issues for the year ahead and the mechanisms to monitor it. Initiatives in regard to research, quality, evaluation and value for money are also covered. In line with the provisions of the Act, I ensured that a copy of the 2005 service plan was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The implementation of the plan is the operational responsibility of the executive and is the subject of ongoing monitoring by my Department and the executive. The executive reports to me on a regular basis in regard to the achievement of targets described for each programme.

Under Section 29 of the 2004 Act, the executive is obliged to prepare, adopt and then submit to me for approval a corporate plan for the three year period following its submission. The executive has submitted its corporate plan for 2005-08 in accordance with the provisions of this section. It incorporates a vision and mission informed by the goals of the health strategy and tailored to reflect the functions of the executive as a body with responsibility for delivering services. I have approved the corporate plan and I will ensure that a copy is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by 21 October 2005.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

347 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which agreement has finally been reached regarding the restructuring of the health services with reference to the needs of the patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29518/05]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

356 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the model on which the four proposed new health administrative areas are based; if, given population and geographic differences, they will be an improvement on the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29527/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 356 together.

My Department has been informed that, on the initiative of the Health Service Executive's chief executive officer, work is under way to examine organisational arrangements. The overall aim is to simplify a number of key management functions, with a view to more integration, consistency and accountability for patients and frontline staff in the management and delivery of services.

The executive has advised my Department that a proposal is being considered to put in place four administrative regions for hospital services. These regions would be co-terminus with the existing four regional structures for the delivery of primary community and continuing care. This is being considered with a view to achieving greater integration and co-ordination in the management of health services between hospital services and primary, community and continuing care services.

The executive has emphasised that the examination of the organisational structures is at an early stage and that no final proposals have emerged as yet. During the coming weeks, the board and senior management group will be advancing the initiative. Under the Health Act 2004, the executive has responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. The organisational arrangements currently under consideration are a matter for the executive.

Question No. 348 answered with QuestionNo. 162.

Hospital Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

349 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of extra beds available for acute patients as the winter approaches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29520/05]

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.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

350 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the degree to which accident and emergency staff have been increased or will be increased in order to meet requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29521/05]

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.

Health Research.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

351 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will allocate funding for increased studies into the cause or causes of autism with reference to the high incidents here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29522/05]

My Department has committed €5 million in funding to an Irish research project participating in an international genetics project designed to map the human genome in the search for autism susceptibility genes.

Infectious Diseases.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

352 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken to combat the threat of MRSA at hospitals or health centres; if instructions have been given in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29523/05]

The prevention and control of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA, is a priority issue for the Health Service Executive. Effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital acquired infections, including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA.

The Health Service Executive has published guidelines on hand hygiene and guidelines on the control of MRSA for hospital and community settings. These significant documents give clear policy and practice guidance to health care workers on the control of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA. Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective measures that can be used to stop the spread of MRSA and other infections.

The national hygiene audit has been completed and a report has been sent to the director of the national hospitals office. The results of the audit will form the basis for the changes that are required in both work environments and work practices so as to meet the highest possible standards of cleanliness in hospital settings. As I have already promised, the results of the hygiene audit will be made public.

The Health Service Executive will also publish national infection control standards and national cleaning standards — a consistent and robust set of hygiene standards for hospitals. Where previously standards may have depended on the approach of a particular hospital or health board, the Health Service Executive can now ensure every hospital will share and meet the same high standards of cleanliness and infection control.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

353 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will enhance and upgrade the quality and quantity of health services throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29524/05]

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.

Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

354 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children where services in respect of respiratory and tuberculosis patients, previously provided for at Peamount Hospital, are now located; if provision is made for isolation to the same extent as previously provided for in Peamount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29525/05]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

355 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the retention of the mobile hospital services in north west Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29526/05]

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.

Question No. 356 answered with QuestionNo. 347.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

357 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will assist the family of a person, details supplied, in Dublin 5 whose child is in need of care and attention; and if she will work with the Health Service Executive on this case. [29545/05]

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.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Ring

Question:

358 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person, details supplied, in County Mayo will be called for a cataract removal operation. [29547/05]

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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

359 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the design process has been completed for the proposed BreastCheck unit in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29548/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

360 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the consultant posts to facilitate the expansion of BreastCheck to the south and west have been approved by Comhairle na nOispidéal; if not, when it is expected that they will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29549/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the design team was recently appointed to prepare tender documentation for the two new BreastCheck clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and the other at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006.

I understand that the National Hospital Office-Comhairle board recently approved in principle 12 consultant posts required for the national roll out. The board is seeking clarification from BreastCheck regarding sessional commitments of a number of posts. Discussions are also taking place, involving my Department, on the revenue consequences of these posts.

Asylum Support Services.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

361 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties the Government bought for refugees and asylum seekers; if these properties are still in their possession; if he will consider putting the homeless into any of these vacant properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29204/05]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, purchased the following properties for the accommodation of asylum seekers: Broc House, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4; Parnell West Hotel, Parnell Square, Dublin 1; Park Lodge Hotel, Killarney; Atlas House, Tralee; Atlas House, Killarney; Cork Airport Hotel, Kinsale, County Cork; Johnston Marina Hotel, Tralee; Lynch's Lodge, Macroom; the Deveraux Hotel and Bungalow, Rosslare Harbour and Ionad Follain, Myshall, County Carlow.

Of the above properties, Broc House has been transferred to the affordable housing initiative; Lynch's Lodge hotel is scheduled for sale on 24 November 2005 and Parnell West Hotel will be disposed of on the open market in the near future.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

362 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the action he proposes to take to address the issue of the seriously leaking roof of a school, details supplied, in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/05]

An outline scheme to replace the asbestos-based roof at the above school has been prepared by the consulting architects commissioned to design and oversee the project. A full report, including budget costs, is expected shortly. Work will commence as soon as possible on completion of the various processes involved, including planning and tendering, but at this stage it is not possible to give a precise starting date. In the meantime, plans are in hand to make temporary repairs to the leaking areas.

Tax Collection.

Paul McGrath

Question:

363 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of taxing the present rate of child benefit. [29534/05]

I assume that what the Deputy requires is the yield to the Exchequer if child benefit payments were included as income for tax purposes. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield from taxation of child benefit at each taxpayer's marginal tax rate is tentatively estimated at €377 million in 2005 terms. This figure is provisional and likely to be revised. Furthermore, it does not include the yield from income earners whose current income levels do not exceed the existing thresholds of exemption limits or tax credits and who could be brought into the tax net if child benefit payments were included as taxable income. If this amount was also taken into account, the yield in a full year is very tentatively estimated at approximately €400 million.

Disabled Drivers.

Finian McGrath

Question:

364 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will work closely with the Health Service Executive, Irish Wheelchair Association and other statutory bodies on the case of a person, details supplied, in Dublin 3; and if he will give maximum support and assistance. [29544/05]

I understand that the person concerned has applied for the tax concessions under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme and that she was unsuccessful at first instance and has appealed to the medical board of appeal for the scheme. I have no direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the medical board of appeal for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers, tax concessions, scheme. Queries regarding individual cases may be addressed to the secretary of the disabled drivers medical board of appeal, c/o the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin or alternatively by telephone at 01 2355279.

The medical board of appeal is dealing with a backlog of cases that arose from various operational difficulties. The board was reconstituted in April of this year and the number of medical practitioners on the board was increased. I also made regulations last month to provide for a further increase in the number of medical practitioners on the board and I am currently in the process of making a number of such appointments.

Vehicle Registration Offices.

Seán Haughey

Question:

365 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance the closing time for lunch in the Vehicle Registration Tax Office of the Revenue Commissioners at Furry Park Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9; if the closing time is 12.45 p.m. to 2 p.m.; if so, the reason persons who wish to do business in this office sometimes are refused entry prior to 12.45 p.m., for example, at 12.34 p.m.; if there is a lunchtime cut-off, his views on whether it should be clearly notified and explained; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the implementation of such an unknown cut-off time can greatly inconvenience persons who want to use the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29616/05]

Finian McGrath

Question:

375 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the official opening hours of the vehicle registration tax office at Furry Park Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9; and if he will investigate the enclosed complaint (details supplied). [28993/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 375 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the opening hours of the vehicle registration tax office at Furry Park Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9, are 9 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. On the day in question the office closed at 12.30 p.m. in order to allow the four staff on duty time to clear a queue of eight customers waiting for service in the public office. The last customer was dealt with at 1.05 p.m. and the office reopened again at the scheduled time of 2 p.m.

I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that this was a rare occurrence because the office was particularly busy on 7 October. The Revenue Commissioners apologise to the persons concerned for any upset or inconvenience they experienced due to the early closure of the vehicle registration office on the date in question.

I am also informed that the Revenue Commissioners are considering options for extending the opening hours of vehicle registration offices, including lunch-time opening.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

366 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the unfair tax treatment of unmarried couples in the event that one gives up work to look after their children; if he will introduce an extra tax allowance in the tax code in order that couples that present evidence to the Revenue Commissioners that they are living together and rearing children will receive the benefit of extra tax credits and the higher standard rate cut off point. [28604/05]

Generally speaking, the tax system treats members of cohabiting couples as separate and unconnected individuals. Each partner is a separate entity for tax purposes and credits, and bands and reliefs cannot be transferred from one partner to the other. There are no special favourable tax arrangements for cohabiting couples with dependent children.

The working group examining the treatment of married, cohabiting and one-parent families under the tax and social welfare codes, which reported in August 1999, was sympathetic, in principle, to changes in the tax legislation to address the issues raised relating to cohabiting couples and reported that the options it set out should be considered further. However, it acknowledged in relation to the tax treatment of cohabiting couples that a key issue is whether tax law should proceed ahead of changes in the general law.

The Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper on the rights and duties of cohabitees in April 2004. That paper indicated that in the light of the current policy with regard to individualisation of the tax bands, the commission was not recommending any change to the income tax treatment of cohabiting couples.

Child benefit is the main instrument through which support is provided to parents in respect of qualifying children and this is available whether the parents are single, cohabiting or married. The Government has substantially increased child benefit since coming into office in 1997. Overall expenditure on child benefit has increased by 279% from €506 million in 1997 to an estimated €1.916 billion in 2005. At the same time, I have indicated to the House previously that I believe there is a need to examine pragmatically and practically what can be done in regard to providing child care support to parents.

I have also put on the record of the House that I would view as problematic and unwise a situation where changes in the tax code relating to the treatment of couples would set a headline in advance of developments in other relevant areas of public policy, for example, in the area of legal recognition of relationships other than married relationships. I am still of that view.

Flood Relief.

John Gormley

Question:

367 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if money will be made available for flood defences in Dublin South East; the amount that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28662/05]

The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed in principle to provide funding for the preparation of a catchment flood risk management plan for the River Dodder, to be commissioned by Dublin City Council. Procedures for the engagement of consultants to undertake the study are in train.

The commissioners have had discussions with Dublin City Council officials regarding the possibility of undertaking flood defence measures on the lower reaches of the river next year. These consultations are ongoing.

Decentralisation Programme.

John Gormley

Question:

368 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the Office of Public Works has been given the task of building new Government buildings throughout the country following the decentralisation programme, there are requirements to construct these new buildings according to environmental principles; the guidelines that have been set for using sustainable construction materials, high levels of energy efficiency and ecological landscaping materials and plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28663/05]

The OPW is committed to incorporating principles of sustainable design and energy efficiency into all of its building projects in line with Government policy on sustainable design and its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. In relation to the decentralisation programme it has prepared a substantial briefing document that forms part of the tender documentation for locations that are being procured on a design build basis. This document has issued already to tenderers for locations at Athlone, Newcastlewest and Killarney.

The briefing document provides a qualitative definition of the requirements to be provided by contractors in the design and construction of the building as well as referring them to relevant guidelines and publications. It also sets out for each location the scope of the project and the requirements of the building particularly in relation to the building regulations, the local planning authority and the Safety Health and Welfare Act, accessibility, sustainability, environment and building performance and so on. Moreover, in the award process for these projects the approach will be to reward sustainable design.

Recycling Policy.

Tony Gregory

Question:

369 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will consider developing a composting facility in the parks under its control; if it will allow for local community participation in any such facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28695/05]

The Office of Public Works is conscious of the need for environmental protection and compliance with current best practice, in the management of waste, especially at larger heritage sites. In this context composting of horticultural waste is standard procedure.

The organic waste from the site in question is dealt with by the Phoenix Park management. As the site in question is very small, the establishment of a separate composting facility there is not feasible in reality. On the question of providing a composting service for the local community, this is outside the remit of OPW and is a matter for the local authority.

Tony Gregory

Question:

370 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will consider introducing some level of local community involvement in its recycling and composting unit in the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin 9; if a composting interpretive centre will be developed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28696/05]

The provision of such a composting service is outside the remit of the Office of Public Works. This is ultimately a matter for the local authority.

Garda Stations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

371 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements have been completed for the purchase of a rear entrance to Dunmanway Garda station; and if not, the reason therefor. [28727/05]

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that when all legal matters have been concluded, the commissioners will be in a position to complete the acquisition of the portion of the adjoining site required to provide vehicular access to the rear entrance of Dunmanway Garda station. The commissioners are proceeding with this acquisition as a matter of priority.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

372 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if progress is being made in relation to the provision of a permanent Garda station at Ballinhassig, County Cork; the response which was given to the building contractor who proposed to construct a Garda station free of charge in lieu of the remaining land on the site. [28729/05]

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently reviewing the overall approach to the upgrading-replacement of Garda stations which are in need of significant refurbishment. As part of the review process, they will be engaging in consultations with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda authorities. The specific proposal from the building contractor for the provision of a new Garda station in Ballinhassig, County Cork, will be assessed in the light of the outcome of the review.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

373 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if there are exemptions for persons over 65 from paying stamp duty when purchasing a home or his plans to introduce this exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28746/05]

There are no age related stamp duty exemptions for any category of persons for purchasing a home and I have no plans to introduce such an exemption.

Arts Plan.

Tony Gregory

Question:

374 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will make available on loan pieces of art, sculptures and so on to major community centres or other such public buildings and centres. [28980/05]

The OPW purchases and commissions art works under the Government's per cent for art scheme. National guidelines on the operation of the per cent for art scheme were published by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in December 2004.

Under the per cent for art scheme, the OPW purchases and commissions art works for all capital construction projects under its management. Art works have been acquired by the OPW for hundreds of public buildings throughout Ireland — including Garda stations, court houses, offices of the Revenue Commissioners, offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and other regional Government offices. The OPW is also responsible for the management of art works in hundreds of heritage properties and major parks that are all easily accessible to the public.

Other Government Departments, including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Department of Health and Children, Department of Education and Science, and Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, are responsible for the management and implementation of the per cent for art scheme in their own capital projects.

The OPW has no role in the distribution of per cent for art funds for local authority projects — these fall under the management of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Arts officers and public arts officers in the local authorities are involved in the administration of per cent for art projects in communities throughout Ireland. The OPW is committed to maximum use of the per cent for art scheme and has embraced its use fully in public buildings throughout Ireland. This commitment is demonstrated in all the building projects in which the OPW has been involved in recent years.

Question No. 375 answered with QuestionNo. 365.

Architectural Heritage.

Pat Breen

Question:

376 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if the veterinary college in Ballsbridge, Dublin, which was recently demolished, was a listed building, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29130/05]

The former veterinary college in Ballsbridge, Dublin, was not a listed structure.

Waste Management.

Pat Breen

Question:

377 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the provisions which have been put in place to reuse the stone and other materials from the recently demolished veterinary college in Ballsbridge, Dublin, in Office of Public Works projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29131/05]

Pat Breen

Question:

378 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance the amount which his Department or the Office of Public Works was paid for the sale of stone from the recently demolished veterinary college in Ballsbridge, Dublin, to a private contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29132/05]

Pat Breen

Question:

379 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the private contractor who was sold stone from the recently demolished veterinary college in Ballsbridge, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29133/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 to 379, inclusive, together.

Hegarty Demolitions Limited was appointed by the Commissioners of Public Works to demolish four buildings at the location referred to by the Deputy. A waste management plan was put in place for the project for the recovery and recycling of all materials from the site. The credit due to the salvage items has been accounted for as part of the tendering process.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

380 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the State of tax forgone from the introduction of schemes (details supplied) for each year up to the year to date. [29134/05]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the available information as to the cost to the Exchequer of the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists is in respect of claimants who made income tax returns for the five income tax years 1998-99 to 2002, the latest year for which it is available. The information is as follows: 1998-99, €24.5 million; 1999-2000, €29.9 million; 2000-01, €37.1 million; 2001, €25.7 million; and 2002, €23.9 million.

Claims for the other reliefs mentioned in the question are aggregated in tax returns with other claims and do not distinguish at present between the reliefs claimed in respect of different schemes. Accordingly, the specific information on costs is not currently available. Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to get much of this data separately in future. The preliminary data should become available from early 2006 after the returns for 2004 are filed in October 2005.

Joan Burton

Question:

381 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the work undertaken by consultants to review the tax reliefs to high earners; the name of the consultants; the budget allocated for the cost of each such consultancy; the scope of the work; when the report will be available; and if he will publish the reports. [29135/05]

In the 2005 budget, I announced a comprehensive programme of reviews of a broad range of tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions. Many of these schemes are being reviewed internally within the Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. In addition, following a competitive tendering process, two external consultancy firms were retained to conduct reviews of the range of property-based tax incentive schemes. The two firms in question are Goodbody Economic Consultants and Indecon International Economic Consultants.

The terms of reference for the consultancy studies are set out in a press release issued on 6 January 2005, which is publicly available on the press releases section of my Department's website, www.finance.gov.ie. Completed reports from the two consultancy firms are expected shortly. I am not yet in a position to indicate any likely publication date for these studies.

As regards costs, the contracts stipulate that Indecon International Economic Consultants are to be paid the sum of €224,004, before VAT, in respect of the review of certain property-based schemes, and that Goodbody Economic Consultants are to be paid the sum of €155,400, before VAT, in respect of the review of area-based tax incentive renewal schemes.

Consultancy Contracts.

Joan Burton

Question:

382 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the reason consultants were engaged to review the tax reliefs available to high earners in view of the considerable amount of expertise available in relation to such matters in the Revenue Commissioners and in his Department; and if he examined the option of requesting the Revenue Commissioners to provide the information sought and undertake the consultancy process or to have the work carried out in-house by his own officials. [29136/05]

The reasons for the engagement of consultants were set out in some detail in the last budget. The consultants appointed have worked in close co-operation with special in-house project management teams set up for this purpose as required under the contracts. As indicated already in reply to other questions on this issue, my Department and Revenue are also carrying out an examination on a series of other reliefs within Civil Service resources. Given the scale, extent, range and nature of the tax reliefs being surveyed, and the tight time limits involved, the use of consultants as an adjunct to the resources of my Department and Revenue is justified in the circumstances.

Joan Burton

Question:

383 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have been asked to co-operate with the consultancy commissioned by him, 2005 review of tax reliefs and high earners; the amount of work carried out by the Revenue Commissioners on behalf of the consultancy project; and the hours worked and the cost of such work done by the Revenue Commissioners and his own Department for the purposes of the consultancy. [29137/05]

The consultants appointed by me have received full co-operation from the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. This involvement has largely covered provision of support data and overall project management. The work carried out by my Department and Revenue in this case can be regarded as within the normal range of duties and functions carried out by them in discharging their responsibilities. Thus, no separate reckoning is available as sought by the Deputy.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

384 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the most recent estimates for the cost of income tax reliefs in the tax code and the full returns for 2002 and the Revenue Commissioners best estimate of their cost in 2005. [29220/05]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the cost for 2002 of all income tax allowances, reliefs, exemptions and tax credits which are included annually in table IT 6 of the statistical report of the Revenue Commissioners.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated cost in 2002 of these tax concessions is estimated to be in the region of €10.8 billion. This figure includes the combined cost for both income tax and corporation tax for capital allowances and investment in films which are claimed under both tax heads.

Sufficient data is not yet available to enable a reliable estimate to be made at this stage of corresponding costs for 2005 in respect of all of these items.

John Perry

Question:

385 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 521 of 28 September 2005, if he will review this case (details supplied) in view of the information that was submitted to his Department official in response to correspondences on 27 May 2004; if a decision will be made and the stamp duty refunded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29221/05]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the case referred to by the Deputy, due to a breakdown in communication between two of its offices, it was incorrectly stated in the reply to a parliamentary question on 28 September 2005 that no response was received from the solicitor's office to their letter of 27 May 2004.

The Revenue Commissioners very much regret any inconvenience caused by this and are arranging to deliver the original deed to the solicitor so that it can be amended to include the relevant owner-occupier certificate. On receipt of the amended deed the commissioners will issue a stamp duty refund.

Garda Stations.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

386 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the original estimate for the refurbishment of Newmarket Garda station, County Cork; and the final cost. [29222/05]

The Commissioners of Public Works, following consultations with the Garda authorities on their requirements, estimated that the refurbishment costs would be in the region of €350,000.00. As a result of the tendering process, a contract was placed on 6 May 2003 in the sum of €392,000. The final account figure is not to hand as there is one element of the works to be finalised. The ESB is scheduled to install a three phase cable this week which on completion will conclude the contact. Agreement on the final account figure will follow immediately. I propose to forward the final account figure to Deputy Gerard Murphy as soon as it is available.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

387 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has acquired a site for the new Garda divisional headquarters in Wexford town; the location of the site and the amount paid; if the views of local public representatives were taken into account in deciding on the best site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29223/05]

A site for a new Garda divisional headquarters in the Roxborough area of Wexford town is currently under consideration. An access issue in relation to the site has arisen which requires to be resolved before the legal formalities can be finalised. The final decision on the selection of the site for the new Garda headquarters in Wexford is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. As part of making its decision, it will take account of a range of views and considerations, including the technical assessment of the OPW and the legal advice of the Chief State Solicitor.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

388 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the rates of overtime or additional allowances, payable to staff who work in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29292/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

389 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29307/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 389 together.

The staffing of my Department's press office consists of a press officer, a higher executive officer, an executive officer and a clerical officer. With the exception of the press officer, each of the other staff members is entitled to claim overtime at standard Civil Service rates in respect of additional attendance outside normal office hours. They do not receive any other type of payment to compensate for such attendance. The press officer, who is also a civil servant but is in a non-overtime grade, is in receipt of an allowance equivalent to 10% of salary.

Paul McGrath

Question:

390 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29322/05]

In accordance with established procedures in Civil Service employment, my Department permits time off in lieu to grades which are entitled to paid overtime, generally staff up to the level of higher executive officer. This permits staff to avail of extra time off rather than pay for extra attendance. Such agreements are agreed in advance and must be consistent with the work demands. This is dealt with in individual sections and a central record is not maintained. Officers at APO level and above are not entitled to paid overtime. The salary and terms and conditions for such officers are intended to cover significant extra attendance. However, in the case of one such officer, who undertook significant additional attendance over a prolonged period between 2002 and 2004, arrangements are being made to recognise this attendance through a combination of annual leave, additional leave and paid study leave.

Paul McGrath

Question:

391 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/05]

The holding and use of personal information is governed by the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003. On commencing employment with the Department, all staff are informed of these requirements and sign confirming knowledge and acceptance of these requirements. In addition, staff with access to personnel files are briefed on the confidential nature of their work. All personnel files in this Department are safely and securely maintained in the personnel unit.

In the course of matters relating to sick leave, an employee's personal sick leave details may be passed to the office of the chief medical officer for the Civil Service for advice in the normal course of events. Where requests for information from other bodies are received, the advice of the Office of the Chief State Solicitor is obtained, and the matter dealt with accordingly.

Paul McGrath

Question:

392 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29352/05]

Since 2003, my Department has permitted two staff at HEO-AO-APO grades, to participate in the masters programme in policy analysis administered by the Centre for Management and Organisation Development, leading to an MSc in policy analysis from UCD.

Participants enter into a contract which provides for refund of course fees and salary in the event of the person leaving the Civil Service within two years of completion of the course. Participants are also required to reach a satisfactory standard for attendance, course work and satisfactory performance in the programme. The selected candidates from 2003 have satisfactorily completed the two-year course of study and have been placed in work units appropriate to their newly acquired skills. A further four staff are currently engaged in the programme, two in first year and two in second year.

My Department supported, as a pilot project, participation of two staff at administrative officer level, in the masters programme in economics in UCD in the academic year 2004-05. The course fees were pre-funded and full paid leave for one academic year was approved with strict pre-conditions, signed and agreed by staff and management, that they attend all lectures, complete all project work satisfactorily, pass all exams and agree to work in an appropriate area of the Department for a further period of three years following completion of the course. All fees must be refunded if these staff leave the public service within two years of completing the course. Both participants in the pilot project have completed the programme successfully.

The Department has granted career breaks, that is unpaid special leave, to six staff, from clerical officer to assistant principal level since 2002. The career breaks ranged from six months duration to five years.

Paul McGrath

Question:

393 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29367/05]

In the academic year 2004-05, 38 staff members in my Department made an application under the refund of fees scheme in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings. The expected total cost of the scheme for 2005 is approximately €62,000. Three staff members who were approved to undertake a course under the scheme in the academic year 2004-05 did not subsequently apply for a refund of fees, as they did not pursue the particular courses.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

394 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29382/05]

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

Year

Training Budget for the Department (calendar year €m)

Expenditure Under the Refund of Fees Scheme (academic year €m)

2002

1.3

0.081 in 2001/2002 — (6.2%)

2003

1.3

0.099 in 2002/2003 — (7.6%)

2004

1.1

0.059 in 2003/2004 — (5.4%)

The following is a list of all courses funded by my Department, under the refund of fees scheme, for the academic years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05: masters in economic science; MA in public management; masters in business administration; MBS in human resource strategies; masters in science in nursing — staff member of the office of the chief medical officer; barrister-at-law degree; BA in public management; BA in business studies; BA in business management, HRM; BA in industrial relations and human resource management; BA in marketing; BA in training and education; BA in humanities; bachelor of business studies; BSc in business and information technology; BSc human resource management; BSc in information and technology; BSc in computing science; bachelor in maths/analytical science; bachelor of nursing studies — staff member of the office of chief medical officer; bachelor of arts; association of chartered certified accountants; institute of certified public accountants; institute of accounting technicians in Ireland; higher diploma in computer studies; advanced diploma in pc applications; diploma in public management; diploma in human resource management; diploma in legal studies; diploma in public relations; diploma in information systems management; diploma in counselling; diploma course in applied Irish; diploma in first line management; diploma in web design; certificate in finance; certificate in public management; CompTIAA and computer technician course; qualification in computer audit; certificate in supervisory management; certificate in civil service and state agency studies; ECDL; Spanish language course; and leaving certificate.

Paul McGrath

Question:

395 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29397/05]

In the past three years, my Department has purchased 31 briefcases at a cost of €1,370. Fourteen briefcases were allocated to members of staff who use a briefcase on a regular basis. The remaining briefcases are available for short-term use by staff. In the same period €55 was refunded to one member of staff in respect of a purchase of a briefcase. The largest amount paid for one briefcase was €143. All briefcases purchased or paid for by my Department remain the property of the Department and are allocated to staff for official business use.

If the Deputy wishes to bring to my attention, by way of representations from him, the names and addresses of any briefcase manufacturers he has a particular interest in, I can bring it to the attention of the relevant departmental officials concerned.

Paul McGrath

Question:

396 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29412/05]

My Department has provided five personal digital assistants to staff in my department. The total cost of these five personal digital assistants is €2,341, the most expensive being €526. These items are provided to senior management, principal officer or above, and my Department has a stringent policy and set procedure for the requesting of these items. Each request is scrutinised and approved on the basis of work necessity. The final decision in each case was made by the principal officer in charge of the IT unit.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

397 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29427/05]

I understand the Deputy has clarified that he is looking for the number of staff in my Department who are currently on sick leave absence of more than six months. The regulations on paid sick leave provide that half rate of pay applies to absences of more than six months duration. If the absence is extended beyond one year, pension rate of pay applies.

Four staff in my Department have been on sick leave of more than six months duration, three of whom are on pension rate of pay.

My Department works closely with the office of the chief medical officer, in accordance with the guidelines for sick leave in the Civil Service, to monitor all such cases with the aim of reducing the numbers of staff on long-term sick leave and to minimise the number of sick days taken.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

398 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29450/05]

In the period since 2000 my Department has paid a subscription to the company referred to by the Deputy in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, and paid a fee to the company in 2003. The following table sets out the details, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In each case I am satisfied that my Department achieved value for money.

Year

Value of Payment

Services Provided

Controls Applied in the Procurement Process

2002

5,687

Subscription

This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy.

2003

5,687

Subscription

This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy.

2004

8,863

Subscription

This was an annual subscription to the company for access via their website to the results of IT research conducted by their analysts. Access to this research proved of value in determining ICT policy.

2003

1,204

Fee for Executive Report on Outsourcing

This was a once-off payment to the company for access to one of their standard executive reports.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

399 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29465/05]

In the period since 2000, my Department has engaged the company referred to by the Deputy to undertake three consultancies. The following table sets out details of the contracts, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company, the services provided and the controls applied in the procurement process. In each case I am satisfied that my Department achieved value for money.

Year

Value of Contract

Services Provided

Controls Applied in the Procurement Process

2003

18,150

Public Service Identity Management Research

A consultant was chosen from a local competition, which sought a person with experience in identity management. The competition involved the submission of CVs, followed by an interview process. The person worked closely to a brief which was monitored on a stage-by-stage basis. The conclusions reached in this study have been used to develop further thinking on identity management for the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE).

2004

71,725

Overall review and study of HR management system and implementation arrangement

After a local procurement exercise, this company was contracted to complete an overall review and study of the HR Management System, including the identification and appraisal of options for its further development. They worked to a staged delivery plan which was monitored. The outputs of this study have been used to develop the version of the HR Management System currently being rolled out across the Civil Service.

2004

24,200

E-Government policy preparation

A consultant was chosen from a local competition, which sought a person with experience in interoperability. The competition involved the submission of CVs, followed by an interview process. The person worked closely to a brief which was monitored on a stage-by-stage basis. The conclusions reached in this study were used to develop a Presidency document under Ireland’s Presidency of the EU entitled “Key Principles of an Interoperability Architecture” which is published on both the REACH and EU Public Administration Network websites.

Tax Code.

Paul McGrath

Question:

400 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the way in which nursing homes that cease to operate will be identified by Revenue in order to recoup the allowances and grant as is specified in law in view of the fact that since nursing homes which have availed of the capital allowances tax clawback must continue to operate as such for ten years after opting into this scheme, and since the Revenue Commissioners do not identify where capital allowances are applied. [29536/05]

Capital expenditure incurred on the construction or refurbishment of registered nursing homes may be written off for tax purposes over seven years at the rate of 15% per annum over the first six years and 10% in the seventh year. To qualify for allowances the home must be operated or managed as a registered nursing home within the meaning of section 2 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and be registered under section 4 of that Act.

Where a nursing home ceases to operate, entitlement to further allowances is lost. Also, there is provision for the clawback of any allowances already claimed where a nursing home is sold, for instance, or ceases to be used. The clawback, known as a balancing charge, can be applied at any time up to ten years after a nursing home was first used.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, under the self-assessment system, the onus is on the taxpayer in the first instance to advise Revenue of changes in his or her circumstances, including when a business ceases. I am further informed that when tax returns are submitted to the tax district for processing, all cessation cases are specifically reviewed by an officer and the question of clawback, if appropriate, would be considered as part of that review. Where a tax return is not submitted, it will be pursued under the annual returns compliance programme and followed through to prosecution if appropriate. Nursing homes, in common with all businesses, are also included in Revenue's audit programme.

Fishing Industry Development.

John Perry

Question:

401 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which the turnover of the Irish catching industry is broken down between fish stocks. [28620/05]

In 2004 the total value of landings by the Irish fleet was just over €186 million. The breakdown of this amount between the demersal, pelagic, deep-sea and shellfish segments is shown in the following table.

Value € of landings in 2004

Demersal

47.3 million

Pelagic

56.1 million

Deep Sea

2.7 million

Shellfish

80.1 million

John Perry

Question:

402 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of direct jobs the fishing industry accounts for. [28621/05]

John Perry

Question:

403 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of indirect jobs the fishing industry accounts for onshore. [28622/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

The fishing industry accounts for approximately 11,000 direct jobs and an additional 14,000 jobs indirectly, through industries and services dependent on the fishing sector.

John Perry

Question:

404 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the turnover of the Irish fishing industry will be expanded over the coming ten to 15 years; the amount by which the industry will be expanded; the range of employment growth which is possible in the industry; if the industry does not perform as well as hoped, the percentage by which the industry will be contracted; and if the industry contracts the job losses which may occur. [28623/05]

The Government is supporting the development of the seafood industry through a number of programmes under the aegis of the national development plan. This development support is supplemented by measures such as the recent Government decision to introduce a fleet decommissioning scheme over the next two years at a cost of €45 million to enhance the overall economic viability of the whitefish and shellfish sectors.

The scope for further development of the industry over the next ten to 15 years will be determined in the context of the next national plan for the period 2007 to 2013. In this regard, extensive discussions have already been held at EU level regarding a new European fisheries fund to apply over the period 2007 to 2013.

Once the terms of the new European Fisheries Fund have been agreed at EU level, the Department and BIM, in consultation with the industry stakeholders, will commence the process of preparing a national strategic plan and operational programmes for the various sectors of the seafood industry which will clearly set out the potential for future development of the industry in terms of output, income and employment over the next ten years.

The future turnover and growth potential of the fishing industry in Ireland and elsewhere will critically depend on having healthy fish stocks and ensuring that they are harvested on a sustainable basis. In light of the increased emphasis on stock conservation in recent years under the successfully reformed Common Fisheries Policy in 2002, I am satisfied the industry can have a bright future and that will be the driving aim in the formulation of future development plans for the industry.

John Perry

Question:

405 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of imported fish which is eaten here. [28624/05]

John Perry

Question:

406 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of fish caught here which is exported. [28625/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

In 2004, the percentage of fish imports, excluding fishmeal and oil, consumed by the home market amounted to 92% in terms of volume and 98% in terms of value. The remainder consists of fish imported for processing and export. The percentage of the Irish fish catch that is sold on export markets is estimated at approximately 80%.

John Perry

Question:

407 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of public money that has been spent to date in 2005 on removing excess catching capacity from the fishing industry. [28626/05]

John Perry

Question:

408 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether reduction in capacity in the fishing industry is needed to ensure long-term sustainability; and if he will implement any such measures. [28627/05]

John Perry

Question:

412 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will implement changes within the Government’s management of the Irish fishing fleet; and the amount of public money that will be spent on such changes. [28631/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 407, 408 and 412 together.

A scheme to decommission fishing vessels was launched on 4 October. This scheme has been introduced to remove excess capacity in our whitefish and shellfish fleets, in the face of decreasing fishing opportunities brought about by cuts in fish quotas. As there can be no expectation of increased catches in the short term, this scheme is designed to target those fishermen who find themselves in a position where they are no longer getting an economic return and to deliver a sustainable future for those that remain in the industry. The aim of the scheme is to remove up to 25% from the whitefish fleet and reduce the scallop fleet to 4,800 kW. This is necessary to achieve balance between the available fishing opportunities and the economic requirements of these sections of the fleet.

Some €45 million has been allocated for this scheme to decommission fishing boats. Of this total, €8.8 million is already provided for under the national development plan which runs to 2006, of which 75%, €6.6 million, is funded from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, FIFG, with the remaining 25%, €2.2 million, being met through matching Exchequer funding. The future mechanism for EU funding after 2006 has yet to be finalised at EU level. Given that the decommissioning scheme has only just been launched, no spend has taken place so far in 2005.

John Perry

Question:

409 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount in terms of weight and monetary value, which the fishing fleet here has landed in catches over the past 15 years on a yearly basis. [28628/05]

I am arranging for the compilation of statistics on the landings of the Irish fishing fleet over the past 15 years in terms of weight and value. I will forward these directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

John Perry

Question:

410 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the value of the fishing industry to the economy here. [28629/05]

Ireland's fishing industry is an important and valuable source of economic activity to the country and in particular to the coastal communities in which it is based. In 2004 it is estimated that the final value of seafood sales amounted to €686 million with €305 million of this being seafood sales nationally and €381 million being exports.

John Perry

Question:

411 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of public money that is spent on managing the fishing industry annually; the figures with and without the included cost of decommissioning; the amount of public money he will spend on managing the industry over the coming years; and if the figures are dependent on certain growth rates. [28630/05]

John Perry

Question:

413 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if fishery-dependent areas receive Government and EU grants; and the type of grants these areas receive. [28632/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 413 together.

In the period 2000 to date public funding has been provided to the fishing industry under the following EU Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, FIFG, co-financed programmes: fisheries supporting measure, innovation and sustainability, of the productive sector operational programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; fishing fleet development measure of the productive sector operational programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; and aquaculture development measures of the regional operational programmes of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

A scheme to decommission fishing vessels was launched on 4 October 2005. Some €45 million has been earmarked in the period 2005 to 2008 for this EU co-financed scheme.

The following table sets out the funding for the period January 2000 to date under the NDP in respect of these EU FIFG co-financed programmes.

Fleet Renewal & Modernisation

Supporting Measures for Fisheries

Year

FIFG

Exchequer

Private

Expenditure

FIFG

Exchequer

Private

Expenditure

2000/2001

2,004,354

668,117

2,672,471

2002

697,848

320,910

4,061,266

5,080,024

1,178,373

364,148

422,237

1,964,758

2003

2,690,963

418,244

5,161,808

8,271,015

1,807,024

591,700

226,718

2,625,442

2004

7,026,924

1,005,750

12,082,334

20,115,008

1,624,776

536,311

120,192

2,281,279

2005 to date

1,228,933

175,566

2,106,653

3,511,152

827,232

246,198

242,345

485,761

Total

11,644,668

1,920,470

23,412,062

36,977,200

7,441,759

2,406,474

1,011,491

10,029,711

Aquaculture BMW Region

Aquaculture S&E Region

Year

FIFG

Exchequer

Private

Expenditure

FIFG

Exchequer

Private

Expenditure

2000/2001

849,618

147,939

1,217,406

2,214,963

110,635

110,635

221,269

2002

2,048,855

346,353

3,106,672

5,501,880

1,282,307

310,110

1,944,394

3,536,811

2003

2,385,093

377,908

3,754,096

6,517,098

577,131

195,412

763,438

1,535,982

2004

1,663,655

296,216

2,600,957

4,560,828

2,154,490

428,356

3,452,264

6,035,110

2005 to date

514,829

77,650

960,518

1,552,997

382,870

54,696

656,349

1,093,915

Total

7,462,051

1,246,066

11,639,649

20,347,765

4,507,433

1,099,209

6,816,445

12,423,087

Public funding has been provided to the fishing industry under the EU European Regional Development Fund co-financed fishery harbour infrastructure measures of the NDP regional operational programmes. Some €102 million in public funding has been invested in fishery harbour infrastructure in the period 2000 to 2004 while further investment of over €20 million is planned for this year. The following table below shows public investment in each of the years 2000-2004.

Fishery Harbour Infrastructure-Public Investment 2000-2004

Year

Public Investment (€000s)

2000

13.358

2001

14.38

2002

29.916

2003

29.794

2004

14.73

Total

102.178

In addition to investment under specific NDP programmes, Exchequer grant aid is also provided to a number of State agencies with responsibilities in the fisheries sector generally and in respect of specific schemes. The following table shows the grant aid assistance earmarked for these agencies and schemes in 2005.

Agency

2005 Current Funding (€000s)

2005 Capital Funding (€000s)

Total 2005 Funding (€000s)

Marine Institute

18,485

4,838

23,323

Bord Iascaigh Mhara*

17,252

10,909

28,161

Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board

274

274

Central and Regional Fisheries Boards/Inland Fisheries

23,731

3,290

27,021

DCMNR Seafood Inspectorate, Coastal Zone and other activities in support of industry**

7,148

1,150

8,298

Seafood Processing

1,664

1,664

Total

66,890

21,851

88,741

*Includes funding for NDP fleet development and fisheries supporting measures

**Non-pay costs for coastal zone and other supporting staff and current expenditure under the fishery harbour centres fund are not included. In addition, Naval Service and Air Corps costs associated with fisheries protection are not included.

The Marine Institute, which is responsible for advising the Minister on policy relating to marine research and development generally, receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department, which in 2005 will total €23.323 million. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has a budget of €28.16 million for 2005. The central and regional fisheries boards, which are responsible for the conservation, protection, management and development of the inland fisheries resource in Ireland, receive annual grant funding from the Department towards their operational costs. The total allocation to the inland fisheries sector in 2005, including the fisheries boards and the loughs agency, will amount to €23.741 million.

The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, ALAB, established in 1998 under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, provides an independent authority for the determination of appeals against decisions of the Minister on aquaculture licence applications. The 2005 budget for the board is €274,000.

With regard to the monitoring and regulation of managed sea fisheries the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has an inspectorate composed of sea fishery officers. These officers attend to the dual responsibilities of the control and regulation of managed fisheries and regulation of food safety related to fish, fishery products and shellfish. The total expenditure incurred in discharging these responsibilities, including the salaries paid to the inspectors and the administrative support personnel involved in this work and any ancillary expenses for equipment and activities, is estimated as being €4.3 million for 2005.

The projected budgetary requirement for 2006 for these inspection and control activities is estimated at being approximately €6 million. This reflects the emerging trend in European Community legislation that requires member states to provide a system of control for fisheries conservation that meets specific standards laid down in Community law. This, in turn, has placed additional demands on the existing complement of sea fishery officers and consequently the Department has had to seek additional inspection personnel to ensure Ireland can meet its legal obligations as a European Union member state. Following recent Government sanction the Department has now advertised to fill these additional sea fishery officer posts.

The projected salary outturn for the Department's seafood control, seafood administration, seafood policy and development, coastal zone administration, and inland fisheries divisions in 2005 is €6.4 million, including the salaries of inspectorate staff.

Question No. 412 answered with QuestionNo. 407.
Question No. 413 answered with QuestionNo. 411.

John Perry

Question:

414 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the average percentage of fishery related employment of total employment in fishery dependent areas. [28633/05]

Employment statistics for fisheries are not normally compiled on this basis. However, an analysis of the 1996 census data carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute on behalf of the national strategy review group on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy covering the ports of Greencastle, Killybegs, Rossaveal, Castletownbere and Dunmore East, found that the percentage of employment in these ports in fishing and related industries ranged between 43% and 69%. This underlines the key importance of the fishing sector in socio-economic terms to coastal areas, which is a cornerstone of the Government's approach both nationally and in EU negotiations.

Marine Accidents.

John Perry

Question:

415 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of commercial fishing vessels here that have been lost at sea over the past ten years; the number of deaths that have occurred as a result of the loss of said vessels; if the Government has a fund from which families can draw when their principal earner is lost at sea. [28634/05]

There is no definitive list held in the Department of all commercial fishing vessels lost at sea. Furthermore, not all vessels lost at sea are reported as being lost. In the period from January 1995 to December 2004 there have been 23 vessels that were the subject of a marine investigation or inquiry following the sinking or loss of that vessel at sea. These vessels were described as fishing vessels in the context of the investigation or inquiry held. The number of deaths that occurred as a result of the loss of these vessels is 32 persons.

There is no State funding as suggested by the Deputy other than supports available under the social welfare code. There was a limited lost at sea scheme put in place in 2001 by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, enabling the provision of fishing boat capacity to qualifying applicants in respect of fishing boats lost at sea between 1980 and 1990. The purpose of this scheme was not to compensate families for loss of family earnings but to facilitate a family member in continuing a family tradition of commercial fishing. The scheme did not apply to fishing boats lost at sea after 1990 when the current sea-fishing boat register was set up because the capacity of vessels which were included on the register after 1990 is available for transfer to another person, whether it be a family member or otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of sea-fishing boat licensing policy.

Fishing Industry Development.

John Perry

Question:

416 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of commercial fish species in Irish waters. [28635/05]

There are some 40 to 50 fish species targeted by commercial fishermen in waters around the Irish coast. The volume and value of these species landed varies from species to species and from year to year. In 2004 the total value of landings by the Irish fleet was just over €186 million with mackerel €27 million, prawns €13.6 million, lobster €10.7 million and megrim €8.4 million, being the main species in terms of value.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Question:

417 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the strategy in place to protect valuable marine life; and if there are any future strategies currently being explored. [28636/05]

It is presumed that the Deputy's reference to "valuable marine life" concerns the exploitation of fishery resources. The management of fishery resources in an EU context is governed by the Common Fisheries Policy. This policy sets out a number of strategies for the protection of fishery resources, including a strengthened control and enforcement system, recovery plans for stocks outside safe biological limits, action to address the problem of the discarding of juvenile fish catches, and catch and effort limitations. Furthermore, following a conference organised by the Irish Presidency in 2004 on environmentally friendly fishing methods, and discussions to be held with member states and stakeholders, the Commission is expected to bring forward a new proposal on technical conservation measures in 2006.

Marine Safety.

John Perry

Question:

418 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans in place to increase co-operation between EU countries on marine related activity. [28637/05]

A high level of co-operation already exists between Ireland and other EU member states in the marine area, in particular in relation to marine emergency preparedness and response, maritime safety, ship and port security, and fisheries policy. The Department has taken a leading co-ordination role for the EU representative group on the proposed Green Paper on European maritime policy. The first consultation meeting of member states was held on 29 September 2005. It is expected that the proposed Green Paper will cover a wide range of issues including transport, shipbuilding, tourism, fishing, water quality, oil and gas extraction, the conservation of species, and the protection of the marine environment.

With reference to fisheries policy, a key objective of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, is to ensure that there is co-operation and co-ordination between member states to achieve compliance with the rules of the CFP. In particular the CFP places considerable emphasis on the need for co-operation in the area of control and enforcement. In this regard the Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed in March of this year to establish a Community Fisheries Control Agency. A key objective of this agency is to improve co-operation and co-ordination between member states in areas of control and enforcement. It is expected the agency will become operational in 2006 and I am confident it will succeed in the objective outlined above.

There are also significant moves under way to improve co-operation between member states at stakeholder level. Regional advisory councils, RACs, have been established for pelagic stocks, north western waters and the North Sea. These are three 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.

Fisheries Protection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

419 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to stop the problem of drift netting of salmon which is threatening the supply of salmon in rivers; his estimate of the value to the country of salmon caught by drift netting compared to the added value of salmon caught by an angling tourist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28673/05]

Since taking up my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for the marine, 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, 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.

With regard to the potential for economic development of the salmon resource, I am fully aware of the suggestions to the effect that there may be greater economic potential for the State to be derived from the development of the angling tourism sector than from the commercial fishing sector where salmon is concerned. I am also aware, however, that consultations conducted by State agencies on these claims have elicited widely divergent views among stakeholders not only on the relative value of the sectors but also on the methodology adopted to arrive at those values. No consensus has been reached on any suggestions that a rebalancing of exploitation of the salmon resource in favour of tourism angling would deliver significant benefits to the State from a public good perspective.

To provide some clarity on this particular issue, however, the Department has asked the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the relevant State agencies under its aegis, to apply their expertise in evaluating the role and contribution of salmon angling tourism and to present a definitive view of its potential within the broader tourism sector. It is my 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.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

420 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the mapping which has been undertaken to establish the potential from the development of geothermal energy here. [28684/05]

Work on geothermal energy in Ireland has been undertaken by the Geological Survey of Ireland since the late 1970s in co-operation with university departments and the private sector and supported by the European Commission. Most of the work focused on areas where warm springs indicated medium-depth resources. Exploitation has been on a small scale and inhibited by relatively low prices for other energy sources.

Recent sharp rises in hydrocarbon fuel prices have rightly stimulated fresh interest in geothermal energy. Most recently a geothermal resource map of Ireland was produced on behalf of Sustainable Energy Ireland by the CSA Group, in co-operation with Cork Institute of Technology and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

The study aimed to identify potential resources of geothermal energy in Ireland, gather the necessary data for geothermal models of Ireland, produce geothermal maps of Ireland and a geothermal database, review the current status and use of geothermal resources in Ireland, and make recommendations for future geothermal exploitation in Ireland. The review indicated good potential for using ground source heat pumps and significant deeper geothermal resources with potential for commercial development. Defining the extent and quantity of those resources will require additional work.

The Geological Survey of Ireland, in co-operation with a wide range of public and private geoscience interests, has recently presented a new geoscience initiative for consideration by Government. Among other things, this proposes substantial new research into geothermal potential in Ireland.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

421 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of funding which has been provided in each of the past five years for research and development projects in the area of electricity generation from wave power; and the percentage of overall generation expected to come from this source by 2010 and 2020. [28685/05]

Wave energy technology is still relatively new and not yet established as a commercial energy technology. Ireland is recognised as having one of the best wave energy climates in the world and the Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, with their combined briefs of marine technology development in Ireland and promotion of renewable energy, have teamed up to develop a wave energy strategy for Ireland. Underpinning this development is a programme of research and development.

Research and development funding is available from the Marine Institute and SEI to develop research facilities and support wave and tidal energy technology developers. The total funding provided for wave energy research from 2000 to 2005 is €690,000.

My Northern Ireland counterpart, Angela Smith MP, and I jointly issued a consultation paper on an all-island 2020 vision for renewable energy electricity. This document indicates a potential wave and tidal energy electricity generation installed capacity of approximately 5 MW in the 2010 to 2012 period. It estimates an installed capacity for wave energy alone of 6 MW by 2020 for the all Ireland electricity market.

It is important to note that wave energy systems are in a development stage worldwide and are not commercially available. Wave and marine tidal energy are typically considered under the same heading as ocean energy. The development status and issues facing both technologies are closely related. SEI and the Marine Institute have made recent estimates for the potential growth rate for ocean energy systems assuming the first reliable ocean energy systems become available in Ireland by 2010. It is estimated that 4 MW of demonstration systems could be generating electricity by 2010 in Ireland and increasing incrementally thereafter.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

422 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will support the introduction of mandatory targets for energy efficiency gains under the proposed European Union new energy efficiency directive which is due to be considered by the Council of Ministers. [28686/05]

Mandatory targets that are realistic and potentially achievable are useful instruments to drive greater energy efficiency. Unless there is a real prospect of achievement such targets would be counter-productive. Our efforts must, therefore, concentrate on agreeing targets that stretch us but are within our reach.

Energy Resources.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

423 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any assumptions have been made on the likely price of oil in 2020 in view of his Department’s role in the long-term planning of Irish energy policy; and if so, the projected price per barrel that has been used. [28687/05]

I have instructed my officials to draft a comprehensive policy statement which fully addresses the issues and challenges that lie ahead in the energy area. It is my intention that the policy paper will have both a medium and a long-term perspective, explaining the policies that are in place now and which will have a direct effect over the next five years or so, and also looking forward to 2020 and beyond to assess what our energy needs might be and what policies we might adopt to ensure that those needs can be met in a sustainable way. Estimates of energy demand in the future will always depend on assumptions about a range of variables, including fuel prices. Work on all aspects of the policy paper, including estimates of energy demand in 2020, are under way but have not been completed. I aim to have a completed paper ready for publication in 2006.

Electricity Generation.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

424 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the full separation of ESB and EirGrid will occur; the timetable for the various stages in the completion of that process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28688/05]

Every effort is being made to conclude outstanding matters in order that EirGrid will become fully operational as a licensed transmission system operator as soon as possible.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

425 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role his Department has played in setting up the energy research funding within the next European Union seventh framework research programme; and if a national Government will argue for a greater level of funding to be directed to renewable energy research projects in comparison with nuclear power research. [28689/05]

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for the articulation, at EU level, of Ireland's position on the EU framework programme. The proposed framework programme includes a wide range of sectoral and thematic research areas such as information technologies, life sciences, food, marine, energy, aeronautics, and atomic energy.

My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the Irish position on energy research under the proposed seventh framework programme and the underpinning specific programmes being developed by the European Commission for debate at the European Competitiveness Council. Ireland will continue to advocate strongly for support for renewable energy research as a priority area under the framework programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

426 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timescale that is envisaged by the Commission for Energy Regulation to complete the processing of application from wind turbine generating farms in gate 2 series of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/05]

Gate 2 applications are grid connection processing issues between the Commission for Energy Regulation, the system operator and individual developers in the first instance. I have no function in this process.

Michael Ring

Question:

427 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if outstanding issues with the Energy Regulator relating to gate 1 applicants are impeding the processing of gate 2 applicants; if so, the closing date that is envisaged to have all matters relating to gate 1 applicants finalised by the Commission for Energy Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28778/05]

Gate 1 and gate 2 applications are grid connection processing issues between the Commission for Energy Regulation, the system operator and individual developers in the first instance. I have no function in this process.

Harbours and Piers.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

428 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider the need for funding being stressed by Fingal County Council following the handover of harbours under the Harbours Act 1996 in Balbriggan and Skerries and the subsequent need for extensive repairs to be carried out including the rebuilding of the harbour wall which has partly collapsed into the harbour in Balbriggan; and if he will further consider the willingness of Fingal County Council to provide matching funding in the spirit of partnership with his Department. [29090/05]

Balbriggan and Skerries harbours were transferred to the control of Fingal County Council in 2004 under the Harbours Act 1996. Government policy in relation to ports, including the 11 regional harbours, is set out in the ports policy statement published in January this year by the Department. The policy statement notes that many regional harbours have neither the resources nor the capability to comply with aspects of the code of practice for the governance of State bodies, whereas their transfer to local authority control would bring improved corporate governance and allow the harbours to realise their amenity potential. The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of the ports policy statement with regard to the transfer of regional harbours to local authority control.

The Department has invested in essential public safety works at a number of regional harbours in 2004 and plans to continue with a similar programme of works in 2005 and 2006. The Department proposes to make funds available to allow additional works to be undertaken at the regional harbours where appropriate and justifiable, to protect the public and the fabric of the harbours. The Department is assessing what essential works might be undertaken in 2005 and 2006 within the limited budget available. A submission regarding works required at Balbriggan and Skerries harbours has been received in the Department and forwarded to the Department's engineering division for its evaluation.

Inland Fisheries.

Martin Ferris

Question:

429 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will give an undertaking to purchase the Owenmore River in County Kerry which will go on sale on 21 October 2005 to ensure that the river and its amenities are made available for public use by the local community. [29093/05]

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management and development of the inland fisheries sector rests with the local fisheries board, in this case the South Western Regional Fisheries Board. There is, however, neither funding nor a grant scheme available through which either the Department or the fisheries board could consider providing assistance towards the purchase of this fishery.

It is my understanding, from a recent reply by my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to a similar question, that Udarás na Gaeltachta had invited the local co-operative society to submit any development plans it may have for the Owenmore fishery and that Údarás na Gaeltachta has agreed to provide assistance to enable the preparation of a business plan in relation to the purchase and development of the fishery and the sourcing of investment for such a purchase.

Seirbhísí Phoist.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

430 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha an bhfuil sé i gceist aige go mbeidh na zip-chóid nua in Éirinn bunaithe ar logainmneacha Gaeilge, is é sin, an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige an coimriú atá in úsáid sa chóras idirnáisiúnta ríomhaireachta a úsáid agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [29218/05]

Táim sásta go dtabharfaidh úsáid phost-chódanna deis tairbhe do ghnó an phoist, do na seirbhísí poiblí, do lucht gnó agus don chustaiméir. Pléifidh sé freisin leis na fadhbanna a tharlaíonn nuair a bhíonn an t-ainm chéanna ar an seoladh áúsaid le haghaidh ionaid éagsúla.

Níl aon chinneadh déanta go fóill i dtaobh crot nó cuma beacht d'aon chóras phost-chódanna. Beidh ar chumas an bhoird togra post-chódanna réimse leathan samplaí a scrúdú agus cíoradh a dhéanamh ar chostais agus tairbhe mar chuid den obair sin. Tá sé i gceist go gceadóidh an córas atá beartaithe leanúint le húsaid an tseolta sa Bhéarla agus sa Ghaeilge mar atá faoi láthair beag beann ar an litriú agus go gcoimeádfar na logainmneacha agus ainmneach na mbailte fearainn. Ullmhaíodh tuarascáil dom chun ceist na bpost-chódanna a scrúdú agus bhí ceist na logainmneacha luaite sna téarmaí tagartha don togra.

Inland Fisheries.

John McGuinness

Question:

431 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fishery officers involved in policing the River Nore at Inistioge and Thomastown in County Kilkenny; the number of reports from fishery officers relating to illegal fishing in this area; the number of convictions in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29219/05]

Under the Fisheries Acts, responsibility for enforcement of inland fisheries legislation rests primarily with the central and regional fisheries boards. As the queries raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, I have asked the chief executive officer of that board to ensure that the information sought by the Deputy is collated and forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Decentralisation Programme.

Joe Walsh

Question:

432 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the accommodation brief for the decentralised building at Clonakilty, County Cork will be finalised by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to allow the tender process go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29251/05]

The Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, have established a very constructive interaction with the Office of Public Works, OPW, on site acquisition and accommodation in Clonakilty which has been informed by site visits and regular consultation. As the Deputy will be aware, on foot of this interaction, a site has been acquired in Clonakilty, last month, to accommodate both the Department and BIM.

A comprehensive specification of the Department's requirements was forwarded to OPW in April which provided a basis for very positive discussion. We have reached broad agreement with the OPW on the operational space element of this specification. A similar specification from BIM is under active discussion between BIM and the OPW. I expect consultation between the Department, BIM and the OPW, on the fit out and design elements in each organisations specification, to get under way shortly with a view to facilitating the OPW in completing a tender document for a design-build solution in Clonakilty.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

433 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the salmon drift nets fishing and the effect it is having on the future of salmon stocks resulting in the number of salmon anglers dropping. [29266/05]

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 hillwalking.

While I am aware of the argument that the effect of drift netting on salmon stocks is a reason for the decline in angling tourism in Ireland I am not, however, aware of any study having been carried out that supports this particular premise. I am advised that Fáilte Ireland is carrying out research among tour operators involved in promoting special activity holidays and special activity holidaymakers.

Problems identified include rising costs and access to activities. Fáilte Ireland has, I understand, 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 the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

Inland Waterways.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

434 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a progress report on the Youghal river bed; and if he has obtained a report from his legal advisers on the advice sought. [29267/05]

The Department has been in consultation with the legal services on issues raised concerning the Youghal river bed, and is arranging to seek further advice in light of correspondence received from a number of parties.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

435 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a progress report on the proposal for Ballycotton harbour development committee case submitted earlier in 2005 regarding Ballycotton harbour. [29268/05]

The 2005 small harbours programme was approved by the Minister in July 2005 and Ballycotton was not included for funding. The question of providing funding in 2006 will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities.

Telecommunications Services.

John Perry

Question:

436 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to have broadband facilities made available in Ballymote, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29269/05]

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

My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists a number of service providers who offer broadband services in Ballymote, County Sligo. The website gives price details for the various service levels on offer, and contact numbers for the service providers.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

437 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29293/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

438 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29308/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.

Staff in my Department's press office may be paid overtime or granted leave in lieu at standard rates for additional attendance before or after normal office hours. There are no other allowances paid in respect of such attendance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

439 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29323/05]

It is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. I will revert to him as soon as possible.

Paul McGrath

Question:

440 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29338/05]

My Department places great emphasis on safeguarding the confidentiality of all personal data held on staff's personnel files. To that end, systems are in place to ensure that all such data is kept secure and is only accessible to a limited number of authorised staff within the Department.

There are only three circumstances in which personnel files of staff in my Department may be copied or given to external parties. First, in the case of long-term absenteeism on sick leave, the practice until recently had been for the individual's personnel file to be referred to the chief medical officer for review. In such instances, a strict operational regime was in place which involved the file in question being delivered by hand from my Department directly to the chief medical officer, whose office is keenly aware of the confidential nature of personnel files. This system has recently been revised with the introduction of a case referral form, which obviates the need for transmitting the entire personnel file. Second, my Department has occasionally released data from individual personnel files to solicitors representing those individuals, but only with the consent of the individuals themselves.

Third, in the case of investigations carried out under the Civil Service disciplinary code, it may be necessary, in the event of the individuals concerned invoking their right of appeal against the findings of the investigation, to make available to the Civil Service disciplinary appeals board all, or relevant papers from, the individual's personnel file. The entire disciplinary procedure is, however, carried out to the highest standards of confidentiality.

Paul McGrath

Question:

441 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29353/05]

The accompanying table shows the position regarding five members of staff in my Department who have been granted leave of absence for a period in excess of two months for educational purposes. The granting of special leave or career breaks for educational purposes is not conditional on attaining any particular level of academic achievement or on completion of the course in question.

A further two members of staff of my Department were released from duty for a period of two years in order to pursue an MSc in public policy analysis programme under the terms and conditions of Department of Finance circular 13/2003 and have successfully completed their studies. Another two staff members are partaking in subsequent programmes.

Start Date

Date of Return

Course Details

Scheme

13/09/04

28/09/05

MSc Medical Physics

Special leave without pay under terms of Department of Finance circular 2/76

07/09/02

08/10/03

MA in Archaeology

Career break under terms and conditions of Department of Finance circular 18/98

02/05/00

03/05/05

Certificate in Elementary Cookery, progressing to 2 year full-time professional cookery

Career break as above

13/06/05

14/01/08

Trainee Solicitor

Career break as above

16/04/99

15/04/01

Computer Science

Career break as above

Paul McGrath

Question:

442 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29368/05]

Approval was granted by my Department to 66 staff applications for a refund of course fees in respect of night or evening courses undertaken in the last academic year. Of the 66 approvals granted, fees were not paid in respect of two of those applications. An amount of €169,318 was paid out in respect of the remaining 64 staff members who completed courses in 2005.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

443 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29383/05]

The proportion of the training budget spent on refund of fees in respect of courses completed in 2005 was 8.5%. This percentage can vary from year to year depending on the number of applications received and approved.

Details of the courses funded by my Department in the last three years are contained in the following table.

Course

Course Level

ACCA

Accounting and Finance

BA

Accounting and Finance

Diploma

Accounting Technician

Agricultural Science

PhD

Applied European Law

Diploma

Applied PC Applications

Advanced Diploma

Applied Project Management

Diploma

Arts

BA

Audit Management and Consultancy

MSc

Bilingual Practice

MA

Biodiversity components in Forestry

Cert

Business & I.T.

BSc

Business Management

BA

Business Studies

BBS

Business Studies

Grad. Diploma

Business Studies

BA

Business Studies

Diploma

Business Studies

Higher Diploma

Business Studies

MA

Coaching

Dip.

Coastal Zone Management

MSc

Computer Studies

Dip.

Computerised Accounts — Sage

Computing Science

Post Grad. Diploma

Computing Science

BSc

Computing Science

BA

Corporate Governance

PhD

Counselling & Psychotherapy

BA

Counselling Skills

Certificate

Creative Writing

Data Computing/Maths

Modules

Development Management

MSc

ECDL

ECDL — Advanced

Economic Policy

MSc

Economics

BA

Editing & Proof-reading course

Employment Law

Diploma

Environmental Protection

Post Grad. Diploma

Environmental Protection

Diploma

Environmental Studies

BA/BSc

EU and International Affairs

MA

European Studies

Certificate

Field Ecology

Diploma

First Line Management

Diploma

Food Science & Technology

Certificate

Foundation in Civil Law

French

Diploma

French/Sociology

BA

Geographical Information Systems

MSc

Geographical Information Systems

Diploma

Governance

PhD

Health & Safety

Certificate

Human Resource Management

Diploma

Human Resource Management

MA

Human Resource Management

BSc

Humanities

BA

ICT at work

Information Technology

BSc

Interior Architecture

BA

International Affairs

MA

International Relations

MA

Irish

BA

Irish Law

LLB

IT Management

BA

Landscape Studies

H.Dip

Law Society

Prep.course

Leaving Cert/English+Maths

Certificate

Legal Studies

Diploma

Local & Community Studies

BA

Management & Law

BSc

Marine Surveying

Diploma

Maritime Law

Post Grad.

Marketing

Diploma

Media Studies

MA

Mous (MOS) Master

Master

Operations Management

Grad. Diploma

Organisational Behaviour

MSc

Personnel Management

Diploma

Personnel Practice

Certificate

Physical Science

PhD

Politics & International Studies

PhD

Practical Boat Surveying

Professional Development Skills 1

Professional Coaching

Diploma

Psychology

Diploma

Psychology/Psychoanalysis

BA

Public Administration

MA

Public Management

H.Dip

Public Management

Diploma

Public Management

BA

Public Management

MA

Public Management

Certificate

Public Relations

MSc

Public Relations

Diploma

Small Craft Surveying

Diploma

Social Sciences

BA/BSc

Spanish

Teachers JEB

Diploma

Visual Basic Programming

Web Design

Diploma

Paul McGrath

Question:

444 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/05]

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 and I shall forward them to him as soon as possible.

Paul McGrath

Question:

445 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29413/05]

My Department has purchased 77 personal digital assistants over the last four years, at a total cost of €10,105. The most expensive single unit was purchased for €756 in 2002, when units were considerably more expensive than today. The personal digital assistants are issued to individual officers based on a business case endorsed by their superior and accepted by the service delivery manager in information systems division who has effective final say in the matter.

The use of personal digital assistants enhances accessibility and business efficiency, particularly for technical professional staff operating in the field and staff engaged in regular travel on official business. The increasing convergence of these devices with voice communication and remote access to back-office systems such as electronic mail is rapidly enhancing their utility.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

446 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must carry out extra work; if such exempted staff provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/05]

At the request of my Department, two members of staff have been assessed by the Civil Service occupational health department which recommended that, for medical reasons, the individuals should be exempt from certain limited duties pertaining to their posts. In one case alternative duties have been assigned while arrangements were put in place to accommodate the special needs of the other staff member. In keeping with the Department's pastoral duty of care and statutory responsibilities as an employer, the arrangements were put in place to take account of the particular needs of the individuals concerned. I am also advised that these arrangements have not unduly affected business delivery by the Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

447 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/05]

The company referred to by the Deputy has not been employed to provide direct consultancy services to my Department in the period. My Department subscribes annually to the service provided by the company in terms of analysis and research information on ICT strategic business and technology trends and best practice. In addition to these research data targeted to suit my Department's specific ICT business needs, the service also provides monthly chief information officer executive reports and access to the executive programme network for private and public sector chief information officers. The subscriptions paid are at the standard rate for the company's services, discounted for Government subscribers.

The subscription was €13,225 in 2003; €31,439 in 2004; €34,989 in 2005; the increase over 2003 represents an upgrade to the premium service from 2004. The subscription represents value for money as a quality and topical source of strategic trends and analysis in global business and technology. The subscription will continue to be kept under review to ensure that it represents ongoing value for money for my Department's information systems division and senior management.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

448 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29466/05]

The company referred to by the Deputy was paid €26,886 in March 2000 in respect of its undertaking the 1998-99 audit of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund for my Department. The company was selected for this work following normal Government tendering procedures and approval by the Government contracts committee and I am satisfied that value for money was obtained in this case.

EU Constitution.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

449 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meaning of the phrase “the Government will use this period to promote active engagement with the European Constitution” appearing in Ireland and the European Union, issued by him in October 2005. [28655/05]

The Deputy's question arises from the publication, earlier this month, of Ireland and the European Union: Identifying Priorities and Pursuing Goals . Following the referendum results in France and the Netherlands, the European Council decided at its meeting in June to initiate a period of reflection and national debate with regard to the European constitution, involving citizens, civil society, social partners, national parliamentarians and political parties.

The Government intends to use this period of reflection to promote enhanced public awareness of EU issues vital to Ireland, including the European constitution, whose ratification remains a key objective. The White Paper on the European constitution, which was published on 13 October, is an important step in this direction. It provides the public with a clear and factual explanation of the various elements in the constitution.

The national forum on Europe will continue to play a leading role in facilitating increased public engagement with the range of EU issues that are vital for Ireland. It is envisaged that there will be an Oireachtas debate on the European constitution and the challenges facing Europe. Non-governmental and voluntary organisations also have vital roles to play in raising awareness of European issues. My Department's communicating Europe initiative will be supporting a range of projects, carried out by NGOs, aimed at improving public awareness of how the EU works and what it means for Ireland.

Enda Kenny

Question:

450 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Government White Paper on the EU constitution was completed; if the publication of this document has been delayed; if the cost of producing this document has increased as a result of this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/05]

The White Paper on the European constitution was published on 13 October 2005. Some 10,750 copies of the White Paper were produced and are being distributed widely. The document was originally prepared for publication in June 2005. Publication was postponed due to the uncertainties caused by the referendum results in France and the Netherlands.

The White Paper was written within the Department of Foreign Affairs and provides a clear and factual explanation of the various elements of the constitution and the Government's approach to its negotiation. The text of the original foreword was updated to reflect the European Council's decision to opt for a period of reflection, thus delaying the ratification process. We expect the costs relating to the production of the revised foreword to amount to approximately €1,670. This is made up of printing, design and translation services.

Diplomatic Representation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

451 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries where Ireland is considering setting up an embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28881/05]

Ireland has recently opened new resident missions in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Vietnam. The opening of further Irish missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. However, 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.

International Relations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

452 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland’s relationship with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28882/05]

Ireland established resident diplomatic relations with Russia in 1973. Relations with Russia are important to Ireland, as they are to our EU partners and to the European Union. A number of high level bilateral visits have taken place in recent years. During my visit to Moscow on 4 July 2005, in my capacity as special envoy of the UNSG on UN reform, I discussed Ireland-Russia relations in some depth with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. I availed of the opportunity to reactivate bilateral links following the Troika presidency period during which our focus was on EU relations with Russia. A number of regional issues of mutual interest also came up.

In line with understandings reached during my visit in July, a meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission for the development of business co-operation in Dublin at the start of next year is being actively prepared. A visit by the foreign affairs committee of the Russian Duma is also expected next year, in reciprocation of the visit of the Ceann Comhairle and a parliamentary delegation to Russia in late March and early April 2005. In recent years there have been regular ministerial visits to Russia for St. Patrick's Day. This year the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Batt O'Keefe, visited Moscow over this period.

Other significant recent visits include that by the Taoiseach in May 2004, as President of the European Council, for the EU-Russia summit. The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, visited Ireland in April 2004 to meet with the EU Troika during our Presidency.

The total value of trade between Ireland and Russia in 2004 was €273 million and Russia is our 36th largest trade partner. The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern, and the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, visited Russia in May and June of this year, with Irish companies in the software and education sectors and in the meat sector, respectively. A range of cultural and educational links has also been developed.

Overseas Development Aid.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

453 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to confirm if aid is being sent by the Government to Central American nations following the recent disaster. [28883/05]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

454 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the aid that is being sent to assist the relief effort following the earthquake in Pakistan. [28884/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.

We have all been shocked and saddened by the destruction wreaked by the natural disasters which hit Pakistan and Central America. I made a detailed statement on the Government's response to these crises during the special Dáil debate on the matter last Wednesday.

With regard to northern Pakistan and affected neighbouring areas, Ireland has allocated €3 million to assist in the immediate relief effort. I have been closely following the situation since the earthquake on Saturday, 8 October. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, I pledged €1 million towards relief efforts in northern Pakistan and the surrounding regions at a time when the first estimates of casualties were only a fraction of the current assessments. I remained in contact over the following days with the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, other colleagues in Government, my senior officials and key individuals such as the Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Toheed Ahmad, and representatives of the Pakistani community in Ireland.

Following an updated assessment of the situation on Monday, 10 October, I made a further pledge of €2 million, to bring to €3 million the amount pledged by Ireland in assistance to the region. A total of €1.2 million of this funding has been allocated to UN agencies, including UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. A sum of €300,000 has been allocated to the International Federation of the Red Cross. Up to €1.5 million is available for non-governmental organisations which are active in the provision of services on the ground. Priority areas in the relief effort have been identified by the United Nations as health, nutrition, logistics, shelter, camp management, water and sanitation, protection, information and telecommunications and recovery.

With respect to the humanitarian emergency situation in Central America, Ireland has been liaising with the UN, the International Red Cross and Irish non-governmental organisations, working directly or through partners in the area, to define immediate needs. Severe flooding made worse by the remnants of Hurricane Stan has deluged vast areas of Central America, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In response to this appalling disaster, I have allocated funding of €1 million for humanitarian relief. These funds are being allocated among the Red Cross, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs and non-governmental organisations providing services locally.

On a global funding basis, in 2005 Ireland has already made separate contributions of over €9.5 million to the UN High Commission for Refugees and €3 million to UNICEF for their worldwide operations. These funds are deliberately not earmarked to ensure that they can be utilised quickly and effectively for emergency and humanitarian planning and rapid responses by these key UN agencies. Over €2 million was released to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Activities to facilitate that agency's capacity to co-ordinate relief efforts. Our early funding provides much needed cash flow for these agencies so that they are better equipped to deal with sudden-onset emergencies.

Funding to develop NGO capacity has also been made available through the multiannual programme scheme, which offers predictable funding over a period of years around which the NGOs can plan. This type of funding has helped them to respond to major humanitarian emergencies in a more effective and timely manner.

We will continue to monitor the situation in both of these regions closely, with the assistance of UN agencies and partner organisations, particularly in the NGO community, to ensure that our assistance is being effectively targeted.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

455 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the call by a person (details supplied) for western Governments to donate €500,000 to move Roma refugees out of lead-contaminated camps in Kosovo; and if the Government will make this donation. [29106/05]

I am aware of the concern expressed by the special representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo and head of the United Nations interim administration mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, Mr Soren Jessen-Petersen, at the conditions in which many displaced families from minority Serb, Roma and other communities are still living in Kosovo and in neighbouring regions of Serbia. I share his specific concerns regarding the conditions in which Roma families are living in northern Kosovo, including the effect on their health of emissions from a toxic waste dump in the area.

Mr. Jessen-Petersen has stated that €1.3 million is required to enable the relocation of these families. In July, Ireland agreed to provide funding of €250,000 to the Roma Mahala project, administered by UNMIK, which is intended to achieve this. This amount has been pledged over two years; €100,000 in 2005 and €150,000 in 2006.

The issue of displaced persons from the conflict must be resolved if there is to be a truly multiethnic society in Kosovo, as provided for under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. UNMIK, with the full support of the EU, is seeking to uphold the right of all internally displaced persons in Kosovo to return to their homes. Realistically, this will not be fully achieved in the absence of substantial political progress.

Kosovo has been under UN administration since the end of the conflict in June 1999, in accordance with UNSCR 1244. The UN Secretary General has appointed a special representative, Ambassador Kai Eide of Norway, to prepare a comprehensive review of the implementation of reforms based on European standards in Kosovo. Last week Ambassador Eide presented his report to the UN Secretary General in New York and I look forward to the Security Council's consideration of the report in the near future. It is widely expected that there will be a decision to open a process to agree the constitutional status of Kosovo.

Departmental Staff.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

456 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation of 29 January 2001, which expressed concern that a small category of employees of the State employed at Irish embassies abroad have no mechanism for pursuing grievances as they are excluded from the terms of the Civil Service conciliation and arbitration scheme and are not regarded as workers within the meaning of section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990; if his attention has been drawn to his predecessor’s statement on 22 March 2001 that his Department was anxious to give effect to the court’s recommendation and was actively examining, in consultation with his colleagues in the Department of Finance, methods by which an appropriate mechanism could be put in place, and a similar statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 11 February 2004 in reply to Question No. 178 that the mechanism was expected to be in place well before the end of that year; if this promised mechanism will be put in place before the end of 2005. [29193/05]

There are two aspects to this issue, namely, the provision of grievance and discipline procedures for locally recruited staff in Irish missions abroad and, second, determining how such staff pursue pay, grade and related matters in the absence of agreement with management.

In the former case, following consultation with union representatives and with heads of Irish missions abroad, as well as the examination of best practice in other foreign services, detailed circulars outlining procedures for dealing with grievances and disciplinary issues have now been prepared and will issue shortly to missions.

The grievance circular is designed to ensure that locally recruited staff at missions are entitled, in the same way as their Civil Service colleagues in Ireland, to carry out their duties free from any form of harassment, including sexual harassment or bullying. It will not, however, deal with pay, grade or related issues.

The disciplinary circular is designed to ensure that locally recruited staff are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner and to provide a procedure by which impropriety can be dealt with effectively, thus ensuring the highest standard of conduct are maintained.

With regard to pay, grade and related matters, and following the Labour Court recommendation referred to by the Deputy, the feasibility of having Irish union representation for locally recruited staff in missions is under consideration. The Department is well disposed towards this.

The Department has also undertaken a wider review of all the issues involved. In view of the legal complexity of some of the issues, this is being conducted jointly by the human resources and legal divisions of the Department. It will also be necessary to seek the views and guidance of the Attorney General. This review is being given the highest priority.

In the meantime, the traditional procedure for dealing with pay, grade and related claims remains in place. This, in summary, provides for the relevant head of mission to consider claims by local staff and to make a recommendation to the Department, where it is fully considered. If considered necessary, and in particular in circumstances where a satisfactory outcome for all sides is not achieved, the public service division of the Department of Finance is consulted.

Passport Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

457 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the owner of the intellectual property rights in relation to the new automated passport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29194/05]

In the automated passport system, APS, there are a number of components which were developed specifically for the project. These include the developed software; the source code of the developed software; and specific aspects of the design of the data page and booklet. The intellectual property rights for these components are vested in the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In the APS, there are also other components which have been developed separately from, but have been integrated into, the project. It has not been possible to purchase the rights to these components outright. Payment, for instance, is made in respect of the components in the personalisation process. This process involves the laser engraving of details on the data page, together with the generation of an image of the photograph onto the passport by means of laser technology. The payment in question is based on the number of passports issued using this technology.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

458 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29294/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

459 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29309/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.

The press adviser, who is a non-established State employee, remains on call after normal hours and does not receive any additional payment over and above his stated salary. An officer of the Department's press section is on duty each weekend to co-ordinate the issuing of press statements by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of State in response to unanticipated events and to enable media queries to be responded to promptly. The weekend press duty officer receives an allowance of €120.

Each weekday morning, from 8 a.m. onwards, a third secretary and a clerical officer attached to the press section prepare press summaries for the Minister and the Ministers of State. These are also widely circulated throughout the Department at headquarters and to our 75 missions abroad. Overtime payments in respect of that and any other extra attendance approved from time to time are made in line with standard Civil Service rates. The Department's press officer, a first secretary, receives an annual allowance of €2,539.48 in respect of being on call and for additional attendance after normal working hours.

Paul McGrath

Question:

460 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29324/05]

The arrangements agreed centrally between the Department of Finance and relevant Civil Service unions under which officers serving in certain general service and departmental grades may be compensated, financially or by way of leave in lieu, for extra attendance are set out in Department of Finance circular 27/99. Under this circular, where leave in lieu is preferred to payment, overtime hours worked during the period Monday to Friday accrue at the flat rate. More favourable rates apply in respect of Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, when leave in lieu generally accrues at the rate of time plus one half.

The above arrangements apply only to officers serving in grades up to and including higher executive officer and equivalent. It would be inappropriate to publicise the names of the individual officers who have accrued or availed of leave in lieu of overtime.

Paul McGrath

Question:

461 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29339/05]

The only case where personnel files of staff have been copied or given to external parties has been where they have been transferred, on request, to the chief medical officer at the Civil Service occupational health department. Until recently, it had been the practice of the Department's human resources section to send personnel files to the chief medical officer in cases where professional medical advice was required by the Department. That practice was discontinued on the advice of the chief medical officer and instead a written report on the case in a format suggested by the chief medical officer is now normally sent. The full files are forwarded only if requested by the chief medical officer.

The personnel files of the staff of the Department are treated as strictly confidential. They are held in a secure area within the human resources section. Neither the files nor the data thereon would be released or made available to third parties by the personnel officer, with the exception of the chief medical officer, without the consent of the officer concerned. A request from the Garda for information from a personnel file as part of a criminal investigation would be granted.

Paul McGrath

Question:

462 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29354/05]

I presume the Deputy's question refers to cases involving leave of absence where the officer continued to receive his or her salary. Four such cases have arisen in the Department of Foreign Affairs in the period in question.

Department of Finance circular 15/2004 invited applications from officers serving as higher executive officers or administrative officers or in equivalent grades to compete to participate in a masters programme in public policy analysis. This is a two-year programme involving one year of academic study followed by a year involving projects in public policy evaluation. Successful completion of the programme results in the award of a National University of Ireland accredited MSc Econ in public policy analysis. Officers who successful complete the programme will also be appointed to the grade of assistant principal officer. Following competitive interviews, one officer of this Department, a third secretary, was selected by the Department of Finance to participate in the programme and has successfully completed the first year of full-time academic study.

The three other cases relate to attendance at the École Nationale d'Administration, ÉNA in France under a scheme also operated by the Department of Finance. ÉNA was established in 1945 as one of a number of fundamental reforms of the French Civil Service, with the purpose of selecting, training and developing future senior civil servants for positions throughout the public sector. Since 1964, the French authorities have reserved a number of places at ÉNA for foreign students from public administrations throughout the world. Selection of foreign students for ÉNA is on a competitive basis, with the final decision resting with the French authorities. The course provides an opportunity for Irish civil servants to gain first-hand experience of the work of the French public sector in a wide range of areas and to make contacts with existing and future senior French civil servants and with civil servants from more than 20 countries represented on the course. It also provides an opportunity to further develop French language skills.

The selection process for ÉNA includes French oral and written examinations conducted by the Civil Service training and development centre at the Department of Finance. Selected candidates are then invited to attend for interview and an oral language test at the French Embassy in Dublin.

Two officers of the Department were selected for, attended and successfully completed the course at the École in the period in question. These were a third secretary, from September 2001 to March 2003 and an executive officer, from October 2002 to July 2003. A third officer, a third secretary, has been studying at the École since September 2004 and will resume duty with the Department next March.

Paul McGrath

Question:

463 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29369/05]

One of the key objectives of the training and development strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to foster a culture of continuous learning within the Department to help staff develop the competencies necessary to perform to the best of their ability. In addition to the provision of classroom style and, in some cases, individualised training courses, the Department also operates a refund of fees scheme through which course fees relating to study by staff in their own time may be refunded in full. Such support is dependent on certain criteria. In particular, the course must be relevant to the officer's career in the Civil Service. To qualify for a refund under the scheme, the applicant must also complete the course and sit the relevant examinations.

To date, 24 of the Department's staff have applied for refunds of fees in respect of courses being undertaken during the 2005-06 academic year. The total value of refunds in 2005 is expected to amount to about €113,000, including final payments in respect of the 2004 to 2005 academic year. Two staff applied for prior approval to attend courses on a refund of fees basis in respect of the 2004 to 2005 academic year but did not subsequently apply for refunds.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

464 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29384/05]

One of the key objectives of the training and development strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to foster a culture of continuous learning within the Department to help staff develop the competencies necessary to perform to the best of their ability. In addition to the provision of classroom style and, in some cases, individualised training courses, the Department also operates a refund of fees scheme through which course fees relating to study by staff in their own time may be refunded in full. Such support is dependent on certain criteria. In particular, the course must be relevant to the officer's career in the Civil Service. To qualify for a refund under the scheme, the applicant must also complete the course and sit the relevant examinations. On average, 10% of the Department's annual training budget has been spent on refunds to staff in respect of night time or weekend study courses over the past three years.

To date, 24 of the Department's staff have applied for refunds of fees in respect of courses being undertaken during the 2005-06 academic year. The 19 courses concerned are listed in the accompanying table, as are the courses in respect of which the scheme was availed of in the previous three academic years.

Refund of fees scheme: list of courses attended during the 2002 to 2003 academic year

Masters in Public ManagementDegree in Business & Information SystemsDiploma in Information SystemsDegree in Computer ScienceDegree in Information SystemsDegree in IT & Computing Teacher’s Diploma in ITMasters in International RelationsDegree in Business StudiesBachelor of Arts Modular Degree ProgrammeDiploma in Front Line ManagementDegree in Politics and Social Policy Degree in Public ManagementPhD in Political ScienceBA in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management Barrister at Law Degree

Certificate in Public ManagementECDL courseCertificate in Social & Health EducationDiploma in Legal StudiesDegree in Accounting & FinanceCertificate in Supervisory ManagementDiploma in Business StudiesDiploma in Irish Doctorate in GovernanceDiploma in Public ManagementDegree in European StudiesMasters in Applied Computing for TechnologistsReturn to Learning CertificateDiploma in Development StudiesCertificate in Personnel Practice

Refund of fees scheme: list of courses attended during the 2003 to 2004 academic year

Doctorate in GovernanceMasters in International RelationsDegree in Information SystemsDegree in Computer SciencePostgraduate Diploma in Human RightsDegree in Business StudiesCertificate in Employee Assistance & Social SupportCertificate in Training PracticeMasters in Public Management ECDLDegree in Accounting & FinanceDiploma in Business StudiesCertificate in AccountingDegree in Public ManagementDiploma in Public ManagementCertificate in TransformationCertificate in Foundations of LawMasters in Applied Computing

Degree in Industrial Relations & Personnel ManagementCertificate in Social & Health EducationDegree in Management & LawAccounting TechnicianPost Graduate Diploma in Development ManagementCertificate in A Plus Computer TrainingDiploma in IrishDegree in European StudiesModular Degree in ArtsDegree in Politics & International RelationsContinuing Personal DevelopmentCIMA ExamsIntroduction to Public RelationsACCS DiplomaDiploma in EU Human Rights LawDiploma in Social StudiesDegree in IT & ComputingMasters in English

Refund of fees scheme: list of courses attended during the 2004 to 2005 academic year

Masters of Economic Science in Policy AnalysisDoctorate in GovernanceMasters in Public Management Degree in Business StudiesDegree in Computer SciencePrivate Secretary DiplomaDiploma in Employee Assistance and Social SupportOn-line Masters in Asia Pacific StudiesMasters in International Relations Degree in Industrial Relations and Human ResourcesMasters in Community HealthDiploma in Accounting and FinanceCertificate in Introduction to HumanitiesDiploma in Human Resources ManagementAccounting TechnicianDiploma in Project ManagementDegree in Management & LawDiploma in Legal StudiesModular ArtsDegree Degree in Information TechnologyCIMA ExamsDegree in IT and ComputingCertificate in Social Studies

Degree in Computer ScienceAdvanced ECDLDegree in Development StudiesInformation Communications TechnologyDegree in Accounting and FinancePostgraduate Diploma in Development ManagementPostgraduate Diploma in Conflict and Dispute ResolutionDegree in European StudiesMasters in EnglishUnderstanding Human Rights & Exploring International DevelopmentDiploma in Microsoft Office Specialist Degree in Applied AccountancyCertificate in Personal DevelopmentCertificate in FrenchDegree in Public ManagementCertificate in AccountingDiploma in Business Studies/ Human Resources ManagementDiploma in Social StudiesDoctor of Development EducationECDLCertificate in Office Skills

Refund of fees scheme: list of courses being attended during the 2005 to 2006 academic year

Doctorate in GovernanceMasters in Community HealthMasters in International RelationsCertificate in A+ Computer CourseDiploma in Communications SkillsMasters in Public ManagementCIMA ExamsDegree in Public ManagementCertificate in Public ManagementDiploma in Public Management

LLM in Commercial LawDegree in Management & LawLLB Law DegreeDegree in Industrial Relations & Human Resources ManagementMA in Development ManagementModular Degree in ArtsDevelopment Studies — Understanding DevelopmentDiploma in Business Studies/ Human Resource Management

Paul McGrath

Question:

465 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29399/05]

The Department of Foreign Affairs only supplies briefcases to staff of assistant secretary grade or above at headquarters. Departmental practice currently allows expenditure of up to a maximum of €100 on any one briefcase. As an indication of the level of expenditure involved, the Department purchased briefcases for two members of staff at headquarters, at a cost of €80.72 each, in the period from 1 January 2004 to-date. No refunds were made to officers who purchased their own briefcases in that period.

As these items come under the general heading of small office equipment, it should be noted that missions abroad, which have their own budgets, may, from time to time, purchase briefcases for senior diplomatic staff without reference to headquarters. It is not practicable, in the time available, to provide details, in respect of every mission, of expenditure that might have been incurred on these items.

Paul McGrath

Question:

466 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/05]

The Department of Foreign Affairs has provided a total of 19 personal digital assistants to staff since 2001. The cost of personal digital assistants is as follows:

Year

2001

1,461

2002

2,228

2003

0

2004

0

2005

6,211

Total

9,900

The most expensive personal digital assistant provided to a member of staff was €1,461, paid in 2001.

The Department does not issue personal digital assistants to specific grades and considers requests for this equipment on a case-by-case basis. The devices are only issued following a business case approved at a senior level within the division making request, with the final decision on the provision made by the Department's head of information and communications technology.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

467 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29429/05]

No such cases have arisen in the Department of Foreign Affairs in recent years.

Human Rights Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

468 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some members of the European Union favour a weakening of the common EU position on Burma; and his views on same. [29444/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

469 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the practical support Ireland gives to Burmese parliamentarians and others who are seeking an end to military rule in Burma; and if it is intended to increase funding or resources. [29445/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

470 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position regarding the raising of the question of Burma onto the UN Security Council’s agenda; if he will support the development of an international strategic initiative on Burma; and his views on same. [29446/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 to 470, inclusive, together.

The Government's position on Burma is clear. As I said on previous occasions, most recently in response to a series of parliamentary questions on 6 October, the Government's continuing goal, and that of the EU, remains the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations, the release and restoration of liberty to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long suffering people of Burma.

The Government has consistently highlighted the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Burma and condemned the lack of progress towards democracy. In my statement on behalf of Ireland at the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on 19 September, I referred to the continuing denial of human rights and democracy in Burma. I stated that this was most acutely symbolised by the continued detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and that her ordeal was not forgotten by the people of Ireland. I pointed out that the cumulative length of her detention is now very close to ten years. The Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, who represented Ireland at the Asia-Europe Meeting, ASEM, of Foreign Ministers in Japan last May stated our position in the presence of representatives of the Burmese authorities. We also encourage Asian partners to use their influence to press the Burmese authorities on the situation there. As recently as last week, I availed of a meeting with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister to raise our concerns.

Last week also, my colleague in the Department, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, met with a delegation from the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and associated groups accompanied by representatives of Burma Action Ireland. This meeting was part of a regular dialogue we have with those concerned with the situation in Burma.

The EU applies sanctions against Burma, including a travel ban on senior members of the regime, which is referred to as the EU Common Position on Burma. The current common position is up for renewal in April 2006. In the absence of progress in the period ahead, the expectation is that measures will be renewed for a further year. There has been no discussion of the common position at EU level since the measures were renewed last April. It is expected that consideration of this issue will begin shortly, starting in the relevant working groups in Brussels.

I am not aware of any plans by the UN Security Council to consider the question of Burma. We would be pleased if this were to occur. Ireland will use relevant opportunities to press that the UN Secretary General's special representative, Mr. Razali Ismail, and the special rapporteur on the situation on human rights in Burma, Mr. Sergio Pinheiro, be allowed to visit and to meet all the key players in Burma.

As regards funding, Development Co-operation Ireland, DCI, funded an NGO project in 2003 entitled ‘Burma: the funding of conflict and corruption through the unsustainable logging of Burma's forests', aimed at improving the prospects for the sustainable and equitable management of natural resources throughout Burma. Funding for this project amounted to €81,629. In June of this year, DCI agreed to fund a three year project with another NGO. Total funding will amount to €297,254. This project aims to ensure that women and young people from five Burmese ethnic minorities living along the Thai-Burma border possess the skills and knowledge to realise their rights, achieve democratisation and pursue reconciliation. Burma Action Ireland was also approved funding this year of €7,685 to publish two reports documenting and raising awareness of human rights violations in Burma.

Development Co-operation Ireland is open to receiving further appropriate funding requests from non-governmental organisations working to support human rights and democratisation in Burma. In addition, Trócaire also received funding in 2004 from Development Co-operation Ireland of €265,445 in support of its ongoing programme to strengthen civil society in Burma. Ireland pledged €500,000 for humanitarian assistance in Burma in 2005 following the tsunami disaster in south east Asia in December 2004. This funding was allocated to the International Federation of the Red Cross and has been fully committed.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

471 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/05]

The Department of Foreign Affairs has paid the following amounts to the Gartner Group:

Year

2000

0.00

2001

0.00

2002

5,082.00

2003

10,164.00

2004

17,581.30

2005

14,278.00

The Department has taken a subscription to Gartner's online technology research database, which includes the periodic supply by CD of technology articles of interest to the Department. The service is equivalent to other subscription-based research services. The Department has not used Gartner for the direct provision of consultancy advice. The Department of Foreign has used the Gartner database to obtain impartial research articles on technology developments. This research has helped inform the Department when making significant technology investment decisions.

I am satisfied that this service has offered value for money to the Department. I can confirm that the national rules on procurement have been followed.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

472 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter [29467/05]

In the period referred to by the Deputy, no payments were made by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the relevant consultancy company.

Human Rights Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

473 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns being raised by international human rights groups in relation to abuses by state forces and by international forces in Haiti against the civilian population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29510/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

474 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been allegations of electoral malpractice in relation to the distribution of voting cards in Haiti; and if Ireland will be sending official election observers to Haiti to monitor their forthcoming elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29511/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

475 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will be suggesting the EU send a team of official election observers to Haiti to monitor their forthcoming elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29512/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

476 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Amnesty International’s calls for the deposed leader President Aristide will be allowed the full freedom to contest the forthcoming elections without State interference. [29513/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

477 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position Ireland is taking in the United Nations on the activities in Haiti by foreign and Government forces. [29514/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 473 to 477, inclusive, together.

Ireland monitors the human rights situation in Haiti along with our partners in the European Union. In this context, Ireland supported the statement made by the European Union to the United Nations Security Council on 13 May 2005. This statement reiterates our concerns regarding the continuing human rights abuses in Haiti and calls on the Haitian national police to investigate thoroughly all allegations of human rights violations.

In his report to the Security Council on 6 October 2005, the UN Secretary General highlighted the progressive improvements in the security environment in Haiti since his previous report in May. He reported on MINUSTAH's, United Nations Stabilization Mission to Haiti, assistance to the Haitian national police in the development of a reform plan aimed at enhancing professionalism and technical skills, but noted that respect for human rights of the Haitian population continued to be compromised by a mixture of criminal violence and institutional deficiencies. MINUSTAH was working to develop local capacities, including by training and advising local human rights organizations, while continuing to monitor human rights on the ground.

The Secretary General has also reported that on 6 July 2005, MINUSTAH conducted a large-scale operation in the Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince aimed at apprehending and bringing to justice a prominent gang leader. MINUSTAH encountered heavy gunfire, and while it took precautions to avoid civilian casualties, given the densely populated urban nature of the terrain, civilians appear to have been caught in the crossfire. However, reports of civilian casualties could not be verified by MINUSTAH due to the strength of the armed response from gang members, which forced MINUSTAH troops to withdraw from the area. Allegations were also made by the Haitian national police, and others, that gangs were seen killing civilians following the operation. MINUSTAH's joint special investigation unit is investigating these acts of reprisal, as well as allegations of excessive use of force by MINUSTAH. The prevailing fragile security situation in Cité Soleil has complicated the investigation.

With respect to the Deputy's questions in regard to the upcoming elections in Haiti, I can confirm that the EU has received an official invitation to send a delegation of observers to monitor the elections. The European Commission recently undertook an exploratory visit to Haiti in this connection and planning for the election observation mission is well underway and nominations are now being sought for observers. A memorandum of understanding concerning the EU election observation mission should be signed with the Haitian Transitional Government shortly. My Department will be nominating at least two individuals to participate in an EU mission.

Recently, there have been reports of good progress in regard to the process of election registration, with 3 million out of a possible 4 million voters now registered. Nevertheless, I am aware that there have been a number of complaints in regard to decisions taken with respect to the organisation of the upcoming elections. The Haitian courts are investigating these complaints prior to the confirmation of a polling date. Ireland, along with its EU partners and the UN, fully supports efforts to ensure that free and fair elections take place. It is a matter for the Haitian authorities to decide whether former President Aristide should be permitted to participate in the elections.

Ireland, together with our partners in the EU, fully supports the presence of the United Nations in Haiti and, as already mentioned, UN forces are playing a key role in facilitating the elections as well as improving the security environment there. MINUSTAH is working with local authorities to launch civic education programmes to prepare for the elections. It is also cooperating in demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration efforts. In June 2005, the Security Council extended MINUSTAH until February 2006 and approved a temporary increase in its strength in order to provide increased security in advance of the elections. The Security Council has also urged the Haitian authorities to increase and accelerate efforts to prepare for and ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, and called on international donors to provide the necessary resources to support the election process.

At an EU-Latin American ministerial meeting which I attended in Luxembourg on 27 May 2005, the importance of comprehensive long-term aid to enable the Haitian people to work towards the establishment of a violence-free inclusive democratic system was acknowledged. The EU pledged €294 million for comprehensive development projects in the country at the Washington Donor Conference for Haiti which took place in July 2004. The European Commission is taking the lead role in administering these funds, up to €20.5 million of which is being used to support the election process.

Sports Capital Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

478 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is a sports grant outstanding to a club (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which has a long term lease from Dublin City Council who hold the deeds of trust to the centre. [28979/05]

The organisation in question was provisionally allocated €90,000 under the national lottery-funded 2003 sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department.

Under the terms of the sport capital programme, a deed of covenant and charge must be executed by my Department's legal advisers, the Chief State Solicitor's office, CSSO, before grant payments can be made. The requirement for such a deed is standard practice in regard to State funding and provides for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The CSSO is currently in contact with the organisation's solicitors to progress the execution of the deed of covenant and charge, following which my Department will be in a position to progress payments to the organisation in question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

479 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied); the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29558/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

491 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 491 together.

My Department has not awarded a contract nor paid any consultancy fees to Gartner since its establishment in June 2002.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

480 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied); the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29573/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

492 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29468/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 492 together.

My Department has not awarded a contract nor paid any consultancy fees to Accenture since its establishment in June 2002.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

481 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29295/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

482 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amounts of ex-gratia payments made to staff in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 482 together.

The press officer in my Department is in receipt of four hours overtime at Sunday rates per week. This is not paid in respect of periods of annual leave of duration of one week or more.

Paul McGrath

Question:

483 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29325/05]

My Department, in accordance with established procedures in the Civil Service, permits time off in lieu to grades which are entitled to paid overtime, generally staff up to the level of higher executive officer, where overtime is necessary and agreed in advance by management. This permits staff to avail of extra time off rather than pay for extra attendance consistent with work demands. As such arrangements are dealt with locally by line managers a central record is not kept.

Officers at assistant principal officer level and above are not entitled to paid overtime. Their salary and terms and conditions are intended to cover significant extra attendance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

484 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29340/05]

Personnel files of staff in my Department have not been copied or given to external parties with the exception of a small number of cases where files were referred to the Chief Medical Officer for advice or where litigation was involved. In the case of the latter, papers have been furnished in response to discovery orders by the legal representatives of either the individuals concerned or of the Department.

The personnel files of staff in my Department are securely stored and access is limited to the management advisory committee and to relevant staff in the human resources unit. Every effort is made to ensure that all concerned are fully aware of the terms of data protection legislation in regard to personal information and the need for confidentiality generally.

Paul McGrath

Question:

485 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29355/05]

Since my Department was established in June 2002, no member of staff was granted leave in excess of two months for educational purposes.

Paul McGrath

Question:

486 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

487 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.

In the academic year 2004 to 2005, 25 applications for refunds of fees were made by staff in my Department in respect of courses being undertaken at night or evenings, of which, 24 were approved. Of the 24, one applicant did not pursue the course.

The value of refunds to be made by my Department in 2005 is estimated at approximately €30,000. This represents approximately 8.5% of my Department's estimated total training expenditure for the year. Lists of courses for which refunds of fees were made in the past three academic years are set out as follows:

2002-2003

National Certificate in History

Foundation Certificate in Marketing

Accuracy in Irish language

Diploma in Human Resource Management

BA in Public Administration

Genealogy course in UCD

ACCA Taxation Course

Field Ecology

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

2003-2004

MSc in Economic Policy Studies

Diploma in Policy Analysis

BA in Humanities

Marketing Institute of Ireland, a brand management course

National Certificate in History (2nd Year)

Diploma course in Irish

MA in Archaeology and Heritage

BA in History

Certificate in Change Management

ACCA Taxation Course

Degree in Public Management

Masters in Museum Studies

2004-2005

PhD-MLit

MSc in Economic Policy Studies

BA in Humanities

ECDL

Higher Diploma in Public Management

MSc in Training and Performance

Certificate in Public Management

Diploma in Modern Irish Translation

Certificate in Management Development

MA in Archaeology and Heritage

Introduction to Psychology

Diploma in Irish

Certificate in Managing Change

Diploma in Genealogy and Family History

BSc in Information Technology

Keyboard Skills

In addition to the above, my Department provides training each year on a range of topics aimed at addressing skills deficits identified mainly through the operation of the performance management and development system. These include management, IT, quality customer service, health and safety and induction training.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

488 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29400/05]

Since my Department was established in June 2002, it has purchased one briefcase at a cost of €90. No staff received refunds in respect of briefcases they purchased themselves.

Paul McGrath

Question:

489 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29415/05]

Seven personal digital assistants are presently available to officials in my Department. These digital assistants are issued only on the basis of a sound business case, the final decision on which is made by the Department's head of information technology services.

The overall cost of these devices, purchased between 2002 and this year, is €2,439.30. The cost of the most expensive was €500.00.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

490 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29430/05]

No staff in my Department are exempt from the duties described by the Deputy by virtue of a medical certificate.

Question No. 491 answered with QuestionNo. 479.
Question No. 492 answered with QuestionNo. 480.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

493 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken on the issue of the allegation that a person (details supplied) obtained their position partly on the strength of a document claiming to be a PhD; if he has inquired into allegations that the entity which issued this degree is a degrees-for-sale company and not a legitimate educational institution; if so, the results of such inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29113/05]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

494 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has discussed the quality of the academic qualifications of a person (details supplied) with that person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29122/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

504 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it is academic fraud for applicants for positions within his Department which require a PhD to rely on degrees purchased on the basis of life experience or other academically invalid criteria from bodies without academic campuses, qualified faculty members or three year degree programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29114/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

505 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the existence of diploma mills claiming to be universities which issue bogus degrees including doctoral degrees on the basis of life experience or other academically invalid criteria; if so, the steps he has taken to ensure that no person claiming a degree from such a bogus university is permitted to rely on such a degree for the purposes of any job application in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29115/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

506 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to inquire into substantial international evidence that an entity (details supplied) is a bogus university which issues degrees lacking any academic validity; the outcome of such inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29116/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

507 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to inquire into evidence that an entity (details supplied) operates from an office address in California and has no academic campus; the outcome of such inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29117/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

508 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to inquire into whether a person (details supplied) claimed to have a PhD from an entity (details supplied) at the time of application for his present post; if he will detail the procedures for advertising the post, and the recruitment and appointment of this person; the publications in which any such advertisement appeared and the terms and qualifications required of candidates; the number of other candidates for the position and the number of those other candidates holding PhD degrees from recognised universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29118/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

509 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to inquire into whether a person (details supplied) submitted a legitimate PhD level thesis for the purpose of acquiring a document describing itself as a PhD from an entity (details supplied); if so, the length measured in number of words of this thesis; the locations in which this thesis is published and the libraries at which it may be consulted; if he has obtained the thesis or will take steps to obtain it; if so, if he will make a copy available to Members and to the public; the outcome of such inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29119/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

510 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when his attention was drawn to the fact that the PhD thesis claimed by a person (details supplied) was purchased from an on-line degree sales office without academic legitimacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

511 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether a State office (details supplied) may have been damaged by the allegations contained in an article in a newspaper (details supplied) that the PhD thesis claimed by a person (details supplied) was purchased from an on-line degree sales office without academic legitimacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29121/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 494 and 504 to 511, inclusive, together.

The filling of the post in question was undertaken as part of a package of measures in the area of science co-ordination and oversight. In June 2004 the Government approved the putting in place of a Cabinet Sub-committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, STI, an interdepartmental committee for STI and the creation of the post in question — chief science adviser to the Government and the appointment of the current incumbent to it. The individual in question was returning from a position at director general level in the European Commission, having previously worked in a number of senior STI positions in the Irish public service.

The post was filled on the basis of the availability of the individual concerned and his track record in the development of science policy and programmes at national and European level and was not the subject of advertisement or competition. The nature of the position is such that no formal qualifications have been stipulated with the key criterion being a broad background in science, technology and innovation. The individual in question supplied a curriculum vitae prior to appointment detailing his experience and academic background including details of his qualifications and experience at graduate and postgraduate level — BSc, MSc and PhD. Following its publication on 9 October 2005, I am aware of the media report referred to which has raised issues in respect of the individual's PhD and the awarding institution. I have had a discussion with the individual concerned and I am examining the issues further.

Work Permits.

Damien English

Question:

495 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath has not been issued with a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29201/05]

The work permit section of my Department has informed me it has no record of a valid work permit application in this instance.

Bullying in the Workplace.

John Gormley

Question:

496 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that have been taken to counteract bullying in the workplace; the progress that has been made to date in 2005 in dealing with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28648/05]

In August 2004, my predecessor, Deputy Fahey, established an expert advisory group on workplace bullying, the terms of reference of which were to advise and report on the effectiveness of measures relating to the prevention of workplace bullying, the identification of improvements in procedures and how to address the contribution made by bullying to the incidence of workplace stress. In May 2005, I received the report of the expert group and on 17 August 2005, I launched the report, a copy of which is available free of charge on my Department's website, www.entemp.ie. The principles laid down by the group in its report will underpin future consideration of the issue by the Government, as anything less is not acceptable in a fair, safe and equitable workplace. These principles are workplace bullying is unacceptable in all circumstances; it is the responsibility of management to ensure that bullying is not tolerated at the workplace; and that incidents of bulling are adequately dealt with and brought to a fair and conclusive resolution in a timely fashion.

The group was chaired by Mr. Paul J. Farrell, partner at IBM's business consulting services and was widely representative of the social partners, the Health and Safety Authority, Equality Authority, Labour Relations Commission, National Centre for Partnership and Performance, anti-bullying centre at Trinity College Dublin, human resources practitioners, a solicitor and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The group determined that workplace bullying is an increasing problem. Whether this is due to an increase in the incidence of bullying or an increasing awareness of the unacceptability of bullying behaviour is not clearly demonstrable. However, the end result is the same — increased numbers of complaints; higher levels of workplace stress; great frustration with a lack of formal channels for resolving such complaints; and an increased burden on all parties to resolve disputes; workplace bullying is not a "normal" industrial relations issue; existing measures to tackle the problem are insufficient; responsibility for tackling the problem is diffuse — clarity of process and resolution is required; and the impact of bullying on the individual is such that immediate action on the part of employers and the State is called for.

The key recommendation of the group is legislation should be brought forward to deal with workplace bullying. This legislation should apply to all employees in the workforce, irrespective of employment status. In this regard, on 2 September 2005, as part of the follow up consultation process, my Department placed a notice in the national newspapers and on my Department's website seeking the views of interested parties on how the recommendations of the group might be implemented. A number of submissions have been received to date and they are being considered. I have also sought and obtained the views of the social partners and their views are also being considered.

My Department will also shortly be implementing the group's recommendation to conduct a follow up survey on workplace bullying, which is similar to the survey conducted for the last report on this subject, published in 2001, to obtain an up-to-date picture of the incidence of the problem. When the views of the social partners and other interested parties have been considered and the results of the survey have been received, I intend to bring a report to Government for a decision on the way forward.

The Health and Safety Authority's code of practice for the prevention of workplace bullying 2002 and safety, health and welfare at work legislation refer to the employer's responsibility to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of the his or her employees at work. The new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which commenced on 1 September last, extends the employer's duty to managing and conducting work activities in such a way as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health or welfare at work of his or her employees at risk. The duty on the employer in this new section of the Act is matched by a duty on employees in section 13(e) of the same Act not to engage in improper conduct or behaviour.

The Health and Safety Authority's anti-bullying unit is the focal point for dealing with requests for information and for the receipt of workplace complaints on bullying. It assists those employers who do not have an adequate anti-bullying policy, to upgrade what they have, and to bring it in line with the authority's code of practice for the prevention of workplace bullying.

Official Engagements.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

497 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to confirm his plans to make an official visit to Ukraine, to promote trade links between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28885/05]

Planning of a ministerial trade mission from Ireland to the Ukraine is under way and it is hoped the timing of the mission, probably early 2006, will be finalised in the near future. This initiative follows a seminar organised by Enterprise Ireland in June last on doing business in the Ukraine which was extremely well attended. The proposed trade mission will act as focus for existing Irish interest in Ukraine and attract other Irish companies wishing to enter the Ukrainian market. The Ukraine is one of Europe's fastest growing economies and several sectors are especially interesting to Irish companies, for example, telecommunications, technology transfer, software, the food sector, healthcare, pharmaceuticals-medical devices, international consulting services, automotive components and aviation services.

Consultancy Contracts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

498 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the agencies under his remit have engaged Deloitte & Touche as advisers; the fees paid to them for each year since 1997; the nature of the assignments undertaken by this company; if an open competition for the services provided by them was held, including for contract renewals; if the reporting arrangement for them was directly to the main board of each agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29026/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

500 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has satisfied himself, in the case of the agencies under his remit that have engaged Deloitte & Touche since 1997, that the boards of these agencies have exercised the necessary and proper level of due diligence in appointing the company and in reviewing its ongoing performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 500 together.

The agencies under the aegis of my Department are statutorily independent in the exercise of their day to day functions. Engagement of consultants is a matter for the agencies and their boards and neither I nor my Department has a function in the matter.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

499 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature of the assignments given to Deloitte & Touche by Shannon Development regarding the sale of the former Burlington plant at Gillogue; if he has received regular reports from his officials on this issue; if he has satisfied himself that Shannon Development is properly observing the corporate governance guidelines in its review of the performance of this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29027/05]

I have been informed that, in common with many other public bodies, Shannon Development employs external specialists to fulfil its internal audit function. Shannon Development uses the services of Deloitte (Limerick) to provide this function. The internal audit programme is agreed with the audit committee of Shannon Development and is approved by the full board. On occasion, Deloitte is also engaged to undertake specific assignments by the board that would not fall within the agreed internal audit programme.

In the case of the sale of the former Burlington plant at Gillogue, County Clare, the board engaged Deloitte to review the process whereby the factory and adjacent lands at Gillogue were offered for sale. Following legal advice and concerns about a possible legal challenge the commission was cancelled and an alternative review process instituted. No report has issued on foot of this process. The day-to-day operation of Shannon Development is a matter for the board and management of the company. However, my Department has requested and received a number of updates from the company regarding the sale of the Gillogue property. In accordance with the relevant reporting obligations on State bodies the chairman of Shannon Development has confirmed to me that the Shannon Development has adopted and is complying with the Government's code of practice for corporate governance.

Question No. 500 answered with QuestionNo. 498.

Grocery Industry.

Niall Blaney

Question:

501 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the current Government proposals on the groceries order with a view to having it retained in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/05]

There are no proposals before the Government on the groceries order. However, a public consultation process, which I initiated following the consumer strategy group's recommendation that the groceries order should be revoked, recently generated more than 550 submissions. These were received from a wide range of parties, including trade groups, producers and retailers, as well as a significant number from the public. The submissions have all been considered and a comprehensive report on the consultation process is currently being finalised within my Department. I expect that the report will include recommendations as to what action is appropriate in relation to the order. I will carefully consider my Department's findings before making any recommendations to Government. However, I am on record as saying I do not believe that retention of the order in its current form is a tenable proposition.

Competition Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

502 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties created for actors, musicians and freelance journalists by the manner in which the Competition Authority is interpreting competition law, treating such workers as if they were commercial companies and as such not entitled to band together to seek improved fees, terms or conditions; if he will amend the law in order to remove any ambiguity and to ensure that such workers are entitled to be members of a trade union and collectively represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/05]

The aim of the Competition Act is to prohibit anti-competitive practices by undertakings such as price fixing and-or the abuse of a dominant position. The Act applies to all sectors of the economy. An "undertaking" is defined as "a person being an individual, a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons engaged for gain in the production, supply, or distribution of goods or the provision of a service". This definition has been in use in Irish competition law for some time and is supported by EU case law. The view expressed by the Competition Authority in its investigation into price fixing involving the Equity trade union and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland was in respect of that particular case only. The parties to the investigation do not appear to have taken issue with the authority's view as they entered into undertakings with the authority in settlement of the case, thereby avoiding the necessity of going to court. Only the courts who can interpret the law. The authority's decision, which describes how it came to its view in the matter, is published on its website, www.tca.ie. The authority, in its decision, states that while it is perfectly legal for a trade union to represent employees in collective bargaining with their employers, its trade union mantle cannot exempt its conduct when it acts as a trade association for self-employed contractors.

In considering the question of whether an exemption from competition law should be provided for actors, musicians and freelance journalists, therefore, we need to bear in mind that a similar argument could be made for almost any group of self-employed contractors, such as barristers, farmers, publicans, doctors, pharmacists etc, who, by coming together, adding union to their name and getting a negotiating licence, could circumvent the protections afforded to consumers by the Oireachtas under the Competition Act.

EU Directives.

Pat Breen

Question:

503 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position relating to the implementation of Directive 2003/105/EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29032/05]

Under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which commenced on 1 September last, the Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with overall responsibility for administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace health and safety. Proposed draft regulations entitled European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2005, to transpose Directive 2003/105/EC, are nearing completion. It is expected the regulations will be made shortly. The new regulations will transpose, for the first time, Directive 2003/105/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances which amend Directive 96/82/EC. The regulations will revoke and replace the European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2000 — SI No. 476 of 2000) and the European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances)(Amendment) Regulations 2003, SI No. 402 of 2003.

Questions Nos. 504 to 511, inclusive, answered with Question No. 493.

Proposed Legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

512 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timetable for the introduction and issuing of the consequent regulations and compliance standards in view of the recently introduced Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 updating the legislation of 1989; if he foresees the replacement of many of the current regulations or compliance standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29187/05]

The process of developing proposals for new regulations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which came into operation on 1 September 2005, has commenced in respect of new general application regulations and new construction regulations.

The Health and Safety Authority is undertaking a public consultation process on the general application regulations. These proposed regulations will revoke and replace those provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993 — SI No. 44 of 2003, as amended — which were not incorporated in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and which were not revoked under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)(Revocation) Regulations 2005, SI No. 392 of 2005.

The proposed general application regulations will revoke and replace a range of existing regulations, including Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Signs) Regulations 1995, SI No. 132 of 1995; Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Miscellaneous Welfare Provisions) Regulations 1995, SI No. 358 of 1995; Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Children and Young Persons) Regulations 1998, SI No. 504 of 1998; Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Night Work and Shift Work) Regulations 2000, SI No. 11 of 2000; Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Pregnant Employees, etc.) Regulations 2000, SI No. 218 of 2000; and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2001, S.I. No. 188 of 2001.

These regulations retranspose 11 EU directives and transpose for the first time the following EU directives relating to occupational safety, health and welfare: Directive 2001/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 amending Council Directive 89/655/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work, including work at height and Directive 2002/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents, vibration.

The Health and Safety Authority is also undertaking a parallel consultation exercise on draft safety, health and welfare at work (construction) regulations designed to revoke and replace the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 and 2003. The proposed changes in those regulations fall within four main categories: the addition of requirements to make existing obligations more explicit and tangible; the reallocation of duties between duty holders to ensure clarity and achieve more effective and timely intervention by key persons; changes of a technical nature to the main body of the regulations; and the removal generally of provision relating to work at height and to lifting operations, which it is intended to cover in the proposed new general applications regulations and in proposed new lifting operations regulations respectively.

Other replacement regulations for progression in 2006 include safety, health and welfare at work (quarries) regulations; safety, health and welfare at work (extractive industries) regulations; safety, health and welfare at work (mines) regulations; safety, health and welfare at work (carcinogens, mutagens, chemicals and biological agents) regulations; safety, health and welfare at work (fishing vessels) regulations; safety, health and welfare at work (noise) regulations, transposing Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council; safety, health and welfare at work (noise) regulations, transposing Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise); and safety, health and welfare at work (asbestos) regulations, transposing Directive 2003/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 March 2003 amending Council Directive 83/477/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work.

New regulations to be developed under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 include safety, health and welfare at work (diving) regulations and regulations relating to medical fitness to work under section 23 of the 2005 Act.

It is intended that codes of practice and-or other appropriate guidance material will be produced in respect of the various regulations referred to above. I recently requested the chairman and board of the authority to bring forward proposals for regulations to implement the following: section 79 of the 2005 Act in respect of on-the-spot fines and section 13(1)(c) in regard to testing for intoxicants. I also asked the authority’s board to consider appropriate ways to promote the concept of joint safety and health agreements between trade unions of employers and employees, as provided for under section 24 of the Act.

Job Creation.

Jack Wall

Question:

513 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new places of employment created through State agencies in County Kildare for each of the past three years; the number of redundancies registered in County Kildare for each of the past three years; if he has satisfied himself with the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29242/05]

The table that follows sets out the number of jobs created by agency supported companies in County Kildare in 2002, 2003 and 2004. These data are only compiled on an annual basis. As the requirement to notify the Department in advance of redundancies was replaced in early 2005 by a system of recording redundancies as they occur, the Department does not, as yet, have reliable figures for 2005 for such redundancies at county level.

Overall permanent employment in agency supported firms in County Kildare has increased from 8,847 in 1995 to 15,698 in 2004, an increase of more than 75% which is significantly above than the national average. The most recent live register analysis from the Central Statistics Office — October 2005 — shows a reduction in the numbers on the live register in County Kildare, in the 12 month period ending September 2005, which indicates that job losses incurred in the county in that period have been more than offset by employment opportunities in other sectors.

Over the past few years the enterprise support agencies under my Department have been mandated to adjust their support strategies to meet both the needs of society in terms of high quality employment opportunities and the needs of businesses that generate and sustain those jobs. IDA Ireland's strategy for County Kildare is to progress the development of a knowledge economy so the county can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment; encourage increased co-operation between foreign direct investment companies and third level institutions in the county; work with the existing client base in the county to expand its presence; provide modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure; and work with local authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the county.

Almost 60% of total employment in Kildare is in companies that are part of the technologically advanced sectors, compared to 45% nationally. While this development is welcome, new jobs are being created by established firms in the county. Green Isle Foods, for example, announced a major expansion earlier this year at its plant in Naas generating 130 new jobs. The services sector is the most rapidly expanding sector of the economy in County Kildare.

County Kildare has benefited from significant investment in recent years in technological infrastructure in NUI Maynooth. This will be the key to ensuring that the county is an attractive location for knowledge-based industry in future years. Since 2002, Enterprise Ireland has approved more than €3.3 million to support innovation partnerships between NUI Maynooth and industry. In addition to providing direct financial assistance, Kildare County Enterprise Board also provides indirect assistance such as advice, mentoring and a broad range of training programmes for prospective entrants or established participants in the micro-enterprise sector.

Kildare continues to thrive across a broad range of activities in a number of important sectors; as a result, many job opportunities are being created within the county. I am confident the strategies and policies been pursued by the enterprise development agencies will continue to maximise sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Kildare.

2002

2003

2004

No. of Jobs Created in County Kildare by Agency Supported Companies

1,011

989

1,099

No. of Notified Redundancies

459

721

706

(Source: BIS)

FÁS Training Programmes.

Jack Wall

Question:

514 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices with FÁS for each of the past three years; if figures are available which indicate discrepancies in regard to numbers in particular trades; if so, his plans to rectify the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29243/05]

In recent years there has been a substantial overall increase in apprentice registrations. In response to this challenge, my Department, through FÁS and in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, increased the overall capacity of training places to meet this demand. Data on apprenticeship registration in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 are set out in the table that follows.

The phase 2 off-the-job training provision is funded by my Department and provided by FÁS. The provision for phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training courses is funded by the Department of Education and Science through the network of institutes of technology. The provision requirements for all of the respective off-the-job training courses are constantly under review. FÁS liaises with my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the institutes of technology on an ongoing basis to ensure adequate capacity is available for all of the off-the-job training courses. Ultimately, the provision requirements for phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training courses in IT colleges are at the discretion and resources of the Department of Education and Science.

To address the falling number of apprentices being registered to the trades of printing, the national apprenticeship advisory committee, which advises the board of FÁS on all matters pertaining to apprenticeship and traineeship, recently endorsed the printing industry stakeholders' request to convert the trades of printing to a three-year apprenticeship from a four-year apprenticeship. The industry stakeholders are reviewing the respective trades of printing curricula to ensure the curricula reflect the new three-year structure.

Apprenticeship Registrations

Trades

Registrations for 2002

Registrations for 2003

Registrations for 2004

Agricultural Mechanics

67

45

50

Aircraft Mechanics

75

28

28

Bookbinding

7

2

1

Bricklaying

441

549

679

Cabinet Making

235

217

194

Carpentry & Joinery

1,547

1,850

2,089

Carton Making

1

0

0

Construction Plant Fitting

82

84

102

Electrical Instrumentation

37

41

43

Electrical

1,812

1,766

2,028

Fitting

229

211

180

Floor Wall Tiling

39

37

36

Heavy Vehicle Mechanics

194

140

105

Instrumentation

24

20

17

Metal Fabrication

266

256

223

Motor Mechanics

457

419

404

Origination

5

5

2

Painting and Decorating

151

139

157

Plastering

186

268

310

Plumbing

731

938

1,249

Printing

10

17

15

Refrigeration

78

74

88

Sheet Metal Fabrication

98

69

74

Tool Making

43

46

39

Vehicle Body Repair

93

100

102

Wood Machining

22

15

24

Total

6,781

7,261

8,160

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

515 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29296/05]

There are no additional allowances paid to staff in my Department's press office in respect of persons being on call and, or for their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours. Overtime is paid to the staff of the press office in accordance with standard Civil Service conditions and rates, as per circular 27/99.

Paul McGrath

Question:

516 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29311/05]

There are no ex gratia payments made to staff in my Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and/or for their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours.

Paul McGrath

Question:

517 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29326/05]

Compensatory leave is granted to staff in my Department in respect of sanctioned early morning duties and sanctioned overtime. Responsibility for the management of compensatory leave in my Department has been devolved to local line management. It is the policy of my Department not to release information in respect of individual staff records.

Paul McGrath

Question:

518 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29341/05]

Staff in the personnel unit of my Department are aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act in respect of the maintenance and disclosure of personnel data.

It is not the practice of personnel unit to give personnel files of staff to external parties. However, when required for legal cases, personnel files have been copied for the Chief State's Solicitor's Office. In addition, personnel data is occasionally sent to the chief medical officer when medical advice is sought. Such documents are forwarded in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Paul McGrath

Question:

519 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29356/05]

Since 2002 seven people in my Department have been granted leave in excess of two months for educational purposes.

One officer is currently undertaking the masters programme in public policy analysis. The programme is a two-year full time programme involving academic study and projects in public policy evaluation. Upon successful completion of the programme, the officer will return to my Department on promotion and will work in public policy analysis. If this officer leaves the Civil Service within two years of completing the course, the officer will refund all costs associated with the course.

A total of six staff in my Department have availed of unpaid leave for study purposes under the Department of Finance circular 18/98 — special leave without pay for career breaks. These applications are detailed below:

Career Break for Study Purposes

Year

Number of Staff

2002

1

2003

1

2004

2

2005

2

Once staff members meet the eligibility criteria under the career break scheme, no further terms or conditions relating to academic achievement are attached by my Department, to the granting of such unpaid leave. Staff members concerned are not required to provide any further details in respect of their planned educational course.

Paul McGrath

Question:

520 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/05]

Under my Department's refund of fees scheme, the costs of appropriate third level courses, which are pursued in an officer's own time, are refunded on successful completion of such courses. Staff are encouraged to participate in the scheme as it enhances their personal development while assisting the Department to meet its business objectives.

Of 45 applications approved under the scheme in respect of the academic year 2004-05, eight staff did not seek a refund. It is expected that the value of refunds made in my Department in 2005 will be €94,909.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

521 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29386/05]

Under my Department's refund of fees scheme, the costs of appropriate third level courses, which are pursued in an officer's own time, are refunded on successful completion of such courses. Staff are encouraged to participate in the scheme as it enhances their personal development while assisting the Department to meet its business objectives.

Over the past three years, 126 officers in my Department have pursued courses in their own time under the refund of fees scheme, at a total cost of €235,393. This represents an average expenditure of 10% of the training budget for the period in question. Details of courses funded by my Department under the refund of fees scheme in the past three years are provided below.

Courses funded under the Refund of Fees Scheme in the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in 2002/2003

Certified Public Accountant

Diploma Public Management

BA Public Management

BSc Human Resource Management

Certificate in Front-Line Management

BSc Management & Law

Certificate in Personnel Practice

Barrister-at-law

BSc. Information Technology

BA in Industrial Relations

BA Psychology

BA (Hons) Media & Marketing

BA (Hons) Management & Information Systems

BA Business Studies

Diploma in Information Systems

Graduate Diploma in Public Management

Certificate in Legal Studies

Accounting Technician

B.A. sa Nua-Ghaeilge

Certificate in Management and Employee Relations

Certificate in Business Studies

Certificate in EU Law

National Diploma in Human Resource Management

Certificate in Business Law

Foundation in Law — Civil

PhD in Philosophy

MSc Economic Policy.

Courses funded under the Refund of Fees Scheme in the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in 2003/2004

BSc. Information Technology

Graduate Diploma in IT

BSc. Management & Law

Diploma in Management Studies

BA Public Management

MSc. Economic Policy

Certificate in Supervisory Management

Diploma in Public Management

BA Psychology

BA Management & Information Systems

Diploma in HR Management

Introduction to Company Law

BA Business Studies

Diploma in Legal Studies

Barrister — at — Law

Foundation in Law — Civil

BSc. HR Management

BA sa Nua-Ghaeilge

Certified Public Accountant

Diploma in Information Systems

Economics (Open University Module)

BA Social Science.

Courses funded under the Refund of Fees Scheme in the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in 2004/2005

BSc. Information Technology

Diploma in Health, Safety & Welfare

Diploma in Public Management

Diploma in Legal Studies

BA Public Management

BSc. Management & Law

BA sa Nua-Ghaeilge

BA Psychology

MA Public Management

BA Business Studies

Certificate in Supervisory Management

BA Management & Information systems

Diploma in International Business Studies

Foundation in Law — Civil

BSc. Business & Information Technology

MA Business Administration

MA Public Management

Diploma in Conflict Dispute

ACCA

Management Accountancy CIMA.

Paul McGrath

Question:

522 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29401/05]

At end September 2005 there were 979.17 full-time equivalent staff serving in my Department. In the past 18 months my Department spent €941.22 in respect of 20 briefcases, the majority of which were required by labour inspectors and the average cost of briefcases purchased during this period was €47. There were no refunds to staff in respect of briefcases. The largest amount paid for one briefcase was €112.46.

Paul McGrath

Question:

523 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29416/05]

My Department uses the Blackberry as its PDA-type device of preference. This device gives selected officers of the Department the ability to keep up-to-date with their e-mail and appointments schedule while away from the office, while also providing mobile phone services.

At present there are 83 of these devices in use in my Department and its associated offices, out of a total staff serving at end of September of 979.17. The device is normally only made available to officers at principal level and above; however, it can also be made available to other officers where there is a clear benefit to the Department. In such instances, a business case supported by the relevant assistant secretary is required before issue of a Blackberry. The current grade breakdown of those supplied with Blackberry devices is as follows:- Minister: 1, Secretary General: 1, Assistant Secretary: 7, Principal Officer: 24, Assistant Principal Officer: 13, Assistant. Sec/PO/AP equivalent grades: 10, Private Secretary: 3, Higher Executive Officer: 3, ODCA Inspectors: 20 and Clerical Officer: 1. The cost of the Blackberry is currently around €250 plus VAT per device, plus an ongoing monthly service charge of between €30 and €36 plus VAT, depending on the service provider. To avoid unnecessary equipment and line rental charges, officers are required to use the Blackberry device as their mobile phone. Prior to the move to the Blackberry, the dearest PDA purchased cost €395 plus VAT.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

524 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29431/05]

There are no members of staff in my Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

525 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he is satisfied that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29454/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

526 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he is satisfied that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29469/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.

My Department has no record of entering into any contracts with Accenture during the period in question. The Department has identified the following payments to a company named Gartner Group UK Limited: in 1997, a payment of £10,579.63 for IT work; in 1998, a payment of £889.96 in respect of research software; and in 1999, a payment of £121.00 identified as e-business conference.

None of these contracts exceeded the public procurement threshold and my Department is satisfied that value for money was achieved in each case.

Insurance Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

527 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which insurance costs here compare with those in the rest of Europe; if, in view of the huge profits recorded by insurance companies here, he will give assistance to ensure that insurance premiums will be reduced and the benefit of same passed on to the public in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29551/05]

The National Competitiveness Council, NCC, in its annual competitiveness report 2005, found that of the 16 countries benchmarked, Irish expenditure on non-life insurance was the fourth highest. However, the NCC also found that the rate of growth in the cost of insurance has slowed down substantially in recent years. This can be attributed to the series of initiatives the Government has pushed through to reform the insurance sector. The action taken by Government to ensure healthy competition in the insurance sector had already seen benefits for consumers.

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, is one of the key initiatives of the Government's insurance reform programme. The PIAB's first annual report shows that PIAB assessments to date have been delivered approximately three times faster and at a delivery charge four times cheaper than under the litigation system.

Supervision of insurance undertakings is the responsibility of the financial regulator, formerly known as the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The financial regulator has a wide regulatory remit covering consumer protection and prudential supervision of practically all of the financial services industry, including insurance, and the services provided by it.

It will be noted that the annual report of the financial regulator for the 2003-04 period highlights its role in addressing its mandate in the areas of consumer protection, the prudential supervision of financial service providers, including providers of insurance, and in establishing and building a new regulatory structure. Indeed the regulator's mission statement is "to help consumers make informed financial decisions in a safe and fair market and to foster sound dynamic financial institutions in Ireland, thereby contributing to financial stability".

In addition, the regulator's strategic plan 2004-06, has identified two of its three high level goals in addressing its mandate as helping consumers to make informed choices through education and codes of practice in a fair financial services market" and "having a regulatory system that fosters safe and sound financial institutions while operating in a competitive and expanding market of high reputation".

Before the establishment of the Financial Regulator my Department regulated and supervised insurance undertakings. I had ministerial responsibility and my Department had access to detailed statutory returns which would have allowed my Department make judgments relating to levels of reserves and profits in insurance undertakings. The Financial Regulator now receives these statutory returns and has responsibility for protecting consumer interests in respect of insurance. The Financial Regulator comes under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

528 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications which were received for special heating needs supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in each of the counties in the Health Service Executive north east area; and the number which were successful. [28619/05]

Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, a recipient of a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment who has exceptional heating cost due to ill health or infirmity may qualify for a heating supplement.

Due to the different nature and format of applications for heating supplements, details of the number of applications to the executive for these supplements are not readily available in the north-eastern area or elsewhere. Details of the number of recipients of heating supplements in counties in the north-east area are shown in the following table.

Table: Number of recipients of heating supplement in the Health Service Executive north east area by county at 7 October 2005.

County

No.

Cavan

10

Louth

3

Meath

19

Monaghan

12

Total NE

44

Total National

3,157

Family Support Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

529 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the application by Ballyduff Family and Community Support Forum Limited in 2001 to the family support agency to be included and resourced as a family resource centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/05]

Responsibility for the Family and Community Services Resource Centre, FRC, programme was transferred to the Family Support Agency on its establishment in May 2003. Applications to join the FRC programme then fell to be addressed by the newly established agency.

The Ballyduff Family and Community Support Forum Limited's application to join the programme, originally submitted to the then Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in 2001, was submitted to a sub-group of the Family Support Agency for consideration in 2004. The sub-group, established to assess such applications, decided at that time to postpone any decision until a regional support agency was in place covering the southern region. These support agencies play a vital role in the establishment of family resource centres by providing advice and support and by setting standards for their work.

Following the award of a contract for the region to the south and mid-west Regional Support Agency in June 2005, the Family Support Agency asked them to meet Ballyduff Family and Community Support Forum Limited and to provide an update on the group's application.

The application was re-submitted to the sub-group of the Family Support Agency for consideration earlier this month. The decision of the sub-group will be forwarded to the board of the agency for approval at their next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday 24 October. It will then be forwarded to me for final approval after which Ballyduff Family and Community Support Forum Limited will be notified of the decision in their case.

Social Welfare Code.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

530 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the parents of a single person living at home are subject to a means test when their child makes an application for unemployment assistance; his views on whether it is unfair to do so; if he will change this rule in any circumstance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28611/05]

For unemployment assistance purposes, the assessment of means for non-householders resident in the parental home has always taken into account the yearly value of any benefit and privilege enjoyed by him or her by virtue of residing with a parent or step-parent. In practice, this is taken to mean the value of free board and lodging to a claimant and such value is ascribed having regard to the level of parental income.

The Commission on Social Welfare, 1986, examined the then operation of the benefit and privilege arrangements. The commission recommended the abolition of the concept of benefit and privilege for those aged 25 years and over. In reaching this conclusion, the commission stated: The reason for this cut-off point, 25, is that by that age young adults would normally have become financially independent of the parental home. The minority, however, unable to obtain employment by that age or those who become unemployed at a later age should also be entitled to financial independence and it can be argued that such persons should, therefore, be entitled to a payment in their own right, irrespective of parental means. Payment at the full basic rate is appropriate in such cases.

In budget 2003, the assessment of benefit and privilege for UA claimants aged 29 years and over was abolished. Budget 2004 abolished the assessment for those aged 27 and 28 years of age. In budget 2005, I further reduced the age above which the assessment of benefit and privilege does not apply to 26 years of age. Any further change in these arrangements would fall to be considered in a budgetary context.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

531 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will increase the earnings threshold for the dependants of old age pensioners, contributory and non-contributory, from between €88.88 and €220.00 gross earnings per week to a range that is more reflective of the increase in the cost of living since this figure was last revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28763/05]

Across the majority of social welfare payments, entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult is based, inter alia, on the spouse or partner’s income. An increase at the maximum rate is payable where the spouse or partner’s income is €88.88 per week or less, with a reduced, or tapered rate payable where this income is between €88.88 and €220. This lower threshold of €88.88 was last increased in budget 2000 while the upper threshold has been increased in each successive budget since then, from €171.41, £135, in 2000 to €220 in budget 2005.

Since this Government came into office, a number of changes to these tapered arrangements have been introduced with a view to ensuring that the impact of increases in earnings are not negated for families where the spouse is the sole earner and is in low-paid employment. First, the range of income over which the IQA is withdrawn has been progressively extended. Second, provision was made for the deferral of the loss of half the child dependant allowance until the earnings of the spouse or partner exceeds the upper bound of the income range. Third, the IQA weekly rates have been increased annually in each budget package.

One of the key objectives of the 2005 social welfare budget package was to protect and enhance the real value of all rates of payment. In this context, budget 2005 provided for increases in the main personal rates of weekly payments ranging from 8.4% to 13.1%.

The main IQA rates were also increased by the same percentages thereby ensuring that they did not fall as a proportion of the associated personal rate. Thus, since the year 2000 the rate of IQA payable with old age, contributory, pension has increased by 56.3%, €43.06, while the consumer price index has risen by 18.8%. Similarly, since 1995, the rate of IQA has increased by 95.7%, €58.43, while the consumer price index has risen by 34.6%. This has given real increases of 31.6% and 45.4% respectively.

Any change in the current arrangements relating to entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.

Michael Ring

Question:

532 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend the benefits of the Class S PRSI contributions to enable those contributing to receive assistance such as disability benefit or invalidity pension during an illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/05]

The social insurance system in Ireland is generally based on compulsory paid PRSI contributions on which entitlement to a range of contingency-based payments are established. Workers are insured under the Social Welfare Acts as either employed or self-employed contributors. Employees and their employers generally pay contributions at PRSI Class A, whereas self-employed workers generally pay Class S contributions. The class and number of contributions paid determines the range of benefits and pensions towards which contributors can build up entitlement.

The range of benefits to which different groups of workers may establish entitlement reflects the risks associated with the nature of their work and this is reflected in the rate of contributions payable. Self-employed individuals pay Class S contributions at a rate of 3% and are potentially eligible to a narrower range of benefits than employees who, together with their employers, are potentially liable for a total contribution of 14.05% under PRSI Class A. Class S contributors are entitled to the following payments: widow's or widower's contributory pension; orphan's contributory allowance; old age contributory pension; maternity benefit; adoptive benefit, and bereavement grant.

When Class S was introduced for self-employed persons in 1988, coverage for both short-term insurance-based payments such as disability benefit and for illness was excluded on the grounds that it would prove administratively and legally complex and would be costly to implement.

There are no immediate plans to extend short-term income support benefits or invalidity pensions to self-employed persons. Such an extension would not only necessitate a significant increase in the rate of Class S contribution to fund it but also require considerable changes to existing administration and control procedures. Self-employed workers who do not qualify for an insurance-based benefit may claim supplementary welfare allowance, which is subject to a means test.

Michael Ring

Question:

533 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the habitual residency regulation is legal; the contact which has been made by the EU with his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29097/05]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The basis for the restriction is the applicant's habitual residence. It is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The effect is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland.

The EU Commission wrote to the Government on 22 December 2004 raising a number of issues concerning its compliance with EU law in respect of workers and their families. Officials of my Department have engaged in discussion with the EU Commission officials, clarifying the operation of the condition and addressing the issues raised. In particular, it was pointed out that the question of what is a person's habitual residence is decided in accordance with the criteria set out in European Court of Justice case law.

These are: the length and continuity of residence in a particular country, length and purpose of absence from Ireland, nature and pattern of the employment, applicant's main centre of interest, future intention of applicant concerned as it appears from all the circumstances.

In addition, full consideration is given in the decision making process to the requirements of EU Regulation 1408/71 which coordinates the social security rights of people who move within the EU. A response by the Commission to the points made is still awaited. It is expected that the Commission's examination of the matter will be concluded to the satisfaction of both parties by the end of this year.

Michael Ring

Question:

534 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been refused payments due to the habitual residency condition since its introduction on 1 May 2004, giving details for each social welfare payment type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29098/05]

From 1 May 2004 the requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes including child benefit. The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland. The question of what is a person's habitual residence is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.

Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on the individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a deciding officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

For the period from 1 May 2004 to 13 October 2005, the number of cases decided is 22,810, of which 5630, 25%, were disallowed. Persons who are not habitually resident at the time of application for one of the specified payments may become habitually resident at a later date and may re-apply. The following table gives a breakdown of the number of cases disallowed by scheme type.

Scheme

Total disallowed

Unemployment assistance

3,591

Child benefit

1,212

One parent family payment

475

Disability allowance

186

Old age non-contributory pension

94

Carer’s allowance

60

Widow’s non-contributory pension

11

Orphan’s non-contributory pension

1

5,630

Michael Ring

Question:

535 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the habitual residency clause affects Irish citizens born in this country who had been living in England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29099/05]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004.

The basis for the restriction in the new rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.

Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the individual circumstances of each case. A person who has supplied proof of residence in the common travel area for a period of two years or more and then moves to Ireland with the intention of settling here will satisfy the habitual residence condition. The common travel area includes Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

536 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the implementation by his Department of the habitual residence condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29103/05]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004.

A central unit was set up to monitor the implementation of the habitual residence condition. An important function of the central unit is to make decisions on complex cases. The unit also provides advice and support, on an ongoing basis, to staff in social welfare offices and scheme areas. This includes circulation of guidelines and updates on the administration of the scheme as appropriate.

Decisions to the effect that applicants satisfy the habitual residence condition are made in the majority of cases at claim acceptance stage by deciding officers at local level throughout the country. Since 1 August 2005, decisions on child benefit cases are being dealt with in child benefit section in Letterkenny. At present decisions on complex cases for other scheme types are being made in the central unit.

The main policy and administrative developments to date have included the drafting of guidelines, overseen by the Department's decisions advisory office, and the posting of these guidelines on the Department's website and on the Department's internal computer network for access by staff.

Administrative guidelines on the operation of the condition have also been compiled and furnished to staff in social welfare offices, social welfare scheme areas and the community welfare service. Training has also been provided to 1,300 departmental staff. The habitual residence condition is being operated in a considered manner, to ensure that people whose cases are appropriate to the Irish social welfare system have access to the system when they need it. In the period from May 2004 to 13 October a total of 22,810 cases has been decided. Almost 75% of these cases were found to satisfy the habitual residence condition.

The operation of the habitual residence condition has been kept under review by officials of my Department since its introduction. The purpose of the review is to assess the impact of the condition on different categories of claimants, the organisational arrangements and the level of service provided to customers, to identify opportunities for improvements in the administration of the scheme and identify emerging policy issues and consider how these should be addressed.

Account is being taken of the views received from various groups and organisations who have an interest in the area. I expect to be in a position to draw conclusions from the review by the end of the year.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

537 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the implementation of Regulation 647/2005 and the implications for his Department of the European Court of Justice case 215/99 Jauch and ECJ case C — 160/96 Molenaar; if he will identify the social welfare benefits here which are regarded in EU law as being family benefits; the consequences of that classification for claimants; if he will identify the social welfare benefits which are classified in EU law as being other than family benefits; the consequences of that classification for claimants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/05]

Regulation (EC) No 647/2005 came into force on 5 May 2005. The main element of the proposal concerns amendments to Article 4(2a) and Annex IIa of EEC Regulation 1408/71, details regarding special non-contributory cash benefits, to take account of new benefits of this type in national legislation and of developments in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding the classification of such benefits.

Annex IIa of Regulation 1408/71 contains a list of special non-contributory benefits granted by member states to people exclusively within the territory of the member state in which they reside. In other words, they cannot be exported. The benefits in the annex were entered by each member state on the basis that they had characteristics of both social insurance and social assistance typically means tested payments.

The European Court has ruled, Case C-215/99 Jauch and Case C-160/96 Molenaar, that for a benefit to be special it must be clear that it is neither a conventional social insurance nor a social assistance scheme; and have as its prime objective to react to the financial need of the persons concerned and guarantee them a minimum subsistence income, namely, it should be aimed at preventing poverty; or be exclusively designed to provide specific support for disabled people.

In light of case law of the Court, the Commission considered it essential to review the list for each member state in order to ascertain whether the benefits listed meet the special and non-contributory criteria laid down by the Court. Annex IIa as a consequence has been amended to include only those benefits which satisfy the new definition as outlined by the Court, and reflected in Article 4(2a). Member states who wished to retain entries in Annex IIa were required to justify them by reference to the new definition.

Ireland accepted that the eight entries listed in Annex IIa of Regulation 1408/71 would have to be removed in the light of the jurisprudence. Four of these entries come within the remit of the Department of Health and Children, and are: infectious diseases maintenance allowance, domiciliary care allowance, blind welfare allowance, and disabled person's rehabilitation allowance.

Regarding the benefits outlined the Council decided that they should properly be reclassified as sickness benefits in cash, and should be coordinated by the rules relating to sickness benefits set out in Regulation 1408/71 which provides for export of benefits. In addition, and having regard to the jurisprudence of the Court, it was decided that carer's benefit, which is an insurance based payment, is properly classified a sickness benefit in cash within the meaning of Regulation 1408/71. This means that claimants of this benefit can rely to the extent necessary on periods of insurance completed in another member state in order to meet the PRSI contribution conditions. It also means that the benefit can be paid outside the State.

The remaining four entries removed from Annex IIa come within the remit of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, and are as follows: one parent family payment, family income supplement, orphan's non-contributory allowance, and carer's allowance Regarding the first three benefits outlined, the Council decided they should be coordinated as family benefits resulting in these benefits being exportable from Ireland in certain circumstances. Child benefit is already being coordinated as family benefit. In respect of carer's allowance it was agreed this benefit falls outside the scope of Regulation 1408/71 and thus, would continue to be paid only to recipients while resident in Ireland.

Based on what I have said, the Irish entries that are maintained in Annex IIa with effect from 5 May 2005 are: unemployment assistance; old age and blind non-contributory pension; widow's and widower's non-contributory pension; disability allowance; and mobility allowance While certain benefits are no longer listed in Annex IIa it does not mean that in all cases the benefits would be exported without restriction. For instance, child benefit as a family benefit is coordinated so that in the case, for example, of a family living in Northern Ireland with one parent working in the South, the Department of Social and Family Affairs is responsible for paying family benefits by virtue of the person's employment. If family benefits in Northern Ireland were higher that State would pay a supplement representing the difference in the two benefits. This ensures that the family gets the benefit of the highest rates of family benefits payable by the state of employment and the state of residence.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Haughey

Question:

538 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the payment of the fuel allowance to the tenants of Dublin City Council senior citizen flat schemes and flat schemes generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29217/05]

The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders who are in receipt of long-term social welfare or health service executive payments towards their additional heating needs during the winter season.

As a long-standing policy within the scheme, fuel allowances are not payable in cases where a person has access to their own fuel supply, or is benefiting from a subsidised or low cost heating service, such as those provided by Dublin City Council at a number of its housing complexes.

In the course of a routine review of fuel allowance payments, the Department recently ceased fuel allowance entitlement which had been paid in error in a number of cases where recipients were in local authority accommodation with subsidised or low cost heating.

The allowances were withdrawn in these cases with effect from the start of the winter heating season and my Department will not be seeking repayment. The basis for this policy condition of the fuel allowance scheme is that the contribution that tenants in communal heating situations make towards their heating costs is limited to a fixed amount, typically around €6 per week, included as part of their overall rent charge. Unlike other social welfare clients who must buy their own fuel at prevailing retail cost, these tenants are protected from increases in heating costs, the true cost of which is subsidised significantly by Dublin City Council and the other local authorities concerned. I have no plans at present to change the fuel allowance eligibility rules in such cases.

More generally, the rates of fuel allowance payable and the season duration are under active review currently in my Department, particularly in view of the significant recent increases in domestic heating fuel prices. However, any change to the scheme would have very significant ongoing cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the budget, and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.

Childhood Development Initiative.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

539 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action which is proposed in respect of the Childhood Development Initiative ten-year strategy; if he will detail the resources to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29250/05]

I welcome the launch of the Tallaght west childhood development initiative, to which the Deputy refers. The initiative aims to improve significantly the lives of disadvantaged children living in Tallaght west, who are amongst our most vulnerable citizens.

The Deputy will be aware that the initiative follows on from a study published last year entitled ‘How are our Kids?', based on a sample of 187 children drawn from 79 households in Tallaght West. The study found that families and children in the area are at a much higher risk of poverty than the national average and that this is due to a combination of factors including: levels of unemployment more than twice the national average; a high proportion of children leaving school early; and almost one in three of households headed by a lone parent. In addition, the area has a much greater proportion of persons under the age of 25 than the national average.

The childhood development initiative contains proposals across a range of policy areas including health, safety, education and child care. These proposals are designed to tackle the disadvantages experienced by young persons in the area and to increase their sense of community belonging.

I met Dr. Katherine Zappone, project leader for the initiative, during her development of the plan and expressed my support for policies which would improve the lives of children living in west Tallaght. Persons living in such areas can experience multiple forms of disadvantage, whose resolution requires co-ordinated and joined-up activity across all areas of Government, together with co-operation from the local community.

My Department is one of many public organisations providing services on the ground to persons in the Tallaght west area, designed to help unemployed persons to get into the work force and to provide income and other supports to those who are not in a position to work. In addition, the office for social inclusion, located in my Department, has responsibility for monitoring implementation of the national action against poverty and social exclusion. Eliminating child poverty is one of the key aims of the plan which contains a number of targets, across several policy areas, designed to break the cycle of disadvantage and exclusion experienced by certain children in society. Ending child poverty is also one of the special initiatives in the Sustaining Progress social partnership agreement.

My Department is currently considering with other Departments and agencies how best to respond to the opportunity presented by the childhood development initiative, including how to make the most efficient use of the significant resources which are currently targeted at the area. It will be important in this regard to ensure synergy with the work of other co-ordinating mechanisms already operating in the community. I am confident that, by taking a Government-wide approach to this issue, and by working closely with the local community, we can deliver comprehensive and innovative policy responses which will make a major contribution to ensuring that vulnerable families and their children have a fair share of life chances and quality of life.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

540 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected timescale between an application for unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, disability benefit, disability allowance, invalidity benefit or invalidity allowances; and the date of payment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29253/05]

My Department is committed to providing quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary from scheme to scheme and may include establishment of the customer's social insurance record, the provision of medical certificates of incapacity, verification of a customer's identity, satisfying residency conditions and an assessment of means where appropriate. In some cases there is an unavoidable time lag involved in making the necessary inquiries to enable decisions to be made. Time can also elapse through delays caused by applicants not supplying all the necessary information in support of their claim.

On average, the current length of time taken to award claims for disability benefit is one week. Claims for unemployment benefit take from two to three weeks and unemployment assistance range from three to four weeks. Claims for invalidity pension take an average of nine to ten weeks to process and cases where the conditions of entitlement are more complex, such as in disability allowance, currently require between 13 and 14 weeks on average to finalise. Once a claim is decided, payment is normally made within one week, with arrears backdated to the application date of the claim.

Improving customer service is a priority on my Department's agenda. The over-riding consideration in processing claims is to ensure that customers receive their correct entitlement and decisions are not taken until all appropriate information is received. Customers who are in need of financial support while their claims are being processed can obtain supplementary welfare allowance during this period from local community welfare officers.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

541 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29297/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

542 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29312/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 542 together.

There are no special on-call allowances or ex-gratia payments paid to staff working in my Department’s press office. The staff in question are paid at standard Civil Service rates appropriate to their grade. In instances where additional attendance, outside normal office hours, is required staff may be paid overtime in accordance with standard Civil Service regulations. On occasions where attendance at a centre other than the press office is required, travel and subsistence allowances may also be paid, if appropriate.

The standard arrangements in respect of extra attendance for the grades in question are as follows: for staff up to executive officer level the following rates apply: first three hours — rate plus one-quarter or time off in lieu at flat rate; next five hours — rate plus one-half or time off in lieu at flat rate; and thereafter — double rate or time off in lieu at flat rate.

For staff at higher executive officer level the following rates apply: first hour — no payment or time off in lieu; next two hours — rate plus one-quarter or time off in lieu at flat rate; next five hours — rate plus one-half or time off in lieu at flat rate; and thereafter — double rate or time off in lieu at flat rate.

Paul McGrath

Question:

543 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29327/05]

It is assumed the question refers to the practice of allowing time off in lieu, TOIL, of paid overtime for staff on certain occasions where staff are in attendance beyond normal hours.

In my Department, compensatory leave may be granted, in the form of time off in lieu of payment for extra attendance outside normal hours for staff up to and including the grade of higher executive officer-administrative officer. Any such agreement is generally agreed in advance of the extra attendance performed and has to have regard to the work demands of the relevant sections within the Department.

The granting and control of compensatory leave in lieu of overtime worked is generally a matter for local management. Figures are not compiled in such a manner as to facilitate central reporting.

Paul McGrath

Question:

544 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/05]

The holding and use of personal information is governed by the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003. On entering the Department, all staff members sign up to the terms of these Acts and staff with particular access to personnel files are briefed on the confidentiality of the nature of their work.

All personnel files in my Department are safely and securely maintained in the personnel unit. Personnel staff are aware of the requirement not to divulge any personal information from these files to any external party without express instructions to do so from the personnel officer or from the individual staff member involved.

In considering matters relating to sick leave, an employee's personal sick leave details may be passed to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service for advice in the normal course of events.

Paul McGrath

Question:

545 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/05]

Under the career break scheme for Civil Servants, a total of ten staff in my Department have availed of unpaid leave to pursue a course of study in their own time since 2002, as follows: 2002, one; 2003, one; 2004, three; and 2005, five.

A career break can be taken for a number of reasons, one of which is educational, and there are no terms or conditions relating to academic achievement pertaining to it. A career break can be taken for a minimum of six months and up to a maximum of five years duration.

In addition, a Civil Service wide confined competition for the selection of candidates at higher executive officer-administrative officer level to avail of leave of absence to participate in a Master's programme in public policy analysis was re-initiated in 2003.

The programme is a two year full time programme which is delivered by the Institute of Public Administration in association with the Faculty of Commerce, UCD. It involves academic study and the completion of a major evaluation project under supervision.

Candidates who are allocated a place on the programme are paid at the level of assistant principal and, upon successful completion of the programme, they are offered promotion to assistant principal and will generally undertake work in public policy analysis.

With effect from 2005, there is also provision for the selection of existing assistant principal officers or equivalent grades to participate in the programme. Again, upon successful completion of the programme, they will generally be assigned to work in public policy analysis.

Since 2003, the number of staff in my Department who have availed of leave of absence under the above programme is as follows; 2003, one; 2004, two; and 2005, three. The staff member in my Department who has so far completed the Master's programme has done so successfully.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

546 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29402/05]

A total of €6,413 has been spent by my Department on briefcases since June 2002. All of these briefcases have been purchased in bulk and held in my Department's central store from where they are issued to staff as required. The briefcases have been issued to staff as follows: 2002, 111; 2003, 126; 2004, 92; and 2005, 88.

The largest single amount paid by my Department for a briefcase is €21.78. No member of staff has received a refund in respect of a briefcase purchased.

Paul McGrath

Question:

547 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29417/05]

Personal digital assistants, PDAs, are not generally supplied to staff in my Department. A small number of PDAs have been purchased for research purposes by the information systems division in my Department, the most expensive of which cost €660.

The Department's e-mail system has been in place for some time and does not provide the integration facilities required to use PDAs effectively. General issue of these devices is therefore not considered to be appropriate.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

548 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in each general service and Department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29432/05]

The following is a breakdown of staff in each grade in my Department who are currently on sick leave in excess of six months:

Grade

Number of Staff

Services Officer

1

Clerical Officer

34

Staff Officer

3

Executive Officer

6

Higher Executive Officer

6

Assistant Principal

1

Principal Officer

1

Total

52

My Department has identified the issue of addressing and minimising absenteeism as one of the priorities within its human resources strategy. This is of vital importance in ensuring that the Department provides a high quality service to its customers. My Department has developed, through its partnership process and consultation with unions and staff associations, a comprehensive attendance management policy, aimed at addressing the issues arising in the context of sickness absence in an effective and balanced manner. The policy was circulated to all members of staff in June 2005.

As a general rule, the cases of employees who have been on sick leave for approximately six to eight weeks are referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service, CMO, for review. The CMO plays a crucial role in advising the Department on employees' fitness for work from a medical perspective. In these situations, the employee is required to provide a detailed medical report for the CMO. In certain circumstances, the CMO may request the staff member to attend for medical examination.

Long-term absences can increase the workloads of staff who have to provide cover for absent colleagues, particularly in areas that are working under considerable pressure. Under the attendance management policy, my Department is committed to dealing with such absences in a supportive manner and facilitating the return to work of employees as soon as possible, subject to medical approval. If necessary, a staff member may return to work, initially for a short period, on a reduced attendance basis. Generally, this is after a long-term absence and usually on the advice of the CMO. It must be recognised, however, as emphasised in the policy, that people who are ill should not be at work.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

549 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/05]

The amounts paid to the company in each year since 2000 are as follows:

Year

Amount

2000

Attendance at conferences and events

IEP 2,651

Membership subscription

IEP 21,447

Review of IS Division

IEP 243,998

Review of Application Integration Strategies

IEP 8,470

2001

Attendance at Conferences

IEP 307.48

Membership subscription

IEP 48,000

2002

Attendance at Conferences

€5,409

Membership subscriptions

€122,452

2003

Attendance at Conferences

€387

Membership subscriptions

€127,050

2004

Membership subscriptions

€55,054

IS Strategy Review

€80,877

2005

Membership subscriptions

€129,167

In addition, payments were made in respect of Reach, financed by the Information Society Fund, as follows: 2000, €7,742; 2001, €29,043; 2002, €43,174; 2003, €39,322; 2004, €18,876; and 2005, €22,152.

The company is internationally recognised as one that provides vendor-independent detailed ICT industry expertise. It provides industry analysis and access to its analysts through a number of membership services. It has clients in every industry sector and is ideally placed to provide examples of international good practice.

General membership services provide my Department's information systems managers with access to independent reports and research papers on various aspects of new technologies and architectures. Executive Program membership further allows senior IT management in my Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local consultant, unlimited access to analysts worldwide and specific guidance on enterprise level industry best practice as well as access to a network of senior IT organisations.

Membership is through subscription services for which the normal public procurement tender process is not applicable. My Department has enrolled for membership at various levels over the years and the quality of the non-vendor specific material and data available has met its expectations. Given the scale and complexity of the Department's ICT, the budgets involved, and the long-term implications of decisions taken, it considers that this access to quality independent advice represents good value for money.

My Department has also engaged the company on a small number of projects over the years. Information systems division organisational review: My Department engaged the company to carry out a resource review of its IS division in 2000 and to benchmark against similar organisations. The company was chosen as a result of a public procurement process, for which eight companies submitted tenders. I am satisfied that value for money was achieved because the report delivered on the requirements and expectations. Aspects of it have been implemented and it continues to inform ISD organisational policies.

Information systems strategy: In 2004, the company was engaged to review and validate the information systems strategy, prepared by the Department's management team. The contract was placed in accordance with guidelines for single tender procurement. The review represented value for money because it confirmed the validity of the Department's approach to its future IS strategy, as well as highlighting gaps and informing the resolution of its strategic approach.

Review of application integration architecture strategies: The company was asked to carry out an independent validation of the business case and the approaches to improving the quality of data interfaces between different types of computer applications, current and future. It was the only company requested to tender for this work because of the nature and relatively small size of the contract. It was chosen for its expertise in the research and analysis of emerging trends in the software market, including integration between current and future application platforms. Value for money was achieved because the review confirmed the business case and the range of approaches that needed to be considered for future developments, including integration of existing applications with the emerging service delivery modernisation programme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

550 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29470/05]

Details of my Department's contracts with the company concerned since 2000 are as follows:

Year

Amount (Euro)

Project(s)

2000

109,601

(1) Service Delivery Modernisation Prototype(2) IT Management support

2001

4,356,272

(1) Civil Registration Modernisation(2) Reach(3) IS Services management support

2002

2,173,564

(1) Civil Registration Modernisation(2) IS Services management support

2003

80,542

(1) IS Services management support

2004

18,150

(1) Reach

2005

nil

Service delivery modernisation prototype: In October 1999, the Department held a competitive tendering exercise in which it invited proposals to prove the technical feasibility of building applications using a business object model approach. A flat fee of IEP £50,000, €63,500, plus VAT was offered for each prototype. Following an evaluation process, three companies-consortiums were selected to develop suitable prototypes, one of which was led by the company in question. The prototypes were successfully delivered in the first half of 2000 and payment was made on 7 July 2000. Procurement was carried out in strict adherence to all relevant procurement legislation and resulting contracts were drawn up on a fixed price basis. I am satisfied that value for money has been achieved in this case.

Information systems services management support: This contract was for programme, project and change management support. The procurement was carried out in accordance with national and EU procurement guidelines. The recommendation of the Department's evaluation group was submitted to and approved by the Government Contracts Committee.

My Department's IS services area underwent a successful major reorganisation in that period and the consultancy support received played a significant role in that process. A major review of the Department's ICT infrastructure, to meet emerging needs and avail of new technologies, was carried out also and is currently being implemented. The advice received by my Department under this contract is considered to have delivered significant value for money.

Civil registration modernisation programme: The civil registration modernisation programme was a joint programme of work between my Department and the Department of Health and Children, which implemented a modern civil registration service and provided a building block for the integration of related public services. The programme was overseen by a steering committee, drawn from a number of Departments and agencies.

The public procurement exercise was carried out in accordance with EU and national procurement guidelines. The contract was awarded from 1 March 2001. The Department of Health and Children, as the owner of the implemented system, has been responsible for payments made since 2003.

The civil registration modernisation programme and the consequent integration with the processing of child benefit claims has been recognised internationally as one of the finest examples of best practice in public administration in recent years. I am satisfied that the modernisation programme has resulted in the provision of a greatly enhanced service to the public, delivered on the wider e-Government agenda and represents excellent value for money.

Reach: Payments to the company were made in respect of a technical architect, for advice on the design approach to the project and in respect of a contracted amount, €15, 000 plus VAT, paid to a number of companies, including the company named, in respect of some of the overhead costs of preparing ‘prototypes' as part of the material to be submitted with their tender to build the public services broker.

The procurements were carried out in accordance with EU and national guidelines and my Department is satisfied that the deliverables met expectations in all respects.

Question No. 551 withdrawn.

Road Network.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

552 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the profit generated by National Toll Roads for operating the East Link and West Link facilities rose by 24% to €26.1 million for the first half of 2005. [29552/05]

I am aware of the 2005 interim results published in September by NTR plc. Those interim results indicate that the figure of €26.1 million quoted by the Deputy is the amount of group revenue attributable to roads of a total group revenue of €169 million for the first half of 2005. Group operating profit based on this revenue is declared at €12.4 million. This profit figure is not broken down by sector and includes profits from other business areas.

The tolling of the West Link bridge and agreements relating thereto are matters for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the toll operator, National Toll Roads, NTR. Issues relating to the operation of the East Link bridge are matters for Dublin City Council and NTR.

Revenues accruing to NTR from the operation of the West Link bridge and the rate of return on the operator's investment are a function, inter alia, of the volume of traffic using the bridge and the operating costs of the concession. Traffic volumes have changed substantially since the agreement was concluded and the bridge opened to traffic. Traffic volumes and growth were substantially lower, both when the agreement was concluded and up to the mid-1990s, to what has transpired since the mid-1990s. The NRA is currently in negotiations with NTR regarding the upgrade of the West Link, including a move to barrier free tolling, as part of the overall plans to reduce congestion on the M50 through the upgrade of the full M50.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

553 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he will extend the penalty points system to all of the offences provided for in the Act. [28615/05]

The extension of the penalty points and related fixed charges systems to additional road traffic offences will be progressively implemented once the appropriate Garda Síochána IT processing system is fully operational and related administrative supports are in place. At that point, I will make the necessary statutory instruments.

The delivery of the IT system and administrative supports are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform respectively and my officials are working closely with their counterparts in those agencies in a combined effort to expedite matters.

Rail Network.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

554 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when the doubling of the Kilcock train line will occur in view of the significant population growth that is anticipated will take place in both the Kildare and Meath sides of Kilcock. [28752/05]

The rail line to Maynooth was recently double tracked to enable the operation of a higher level of frequency along the line to service demand in the north Kildare and Fingal county areas. Since completing this network enhancement a number of new services have been added to the timetable from Maynooth and from Longford serving the town of Kilcock.

I have been informed by Irish Rail that with the introduction of the new timetable in December it will be increasing service frequency on the Maynooth line in the morning and evening peaks. This will be another service enhancement for customers in the Kildare area.

Service levels can and will continue to be increased, west of Maynooth, without double tracking the line. As population grows and demand changes, further consideration will be given to extending the double track section west of Maynooth but the priority for the short term will be on increasing service frequencies between Maynooth and the city centre where demand is greatest.

Public Transport.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

555 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses his Department estimates is required to make up an effective bus fleet to service the greater Dublin area; when the existing fleet was last increased through the introduction of new buses to Dublin Bus or new licences to private operators; the extent of this increase; if there are future plans to increase Dublin’s bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/05]

There are currently 1,062 buses in the Dublin Bus fleet. The capacity of the fleet has increased by more than 25% at peak time under the NDP through the replacement of mini and single deck buses with higher capacity double deck buses.

Dublin Bus has purchased 497 new buses under the NDP, of which 93 are additional and 404 are replacement buses. The company has plans for further purchases this year.

In addition to the Dublin Bus services, my Department has issued in recent years 18 annual passenger licences to private bus operators for commercial services in the Dublin area.

Dublin Bus is currently carrying out a review of the bus network in Dublin and future bus needs. I consider this appropriate given the significant changes in the greater Dublin area since 1999 when the NDP was drawn up. Such changes include increases in rail capacity arising from the introduction of the Luas, expanded commuter services, the DART upgrade and ongoing demographic changes. The company is, in the first instance, assessing how to maximise the utilisation of its existing bus fleet. The company has informed me that it expects the bus network review to be completed early next year.

Road Safety.

Denis Naughten

Question:

556 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay in issuing design specifications for the signage and civil works relating to the application of special speed limits; the date these specifications will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/05]

In January 2005 I made regulations, the Road Traffic (Speed Limit-Traffic Signs) Regulations 2005, SI No. 10 of 2005, prescribing the regulatory traffic signs displaying metric units of measurement, km/h, that the road authorities must provide on public roads to indicate the speed limit in force. The range of traffic signs can be deployed to indicate that a default speed limit, a special speed limit or a road works speed limit is in force.

While proposals for new formats of traffic signs are examined from time to time in my Department, the traffic sign regulations that I made in January of this year and the range of sign options already available under those regulations are adequate to support the implementation of any special speed limit options. The actual provision and installation of traffic signs on public roads is a matter for each road authority and advice is set out in the traffic signs manual in this regard. A copy of the manual is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Departmental Properties.

Pat Breen

Question:

557 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if Castlemoate House near Dublin Airport was acquired by his Department by compulsory acquisition; if so, the reason for such compulsory acquisition and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29033/05]

Lands which included Castlemoate House were acquired in 1975 by the then Minister under the Air Navigation and Transport (Compulsory Acquisition of Land) Order 1974 to cater for the future development of Dublin Airport.

Under section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, lands and property at Dublin Airport, including Castlemoate House, which had been vested in the Minister, were vested in the former Aer Rianta and responsibility for same now rests with the Dublin Airport Authority.

Departmental Expenditure.

Pat Breen

Question:

558 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the cost to date of the consultancy services provided by a company (details supplied) in respect of the report on public safety zones at the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/05]

Environmental Resources Management was engaged jointly in January 2001 by the then Department of Public Enterprise and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to provide advice on public safety zones at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. ERM reported in September 2003, and the Government, at its meeting on 19 January 2005, approved the drawing up of guidelines by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to be issued to local authorities regarding public safety zones at the three State airports. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is currently preparing the guidelines. The total cost of the consultancy was €421,000.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

559 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if ICAO standards exist in relation to runway end safety areas; if so, if he will outline such standards; if such standards have been applied at all of the runway ends at each of the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/05]

Annex 14 to the Chicago Convention specifies standards and recommended practices in respect of runway end safety areas. The Irish Aviation Authority licenses airports in the State and is responsible for regulation of the application of International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements.

I am advised by the authority that such areas are provided in respect of the runways at the State airports and I would recommend that the Deputy refers to the authority for the technical details of the annex requirements and the detailed implementation status of these areas to the runways at the above airports.

Driving Tests.

Tom Hayes

Question:

560 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the reason no automatic receipt of payment is generated to an e-mail account or made available to download when a candidate applies on-line to undertake a driving test; the further reason an application, though made via the Internet, has to be manually downloaded and manually inputted into another system to generate a reference number for a candidate. [29038/05]

When applicants complete their payment transaction on-line they are presented with a screen entitled "Transaction Status". This screen informs the applicant if their payment has been successfully processed. It represents confirmation of receipt of their application and payment. Applicants are advised to record both the Bank of Ireland authorisation code and the driving test transaction code.

The further development of Internet based facilities for driver testing is desirable and will be considered in the context of the overall IT requirements of the new Road Safety Authority which is currently being established.

Michael Ring

Question:

561 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of tenders received prior to the closing date of 5 September 2005 in relation to the contract to conduct driving tests advertised on his Department’s website; the estimated timeframe for the review of the tenders received and the awarding of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29039/05]

Four tenders were received, of which two were valid in accordance with the requirements set out in the request for tenders document. These tenders have been evaluated and a preferred tender has been selected. However, the use of outsourcing as part of a package of measures to clear the backlog of driving test applications is being disputed by the staff associations, who have asked that the matter be referred to conciliation under the terms of Sustaining Progress. A conciliation hearing at the Labour Relations Commission is scheduled for 21 October 2005.

Michael Ring

Question:

562 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications which were received up to the closing date of 13 October 2005 in relation to the recent advertisement for contract driver testers through the Public Appointments Service; if there will be two different criteria in relation to the training of driver testers between new applicants and existing Department staff; if applicants need specific qualifications or training to apply; the proposed remuneration rate of the contract driver testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29040/05]

The competition in question is being managed by the Public Appointments Service and I consider that it would be inappropriate for me to give any details in relation to it at this stage. Both current and future appointees to the post of driver tester will be trained to the same basic standard.

Information on qualifications or training required for the post, and remuneration rates, is available in the information relating to the competition, which is available on the Public Appointments Service website, www.publicjobs.ie.

Light Rail Project.

Seán Crowe

Question:

563 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the delay of the proposed extension to the Luas line to Cherrywood in south County Dublin from Sandyford; and the name and role of the construction company identified by the Railway Procurement Agency as the cause for the delay. [29041/05]

The questions posed by the Deputy are matters for the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA. I have contacted the RPA and asked it to respond directly to the Deputy.

Air Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

564 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 366 and 381 of 4 October 2005, if he will list the additional opportunities for Shannon Airport arising from an EU-US open skies regime in the context of the conclusion that the regime will present some difficulties for Shannon unless active and forceful supporting activities are undertaken (details supplied). [29042/05]

As I stated in my earlier reply, to which the Deputy refers, the restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, is intended to enhance their regional focus and I am encouraged by the close co-operation between the new Shannon Airport Authority and the other regional development bodies in the area.

There is work under way in my Department on a ten year transport investment framework which will address the future infrastructural requirements of the mid-west region. As the Deputy will also be aware, the restructuring of the State Airports, including Shannon, will be progressed in the light of the assessment in due course, by both myself and the Minister for Finance, of the business plans which are currently under preparation by the three airport authorities.

As I have stated in previous replies, the development of an EU-US open skies regime provides many opportunities for Shannon Airport to contribute to the development of the mid-west. The liberalisation of the aviation market between the EU and US will mean more, not fewer, opportunities for Shannon to develop new routes into North America. This is because, at present, Irish airlines are restricted to only five cities in the US for normal scheduled services. However, the advent of open skies would mean that Irish or European airlines can fly into any airport in the US. The opening up of US airports to services from Ireland, for example, provides an opportunity for the development of Shannon as a hub for passengers or cargo coming from eastern Europe going onwards to the US. It is clearly a matter for Shannon airport to pursue these kinds of opportunities. However, without open skies, these opportunities simply will not exist.

There is clearly pent up demand for service between Ireland and the US. Aer Lingus, for example, has been approached by several airports in the US with a view to beginning services. It will be a matter for Shannon airport to compete and to lobby Irish, European and US airlines to take advantage of this potentially huge increase in new services. This is the central thrust behind the Government's policy of making the State airports independent of each other so that they can compete with each other and therefore collectively provide the best and most optimal level of services for Ireland.

The report the Deputy refers to concludes that an EU-US open skies agreement will be beneficial for Ireland, and that Irish business, tourism and aviation will all get a boost. The report is clear that Shannon will maintain links to the US but that it must improve its links to Dublin and Europe as a way of underpinning its US services. In that context, I am encouraged by the recent new services that are starting up from Shannon into Europe and the UK. The report mentions improving transport links around the west of Ireland, and this is being addressed in the ten year infrastructural plan that is being prepared.

I assure the Deputy that it has been the consistent policy of this Government that any change in transatlantic arrangements will be accompanied by an appropriate transitional arrangement to enable a smooth phasing in of open skies with the US in the future.

Road Network.

Paul McGrath

Question:

565 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the date agreed for him officially to open the new N4 toll road from Kilcock to Kinnegad. [29176/05]

The date agreed for me to open the N4 Kilcock to Kinnegad scheme is 12 December 2005.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

566 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when provincial-based civil servants who have applied for transfer to the proposed Department of Transport offices in Loughrea, County Galway, will receive an offer for transfer; if provincial-based civil and public service staff will have to relocate and transfer to Dublin for training prior to the move to Loughrea; if provincial-based civil and public service staff will receive expenses for travelling and living in Dublin during the training period; and, in view of the potential disruption for provincial-based staff seeking to transfer to the decentralised road haulage section, he will consider an interim office in County Galway pending the construction of the new Government offices in Loughrea. [29178/05]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to Questions No. 367 on 4 October 2005 and Question No. 261 on 5 October 2005.

Under the decentralisation programme, 50 transport posts are due to transfer to Loughrea. Those comprise posts in my Department and in the National Safety Council. Many of those posts will now be in the Road Safety Authority, and revised implementation plans are now being prepared on that basis. Nevertheless, my Department hopes to issue letters of transfer offers shortly.

A suitable site has been identified, and the Office of Public Works is currently in discussions with the county council regarding the preparations necessary for lodging an application to obtain planning permission for the site.

I expect to receive shortly from the OPW a revised time scale for the commencement and completion of construction works. My Department will review the options for the decentralisation to Loughrea, including the possibility of temporary accommodation, on receipt of the revised OPW plan.

The issue of training and living expenses is currently being discussed by the Department of Finance and the staff representative bodies. My Department will formalise training proposals for such staff once the training and living expenses agreement has been received from the Department of Finance.

Legislative Programme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

567 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the sections of the Road Traffic Act 2004 that are not yet commenced. [29179/05]

Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 has not been commenced. Its provisions were included in the Act to deal with the possibility that the current unlimited liability for third party motor insurance cover could prove unsustainable in the market, a situation that has not arisen to date.

All other provisions in this Act have been commenced.

Driving Tests.

John Deasy

Question:

568 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the average weekly number of driving tests conducted by each driving tester at each test centre in the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [29181/05]

John Deasy

Question:

569 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the average number of driver testers employed at each test centre in the years 2002 to 2004, inclusive, and the number of testers employed at each test centre on 30 September 2005. [29182/05]

John Deasy

Question:

570 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the average weekly number of driving test applications received at each test centre in the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [29183/05]

John Deasy

Question:

571 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time, from the date of application to date of testing, on 30 September 2005 at each test centre; and if he will provide the equivalent information for the same date in 2002, 2003 and 2004. [29184/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 to 571, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested for the periods in question. The information is being compiled and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Regional Airports.

John Deasy

Question:

572 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any proposals from the board of Waterford regional airport to extend the runway at the airport; and if, in the event of such a proposal being received, he will include the cost of the extension in his Department’s capital budget for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29185/05]

To date, my Department has received no proposals from the board of Waterford Airport to extend the runway at the airport. A number of safety-related projects at Waterford Airport, including a runway-end safety area, RESA, have been approved for funding under the regional airports measure of the southern and eastern regional operational programme of the national development plan.

Road Safety.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

573 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the legal height for lorries and articulated trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29186/05]

The maximum height of vehicles, including commercial vehicles, is not regulated by law in Ireland at present. However, my Department has been examining the question of whether a statutory height limit is required. The examination included consideration of the submissions received from interested parties in response to public consultation on the subject. I am now considering the outcome of the Department's examination and intend to make a decision on the matter shortly.

Rural Transport Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

574 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the results of the rural transport initiative operating in south Kildare; the number of passengers using the facility since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29244/05]

The rural transport initiative, RTI, is a pilot programme that provides funding up to the end of 2006 for 34 rural community organisations to address the public transport needs of their areas through the provision of local transport services.

Area Development Management Limited, ADM, administers the RTI on behalf of my Department. ADM and the individual RTI project groups are solely responsible for all operational aspects of the initiative at project level. Neither my Department nor I have a role in such matters.

While I have no specific information on south Kildare, I can tell the Deputy that an overall national appraisal of the RTI in 2004 found that it represented good value for money. It also found that, under it, over 300,000 passenger trips had been provided in 2003, with usage growing substantially during the course of 2004, and that 16,000 rural residents were benefiting from the programme.

The appraisal found clear evidence of an improved quality of life for those availing of the services in that it promotes independent living, with improvements to the well-being and health of users.

It makes a daily difference to the lives of thousands of citizens who otherwise would not have access to transport. Earlier this year I announced that, at the end of the pilot phase of the initiative in 2006, the RTI will be put on a permanent footing in 2007.

Rail Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

575 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the plans that Iarnród Éireann has to extend the car parking facilities at Athy station, Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/05]

I understand that Iarnród Éireann is currently reviewing its overall requirement for car parking throughout the rail network and that Athy is one of the locations being addressed. However, I have not received any proposals regarding car parking at Athy.

Driving Tests.

Jack Wall

Question:

576 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants on the waiting list for driving tests at the Naas, Carlow and Portlaoise test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/05]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The information relates to 10 October.

Centre

Applications on hand

Naas

5,553

Carlow

2,434

Portlaoise

1,801

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

577 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on the suggestion made by a person (details supplied) that he introduce legislation to allow for the painting of lines on the outside of the outside lane on dual carriageways and motorways to signify the breaking distance in dry weather to a car in front at the relevant speed limit so that motorists have a visual reference point for breaking distances and as an effort to curtail tailgating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29247/05]

It is the responsibility of all motorists in all circumstances and on all road types, including dual carriageways and motorways, to drive in a manner that does not give rise to danger to themselves or other road users. That responsibility relates in particular to the speed at which vehicles are driven, even where the speed is less than the prevailing speed limit.

The proposal presented in association with the Deputy's question will be considered by my Department in the context of the review of the traffic signs manual, acting on the advice of the National Roads Authority and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

578 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29298/05]

The rates of overtime applicable to staff in my Department's press office are governed by Department of Finance circular 27/99. There are no additional allowances payable to staff in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours.

Paul McGrath

Question:

579 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29313/05]

There have been no ex gratia payments made to staff in my Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours.

Paul McGrath

Question:

580 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/05]

This Department operates a flexi-time working system, which allows the majority of staff to start work from 8 a.m. and to finish up to 7 p.m.

Requirement for compensatory leave, although it does arise, is exceptional. On those occasions, compensatory leave is dealt with by the individual and his or her line manager. Staff also work additional hours without compensatory leave.

Paul McGrath

Question:

581 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data on any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29343/05]

The personnel files of staff in my Department have not been copied or given to external parties. My Department complies with the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act regarding disclosure of the personal data of staff members.

Paul McGrath

Question:

582 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29358/05]

Since June 2002, when the Department of Transport was established, three staff in my Department have been granted leave of absence in excess of two months for educational purposes. All three were participating on the master's programme in public policy analysis, which is a two-year, full-time programme run by the Institute of Public Administration. One person started in 2003 and completed the course this year. One started in 2004 and is currently in their second year and a third person started in 2005 and is currently in their first year. The terms and conditions attached to the granting of leave to participate on the programme are set out in the relevant Department of Finance circulars.

Paul McGrath

Question:

583 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29373/05]

In the current academic year, 32 members of staff from my Department submitted applications for a refund of evening and weekend course fees. The value of refunds expected to be made in 2005 is approximately €69,000. In the last academic year, 2004-05, a total of nine staff who were approved in principle to attend evening or weekend courses did not subsequently apply for a refund.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

584 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29388/05]

My Department has a policy of facilitating training and development both during office hours and also where evening or weekend study is required. The proportion of the financial allocation for training and development spent on refunds to staff in respect of evening and weekend courses in the most recent year amounts to approximately 15%.

The table below lists the evening and weekend courses funded in my Department in the past three years from 2002 to 2005.

Year

Course Title

2002-03

ACCA

Applied Maths

BA (Hons.) in Finance and Accounting

BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy

BA in Humanities

BA in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations

BA in Public Management

BA Modular Arts Degree

Bachelor of Business Studies

Barrister at Law

BSc in Information Technology

BSc in Psychology

Certificate in Supervisory Management

CIMA

Diploma in Applied Irish

Diploma in Business Studies

Diploma in Communications

Diploma in Human Resource Management

Diploma in Legal Studies

Diploma in Life and Business Coaching

Diploma in Public Relations

Introduction to the Social Sciences

LLB (Hons.) in Irish Law

LLM in Commercial Law

MA in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management

MA in Public Management

MSc In Training and Performance Management

National Certificate in Public Management

2003-04

A+ Certification — Computer Software/Hardware

BA (Hons.) in Business Studies

BA (Hons.) in Accounting and Finance

BA in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management

BA in Languages (Modular)

BA in Public Management

BA Modular Degree

BSc in Accounting and Finance

BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy

BSc in Information Technology

BSc in Management and Law

BSc in Social Psychology

Certificate in Supervisory Management

CIMA

Diploma in Business Studies

Diploma in Legal Studies

Diploma in Payroll Management

Diploma in Psychology

Diploma in Public Management

ECDL

Higher Diploma in Public Administration

Higher Diploma in Public Management

IATI Accounts Technician

Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Humanities

LLB (Hons.) in Irish Law

National Diploma in Personnel Management

Taxation Technician

2004-05

Accounting Technician

Association Certified Accountants

BA in Public Administration

BA in Humanities

BA in Sociology

BA in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management

BA (Hons.) in Accounting and Finance

BA in Public Management

BA Modular Arts Degree

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSc in Information Technology

BSc in Management and Law

Certificate in Health and Safety at work

Certificate in Supervisory Management

Certificate in Finance

Certificate in Payroll

Certificate in Spanish Language

Degree (Hons.) in Psychology/Social Science

Diploma in Legal Studies

Diploma in Payroll Management

Diploma in Personnel Management

Diploma in Public Management

ECDL

Foundation Accounting

Foundation Irish

Higher Diploma in Public Management

MA in Public Management

MSc in Psychology (by Research)

National Diploma in Business Studies

Paul McGrath

Question:

585 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29403/05]

In the past year the Department of Transport has spent approximately €1,780 on 23 briefcases, including refunds requested for use by departmental staff. Of those, 20 were acquired for use by driver testers. The largest single amount paid for a briefcase was €225. No briefcase has ever been purchased by the Department for the Minister or his political advisers.

Paul McGrath

Question:

586 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29418/05]

Staff of my Department are provided with personal digital assistants where there is a business case to do so. There are currently 18 PDAs in the Department. Those have been issued mainly to grades of PO and above. Decisions on the allocation of PDAs are made at Principal Officer level or above.

The total cost of these PDAs is approximately €7,700. The most expensive of these cost approximately €1,170. That was some years ago. My Department has now standardised on technology with an average price of €220 per unit. All figures include VAT.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

587 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in each general service and Department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29433/05]

One member of staff is currently on restricted duties owing to a medical condition. That officer's condition is reviewed by the chief medical officer on a quarterly basis. My Department treats each staff member's health with the utmost care and understanding. When such cases arise, each case is treated individually. Any individual absent owing to a prolonged certified medical absence is still a member of the Department and is, therefore, treated in a just and fair manner.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

588 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he is satisfied that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29456/05]

An amount of €341.30 was paid by my Department to the above-mentioned company in July 2002 in respect of an Internet content management workshop. Normal controls were applied, and I am satisfied that value for money was received.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

589 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he is satisfied that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29471/05]

No payments were made by my Department to the company in the period mentioned.

Driving Tests.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

590 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time and number of applicants on the waiting list and the number of testers in respect of each driving test centre in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29504/05]

The information requested by the Deputy, as at 10 October, is set out as follows:

Centre

Applications on Hand

Average Weeks Waiting

Longest Weeks Waiting

Number of Testers

Buncrana

733

32

32

Donegal

1,176

35

40

Letterkenny

2,309

23

43

3

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

David Stanton

Question:

591 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the growth in the backlog of persons waiting to sit the driving test by 12,000 since February 2005; the efforts he is making to reduce this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29508/05]

In order to deal with the unacceptable delays in obtaining a driving test, my Department and the Department of Finance have agreed a package of measures to reduce the backlog of driving test applications. The package includes a bonus scheme for driver testers, the recruitment of additional testers as well as the temporary outsourcing of a block of tests for a set period.

The use of temporary outsourcing is being disputed by the staff associations, which have asked that the matter be referred to conciliation under the terms of Sustaining Progress. A conciliation hearing at the Labour Relations Commission is scheduled for 21 October 2005.

Inland Waterways.

Jack Wall

Question:

592 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the capital funding spent by his Department in the refurbishment of the Grand Canal in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29249/05]

Information obtained from Waterways Ireland regarding expenditure on the refurbishment of the Grand Canal and the Grand Canal Barrow line in County Kildare is set out below.

Year

Expenditure (€,000)

2000

54.5

2001

31.6

2002

25.2

2003

84.4

2004

143.8

2005

114.3 to date

Harbours and Piers.

Enda Kenny

Question:

593 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the moneys which are intended to be provided for the improvement of Rinroe Pier, Belmullet, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28608/05]

An application under Scéim na gCéibheanna Straitéiseacha in respect of this Gaeltacht pier is being examined by my Department at present. A final decision on whether grant assistance is to be provided will be made as speedily as possible.

Community Development.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

594 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the Ringsend and Irishtown areas of Dublin 4 are not included in the RAPID programme; the steps he will take to ensure their inclusion in that programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/05]

The areas included under the RAPID programme were selected on objective criteria, using factors such as unemployment, income levels, family and social structure, educational disadvantage and high levels of rented local authority housing. Under these criteria, Ringsend and Irishtown were not designated as RAPID areas.

I have no plans to expand the geographical boundaries of RAPID areas to include additional communities. However, as stated previously, I am examining an apparent anomaly in regard to Ballyfermot, which despite meeting the criteria for inclusion in strand one of the programme, was omitted due to its inclusion in the URBAN II programme.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Damien English

Question:

595 Mr. English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money paid out by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board through Area Development Management Limited to persons since the scheme’s inception in October 2005; the number of successful grant applications; the name of each group that has received payment; the amount paid to each group; the dates of payments; the names of groups awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29225/05]

Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys in the initial round of funding are a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board. The board is an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. It engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf.

I understand the process of assessing and approving applications has now been completed and the board has approved 521 projects totalling approximately €63 million. The draw-down of funding is subject to the satisfactory completion of legal contracts between the individual groups and the board. As part of this process, groups are required to submit necessary documentation, such as agreed budgets, tax clearance certificates, evidence of insurance and so on, to ADM before payments are made. I understand that to date approximately €7.2 million has been paid by ADM to groups approved for funding.

The details of all the approvals, including the names of the individual groups, the specific grant amount approved and the amount paid to date to each group are appended. The first appendix contains details of the groups that have received payments up to the end of September 2005 and the second contains details of the groups that have not drawn down funding to date.

Group

Approval

Total Paid

Balance

1

Ability Enterprises Ltd

41,441

6,721

34,720

2

Accessible Community Transport Southside Ltd

25,000

23,427

1,573

3

Adventure Sport Project

113,680

18,378

95,302

4

AHEAD- Assoc for Higher Educ Access & Disability

123,500

44,159

79,341

5

Aiseiri treatment Centre

47,000

23,500

23,500

6

An Siol Community Development Project

40,895

5,827

35,068

7

Aspire, the Asperger Syndrome Assoc of Ireland

22,200

7,498

14,702

8

Athy Travellers’ Club

50,420

11,342

39,078

9

Athy Youth Project

58,775

9,466

49,309

10

Avoca Aftercare Project

400,000

66,667

333,333

11

Avondhu Development Group

147,299

78,296

69,003

12

Avondhu Development Group Ltd

36,663

6,666

29,997

13

Aware

141,000

65,951

75,049

14

Awareness Education Office

105,500

36,925

68,575

15

Ballinasloe Community Resources Ltd

53,000

31,800

21,200

16

Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd

25,846

12,923

12,923

17

Ballincollig Child and Family Clinic

10,234

5,117

5,117

18

Ballybane/Mervue Comm Development Project

107,423

17,472

89,951

19

Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project

60,100

8,967

51,133

20

Ballyfermot Youth Services

34,000

6,167

27,833

21

Ballymun Job Centre

79,127

13,521

65,606

22

Ballyowens Meadow School

50,000

50,000

0

23

Bantry Integrated Development Group

327,000

194,094

132,906

24

Barnardos Carlow Family Support Project

19,000

9,500

9,500

25

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre

80,000

22,814

57,186

26

Beara YDP — Foroige

108,000

15,112

92,888

27

Bedford Row Family Project

70,941

30,094

40,847

28

Blakestown & Mountview Youth Initiative

78,742

12,899

65,843

29

Blanchardstown Traveller Support Group

106,300

17,333

88,967

30

Blue Teapot Theatre Company

45,722

9,167

36,555

31

Board of Management ( Swinford National School)

32,422

3,631

28,791

32

Board of Mgt Our Lady of Good Counsel Spec Schl

17,902

16,112

1,790

33

Bodywhys

91,659

14,987

76,672

34

Borrisokane Area Network Development

3,000

2,700

300

35

Borrisokane Area Network Development

17,687

5,896

11,791

36

Bray Adult Learning — Co Wicklow VEC

78,740

12,790

65,950

37

Bray Community Enterprise

55,600

14,467

41,133

38

Brothers of Charity Services

60,599

9,619

50,980

39

Brothers of Charity Services Roscommon

161,862

26,333

135,529

40

Bunratty Road Tennants Association

38,860

33,702

5,158

41

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh

53,000

8,833

44,167

42

Cairde

76,072

18,322

57,750

43

Canal Communities Partnership

89,568

14,027

75,541

44

Carick-on-Suir Neighbourhood Youth Project

89,561

12,829

76,732

45

Carlow Regional Youth Services Ltd

64,699

10,490

54,209

46

Carrick-on-Shannon Active Age Group

5,882

5,294

588

47

Castlecomer Community School

147,640

33,000

114,640

48

Catherine McAuley Centre

68,208

11,200

57,008

49

Cavan County Council

278,210

85,295

192,915

50

Cherry Orchard Equine, Educ & Training

297,400

48,333

249,067

51

Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability

24,826

8,023

16,803

52

City of Galway VEC

20,214

12,453

7,761

53

City of Galway VEC

63,620

16,633

46,987

54

City of Limerick VEC Adult Education Service

249,540

123,730

125,810

55

Clare Youth Service

78,828

9,563

69,265

56

Clondalkin Community Health Initiative

133,230

59,016

74,214

57

Clonliffe & Croke Park Community Hall

15,000

13,500

1,500

58

Clonmel Celtic Football Club

49,000

44,100

4,900

59

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service

131,000

42,700

88,300

60

Cneasta

52,500

17,500

35,000

61

Co. Roscommon Higher Education Centre

104,000

35,799

68,201

62

Collinstown Park School Completion Prog

71,500

11,667

59,833

63

Comhar Chathair Chorcai

10,750

3,583

7,167

64

Comhlamh Irish Assoc Develop Workers

20,000

3,950

16,050

65

Common Ground Ltd

32,333

16,650

15,683

66

Community After Schools Project (CASP)

40,000

33,750

6,250

67

Co-operation Fingal

237,616

61,160

176,456

68

Cork Threshold Housing Advice Centre

174,303

104,582

69,721

69

County Leitrim Partnership Co. Ltd

73,991

39,265

34,726

70

County Wexford Community Workshop

115,000

34,500

80,500

71

Crosscare Afterschool Support Unit

103,000

51,825

51,175

72

Crumlin Sports Employment Project

60,000

10,000

50,000

73

Cunamh Energy Action Ltd

18,612

18,612

0

74

Darndale/Belcamp Integrated Childcare Svs

84,000

13,667

70,333

75

Delta Centre Ltd

200,000

180,000

20,000

76

Dillon’s Cross/ Post Release Project

34,133

5,670

28,463

77

Dime Project Advisory Committee

135,318

22,941

112,377

78

Disability Federation of Ireland

79,850

26,617

53,233

79

Dominican Day Centre for Senior Citizens

10,696

10,696

0

80

Donegal Youth Information Centre

37,450

6,250

31,200

81

Donore Harriers

132,059

23,948

108,111

82

Drogheda Northside Community Partnership

41,000

17,192

23,808

83

Drogheda Youth Development (DYP)

167,920

26,923

140,997

84

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre

120,000

26,667

93,333

85

Dublin AIDS Alliance (DAA) Ltd

41,000

18,145

22,855

86

Dublin CABAS School Parent Group

49,884

8,314

41,570

87

Dublin Community Games

70,000

25,573

44,427

88

Dublin North East Communications Co-op

126,000

24,833

101,167

89

Dublin Simon Community

160,885

27,064

133,821

90

Easi Access Transport T/A Easi-Cab Travel Club

129,894

85,953

43,941

91

Educational Disadvantage Centre

158,158

39,279

118,879

92

Eiri Corca Baiscinn

58,000

6,333

51,667

93

Eiri Corca Baiscinn

47,000

15,198

31,802

94

Emotional Behavioural Difficulties Project

141,358

85,709

55,649

95

Employ Ability (Dublin SW Supported Employ Svs)

144,830

17,943

126,887

96

FACT Ballincollig Family Resource Centre

60,000

9,217

50,783

97

Families and Schools Together (FAST)

77,245

37,654

39,591

98

Family School Comm Educational Disadv

331,396

32,726

298,670

99

Faranree Family Resource Centre

31,500

18,427

13,073

100

Farranree Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Project

21,180

10,190

10,990

101

Fettercairn Youth Horse Project

184,314

61,271

123,043

102

Fingal ICTU Centre for the Unemployed

100,878

34,483

66,395

103

Finglas Cabra Partnership/Finglas RAPID Prog

107,865

17,901

89,964

104

Foroige

101,280

12,163

89,117

105

Frenchpark & Districts Childcare

190,000

171,000

19,000

106

Futurama Out of School Transition Initiative

190,000

30,000

160,000

107

Galway Rape Crisis Centre

81,879

12,872

69,007

108

Galway Rural Development

430,000

113,787

316,213

109

Glengariff Playground Development Ltd

58,553

52,698

5,855

110

Global Action Plan

40,000

6,667

33,333

111

Harmony Community Development Programme

110,151

17,154

92,997

112

Hillside Club

1,000

900

100

113

Holy Family BNS Board of Management

12,450

11,205

1,245

114

Inishowen Partnership Company

6,000

1,000

5,000

115

Inishowen Partnership Company

4,500

2,250

2,250

116

Inishowen Partnership Company

62,124

15,499

46,625

117

Inishowens Women’s Network

100,000

62,506

37,494

118

Irish Rural Link Ltd

45,110

40,599

4,511

119

Irish Traveller Movement

129,510

39,680

89,830

120

Irish Whelchair Assoc & Nat Council for the Blind

211,800

35,300

176,500

121

KDYS Youth Centre

154,357

53,093

101,264

122

Kerry Adolescent Counselling Service

35,000

5,833

29,167

123

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service

120,000

19,400

100,600

124

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service Tralee

32,500

11,187

21,313

125

Kerry Education Service

144,000

24,667

119,333

126

Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre

95,800

29,220

66,580

127

Kerry Respite Care Ltd

118,987

19,064

99,923

128

Kilbarrack CDP, Children’s Centre

3,000

2,700

300

129

Kildare Youth Services (Curragh)

81,226

13,066

68,160

130

Killinarden Drug Primary Prevention Group

40,000

18,308

21,692

131

Kilrush Family Resource Centre Ltd

75,000

7,667

67,333

132

Kilrush Family Resource Centre Ltd

21,000

21,000

0

133

Knockanrawley Resource Centre Ltd

110,000

26,640

83,360

134

Labre Park After School Programme

158,920

26,798

132,122

135

Larkin/Shelbourne Project

100,000

16,667

83,333

136

Learning Through Arts Scholarship

91,000

35,176

55,824

137

Leitrim Co Council — Drumshambo Swimming Pool

40,000

36,000

4,000

138

Literacy Service, Co Westmeath VEC

116,000

19,167

96,833

139

Little Bray Family Resource Centre

62,940

20,310

42,630

140

Little Bray Family Resource Centre

75,288

24,126

51,162

141

Longford Community Resources Ltd

110,354

18,853

91,501

142

Longford Community Resources Ltd

150,376

24,484

125,892

143

Longford Women’s Link

84,272

24,437

59,835

144

Loreto Centre

48,148

14,891

33,257

145

Lucan Disability Action Group Ltd

22,900

21,075

1,825

146

Mallow Daycare Centre Ltd

6,030

5,427

603

147

Mayfield Community Adult Learning Project

7,874

7,087

787

148

Mayfield Employment Action Project

5,231

4,708

523

149

Mellow Spring Childcare Development Ctr

85,790

17,177

68,613

150

Mental Health Ireland

97,576

14,236

83,340

151

Merchants Quay Project

157,709

26,120

131,589

152

Monsignor McCarthy Steering Committee

110,300

99,270

11,030

153

Mountmellick Development Association

60,332

54,299

6,033

154

Mountview Senoir Citizens Support Group

13,000

6,500

6,500

155

Mountwood Fitzgerald CDP

127,500

20,000

107,500

156

Mulhuddart Corduff Community Drug Team

13,080

3,307

9,773

157

Mulhuddart Lifestart

70,090

8,287

61,803

158

Mulhuddart Resource Centre

2,500

2,250

250

159

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Company Ltd

152,310

24,719

127,591

160

Myasthenia Gravis Association

6,000

5,400

600

161

Nagle Centre

89,578

29,916

59,662

162

National Adult Literacy Agency

123,225

19,167

104,058

163

National Adult Literacy Agency

69,555

33,597

35,958

164

National College of Ireland

33,950

4,608

29,342

165

National Council for the Blind of Ireland

636,000

469,038

166,962

166

North & West Connemara Rural Project

120,200

40,356

79,844

167

North Clondalkin CDP/Campus

47,712

7,827

39,885

168

North Cork Adult Basic Education Service

49,331

19,947

29,384

169

North West Parents and Friends

110,000

85,125

24,875

170

North Western Health Board Assistive Tech Unit

112,000

84,429

27,571

171

Northside Partnership

235,000

38,250

196,750

172

Northside Partnership

331,000

96,053

234,947

173

Pathways Thru Educ Comm Links Prog

212,571

35,857

176,714

174

PAUL Partnership

211,741

43,864

167,877

175

Ronanstown CDP/Women’s Comm Education

79,670

33,288

46,382

176

Rosemount Community Development Group

50,974

8,278

42,696

177

Schizophrenia Ireland

30,500

21,401

9,099

178

Scoil Na Croise Naofa

10,000

5,400

4,600

179

Second Chance Education Project for Women

68,436

13,232

55,204

180

Sligo Borough Council

203,280

28,500

174,780

181

Sligo Family Resource Centre

98,852

15,456

83,396

182

Sligo Northside Community Partnership Ltd

129,010

21,247

107,763

183

Smashing Times Theatre Co. Ltd

79,990

48,029

31,961

184

South Kerry Development Partnership

44,940

10,640

34,300

185

South Westmeath Literacy Scheme

17,500

5,833

11,667

186

Spinal Injuries Action Association

66,312

19,617

46,695

187

St Brendans Park FC

114,760

15,750

99,010

188

St Fergals Resource Centre

75,288

12,370

62,918

189

St Mary’s Hall Committee

20,000

10,000

10,000

190

St Peter Apostle SNS

20,000

18,000

2,000

191

St Peter Apostle SNS

41,000

36,900

4,100

192

St. Andrew’s Resource Centre

125,200

37,505

87,695

193

St. Catherines Community Services Centre

11,000

5,500

5,500

194

St. Laurence O’Toole GAA Club

170,000

170,000

0

195

St. Mary’s Community Adult Education Committee

86,145

24,271

61,874

196

St. Oliver’s Community Mgt Committee

6,068

5,461

607

197

St. Paul’s Scout Unit

95,000

66,500

28,500

198

St. Teresa’s Boys/Girls Football Clubs

42,000

29,000

13,000

199

Step by Step Child and Family Project

3,000

2,700

300

200

Taghmon Action Group

70,000

11,562

58,438

201

Tallaght Homeless Advice Unit

245,658

44,251

201,407

202

Tallaght Intercultural Action

130,000

21,167

108,833

203

Tallaght Volunteer Bureau

46,762

28,900

17,862

204

Tallaght West Education Support Forum

48,300

25,194

23,106

205

TASS (Target After School Service)

122,750

13,383

109,367

206

The Alzheimers Society

25,000

15,488

9,512

207

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre

71,500

11,917

59,583

208

The Glen Leadership & Equality Network

6,000

5,400

600

209

The Glen Leadership & Equality Network

67,637

11,138

56,499

210

The Larkin Centre

147,700

64,050

83,650

211

The Linkup Project

24,000

14,256

9,744

212

The Midland Health Board Steering Group on Suicide

14,264

4,755

9,509

213

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook Vol Housing Assoc

11,117

10,006

1,111

214

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

62,346

5,137

57,209

215

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

146,730

24,838

121,892

216

The Swan Group

3,053

3,053

0

217

The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice

100,000

16,667

83,333

218

Togher Family Ctr After Schools Activity

29,620

4,231

25,389

219

Togher Wednesday Social Group

4,000

2,629

1,371

220

Trail

80,000

24,908

55,092

221

Tralee Community Development Project (CDP)

199,912

185,767

14,145

222

Tralee Learning Together Network

137,500

42,334

95,166

223

Tralee Town Council

175,000

52,500

122,500

224

Tramore YDP — Foroige

161,625

25,019

136,606

225

Vista Community Development Project

8,000

2,667

5,333

226

Vita House Family House

65,000

19,866

45,134

227

Vocational School Abbeyfeale

9,600

8,640

960

228

Voice of Older People — County Donegal

54,000

9,000

45,000

229

Walkinstown Assoc for Handicapped People

10,000

2,333

7,667

230

Walkinstown Assoc for Handicapped People

8,800

2,933

5,867

231

Walkinstown Association for Handicapped People

50,000

25,000

25,000

232

Walkinstown Association for Handicapped People Ltd

20,000

6,667

13,333

233

Waterford Befriending Project

60,000

10,000

50,000

234

Waterford Local Economic Development Company

816,000

50,000

766,000

235

Waterford Regional Youth Svc Pathways

30,500

18,946

11,554

236

Watergate Muintir Community Council

71,600

12,000

59,600

237

WESLIN W’ford Early Sch Leaving Int Net

90,579

14,800

75,779

238

West Cork Carers Support Group Ltd

81,580

16,582

64,998

239

Wexford Borough Council

160,000

160,000

0

240

Wexford Education Network

149,616

24,143

125,473

241

Whitefriar St Comm Education & Development

4,350

3,915

435

242

Youghal Youth Committee (Foróige)

130,000

15,052

114,948

243

Youth Horizons

45,000

13,717

31,283

244

Youth New Ross Ltd

121,565

40,522

81,043

Totals

22,268,254

7,215,149

15,053,105

Appendix 2: Groups awaiting Payment

Group

Approval

Total Paid

Balance

2nd Galway Tuam Scouts SI

110,000

0

110,000

37th Cork Togher Scout Group

14,000

0

14,000

Abalie

54,894

0

54,894

Acill Scouting 22nd Unit — Mayo

38,373

0

38,373

ADAPT

285,000

0

285,000

Adapt Kerry Ltd, T/A Kerry Refugee Support Services

874,692

0

874,692

Adrigole Family Resource Centre

7,200

0

7,200

After Care Recovery Group Ltd

28,653

0

28,653

Aisling Group/Brandan Day Programme

112,000

0

112,000

Alzeimher Society of Ireland, Blackrock Branch

2,277,171

0

2,277,171

An Siol Senoir Citizens Project

38,000

0

38,000

Ana Liffey Drug Project

35,000

0

35,000

Area Senior Citizens

52,732

0

52,732

Arts & Disability Ireland

52,000

0

52,000

ASSET

100,000

0

100,000

Athy Town Council

70,838

0

70,838

Autism Service

59,200

0

59,200

Avondhu Development Group Ltd

20,777

0

20,777

Avoundhu Development Group Ltd

28,014

0

28,014

Ballyduff National School

21,000

0

21,000

Ballyfarnon Community Enterprise Group Ltd

28,851

0

28,851

Ballyforan Community Hall

20,000

0

20,000

Ballymore Development Centre Ltd

60,000

0

60,000

Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development

127,639

0

127,639

Ballywaltrim Community Centre Ltd

786,538

0

786,538

Bantry YMCA

103,410

0

103,410

Barnardos Childrens Services Dublin North

80,000

0

80,000

Blackwater Community School/Lismore GAA

123,684

0

123,684

Blakestown Community Resource Centre

134,000

0

134,000

Board of Management, Scoil Phadraig Naofa

41,000

0

41,000

Board of Mgt of Ballyspillane Comm FRC

20,000

0

20,000

Board of Mgt St John’s and St. Paul’s NS

104,700

0

104,700

Brookfield & Fettercairn School Completion Programme

70,428

0

70,428

Brookfield Youth & Community Centre

250,000

0

250,000

Brothers of Charity Galway Services

78,000

0

78,000

Brothers of Charity Services — Project Committee

110,220

0

110,220

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon

7,500

0

7,500

Bush Community Leisure Facility

1,550,000

0

1,550,000

Cahir Development Association Ltd

70,000

0

70,000

Camphill Communities Ballytobin

385,000

0

385,000

Camphill Communities of Ireland

360,000

0

360,000

CANDO LTD

6,000

0

6,000

CARE Local

115,440

0

115,440

CARP — Killinarden

211,810

0

211,810

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Assoc

534,028

0

534,028

Catholic Youth Care/Bray Outdoor Pursuits Proj

78,150

0

78,150

Cavan County Childcare Committee

253,233

0

253,233

Centre for Independent Living

137,000

0

137,000

Cheshire Ireland

1,272,273

0

1,272,273

Children’s Discovery Museum

173,250

0

173,250

Churchfield Community Trust

172,520

0

172,520

Clondalkin Local Employment Service (CLES)

24,675

0

24,675

Clondalkin Travellers Training, Enterprise & Employment

80,000

0

80,000

Clonmel Borough Council

3,376

0

3,376

Clonmel Borough Council

74,431

0

74,431

Clonmel Borough Council/SEHB

7,449

0

7,449

Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre Ltd

88,237

0

88,237

Co Longford VEC

35,334

0

35,334

Co Wexford Community Workshop Enniscorthy

250,000

0

250,000

CoAction West Cork Ltd

93,735

0

93,735

Colaiste Eoin Secondary School/Cork VEC

50,852

0

50,852

Community Addiction Programme

89,900

0

89,900

Community Care of the Elderly

17,000

0

17,000

Community of Lough Arrow Social Project

56,189

0

56,189

Community Women’s Education Initiative Ltd

24,726

0

24,726

Cope — Meals on Wheels

90,750

0

90,750

Corduff Community Resource Centre

30,000

0

30,000

Cork Association for Autism

198,590

0

198,590

Cork Campus Radio 97.4 FM

3,500

0

3,500

Cork City Council

90,000

0

90,000

Cork Simon Community

274,382

0

274,382

Cork YMCA

43,907

0

43,907

County Monaghan Partnership

166,635

0

166,635

Cuan Mhuire

297,206

0

297,206

Cumann na Daoine

1,166,006

0

1,166,006

Cumas and Cairdeas

13,400

0

13,400

De La Salle College

51,000

0

51,000

Deora Project

45,000

0

45,000

Dochas Family Centre

200,000

0

200,000

Dolphin House Community Develop Assoc

118,000

0

118,000

Donegal Youth Services

89,720

0

89,720

Doras Luimni

41,754

0

41,754

Drogheda Borough Council

18,000

0

18,000

Dromtariffe GAA Club

35,000

0

35,000

Drumlane Community Partnership

150,000

0

150,000

Duagh Community FRC

279,000

0

279,000

Dublin 15 Playground Action Group

26,800

0

26,800

Dublin City Council

72,000

0

72,000

Dublin City Council

400,000

0

400,000

Dublin City Council (St James Youth Service)

50,000

0

50,000

Dublin City University Educational Trust

115,000

0

115,000

Dublin City University Educational Trust

86,986

0

86,986

Duhallow Carers Network

950

0

950

Dun Laoghaire VEC

94,400

0

94,400

Dundalk Outcomers

109,700

0

109,700

Dundalk Town Council

40,500

0

40,500

Dundalk Town Council

41,000

0

41,000

Duneske Leisure Limited

104,491

0

104,491

Duniry Community & Pitch Development Cttee

18,160

0

18,160

Dyspraxia Assoc of Ireland

50,500

0

50,500

Easkey Community Council Ltd

120,000

0

120,000

East Wall Sports Group

213,029

0

213,029

Ennis Town Council

278,765

0

278,765

Ennis Town Council

17,479

0

17,479

Family Supports — Breakfast Club BAP

11,431

0

11,431

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service

53,601

0

53,601

Finglas Cabra Partnership

188,568

0

188,568

Finglas Sports Development Group

26,160

0

26,160

Foroige/Cootehill/Ballybay Adolescent Friendly health Project

178,313

0

178,313

Foxford Sports & Leisure Centre

76,515

0

76,515

Franciscan Social Justice Initiatives

93,541

0

93,541

Galway City and County Childcare Committee

90,000

0

90,000

Galway City Council

1,100,000

0

1,100,000

Galway City Health Forum

83,000

0

83,000

Galway Refugee Support Group

82,710

0

82,710

Gateway Project

6,900

0

6,900

Glen Resource and Sports Centre Ltd

75,890

0

75,890

Glenfinn Area Council

450,000

0

450,000

Granard Sports Hall Project Group

60,000

0

60,000

Greater Blanchardstown Development Project

46,257

0

46,257

Gurranabraher/Churchfield Development Group

485,000

0

485,000

Hazel Day Hospital

22,700

0

22,700

Homeless Network

132,492

0

132,492

Hope House

400,000

0

400,000

Hospitaller Order of St John of God

167,336

0

167,336

Huntingtons Disease Association of Ireland

3,536

0

3,536

IHCPT — The Irish Pilgrimage Trust

500,000

0

500,000

Inch Community Council

20,000

0

20,000

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Group

100,000

0

100,000

Irish Progressive Association for Autism

5,600

0

5,600

Junior Certificate School Library Project

113,500

0

113,500

KARE

194,000

0

194,000

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service

108,800

0

108,800

Kerry Suicide Support Group

42,000

0

42,000

Kilbarrack CDP

10,000

0

10,000

Kilcannon Industries Ltd

250,000

0

250,000

Kilteevan Community Development Group

310,550

0

310,550

Kiltimach/Knock United Soccer Club

119,175

0

119,175

Kiltyclogher Community Council

29,050

0

29,050

Knockmitten Youth Centre

300,000

0

300,000

Laois Sports Partnership Ltd

35,000

0

35,000

L’Arche Community

43,723

0

43,723

Leenane Development Association

7,040

0

7,040

Leitrim Gaels Community Development Ltd

367,000

0

367,000

Liberties Recycling Training & Development Centre

83,000

0

83,000

Limerick City Council

55,495

0

55,495

Limerick Travellers Development Group

41,000

0

41,000

Longford Dyslexia Association

10,000

0

10,000

Longmeadows Pitch & Putt Company

174,000

0

174,000

Loughboy Area Resource Centre

85,586

0

85,586

Loughlinstown Community Rooms

20,247

0

20,247

Loughlinstown Playgroup Development Group

51,250

0

51,250

Lourdes Youth & Community Services

89,041

0

89,041

Lucan/North Kildare Youth Service

12,400

0

12,400

Mahon Childcare Network

126,413

0

126,413

Mahon Resource Centre Ltd

141,205

0

141,205

MANN Group

162,500

0

162,500

Marian Centre Special School

60,000

0

60,000

Mary Queen of Angels

102,173

0

102,173

Mayfield Community Arts Centre Newbury House

45,000

0

45,000

Mayo Abbey Parish Comm Development

121,907

0

121,907

MCR Community Development Committee

7,898

0

7,898

Men’s Development Network

120,000

0

120,000

Midlands Regional Youth Service

46,230

0

46,230

Migraine Association of Ireland

20,550

0

20,550

Millenium Holiday Home Project

17,500

0

17,500

Milltown Foroige

7,100

0

7,100

Mountview Senoir Citizens Support Group

2,000

0

2,000

Mountwood Fitzgerald Park CDP (Basement Proj)

300,000

0

300,000

Mullingar District Women in Crisis

73,972

0

73,972

Multi -Disciplinary Team

75,684

0

75,684

National Council for the Blind/Irish Wheelchair Association

1,833,000

0

1,833,000

National Network of Women’s Refugees & Support

45,000

0

45,000

National Suicide Research Foundation

84,140

0

84,140

National Training and Development Institute

82,246

0

82,246

Neighbourhood Youth Project

10,000

0

10,000

New Ross Town Council

97,470

0

97,470

Newpark Close Community Development

52,181

0

52,181

North Leitrim Mens Group

14,292

0

14,292

North Roscommon Athletic Club

4,200

0

4,200

North Wall Womens Centre

119,700

0

119,700

NWHB

63,251

0

63,251

NWHB Worklink NW/Training & Occupational Svs

62,000

0

62,000

O’Devaney Gardens Forum

66,943

0

66,943

Ogra Chorcai Ltd

200,775

0

200,775

Open Door Network

93,610

0

93,610

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps

300,000

0

300,000

Our Ladies of Victories Youth Centre

20,000

0

20,000

Our Lady Immaculate Junior National School

10,000

0

10,000

Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group

122,772

0

122,772

Parasuicide Intervention Study Group

96,900

0

96,900

Parkside Community Development Project Ltd

10,500

0

10,500

Pavee Point

58,915

0

58,915

Peamount Hospital Inc

783,000

0

783,000

Portumna Social Services Committee

32,000

0

32,000

Queen of Peace Comm Development Project

114,533

0

114,533

Rahoon Family Centre

15,383

0

15,383

Rehab Care

1,000,000

0

1,000,000

RehabCare

45,277

0

45,277

Respite Group Home Crannog

600,000

0

600,000

Roma Support Group

65,000

0

65,000

Roosky Development & Social Inclusion

409,858

0

409,858

Roscommon Enter Initiative

191,932

0

191,932

Rosequal Ltd

21,374

0

21,374

Samaritans

97,998

0

97,998

SAOL

105,500

0

105,500

Scoil Chiaran — Our Lady of Consolation

30,000

0

30,000

Scouting Ireland

22,297

0

22,297

Senoir Citizens Social Housing Unit Beaufort

3,500

0

3,500

Service Users Forum — South East Region

34,000

0

34,000

Sisters of Bon Sauveur Services

87,000

0

87,000

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary

300,000

0

300,000

Sisters of Our Lady of Charity Residential Hostel

100,000

0

100,000

Sligo County Council

117,800

0

117,800

Sligo County Council Community & Enterprise

129,750

0

129,750

Social Innovations Ireland

156,655

0

156,655

Socially Inclusive Health Centre- SWAHB

130,500

0

130,500

South Dublin County Council

54,280

0

54,280

South End Community Action Team

149,500

0

149,500

South Kerry Development Partnership

101,027

0

101,027

South Kerry Development Partnership

18,000

0

18,000

South Tipperary County Council

129,850

0

129,850

South West Inner City Network

60,882

0

60,882

South West Mayo Development Company

84,000

0

84,000

Southern Health Board

7,500

0

7,500

Special Project on Longterm Unemployment

90,344

0

90,344

St Bernadette’s Pre-School for Travelling Children

9,900

0

9,900

St Brendan’s The Glen Snr Citizens

30,000

0

30,000

St Christopher’s Services

508,511

0

508,511

St Colmans Voluntary Committee

1,000,000

0

1,000,000

St Joseph’s Community Centre

250,000

0

250,000

St Loman’s Mental Health Association

31,195

0

31,195

St Mary’s Senior Citizens Club, Knocknaheeny

180,000

0

180,000

St Monica’s Youth Centre

35,000

0

35,000

St Paul’s Youth Club

50,000

0

50,000

St Teresa’s Gardens Enviro & Employ

7,741

0

7,741

St Vincent de Paul

20,000

0

20,000

St Vincents Trust

116,440

0

116,440

St. Saviour’s National School

35,636

0

35,636

Streetline Ltd

25,000

0

25,000

Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed Ltd

125,000

0

125,000

The Autistic Outreach Unit

20,000

0

20,000

The BLOCK Project

90,125

0

90,125

The Carer’s Association

10,000

0

10,000

The Carer’s Association

10,000

0

10,000

The Carer’s Association

10,000

0

10,000

The Intercom Initiative

68,025

0

68,025

The Meditation Bureau

68,480

0

68,480

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook

34,340

0

34,340

The Royal Hospital Donnybrook

78,555

0

78,555

The Traveller Visibility Group

5,580

0

5,580

The Web Project

12,000

0

12,000

The Web Project

5,000

0

5,000

Threshold Ltd

380,233

0

380,233

Tipperary Community Hostel Project

300,000

0

300,000

Tipperary Leader Group

30,000

0

30,000

Tipperary VEC

182,000

0

182,000

Tir na nOg Pre-School for travelling Children

111,700

0

111,700

TOFE Program (School Completion Program)

37,600

0

37,600

Togher Family Centre

3,447

0

3,447

Tolka River Project Ltd

10,645

0

10,645

Tuam Travellers Education and Development Association Ltd (TTEOA)

238,480

0

238,480

Valentia Community Health & Welfare Association Ltd

100,000

0

100,000

Vantastic Ltd

174,000

0

174,000

Volunteering Ireland

86,861

0

86,861

Waterford City Council

200,000

0

200,000

Waterford Disability Network

32,000

0

32,000

Waterford Regional Youth Service

400,000

0

400,000

West Dublin YMCA

127,850

0

127,850

Western Care Association

70,000

0

70,000

Western Care Association

69,000

0

69,000

Western Care Association

140,000

0

140,000

Westside Community Development Resource Centre Ltd

14,000

0

14,000

Wicklow Working Together Ltd

22,500

0

22,500

Young Mothers in Education Programme

120,912

0

120,912

Youth Projects Network, Dublin North-East Inner City

39,900

0

39,900

Youthreach Bandon

27,000

0

27,000

40,814,562

0

40,814,562

Inland Waterways.

Jack Wall

Question:

596 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of boats that have used the Grand Canal for each of the past three seasons; the records that are kept in regard to such usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29248/05]

Waterways Ireland has informed me that the figures for boat passages on the Grand Canal, which are collated at a number of the locks on the navigation, are 3,654 for 2003, 1,714 for 2004 and 2,319 for 2005.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

597 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29299/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

598 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29314/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 598 together.

Overtime is paid at standard rates for additional attendance to staff up to and including higher executive officer or administrative officer in my Department's press office. There is no on call allowance, and no ex gratia payments are made to staff in the office for being on call or for additional attendance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

599 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29329/05]

Time off in lieu of extra attendance payments is allowable for grades up to and including higher executive officer or administrative officer. The granting of time off in lieu is at the discretion of the head of the Department, having regard to the exigencies of the service, and is not allowed in any case where it would give rise to additional overtime working. As time in lieu taken is stored on each individual officer's personal record, the resources required to collate the information sought is not justified.

Paul McGrath

Question:

600 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29344/05]

Apart from appropriate provision of records to other Departments in the context of transfers or promotions, no personnel files of staff in my Department have been copied or given to external parties.

Paul McGrath

Question:

601 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/05]

Two members of staff have been allowed leave of absence in excess of two months to undertake a masters degree in public policy. One of these has successfully completed the programme while the other has only begun.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

602 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

603 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of evening or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29389/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 603 together.

The number of staff in my Department who have applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or at weekends in the current academic year is 58. The value of such refunds is estimated at €80,262. All staff members to whom approval to attend a course in the last academic year was granted subsequently applied for the refund of their course fees.

The proportion of my Departments training budget spent on refunds to staff in respect of evening or weekend courses was 30.7% in 2005, 31% in 2004 and 11% in 2003. A list of courses for which staff were refunded fees is set out as follows:

"A+", ICT Training

ACCA Annual Subscription

Arts Modular

BA (Honours) Business & Law Griffith College

BA (Ordinary) Legal Studies

BA Degree Training & Education — Year 4 of 4

BA Psychology (Dublin Business School)

BA Public Management Business Studies

BA Training & Education Year 3 2004 2005

Basic Computers

Certificate in Business Studies (IPA)

Challenge of the Social Sciences — Open University

Communications (UCD)

Degree in Psychology — Open University

Dioplóma Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach Bliain 2 UCD

Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge

Dioplóma sna Dána (Scileanna Aistriúcháin)

Diploma in Business (NCI) — Year 1 of 2

Diploma in Communications (UCC)

Diploma in First Line Management — NCI

Diploma in Policy Analysis (IPA)

Diploma in Public Administration (IPA)

Diploma in Public Management (IPA)

Doctorate in Governance (D Gov) IPA/QUB

Doctorate in Governance (IPA/QUB)

Doctorate in Governance (IPA/QUB)

ECDL 28 October ABM Computer Training

ECDL, Galway Technical Institute

Gaeilge — Conradh na Gaeilge

Gaeilge — Gaeleagras

Higher Certificate in Business & Industrial Relations/HRM-IFSC

Internal Audit (IPA)

Irish Art & Its Contents, TCD 11-10-04-28-02-05

Irish Literature — Irish Writers' Centre

Italian, Level 1, Oct 03-Jan 04, Sandford Lang Institute

Joint Examining Board

Legal Studies

LLB Degree

LLB Degree (Evening)

M.Sc Policy Analysis (IPA)

MA (IPA)

MA Bilingualism (DCU)

MA Gaeilge UCD 2003/2004

MA Nua Ghaeilge

MA Public Management, IPA

MSc I nGnó/I dTeicneolaíocht an Eolais 2002-03

NUI Certificate in Psychology

Office Technology

Philosophy — Foundation Modular (UCD)

Psychology — Certificate, NUI Maynooth

Public Management, IPA CMOD Code 2

SafePass (FÁS)

Spanish Course, Instituto De Cervantes

Spanish, Aisling Ireland, 137 Lr Rathmines Rd

Swedish Language Course

Teastas sa Chleachtas Dá-Theangach (DCU)

Paul McGrath

Question:

604 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29404/05]

Records indicate that the total amount spent on four briefcases since the establishment of my Department in 2002 is €534.82. The largest single amount paid was €242. This figure includes a sum of €86.94 in respect of a briefcase which was purchased to replace a briefcase destroyed when the ministerial car was involved in an accident and went on fire. The original briefcase was purchased during the previous Administration long before the establishment of this Department.

The cost of replying to this parliamentary question exceeds the cost of providing briefcases to staff in my Department during the last three years.

Paul McGrath

Question:

605 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29419/05]

Three electronic portable devices were purchased in 2003 at a cost of €992 each for the three most senior posts in my Department. In 2005, ten devices were purchased at a cost of €242 each and were rolled out to some senior staff within my Department as part of a trial project to examine the benefits of such devices. Further decisions on wider provision of personal digital assistants will be informed by the experience of the trial project.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

606 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/05]

No such exemptions have been given in my Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

607 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29457/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

608 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29472/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 608 together.

No contracts were awarded by my Department since its establishment to the companies in question.

Coillte Training Courses.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

609 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the exclusion of persons from the harvesting and haulage sector of Irish forestry from the extensive training courses provided by Coillte between 1998 and 2002, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28700/05]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

610 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the categories of persons in the forestry sector who availed of training courses provided by Coillte between 1998 and 2002, inclusive; the numbers involved in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28702/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 610 together.

Tables giving details of the categories and numbers of those who availed of courses provided by Coillte in each of the calendar years requested are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. I have been advised by Coillte that persons from the harvesting sector were not excluded from the harvesting training provided by Coillte in the period in question. Coillte does not provide training specifically for the haulage sector.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

611 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area payment. [28603/05]

An application under the disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2005. Following computer validation, the application of the person named was randomly selected for, and was the subject of, a ground inspection. The results of this inspection are being communicated to the person named.

Milk Quota.

Dan Neville

Question:

612 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether allocation of a milk quota under the restructuring scheme using age as a criteria is age discrimination. [28732/05]

The purpose of the new entrant or recent entrant category under the milk quota restructuring scheme is to encourage the assimilation of younger farmers into dairying in order to provide for the future development of the sector in circumstances where successors to existing dairy farmers are less available than heretofore. In common with other such schemes, it is necessary to establish criteria to limit the applicability of such measures so that their specific objectives are met. In this case, some 25% of the restructuring quota pool has been reserved for applicants under the age of 35 years.

The scheme makes an important contribution to securing the commitment to dairying of the next generation of producers and complements other policies that seek to make careers in farming more attractive for younger farmers. Such policies are neither discriminatory nor unfair. Rather, they are targeted measures that indirectly benefit the farming sector by supporting its future development. They are necessary incentives to maintaining the commitment of young trained farmers in the sector against the competing and expanding range of alternative opportunities for them outside of farming. The policy of providing specific incentives to young farmers has the support of all farm organisations.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

613 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when area based payments will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28757/05]

An application under the disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2005. Following computer validation, a payment of €1,205.17 issued to the person named on 23 September 2005 and a further payment, amounting to €2,014.19, will be made shortly to bring the total payment to the named person under the disadvantaged areas scheme to €3,219.36.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

614 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded their area aid headage payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28976/05]

An application under the disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2005. Following computer validation, it was found that one parcel which had been included by the person named on his application had also been included on the application of another scheme applicant.

The person named was written to on 1 September 2005 and asked to confirm his right to claim the parcel in question or otherwise. If claiming the right to this parcel, the person named was requested to provide a copy of Land Registry deeds, or a copy of a lease or rental agreement, that clearly shows entitlement to this parcel. In response, by letter received 7 September 2005, the person named confirmed that he was not entitled to claim the parcel in question. The application of the person named is now being processed further by my Department.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

615 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded their area aid headage payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28977/05]

An application under the disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person in question on 14 April 2005. Following computer validation, it was found that two land parcels, which had been claimed by the person in question, were also the subject of a claim by another scheme applicant. The person in question was, therefore, written to on 7 September 2005 and asked to confirm his right to claim the parcels in question, or otherwise. If claiming the right to these parcels, the person named was requested to provide a copy of Land Registry deeds, or a copy of a lease or rental agreement, that clearly shows his entitlement to these parcels. While a reply was received from the person in question on 15 September 2005, the reply was incomplete in that it did not confirm entitlement to claim one of the parcels concerned, nor were any of the documents sought from the person named provided. Accordingly, the person named has again been written to, asking that the questions raised be specifically addressed.

Michael Ring

Question:

616 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the grant payment for a slatted shed. [29024/05]

The person named is an applicant under the farm waste management scheme. Payment was made by the Department of Agriculture and Food to the person concerned on 12 October 2005.

Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

617 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the requirements for valid appeals against afforestation permissions. [29188/05]

The forest service of the Department of Agriculture and Food operates a public consultation procedure for afforestation proposals in environmentally sensitive areas, as defined under the European Communities Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, SI 538 of 2001. Observations and objections from prescribed bodies and from members of the public are invited and assessed. If, following assessment, it is decided to approve the proposed afforestation, each of the parties who objected originally is notified in writing of the decision to proceed. Appeals against that decision must be lodged within 21 days of receipt of the notification from the forest service.

All appeals must be made in writing, setting out the grounds of appeal and addressed to the appeal unit, forest service, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford.

Departmental Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

618 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the staffing details of the forestry appeals unit set up in January 2002 to process appeals against decisions of her Department to approve afforestation projects; the number and circumstances of the cases it has considered; and the results of these appeals, together with their reasons. [29189/05]

The appeals procedure is handled by an administrative unit of the forest service. The unit is staffed by one higher executive officer, 50% of time and one clerical officer. The appeals committee comprises a senior inspector and an assistant principal officer.

The unit deals with two main categories of appellants. There are applicants whose proposals for afforestation have either been rejected or modified, or who are dissatisfied with any decision made in their entitlements under the forestry grant and premium schemes. There are third parties who, having previously been consulted, object to a subsequent decision to approve afforestation in certain areas. The majority of appeals fall into the first category.

Eight appeals against decisions to approve afforestation have been considered. The grounds for objection include a range of issues, such as environmental, amenity, economic and ecological concerns. The following table provides details of the appeals to-date against decisions to approve such afforestation projects.

Year

Number

Upheld

Withdrawn

Not Upheld

2002

3

3

2003

1

1

2004

1

1

2005

3

1

2

Each case under appeal is re-examined and an on-site inspection is carried out if necessary. Independence and quality of decisions are assured by the fact that inspections and adjudication on appeal cases are carried out by senior staff not previously involved in making the original decision.

Appeals System.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

619 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, as stated by An Taisce, her Department is not conforming to paragraph 13, Part V of SI 538 of 2001(details supplied) in view of the fact that to inform an objector may result in the loss of their statutory right to appeal within the legal timeframe available or to review such a decision through the courts within their strict timeframes. [29190/05]

Under the consultation procedure operated under SI 538 of 2001 a specified statutory body or a member of the public may object to approval of an afforestation project in a designated environmentally sensitive area. Their observations and objections are taken into consideration in the deliberations of the forest service on the proposal.

If, following assessment, it is decided to approve the proposed afforestation, each of the parties who objected originally is notified in writing of the decision to proceed. The standard notification is made in full compliance with the provisions of paragraph 13 of the statutory instrument, including all prescribed information.

Proposed Legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

620 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the details of the forthcoming legislation her Department started in 2002 to provide for a statutory basis for the appeals against decisions to permit afforestation. [29191/05]

There have been significant changes in the forestry sector in recent years and a comprehensive review of forestry legislation is underway. When that process is concluded, the drafting of a forestry Bill to update and amend the Forestry Act 1946 will be finalised. The provision of a statutory basis for all appeals, including appeals against approvals to plant, is being considered in the context of the proposed Bill.

Grant Payments.

James Breen

Question:

621 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is experiencing enormous problems having their entitlements accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29192/05]

The person named was not an applicant under the livestock premia and-or arable aid schemes during 2000 to 2002 or earlier during 1997 to 1999. Consequently, no entitlements under the single payment scheme have been established for the person named. The Department of Agriculture and Food does have a record of an application from the person named for consolidation of entitlements. However, since there are no entitlements established it is not possible to consolidate. My officials have been in contact with the person in question on the submission of a 2005 single payment scheme application form.

The person named submitted an application to the 2005 single payment scheme national reserve under category D which caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. Applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received from over 17,500 farmers. Processing of these applications is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants by 1 December next. The Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

622 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in her Departments press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29300/05]

The press officer is paid an allowance of €7,500 per annum. No other allowances are paid to staff in the press office. Overtime, when it arises, is paid at normal Civil Service rates.

Paul McGrath

Question:

623 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in her Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29315/05]

No ex gratia payments are made to staff in the Department of Agriculture and Food’s press office in respect of on-call or additional attendance other than an allowance of €7,500 paid to the press officer.

Paul McGrath

Question:

624 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in her Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29330/05]

Responsibility for approval of leave is a matter for line managers in the Department of Agriculture and Food. It is not possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy within the available timeframe.

Paul McGrath

Question:

625 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the personnel files of staff in her Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in her Department will be released to third parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29345/05]

The personnel files in the Department of Agriculture and Food are confidential and are not copied or given to external parties.

Paul McGrath

Question:

626 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff in her Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29360/05]

The following table gives the breakdown of leave of absences granted for educational purposes in the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Year

Course Undertaken

Comment

2003

Policy Analyst Trainee Programme with Dept. of Finance and IPA/UCD

2 officers participated in a Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis under Department of Finance Circular 13/2003 Course successfully completed in 2005

2005

Policy Analyst Trainee Programme with Department of Finance and IPA/UCD

Three Officers are participating in a Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis under Department of Finance Circulars 17/2005 and 18/2005

2005

Accountancy Qualification with Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland

One officer was given 63 days paid leave for study and exam purposes. Results pending

2005

Bachelor of Arts in Rural Development

One officer was given three days a week unpaid leave wef 18/10/04 to 17/6/05

Doctorate — Glasgow University

One officer on career break wef 1/7/02 to 30/1/05 Now resumed full-time duty

Paul McGrath

Question:

627 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by her Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29375/05]

In the Department of Agriculture and Food, 185 staff applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or in the evenings during the 2004-05 academic year. The sum of €254,497 in refunds has been made to date in 2005. It is estimated that €70,833 remains to be paid in 2005. A total of 30 staff was approved to attend courses during the 2004-05 academic year, but did not subsequently apply for a refund.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

628 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proportion of her Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by her Department in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29390/05]

The Department of Agriculture and Food administers the refund of academic fees scheme, under which staff can claim fee refunds in respect of attendance at, and completion of, approved second and third level courses. A list of courses funded by the Department of Agriculture and Food in the past three years is set out as follows. In 2004, 12.4% of the total staff training and development budget was spent on the refund of academic fees scheme, to date in 2005, 10.6% of this budget has been spent on this scheme.

The following is a list of courses funded under the refund of academic fees scheme for the last three years, 2002-2004, inclusive: advanced diploma in PC applications; Association of Chartered Certified Accountants course; BA degree, economics and French; BA in accounting and finance; BA in business studies; BA in health studies-psychology-sociology; BA in history and English; BA in international studies; BA in public administration; BA in public management; BA in training and education; BA degree in humanities; BA local and community studies degree; BA modular arts degree; Bachelor in business studies; bachelor of laws LLB; bachelor of science degree in rural development; bachelor of technology; barrister at law degree; BBS accounting GMIT Galway; BBS degree in human resources; BBS Degree in information systems management; BBS degree, accounting stream; BBS diploma in IT; BBSc in industrial relations-human resources; BCL-evening law programme; BSc Degree in IT; BSc in chemical sciences; BSc in information technology and computing; BSc in natural-environmental science; BSc in technology management; business management course, finance and information; certificate in animal welfare, science, ethics and law; certificate in business administration-business law; certificate in business studies; certificate in managing change; certificate in public management; certificate in quality management; certificate in Supervisory Management; certificate in technology, computer applications; certified accounting technician programme; certified payroll technician; chartered accountant exams; computing and mathematical sciences; cpa accountancy; cpd eu law; data computing and information; degree in accounting and finance; degree in business studies, it stream; diploma in accounting and finance; diploma in applied European law; diploma in business studies; diploma in chemistry; diploma in computer applications; diploma in computer science; diploma in European law; diploma in first line management; diploma in human resource development; diploma in Irish; diploma in legal studies, degree; diploma in management and employee relations; diploma in meat technology; diploma in people management; diploma in politics and government; diploma in project management; diploma in public relations; diploma in supervisory management; diploma in sustainable rural development; diploma in veterinary epidemiology and public health; diploma of Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; diploma in personal management; executive Masters of business administration; foundations of senior management; GCSE Spanish; graduate diploma in media development in education; IATI technician course international studies course; introduction to European law ;leaving certificate honours Irish; legal practice course; LLM environmental law and management; MA in agricultural economics; MA in food safety management; MA in public management; MA in rural development; master of veterinary medicine; MSc by research, biology; Msc in agricultural economics; MSc in agriculture; MSc in animal health and production; MSc in development management; MSc in education and training management; MSc in environmental health risk management; MSc in European food regulatory affairs; MSc in food safety management; MSc in food science and technology; MSc in GIS; MSc in livestock, health and production; MSc in management of operations; MSc in quality assurance; MSc in veterinary epidemiology and public health; MSc masters in project finance and venture management; national certificate in business studies; national certificate in public management; NUI accredited finance course at IPA; Open University law degree; Oscail arts degree; pathology postgraduate; PhD — salmonella in pigs; PhD, Scrapie; PhD at the National College of Ireland; PhD in agriculture; PhD in biological molecular sciences; PhD in neospora caninum infection; PhD in veterinary medicine; PhD in science; postgraduate diploma in biomedical sciences; postgraduate diploma in development management; preparatory course for Law Society of Ireland; rural environmental conservation; STRATEGY- Module 2 of MBA course; teacher diploma in information technology; thesis for a masters degree by research; certificate in project management; MSc graduate diploma in Internet systems; and a core network skills course.

Paul McGrath

Question:

629 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount spent by her Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in her Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29405/05]

The Department of Agriculture and Food has spent a total of €6,139.88 on 191 briefcases since 1 January 2003. These briefcases have been supplied to officers of the Department for official use in the course of their duties. The policy within the Department is to purchase briefcases centrally and provide them to areas on appropriate requisition for official business. We do not reimburse staff who have personally purchased briefcases. The unit cost of the most expensive briefcase purchased in this period was €131.89.

Paul McGrath

Question:

630 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in her Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29420/05]

My Department has purchased some 85 PDA devices for over 4,000 staff. The vast majority cost of some €600 each and the most expensive was approximately €735. The majority of these devices were purchased in 2001. Since then, the purchase price of such devices has reduced significantly.

Policy regarding issuance of PDA devices was considered and set by the e-Government assistant secretary group, a subgroup of the MAC in my Department. The policy requires the preparation of a business case that is scrutinised and decided at assistant secretary general level. The majority of devices were provided on a case by case basis to senior management.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

631 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff in each general service and Department grade in her Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29435/05]

In so far as I can ascertain in the timeframe available there are no staff in my Department who may be exempt from normal duties such as attending meetings, dealing with correspondence and telephone queries, home or foreign travel or using computers by virtue of a medical certificate for a period of six months.

Waste Management.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

632 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to resolve the situation where farmers, having paid a levy on bale wrap plastic, have had no service where proper waste management of plastics is a condition of REPS payments; and the measures she will take to restore the service. [29442/05]

The disposal of waste materials generally is covered by the Waste Management Acts 1996-2005, which apply to all sectors of society including the agricultural sector, and is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, manufacturers and importers of farm plastics, including 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. My Department has no involvement in the running of the scheme.

Participants in REPS are required to avail of a recycling collection facility, such as the IFFPG scheme, where one exists, and to store such waste plastics neatly and safely on the farm pending disposal. Officials of my Department who carry out on-farm inspections have been made aware that some farmers, for reasons outside their control, do not currently have access to the IFFPG scheme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

633 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29458/05]

The Department has availed of subscription services from the company for access to independent research. The Department has used this subscription service as a source of information in relation to the Department's ICT strategy, individual products and project specific technology issues. Given the scale and complexity of the Department's ICT, the budgets involved, and the long-term implications of decisions taken, access to quality independent advice is regarded as essential. While the company also provides consultancy the Department has not purchased any consultancy from the company.

Details of the contracts are set out in the following table.

Year

Amount Paid

Service/Contract

Controls/Procurement Process

VFM Comment

2000

8,752.76

Basic Internet access to this company’s global research databases.

This is the pre-eminent global provider of independent analysis and advise to the sector. The decision to subscribe was approved by the head of IT. A tender process is not applicable.

Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific and informs strategic ICT decisions.

2002

69,180.45

Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program.

In the light of the increased scale and complexity of the IT projects being delivered by the Department a decision was taken by the Head of IT to take membership of the company’s executive programme.

Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access by the Department’s IT staff to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations.

2003

79,775.30

Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program.

Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations.

2004

86,817.50

Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program.

Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations.

2005

88,626.45

Access to this company’s global research databases and Membership of Executive Program.

Access to independent reports and research papers in relation to ICT issues. The advice available is non-vendor specific. Membership of the Executive Program has allowed the Department to benefit from regular access to a designated highly qualified local specialist, and unlimited access to the company’s analysts worldwide. It provides access to the company’s vast range of research, their objectivity and insight, and access to a network of senior IT managers in similar scale organisations.

Total

333,152.46

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

634 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29473/05]

I refer the Deputy to the following table. The vast majority of items in the table relate to contracted software development resources rather than consultancy.

Year

Amount Paid

Service/Contract

Controls/Procurement Process

VFM Comment

2000

36,568.46

The Department commissioned the company to assist in the development and production of its eGovernment strategy. All Government Departments were required to produce such strategies in 2000.

The company was awarded this contract following a competitive tendering process. The tender chosen was lowest priced received.

The Department’s eStrategy was developed and delivered to the Department of the Taoiseach on time and within budget.

2000

13,827.45

The company was requested to make recommendations regarding the setting up of an IT security unit within the Department.

The company was requested to undertake the work as they were already familiar with the IT security issues facing the Department, having carried out audit work for the Department.

Work was completed on time and within cost. The recommendations were accepted and the IT security unit was successfully established shortly afterwards.

2001

56,985.84

In 2001, the company was commissioned to provide expertise in technical architecture design, specifically in the area of our Java programming and J2EE environments. This was a requirement of the IT strategy.

Public tendering process

Work was completed on time and within cost. This provided vital software and standards that would protect the Department’s investment. The software provided allows for competing vendors to supply different modules of the Department’s technical infrastructure.

2001

5,472,053

Re-engineering of existing geographical information and area aid payments system into a single integrated system

Open EU procurement tender

This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The system was delivered on schedule and provides an excellent service.

2001

53,138.53

Provision of computer programmers to assist with the development of a corporate customer system

The tender was advertised on the eTenders public procurement website. Responses to tenders were evaluated based on pre-determined selection and award criteria. Short-listed candidates were interviewed. The tender was awarded to most economically advantageous tender response.

The majority of the IT work required to develop this key corporate software asset was carried out by in-house staff. The Department is satisfied that very good value for money was achieved.

2002

127,437.30

In 2001, the company was commissioned to provide expertise in technical architecture design, specifically in the area of our Java programming and J2EE environments. This was a requirement of the IT strategy.

Public tendering process

Work was completed on time and within cost. This provided vital software and standards that would protect the Department’s investment. The software provided allows for competing vendors to supply different modules of the Department’s technical infrastructure.

Year

Amount Paid

Service/Contract

Controls/Procurement Process

VFM Comment

2002

151,240.32

In 2002, The company was asked to provide expertise to build a multi-project method of secure access to systems within DAF. This was to be built upon their own security modules.

As The company had provided the technical framework for the J2EE environment and had prepared the technical architecture design for that environment, they were commissioned to undertake the building of a system to provide secure access for all our staff to all new IT systems with the flexibility to move seamlessly and efficiently between these systems. This was a force majeure measure as other projects were being delayed, with potential cost implications, due to the lack of such a secure access facility and issues had been raised during EU certification audit. Also, the essential skills and expertise were not available within the Department and the underlying environment had been designed and built by the company.

The Department now had a secure method of access to all systems for its internal staff. The system was now capable of handling multi-application access. This meant less coding and time savings for future developers. This increased security had been an essential requirement which had been identified by the certifying body during part of the annual accreditation audit of the Department as an EU paying agency

2002

5,776,499

Continued re-engineering of geographical information and area aid payment system including maintenance of previously developed facilities

Open EU procurement tender of 2001.

This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments.

2002

227,913.68

Provision of computer programmers to assist with the development of a corporate customer system

The tender was advertised on the eTenders public procurement website. Responses to the tender were evaluated based on pre-determined selection and award criteria. Short-listed candidates were interviewed. Tender details were also submitted to the Government contracts committee and approval was received to award it the most economically advantageous tender response.

The majority of the IT work required to develop this key corporate software asset was carried out by in-house staff. The Department is satisfied that very good value for money was achieved.

2003

1,503,356

Maintenance of geographical information and area aid payment system and provision of internet access to farmers

Open EU procurement tender of 2001.

This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments.

2004

21,888.90

Essential security modifications, based on an independent external review, to the Department’s access control system for internet based applications.

The company were requested to undertake the work, as The company had written the access control application and had the essential skills and expertise, which were not available within the Department. Work period 27 days.

The modifications were delivered on time and within budget.

Year

Amount Paid

Service/Contract

Controls/Procurement Process

VFM Comment

2004

29,995.90

Modifications to the Department’s access control system for the animal identification and movement internet based application as approved by the AIM project board.

The company was requested to undertake the work, as the company had written the access control application and had the essential skills and expertise, which were not available within the Department. Work period of 33 days.

The modifications were delivered on time and within budget.

2004

2,454,950

Maintenance of geographical information and area aid payment system and commencement of development of system for single farm payment

Open EU Procurement Tender

This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The ability to build on an existing system to meet the requirements of the single farm payment is saving the Department considerable cost.

2004

916,627.04

Contract to build the IFORIS computer system for the forest service.

Extension of existing contract which was put in place in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures

Provides end to end support for the processing of forestry grants and integrates the geographical functionality, providing a very high level of control. The project is near completion. This represents good value for money for acquiring a software asset of this scale and type

2005

1,111,059

Continuation of the above project

Continuation of the above project

Continuation of the above project

2005

174,784.50

Contract to build the forest industry mapping system, computer system for the forest service

Extension of existing contract which was put in place in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures

Represents good value for money for acquiring a software asset of this type

2005

27,225.00

Support contract for the Department’s access control system for internet based applications.

The company were requested to provide the support, as The company had written the access control application and have the essential skills and expertise, which are not available within the Department. Work period 33 days.

The support is ongoing and timely.

2005

1,319,476

Continued development of single farm payment system

Open EU procurement tender of 2004.

This work was to provide the controls necessary to underpin the payment of approximately €1.5 billion per annum in EU direct farmer payments. The ability to build on an existing system to meet the requirements of the single farm payment is saving the Department considerable cost.

Total

19,475,056

Beef Imports.

Paul McGrath

Question:

635 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of beef imported in to the EU and Ireland from Brazil; the measures she proposes to protect the food supply here in view of the recent disease problems in Brazil. [29537/05]

Following confirmation of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in cattle and pigs on a farm in the Eldorado district of Mato Grosso do Sul in the southern part of Brazil, the European Commission presented a proposal on 12 October to suspend imports of de-boned and matured beef from the regions of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, and also Sao Paulo.

The Commission extended the scope of the measure to include the region of Sao Paulo on the basis of concerns in relation to the possible movement of animals from the area where the outbreak occurred. The proposal was adopted at a meeting of the standing committee on the food chain and animal health at which my Department is represented. Accordingly beef produced in the affected regions from cattle slaughtered since 29 September 2005 may not now be traded. The measures have immediate effect throughout the EU and are being applied to direct imports of beef by my Department's approved border inspection posts.

I am satisfied that the action taken is the appropriate response to the recent outbreak of FMD in Brazil. I will keep the position under close review in conjunction with the European Commission and other member states. The implementation of this decision will have a very significant impact on exports of beef from Brazil to the EU.

Direct imports of beef from Brazil into Ireland and the EU in recent years amounted to:

(a)

(b)

2000

2,167t

88,087t

2001

3,335t

101,466t

2002

3,908t

117,160t

2003

5,259t

141,422t

2004

6,588t

169,978t

Paul McGrath

Question:

636 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount and country of origin of all meat and meat products imported into Ireland from outside the EU. [29538/05]

The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat and meat products. The following tables, which were compiled from data supplied by that office, set out the details requested by the Deputy. In relation to the tables it should be noted that, in certain cases, the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country, and, while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, these returns may stand to be adjusted marginally as data is rechecked by the CSO.

Imports of Beef into Ireland: Non-EU Countries

Country of Origin

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Up to July 2005

Algeria

20

Argentina

59

223

94

64

93

Australia

10

Bangladesh

1

Bahrain

24

Bosnia & Herzegovina

2

Brazil

2,167

3,335

3,908

5,295

6,588

4,645

Canada

2

Egypt

3,891

Iceland

11

Indonesia

163

Japan

375

Namibia

188

Nicaragua

3

Norway

3

New Zealand

1

0

0

18

Poland*

225

Philippines

26

9

Romania

1

Saudi Arabia

340

South Africa

24

0

Syria

10

Thailand

24

Togo

0

0

Uruguay

236

115

666

13

USA

18

0

74

10

Totals

2,404

8,385

4,997

5,523

6,897

4,768

Note: 0 denotes imports of less than 1 tonne.

Source: CSO.

* Member state from 1 May 2004.

Imports of Pigmeat into Ireland: Non-EU Countries

Country of Origin

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Up to July 2005

Argentina

53

19

5

Australia

0

Bangladesh

1

0

Ivory Coast

4

Canada

0

Chile

232

China

0

4

0

0

24

13

Georgia

1

Hong Kong

0

0

0

Hungary*

7

3

0

0

Iran

0

1

Japan

578

50

Latvia*

330

Lithuania*

7

30

10

North Korea

20

8

Malta

0

Mali

46

2

Morocco

0

2

New Zealand

0

Poland*

88

Romania

1

1

1

3

South Africa

0

Switzerland

63

Thailand

1

0

1

Togo

67

21

USA

71

35

52

16

256

68

Vietnam

0

138

78

Totals

265

670

68

100

911

397

Note: 0 denotes imports of less than 1 tonne Source: CSO

* Member state from 1 May 2004

Imports of Poultry into Ireland: Non-EU Countries

Country of Origin

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Up to July 2005

Bangladesh

1,401

Bosnia & Herzegovina

318

Brazil

301

934

1,165

1,694

1,729

1,072

Ivory Coast

14

6

Chile

1

20

48

25

51

221

China

1

2

Czech Republic*

0

2

Faroe Islands

0

Gabon

42

0

Gambia

9

1

Georgia

1

2

6

Hungary*

21

40

1

India

2

Israel

74

117

110

Japan

45

Namibia

4

Niger

37

12

Nicaragua

8

208

284

68

Pakistan

11

Philippines

1

0

Poland*

71

Romania

1

Slovenia*

9

Switzerland

24

220

35

Thailand

312

692

1,225

1,191

2,868

2,750

Togo

4

1

Turkey

2

2

USA

0

Totals (provisional)

772

3,568

2,810

3,323

4,953

4,090

Note: 0 denotes imports of less than 1 tonne Source CSO

* Member state from 1 May 2004

Imports of Mutton into Ireland — Non-EU Countries

Country of Origin

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Up to July 2005

Australia

8

46

70

94

39

Brazil

18

22

China

4

New Zealand

427

380

458

256

629

199

Peru

2

Turkey

198

250

340

85

USA

47

Unclassified

13

Totals

500

624

778

712

772

199

Source: CSO.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

637 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the computerisation of the penalty points system will be completely operational and fully integrated with the national driver file, the PULSE system and the courts service records. [28616/05]

The fixed charge processing system is operational in Dublin, Cork city and parts of Louth and Meath. The FCPS is currently integrated with the national driver file and with the Courts Service system. Integration with PULSE is planned to go live in April next.

The system will be extended nationwide in respect of existing penalty point offences in conjunction with the commencement of an outsourced fixed charge payment collection service. Subject to finalisation of contract negotiations between the Department and the preferred service provider, rollout will commence later this year.

In addition, it is proposed to roll out additional penalty point offences under regulations under the Road Traffic Act 2002 which will be prepared by the Department of Transport in consultation with my Department.

Visa Applications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

638 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the types of visa available to non-nationals wishing to enter the State; the minimum and maximum durations for which it can be issued for each type of visa; the authorities who can issue these visas; if the holder is permitted to seek or obtain employment within the State; the restrictions in the range of persons who may be issued with these visas; the cost of the visas; the number issued in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005 broken down by year for each type of visa listed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28773/05]

First not all travellers to the State require a visa. The list of states whose citizens do not require an Irish visa is contained in Schedule 1 of the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2005. All other nationals must be in possession of a valid Irish visa each time they travel to the State.

The granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance enabling a visa-required national to travel to the State for the specific purpose stated. A visa does not grant permission to enter the State and visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the port of entry. The actual permission to enter the State is given by the immigration officer at the port of entry who will also indicate the duration of stay permitted.

Irish visas are sought for a wide variety of purposes, such as holidays, a visit, business, conference, employment, exam, interview, to join family, medical reasons, sports tournaments, study, training, etc. The period of validity of an Irish visa, i.e. the time during which it can be used to travel to the State, is generally three months, but this may be reduced or increased having regard to circumstances of particular cases.

There are two types of visa: a C visa, where the traveller is proposing to remain in the State for a maximum period of up to three months and a D visa, where the traveller is proposing to remain for extended periods over three months. The stated purpose of journey will be indicated on the visa.

Applications for visas must normally be made through the Irish embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of permanent residence or, if there is no embassy or consulate, through the applicant's reference in Ireland or direct by post to the visa office of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The question of visa fees is a matter for that Department and I understand its current fees are: single journey visa, €60; multiple journey visa, €100; and transit visa, €25.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been given delegated sanction to approve visas in a wide variety of circumstances and in fact the vast majority of visa applications are approved under this delegated sanction without reference to my Department. Applications not within the delegated sanction are referred to my Department for processing. The actual issuing of the visas, that is, the affixing of the visa sticker into the passport of the prospective traveller, is the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs. I am informed that the number of visas issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs over recent years is as follows; 104,900 in 2002; 120,200 in 2003; 113,550 in 2004; and 104,100 to date in 2005. These visas are issued by the extensive network of Irish embassies and consulates around the world. The Department of Foreign Affairs is not in a position to provide a breakdown of the variety of visas issued.

Access to employment in the State by non-nationals comes under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A national of a country outside the European Economic Area who wishes to come to Ireland to work requires the authorisation of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, normally a work permit. There is however a concession whereby non-national students registered as attending a course of study leading to a qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Science, a list of which courses is available on www.education.ie, can enter part-time casual employment, defined as up to 20 hours per week or full-time work during normal college vacation periods.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

639 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria, restrictions and applicability of a single journey joint spouse bearer only D visa. [28775/05]

The granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance enabling a visa required national to travel to the State for the specific purpose stated. A visa does not grant permission to enter the State and visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the port of entry. The actual permission to enter the State is given by the immigration officer at the port of entry who will also indicate the duration of stay permitted.

The type of visa as referred to by the Deputy enables the holder to travel to the frontiers of the State and to seek permission to enter and reside in the State on the basis indicated on the visa, that is, to join his or her spouse. The term D visa indicates to the immigration authorities that the visit is not short term in nature. The endorsement "Bearer Only" indicates that the visa is valid for the passport holder only and does not cover any persons travelling with the holder.

A single journey visa is valid for one journey to the State. Should the holder subsequently wish to depart the State and return on a later date they will require a re-entry visa. A re-entry visa can be obtained prior to departing the State from the visa office of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Garda Deployment.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

640 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the 33 additional gardaí allocated to the traffic corps are based entirely in Dublin; and if not, the way in which the numbers are distributed to other Garda divisions. [28606/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that there have been 33 additional gardaí allocated to the traffic corps to date in 2005.

The additional personnel were allocated as follows:

Division

Personnel Allocated

Carlow/Kildare

3 Gardaí

Clare

1 Garda

Cork City

1 Inspector

Donegal

2 Gardaí

Limerick

1 Garda

Roscommon

1 Garda

Sligo/Leitrim

1 Garda

D.M.R. East

1 Garda

D.M.R. Traffic

15 Gardaí

Laois/Offaly

1 Garda

Louth/Meath

1 Sergeant + 5 Gardaí

Garda Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

641 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to contracts for Garda uniforms there is a requirement on the part of the tendering contractors to provide for a modern traceability system and to provide for the disposal of used Garda uniforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28607/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the recent contract for the supply and fit of the Garda uniform did not include the provision for a tracking system or a requirement for the disposal of used uniforms. I have been further informed that there is already a contract in place for the disposal of used uniforms and that the management of the tracking of these used uniforms for disposal is the responsibility of local Garda management.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

642 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to establish a commission for victims further to his decision to discontinue direct funding for Victim Support; the amount of funding the commission has provided to Victim Support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28652/05]

I established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime in March 2005 with a remit to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and disburse funding for victim support measures.

The commission's term of office is for three years and its members are Mr. Jim Mc Hugh, retired assistant commissioner —chairman, Ms Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Sean Lowry, former head of the probation and welfare service, Mr. Michael Whelan, Gemini Consulting and Ms Marian Finucane, broadcaster.

The commission's remit includes the examination of all aspects of the provision of services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system. These provisions are currently set out in the victims charter which was last updated in 1999.

In addition, the commission will supervise the disbursement of funds to community and other voluntary groups providing victim services, with a particular emphasis on the funding of activities on the ground that provide direct supports for victims of crime. I am advised that the commission has received over 60 applications for funding for measures to support victims of crime in response to a public advertisement earlier this year. The commission examines each application on its merits and makes an independent decision in relation to eligibility for funding. I understand that these included independent applications from a number of former elements of the Victim Support organisation including a group of ten branches that have formed a new federation for victim assistance, as well as the interim board of victim support. It should be noted that I decided to terminate funding for the Victim Support organisation with effect from 31 March 2005 because of reductions in service levels and concerns in relation to governance, accountability and value for money arising from ongoing internal difficulties in that organisation and because an independent review, carried out early in 2005, concluded that the organisation was terminally damaged.

I understand that the commission has arranged to meet the interim board of Victim Support today, 18 October, in order to discuss their application for funding. As with every other group considered for funding, the commission will have to be satisfied in regard to governance, accountability and value for money issues in coming to its decision.

The Deputy may be interested to note that the commission has already agreed to make funding available to the national crime victims helpline, a single lo-call number manned by volunteers and providing information on all services available to victims of crime, the Rape Crisis Network; the Women's Aid Dublin, the Irish Tourist Advisory Service, the Support after Homicide Group, Advic — a new organisation providing advocacy for families of homicide victims — the Court Support Service, which provides impartial practical support for victims and witnesses in court proceedings; Muintir na Tíre, follow-up support to elderly rural crime victims, ICPAC, the Irish centre for parentally abducted children and CARI, services to child abuse victims.

A number of other applications are under consideration.

Garda Stations.

Bernard Allen

Question:

643 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the operational hours of Glanmire Garda station in County Cork; and his plans to extend the operational times of the station in view of the rapidly increasing population in the area. [28654/05]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station as at 14 October 2005 was 17, all ranks. The personnel strength of Glanmire Garda station as at 1 January 1998 was 14, all ranks. This represents an increase of three, or 21%, in the number of personnel allocated to Glanmire Garda station.

Glanmire Garda station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. It also opens from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Sundays. A new 24-hour mobile patrol system was introduced at the station in March 2005.

The extension of the opening hours at Glanmire would only serve to confine additional personnel to indoor duties and it is the view of the Garda authorities that such personnel would be deployed more usefully on the beat.

I am informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the current arrangements in place in Glanmire are adequate to meet the current policing needs of the area.

Bernard Allen

Question:

644 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of a new Garda station in Glanmire, County Cork. [28658/05]

As the Deputy is aware there are plans to build a new Garda station in Glanmire and to this end the Office of Public Works has been asked to secure a suitable site. However, as with any new station, construction depends on a number of factors, including the availability of financial and other resources and priorities within the Garda building programme.

I assure the Deputy that the accommodation requirements of the gardaí at Glanmire are recognised and there will be no avoidable delay in addressing them.

Crime Prevention.

John Gormley

Question:

645 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the re-emergence of serious anti-social behaviour in flat complexes in the south-east Dublin area; if he has had discussions with the Garda regarding this issue; the way in which he will deal with this serious problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is constantly liaising with community groups to ensure that matters of concern, in particular anti-social behaviour, are appropriately addressed. I am assured by the Garda authorities that any breaches of the criminal law detected by gardaí are followed by swift action in dealing with offenders. I understand that the flat complexes in the south-east Dublin area and in particular the location referred to by the Deputy are regularly patrolled by gardaí from the uniformed section, detective unit, divisional crime task force, crime prevention unit, Garda mountain bike unit, community police and district drugs unit, with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area concerned.

Visa Applications.

Phil Hogan

Question:

646 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of visas issued to persons of Nigerian extraction in the past two years; the purpose for which those applications were successfully made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28692/05]

I assume that the Deputy is requesting the total number of visas issued to Nigerian nationals over the past two years. Under a scheme known as delegated sanction, the Department of Foreign Affairs issues the vast majority of visas without reference to my Department. These visas fall into a limited number of categories and in general are cases where the application is straightforward and there is no appreciable immigration risk. Less straightforward cases are referred to my Department for decision. In addition, my Department operates dedicated visa offices in Moscow and Beijing which have the authority to decide all visa applications received in those offices.

The visa system by its very nature is widely distributed around the world. While each Irish mission throughout the globe maintains its own records of visas issued, and is required to submit these records on a regular basis to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, there is not any central method for storing the type of specific statistical data requested by the Deputy. Consequently it is not possible to provide a total figure for all visas issued to Nigerian nationals in all locations throughout the world. However, out of the total number of applications processed by the visa offices of my Department in Dublin, Moscow and Beijing, 677 visas were approved for Nigerian nationals in 2004; 466 visas have been approved to date in 2005 for Nigerian nationals, in the three locations. For the same reasons as outlined above it is not possible to break down the figures above for 2004 into the different types of visas applied for.

Since the start of 2005 however, my Department has introduced an interim system to produce limited statistical information for visa related matters. Based on the information available, the top five types of visas that have issued to Nigerian nationals to date in 2005, by the Dublin, Moscow and Beijing offices of my Department are as follows: visit, with 141 issued; join spouse, with 68 issued; join parent, with 64 issued; study, with 51 issued; re-entry, with 40 issued. All others amounted to 102. These figures do not include those visas issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the delegated sanction scheme.

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

647 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints against members of the Garda Síochána concerning discriminatory treatment; the decisions adopted; and the efforts he has made and will make to intensify sensitisation efforts among members of the Garda Síochána. [28693/05]

I have been informed that the Garda Síochána Complaints Board when recording complaints received categorises such complaints under the headings provided for in the fourth schedule of the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act 1986. These are abuse of authority; discourtesy; neglect of duty; falsehood or prevarication; corrupt or improper practice; misuse of money or property; intoxication; discreditable conduct; and accessory to conduct specified above.

Accordingly the board, in its annual reports, categorises breaches of discipline under these headings rather than the category indicated in the question from the Deputy. The annual reports also detail the outcome of complaints and the disciplinary action recommended. These reports are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and are also available on the web site of the complaints board at www.gscb.ie/publications. I am assured by the Garda authorities that they make every effort to ensure that members of the public are treated properly by the Garda. Abuse in any form is not tolerated and indeed all members are subject to the force’s disciplinary code.

Training in the area of discrimination and discriminatory treatment is handled at a number of levels in the Garda Síochána. In respect of students and new graduates, the subject is dealt with on the curriculum and forms an integral part of the social and psychological and contextual policing studies area. During experiential learning periods, students are also exposed to best practices in this area under the supervision of divisional training staff. Training on issues of discrimination and discriminatory treatment are included on supervisory development programmes for sergeants, inspectors, superintendents and chief superintendents. This includes development modules on human rights training, policing a multicultural society and professional values and ethical standards.

In addition, the continuous professional development core programme for 2005 contains training modules on human rights, code of ethics, racism and awareness of mental illness. The 2006 programme which is currently in the final stages of preparation will also contain modules dealing with the victims of rape and sexual assault, liaising with the families of victims of homicide as well as dealing with aged persons.

Domestic Violence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

648 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if increased funding will be made available to support male victims of domestic abuse in view of research findings on the numbers of men suffering abuse published by the national crime council that indicate an under-allocation of funding to services for male victims. [28698/05]

I can inform the Deputy that the national crime council's findings in respect of domestic abuse are being studied in my Department. As the Deputy will be aware, however, responsibility for the funding of health and welfare services to victims of domestic violence, whether male or female, is a matter for the Department of Health and Children. The provision of emergency accommodation, including refuge accommodation, is the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Equality Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

649 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expand the scope of the Equal Status Act 2000 to cover the whole range of Government functions and activities including controlling duties in line with the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [28699/05]

I do not consider it necessary or appropriate to extend the scope of the Equal Status Act 2000 to ensure protection against discrimination by public authorities. The Government performs its functions subject to the Constitution including Article 40.1 which states that all citizens shall, as human persons, be held equal before the law. By virtue of section 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, every organ of the State is obliged to perform its functions in a manner compatible with the State's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR. Article 14 of the ECHR provides that the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in the ECHR, such as right to liberty and security, right to a fair trial, shall be secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.

Section 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 goes on to state that a person who has suffered injury, loss or damage as a result of a contravention by any organ of the State may sue for damages in the Circuit or High Court if no remedy in damages is otherwise available.

Residency Permits.

Liam Aylward

Question:

650 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and when this application will be finalised. [28747/05]

An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in July 2004. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order and currently take 16 to 18 months to process.

Seán Haughey

Question:

651 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency involving family reunification for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if their holiday visa will be extended in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28769/05]

The person in question, as a non EEA national, is subject to the immigration laws of the State despite being the spouse of an Irish citizen. I understand she applied for a visa for the stated purpose of a visit to the State and that a visit visa was approved. A visit visa permits the holder to travel to the State and, subject to the discretion of an immigration officer, to remain in the State for a maximum period of 90 days on such a visit. She arrived in the State on 5 August 2005 and I understand that she was initially granted a period of one month to remain to facilitate her stated purpose of journey to the State, that is, a visit. On 13 September 2005 this was extended to 5 November 2005 to cover the maximum period available for a visit.

Although the person in question stated that the purpose of her journey to the State was a visit she subsequently made an application on 21 September 2005 for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national. However it should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order and currently take approximately 16 to 18 months to process.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

652 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision regarding an application for naturalisation for persons (details supplied) in County Dublin will be made. [28770/05]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 30 April 2004. The average processing time for such applications is 24 months and it is likely, therefore, that the applications will be finalised in or around April 2006. I will inform both the applicants and the Deputy when a decision has been made on the applications.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Seán Haughey

Question:

653 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide funding for neighbourhood watch organisations and for the installation of closed circuit television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28887/05]

CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing, and which cover areas to which the public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Garda CCTV and community-based CCTV systems are funded directly from a provision within the Garda Vote. Finance for Garda CCTV systems is allocated each year in the Estimates process, with the amount sought being based on current and planned Garda projects. In addition to the Garda CCTV systems in Dublin, Cork and Tralee a further 17 locations nationwide were selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. This programme of implementation of CCTV systems is being implemented on a phased basis as follows: phase 1 in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick; phase 2 in Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford; phase 3 in Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. Phase 1 has been completed in five of the six locations.

Installation of CCTV systems is of necessity a detailed, complex and lengthy process. I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of the CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector. I have asked the commissioner to submit proposals for outsourced CCTV systems in the 11 locations in the remaining two phases, with a view to achieving implementation in priority locations by the end of 2006. The Garda authorities are now finalising their proposals in consultation with my Department.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the Garda Síochána to install Garda CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. To this end, I launched the community-based CCTV scheme on 15 June 2005. This scheme has been developed in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Communities which are not ready to apply for full scheme funding, stage 2, could apply for pre-development supports, stage 1, to assist in the formulation of high-quality proposals which will have the necessary elements of local support and sustainability.

The closing date for receipt of applications was 20 September 2005 and the scheme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management Limited, ADM. I am informed by ADM that a total of 83 applications for funding under the community-based CCTV scheme, with 51 under stage 1 and 32 under stage 2, received by the closing date. The process of evaluation and assessment of applications is underway and recommendations will be made, by ADM, to my Department's community-based CCTV project board in due course. It is intended to invite a new round of applications for funding under the scheme early next year.

With regard to the provision of funding for neighbourhood watch organisations, I am strongly of the view that voluntary community organisations have, through their support for and work with the Garda Síochána, an important role to play in crime prevention and the promotion of community safety. I very much support the work being carried out by neighbourhood watch and community alert schemes throughout the country. Discussions are under way on a number of issues regarding neighbourhood watch, in the context of which the issue of funding for the groups is being considered.

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

654 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will publish the number of persons working in pre-schools and crèches in the State; the percentage of those who are in receipt of payment from the State; and if he will further publish the amount of money spent by his Department and others towards salaries of those involved in preschool and crèches. [28981/05]

As the Deputy will be aware the term "pre-school" or "crèche" describes a wide range of services, only some of which would be in receipt of funding under the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, for which my Department has responsibility. It is not possible, therefore, for me to give a comprehensive response to this question.

Both the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science have interaction with crèche and pre-school services. The Department of Health and Children has responsibility for the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996, under which a notification requirement is placed on certain child care services for children aged under six years. I understand that at the end of 2004, more than 3,000 such services had been notified to the Health Service Executive under the provisions of the regulations. A number of other such services would come within the scope of the Early Start, Rutland Street and Travellers' pre-schools projects, administered and directly funded by the Department of Education and Science. These services are provided to assist the care and development of children from disadvantaged communities. In the Department's recently published action plan for educational inclusion, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, indicated that the focus of early education under her remit will be on children between three years and schoolgoing age and who are subsequently to be enrolled in schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

With regard to my Department's role in this area, the EOCP provides grant aid, both capital and staffing, to child care services which support parents to access employment, education or training. These services would include créche and pre-school services. Under the programme, support for staffing costs is only made available to voluntary and community groups which can demonstrate a strong focus on disadvantage. Approximately 750 such groups receive funding under the programme usually for a period of three years. The period of funding was extended recently to the end of 2007 for a number of qualifying groups which had come to the end of their three-year cycle of funding. I understand that to the end of June 2005 more than €97 million had been expended in staffing grants by beneficiaries under the programme. This funding was responsible for supporting approximately 2,300 child care staff, of which 992 were in full time positions.

Solicitor Complaints Procedures.

Denis Naughten

Question:

655 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the complaints procedure in place to deal with grievances with solicitors; his plans to reform this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29123/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

663 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to allegations (details supplied) that some solicitors representing clients who had received payments from the Residential Institutions Redress Board deducted fees from those payments in view of the fact that they were fully paid for their work by the redress board; if these allegations will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29199/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 663 together.

As regards allegations that some solicitors have double charged in respect of applications to the Residential Institutions Redress Board, I wish to put on record my abhorrence of any such double charging. I understand that the Law Society has put in place special additional measures, including a helpline, to facilitate the making of complaints in these cases. The solicitors' profession is regulated by the Solicitors Acts 1954 to 2002 and there are a number of measures in place to deal with these complaints and complaints generally against solicitors. There are two committees which consider complaints against solicitors, the complaints and client relations committee, formerly known as the registrar's committee, of the Law Society of Ireland and the disciplinary tribunal which is appointed by the President of the High Court under section 16 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994. The tribunal examines allegations of misconduct by solicitors and reports to the High Court. The complaints and client relations committee, which includes lay members, may itself determine complaints lodged directly to it by members of the public.

The disciplinary regime for solicitors was strengthened in a number of respects by the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 2002. The Act doubled the size of the tribunal to cater for an increased workload and the speedier processing of cases; required the tribunal to make a separate finding on each ground of alleged misconduct and have regard to previous findings of misconduct by a solicitor when imposing a sanction in a current case; increased from £5,000 to £15,000 the maximum amount which a solicitor, in respect of whom there has been a finding of misconduct, may be ordered to pay to an aggrieved party or to the Law Society's compensation fund; provided a right of appeal to the High Court on all aspects of the tribunal's work; and provided for remedies against solicitors who fail to co-operate with investigations. In addition, the circumstances in which the Law Society may refuse to issue a practising certificate or impose conditions on a certificate are spelt out in more detail and the circumstances in which it can send an investigator to inspect documents at a solicitor's office are extended.

A member of the public who is dissatisfied with how the Law Society handles a complaint made to it may refer the matter to the adjudicator appointed under the Solicitors (Adjudicator) Regulations 1997. The adjudicator can require the production of documents and make conclusions of fact and recommendations. She or he may direct the society to re-examine or re-investigate the related complaint made to it about a solicitor where she or he is not satisfied that the society has investigated the complaint adequately. She or he may also direct the society to make an application to the disciplinary tribunal for an inquiry into the conduct of the solicitor on the ground of alleged misconduct. The current independent adjudicator is Ms Leore Mrkwicka and her address for correspondence is 26-27, Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2.

A barrier to the investigation of complaints against solicitors in cases where the in camera rule applied has been addressed by section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004. The prohibition on furnishing documents, information and evidence to bodies, including the Law Society, when they are conducting inquiries etc., has been lifted, subject to certain safeguards. The bodies concerned will have to conduct their hearings otherwise than in public and no document, information or evidence shall be published. Section 40, in so far as it relates to investigations by the Law Society of complaints against solicitors, came into operation in July 2004 and it also applies to proceedings prior to that date.

With a view to further strengthening the mechanisms for dealing with complaint against the legal profession and to having a system in place which is both independent and seen to be independent, I am in the course of devising proposals for submission to Government to set up on a statutory basis a legal services ombudsman to oversee the handling of complaints against both solicitors and barristers. The details are being worked out at present and it is intended that provision for the legal services ombudsman will be made in a Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is in the course of being drafted for publication as early as possible next year.

I am also making provision in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill for implementation of recommendations, made in a report last year by the regulatory review task force of the Law Society which require amendment of existing statutory provisions. I am providing for the amendment of section 8 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994 to allow the award to a complainant of compensation of up to €3,000, with indexation, in restitution for losses suffered as a consequence of inadequate services by a solicitor. Such payment will be without prejudice to the legal right of the client and will be in addition to the existing power whereby a solicitor can be directed to refund wholly or in part costs already paid by the client or to waive costs or to take other rectification measures. I am also providing for the repeal, in the case of the Law Society's regulatory committees, of the statutory requirement that at least two-thirds of the membership of these committees and of any quorum of such committees should be members of the council. This will facilitate an increase in the number of lay members and contribute to the separation of the regulatory function form the representational function of the Law Society. The changes are in addition to those recommendations of its regulatory review task force which do not require primary legislation, which the Law Society proposes to implement.

A group which I set up last year to identify ways of reducing legal costs in civil litigation is due to report to me very shortly. While the recommendations of the group cannot be anticipated, it is very likely that its recommendations will have relevance in addressing issues such as the alleged overcharging by solicitors.

Proposed Legislation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

656 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to deal with the huge problem of illegal fireworks, attacks on innocent persons and the disruption around Halloween. [29126/05]

I am very much aware of the dangers posed by the use of illegal fireworks and of the distress they cause to people, particularly at this time of year. Consequently, last February I published a fireworks policy consultation document and initiated a process of consultation with a view to bringing forward proposals for amending and strengthening the provisions in the Explosives Act 1875 which governs fireworks. It is already clear from the submissions received to date that among the options for change outlined in the consultation document, there is a general acknowledgement of the need to strengthen the enforcement provisions in the 1875 Act. Accordingly, I propose to take the opportunity presented by the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is before the House, to bring forward on Committee Stage of that Bill amendments which will provide for new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places and an offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. I also propose to increase significantly penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

The Garda authorities make every effort to identify persons involved in the illegal importation and sale of all types of fireworks. Where necessary specific policing plans are put in place in areas where particular problems arise. These plans include intelligence gathering on known dealers and suppliers and once identified putting plans in place to arrest them and seize their stocks of illegal fireworks. Each year leading up to Hallow'een special efforts are made to combat the illegal importation of fireworks. This year an intelligence-led operation called Operation Tombola, which aims to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks, has been put in place by the Garda Commissioner. In this context chief superintendents throughout the country have been instructed to introduce measures appropriate to their respective areas of responsibility, with particular emphasis on Garda divisions in the Dublin metropolitan region and in border regions. The operation, while being intelligence driven, is coupled with appropriate high visibility policing activities.

Departmental Properties.

Joan Burton

Question:

657 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the works being carried out at Thornton Hall; the estimated cost of the security or other fencing being erected; the situation in relation to the cutting down of trees and hedgerows on the site; if his Department has acquired permission from the county council or from the planning authority in respect of the work being commenced; the estimated cost of the works under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29127/05]

Some minor security works are under way at present aimed mainly at securing the property and preventing unauthorised access onto the site. I can also confirm that the removal of three trees near the house which was carried out for safety reasons did not require a tree felling licence and that no breaches of the planning laws or regulations have occurred arising from the various works carried out to date. As the work is still ongoing the precise costs involved are not yet available.

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

658 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speed checks that were carried out by gardaí in 2004; and the way in which this compares with the target in the road safety strategy. [29180/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the specific statistics sought by the Deputy for the period in question are not available. However, I can inform her that 211,928 speeding offences were detected in 2004. These figures are provisional and liable to change.

It is envisaged that by the completion of the period of the road safety strategy 2004 to 2006, at least 50% of the overall vehicle fleet will pass through a speed check each month. This target is based primarily on the deployment of additional enforcement assets through the engagement of private sector concerns for the purpose of the operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences. The Deputy will be aware that, in July this year, the Government gave approval to outsource and privatise the installation and operation of speed cameras. Legislation to allow for this is being drafted by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and the Garda authorities inform me that they have commenced preparatory work with regard to the tendering process.

Crime Levels.

Billy Timmins

Question:

659 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Questions Nos. 366 of 29 June 2005 and 388 of 11 October 2005, the information for 1997, 1998 and 1999 as requested, has not been received. [29195/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the indictable offences, by group, for the Garda districts of Bray, which includes the Greystones area; Gorey, which includes the Arklow area; Wicklow and Baltinglass, which includes the Blessington area, for the years 1997 to 1998.

In interpreting these figures, account has to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. These new groups are more comprehensive and not comparable to the four crime groups previously used. For this reason the figures for 1997 and 1998 are not comparable to statistics provided for the years 2000 onwards.

I am further informed that the number of indictable offences by group for a full year at the level of Garda district are not available for 1999.

Indictable Offences Recorded and Detected by Group for Bray Garda District from 1997 to 1998

Year

1997

1998

Rec

Det

Rec

Det

Group 1 — Offences Against the Person

23

20

15

10

Group 2 — Offences Against Property

1,376

491

1,085

345

Group 3 — Larcenies etc.

1,088

446

890

296

Group 4 — Other Offences

5

5

2

2

Totals

2,492

962

1,992

653

Indictable Offences Recorded and Detected by Group for Baltinglass Garda District from 1997 to 1998

Year

1997

1998

Rec

Det

Rec

Det

Group 1 — Offences Against the Person

13

13

6

5

Group 2 — Offences Against Property

271

141

321

126

Group 3 — Larcenies etc.

140

85

163

88

Group 4 — Other Offences

0

0

2

2

Totals

424

239

492

221

Indictable Offences Recorded and Detected by Group for Gorey Garda District from 1997 to 1998

Year

1997

1998

Rec

Det

Rec

Det

Group 1 — Offences Against the Person

10

8

24

23

Group 2 — Offences Against Property

226

124

243

82

Group 3 — Larcenies etc.

226

163

192

117

Group 4 — Other Offences

3

3

2

2

Totals

465

298

461

224

Indictable Offences Recorded and Detected by Group for Wicklow Garda District from 1997 to 1998

Year

1997

1998

Rec

Det

Rec

Det

Group 1 — Offences Against the Person

9

9

28

28

Group 2 — Offences Against Property

317

107

304

86

Group 3 — Larcenies etc.

200

74

222

61

Group 4 — Other Offences

2

2

1

1

Totals

528

192

555

176

Child Care Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

660 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for capital funding in the name of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the child care programme; the timeframe for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29196/05]

An application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, was submitted by this group to my Department some time ago. The capital grant application was forwarded to Area Development Management 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. In addition, large scale projects such as this capital development undergo an intensive assessment by an external building consultant. While this process necessarily takes some time, every effort is made to conclude assessments as speedily as possible to facilitate the development of additional child care facilities and places at the earliest opportunity.

When the assessment on the project in question is completed, the application will be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made regarding funding. The group will then be informed of the outcome, at the earliest opportunity. The group in question has been approved for EOCP staffing grant assistance of over €170,000. Subject to the group complying with the terms of their staffing grant and satisfactory contractual arrangements with ADM Limited, its current level of grant support will be extended to 31 December 2007.

Registration of Title.

John Perry

Question:

661 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that were encountered in correspondence (details supplied) with the maps from the Land Registry Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29197/05]

John Perry

Question:

662 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Land Registry maps from 1928 to 1934 and the rural place maps from the year 2000 are of the same scale (details supplied); the steps which have been taken to rectify these discrepancies as persons have to amend and correct the boundaries at their expense following the consultations with the Land Registry Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29198/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 662 together.

I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that the applications referred to by the Deputy relate to two applications for transfer of part. Dealing Numbers D2003SM002149U and D2003SM002087R refer. The original registration made regarding this property in the Land Registry appears to be correct in accordance with the documents and maps lodged at that time. Any discrepancy arising with the maps being lodged with the current application has not arisen as a consequence of an error in the registration process.

It should be noted that there is no necessary correlation between Land Registry boundaries and ordnance survey detail. A Land Registry map shows the boundaries of the property as agreed between the parties and outlined on the map lodged by the parties at the time the registration was made. The Ordnance Survey map reflects the physical features at the time that the survey is carried out. The Registrar of Titles has informed me that it is not the function of the Land Registry to adjudicate on any discrepancies between the two maps referred to by the Deputy. The position in this case is that parts of the property being transferred in the above dealings are outside of the registered boundaries of the folio. Where part of a property being transferred is outside of the registered boundaries of the property, as registered on the Land Registry map, the appropriate mechanism for any changes to the boundaries is to obtain the consent of the affected parties. The Registrar of Titles has confirmed to me that this position has been brought to the attention of the lodging solicitor. As this is entirely a matter between the parties, no consultations between the Land Registry and the ordnance survey have taken place.

It is not a matter for the Land Registry to comment on who is entitled to consent to a change in boundaries if the registered owner of a folio is deceased. Any application for registration under Section 49 of the Registration of Title Act 1964 is a separate matter and must be adjudicated on its own merits. The Land Registry has no function with regard to an application for planning permission or to the erection of buildings on a property.

Question No. 663 answered with QuestionNo. 655.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

664 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to correspondence of 11 June 2004 from his Department, if a decision has been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [29200/05]

The correspondence referred to by the Deputy relates to an acknowledgment of an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. The person in question has been granted permission to remain up to January 2007 on that basis.

Visa Applications.

Damien English

Question:

665 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the refusal of a visa for a person (details supplied); if he will overrule the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29202/05]

The visa reference number supplied by the Deputy refers to an application that was refused on appeal by my Department on 23 September 2003 and as such has not been under active consideration by my Department for quite some time. It is open to the applicant to make a fresh application with up to date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

666 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for permission to remain here on the basis of parentage of an Irish-born child by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [29203/05]

The application from the person concerned for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 for the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January 2005 is currently being processed and a decision in the case will be made shortly.

Garda Deployment.

Damien English

Question:

667 Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the number of gardaí stationed at Dunboyne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/05]

The personnel strength of Dunboyne Garda station as at 18 October 2005 is 14 across all ranks. Local Garda management is satisfied that the resources allocated to Dunboyne Garda station are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.

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 be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Dunboyne Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Proposed Legislation.

Jack Wall

Question:

668 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for legislation to deal with banning the use of fireworks, legal and illegal in specific areas such as senior citizens estates, hospitals and places in which persons are in fear due to the noise, flare and so on of such items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29233/05]

Jack Wall

Question:

669 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation to deal with fireworks on barges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29234/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 669 together.

The Explosives Act 1875 provides for the control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks and, under the Act, any person wishing to import fireworks into the State must first obtain an importation licence from me. It is long standing policy to only grant importation licences for organised fireworks displays conducted by professional and experienced operators and not to allow the importation of fireworks for sale to the general public. In effect this policy means that the only fireworks imported into the State and legally held here are those used in professional displays. Typically, these displays range from major events such as the St. Patrick's Day Skyfest festival, pop concerts or international sports events to relatively minor displays such as those held at private events such as weddings. Importation licences were granted for almost 400 organised firework displays in 2004. Each application for a licence is subject to the approval of the Garda authorities and the fire officer of the relevant local authority.

I am very much aware of the dangers posed by their use and of the distress they cause to people, particularly at this time of year. Last February, I published a fireworks policy consultation document and initiated a process of consultation with a view to bringing forward proposals for amending and strengthening the provisions in the 1875 Act. My Department has received a wide range of submissions in response to the consultation document and it is clear, from the submissions received, that among the options for change outlined in the consultation document, there is a general acknowledgement of the need to strengthen the enforcement provisions in the 1875 Act. Accordingly, I propose to take the opportunity presented by the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently before the House, to bring forward on Committee Stage of that Bill, amendments which will provide for new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places and an offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. I also propose to increase significantly penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

Legal Aid Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

670 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to alter or change the guidelines for applicants seeking free legal aid from the Legal Aid Board centres to ensure that persons with low income can make a successful application for such aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29235/05]

Jack Wall

Question:

671 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applicants on the waiting list for free legal aid at the Newbridge and Carlow centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29236/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 671 together.

The number of persons awaiting a first appointment with a solicitor at the end of August 2005 at the centres in question is:

Centre

Newbridge Law Centre

48

(maximum waiting time 2 months)

Carlow (Part Time) Law Centre

23

(maximum waiting time 3 months)

These waiting times reflect the progress made by the Legal Aid Board in reducing waiting times across the law centre network over the past year, which has been greatly facilitated by a 16% increase in the board's funding over 2004. The Legal Aid Board operates a procedure whereby priority is accorded for certain categories of cases, for example, domestic violence and child care cases as well as cases where time limits apply. These cases are dealt with immediately and such applicants are not placed on a waiting list.

Financial eligibility limits are prescribed in the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2002 and are being kept under ongoing review.

Child Care Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

672 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for capital funding made to his Department for projects in Kildare for each of the past three years; the number which have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29237/05]

Jack Wall

Question:

673 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of child care places made available from funding from his Department in County Kildare for each of the past three years; the number of applications for funding; the number of applicants in receipt of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29238/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 673 together.

In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 there were, respectively, 11, 15 and 12 applications for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, from both community based/not for profit groups and private sector child care projects in County Kildare. In the same years, eight, 11 and six capital grants were approved, respectively. Applications are not necessarily approved in the same year as they are submitted to my Department.

It is anticipated that funding approved for County Kildare in the years in question will lead to the creation of 175, 224 and 189 new child care places, and support a further 145, 124 and 99 existing places, in each of the respective years. With regard to the overall number of applications in each of the years in question, these amount, respectively, to 14, 21 and 14. These applications include capital and staffing grant applications.

The total number of grants approved for community based/not for profit groups and private sector child care projects in County Kildare to date, amounts to 67. Groups may be in receipt of more than one grant under the programme. Cumulatively to date, it is expected that this funding will result in over 1,078 new child care places being created, and a further 665 existing places being supported, through EOCP investment in County Kildare. In addition, the Kildare county child care committee has received a total allocation to date of almost €1 million, which includes €284,500 to deliver its 2005 annual action plan. The committee has also been allocated a total of €120,000 to provide support services for childminders. Child care services in County Kildare also benefit from support given under the EOCP to national voluntary child care organisations to facilitate their work in enhancing quality awareness.

Asylum Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

674 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will respond to correspondence from this Deputy of 22 December 2004 regarding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29239/05]

The person who is the subject of the correspondence, a Romanian national, arrived in the State on 9 August 1999 and applied for asylum. She was refused refugee status by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. A deportation order was made in respect of her on 11 March 2004 and on 17 November 2004 she was deported from the State.

Numerous representations were made on this person's behalf, including those referred to by the Deputy, the thrust of which was the person concerned was engaged to be married to an Irish citizen. In my response to Dáil Question No. 229 on 17 May 2005 on the matter, I said that I would give the matter further consideration. On 20 May 2005 my Department received further correspondence from the Irish citizen concerned giving further details of the pending marriage. Taking this further information and previous representations into account, I revoked the deportation order on 1 June 2005 and both parties involved were notified of this decision. Given the ongoing consideration involved in this case, it would not have been possible to have given the Deputy a comprehensive reply to her representation before June 2005. I regret that the updated position was not conveyed to her in the meantime and a reply to her representations will issue shortly.

Visa Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

675 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status in respect of a person (details supplied) who applied to remain here on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29240/05]

The person concerned has been granted temporary permission to remain in the State for an initial period of two years, effective from 17 May 2005. Some 18,000 applications for permission to remain were received under the revised arrangements and more than 14,000 have been processed to date.

Childhood Development Initiative.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

676 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action which is proposed in respect of the Childhood Development Initiative ten year strategy; if he will detail the resources to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29241/05]

I welcome the ten year strategy produced by the Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative, which seeks to improve children's health, safety, learning and achieving and to increase their sense of community belonging.

I understand that officials from a number of Departments, including my own Department and from the National Children's Office, will be meeting representatives of the project in the near future. The strategy emphasises the need for joined-up thinking across Departments and agencies. I believe the co-ordinated response at departmental level recognises and supports this approach.

The Deputy may recall that child care was identified as an investment priority under the national development plan and in 2000 the Government embarked on an ambitious investment programme for child care, the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, EOCP. It was launched following the recommendations of the Partnership 2000 expert working group on child care.

The total funding available to the programme stands at €499.3 million. This is allocated in the form of capital grants, staffing support grants to community-based not for profit child care providers which cater for very disadvantaged families, funding for quality improvement and ongoing supports to the city and county child care committees and a number of national voluntary child care organisations.

Under the EOCP, funding of more than €7.8 million has been allocated to child care facilities in the Dublin 24 area of south Dublin. This will lead to the creation of 450 new child care places and the support of 519 existing child care places. I believe the excellent work of the EOCP will be continued beyond its existing remit of 2000 to 2006 and that any follow-on programme will build on the momentum created by the success of the EOCP and will continue to invest in the development of quality child care services.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

677 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on-call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29301/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

678 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29316/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.

The press office in my Department is currently staffed by the following personnel: one assistant principal officer; one administrative officer; one executive officer; and one clerical officer.

Overtime payments are made to staff up to and including the grades of higher executive officer and administrative officer, as set out in Department of Finance circular 27/99 in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours.

Assistant principal officers do not qualify for overtime payments. In 2005 an ex gratia payment of €3,300 has been approved for the assistant principal officer in the press office in respect of an exceptional performance award. I can confirm there are no staff in my press office in receipt of additional allowances for being on-call.

Paul McGrath

Question:

679 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/05]

I assume when the Deputy is referring to compensatory leave he is referring to the situation where staff within the Department work additional hours either before or after normal working hours and opt for time in lieu, instead of extra attendance payments.

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available as the granting of time in lieu is managed at local level, having regard to the exigencies of the service.

Paul McGrath

Question:

680 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29346/05]

I can assure the Deputy that personnel files or personal information of staff in this Department would not be copied or released to external parties, except with the consent of the staff member concerned.

Staff within the Department's human resources division are briefed regarding confidentiality of personnel files and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003.

Paul McGrath

Question:

681 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29361/05]

In light of the scale of this query and the number of agencies involved, it has not been feasible for my Department to prepare a response in the time available. Accordingly, my Department will respond directly in writing to the Deputy with the information requested.

Paul McGrath

Question:

682 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29376/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

683 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29391/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 683 together.

My Department makes refund of fees to members of staff in accordance with the provisions of Department of Finance circular 21/78. This provides for refunds to courses in the following areas: degrees of bachelor or master of arts or commerce; accountancy; business administration; business studies; computer science; economics; general management; industrial engineering, for engineers; law; personnel management, public administration; secretaryship, in the Institute of Chartered Secretaries; sociology; statistics; and systems analysis. The courses must be provided by a university or other educational institution or professional body; must lead to a third level qualification; must be accepted by this Department as relevant to the civil service employment of the officers attending them and must be pursued in the officers' own time.

In the case of my Department's head office and associated offices and agencies, approval for a refund of fees, amounting to €147,603, was granted in 107 cases in the 2004-2005 academic year. A refund has not yet been sought in two other cases.

In addition to the amount paid under the refund of fees scheme the Department also provides in-house training and arranges developmental training specific to its requirements.

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

Year

% of Training Budget spent on fee refunds

2002

6.8%

2003

9.1%

2004

6.7%

This refers to the head office of the Department plus associated offices and agencies.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

684 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29406/05]

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows: the cost of briefcases purchased since May 2002 is €3,672.07; the number of briefcases purchased since May 2002 is 33 and the largest single amount paid for a briefcase was €202.50. There have been no refunds made to staff in respect of purchases of briefcases during this time.

Paul McGrath

Question:

685 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29421/05]

I can inform the Deputy that, after evaluation of a number of personal digital assistant-mobile mail devices, the Blackberry platform has been selected for use in my Department. Since 17 May 2002, Blackberry units have been assigned to 62 of my Department's staff and a small number of other devices have been acquired for research and evaluation purposes.

The current cost of these devices is between €195 and €242, depending on the model in question, down from an original cost of €484. The cost of the most expensive device acquired during this period was €669, which was for a more fully featured Windows-based device. This was acquired as part of ongoing research and evaluation of mobile technologies, so as to ensure integration with departmental e-mail and calendar facilities.

Personal digital assistants are issued to the Department's senior management on request and to staff of other grades in accordance with their role, the particular business needs of their division and with the recommendation of the head of the division in question. Their use reflects the high demand made on our increasingly mobile staff for rapid response to issues and enhances communication and productivity, including out of normal office hours.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

686 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29436/05]

I understand the Deputy has clarified that he is looking for the number of staff in my Department who are currently on sick leave absence of more than six months.

There are currently 13 staff in my Department on sick leave of more than six months duration. Staff returning from long-term sick leave are required to provide a medical certificate detailing fitness to resume duty.

Occasionally, for a short period following return from long-term sick leave, duties may be tailored to meet both divisional and the staff member's requirements, if a person's medical condition warrants it. Such arrangements, which are normally of very short duration, are made in consultation with local management and reviewed in line with guidance from the chief medical officer.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

687 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/05]

The following amounts have been paid to the company in question by my Department for each of the years in question: in 2000, nil; in 2001, €8,686.80; in 2002, €20,328; in 2003, €23,861.30; in 2004, €14,520 and in 2005, €14,520. All figures include VAT.

These payments are in respect of access to vendor-independent research material, briefings and advisory services on the IT industry worldwide which provide the user with on-line access to research and to the company's analysts through an inquiry facility.

The contract is renewable on an annual, per user basis. Renewal of the contract has been reviewed each year, in accordance with public service guidelines on the procurement of goods and services from sole suppliers.

Information in respect of any services provided by the company in question to either the Garda Síochána or the Courts Service is not readily available in the time allowed for response and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

688 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29474/05]

The contracts and services provided to my Department by the company in question since 2000 have been outlined below. A contract was awarded to supply and implement a financial management system for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána. This contract was awarded to the company in question in March 2002. The tender was advertised through the EU Journal and all responses were evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender by a team comprised of senior officers from each of the end-user agencies.

The project was managed using PRINCE methodology and included a project board which met regularly for the duration of the project and oversaw all aspects of the project, including quality assurance. The scope of the project was subsequently extended to include services for the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

All defined deliverables were completed within the terms of the original contract and as a result of the project coming in under budget, the company in question agreed to include further deliverables outside the scope of the original contract at no additional cost, representing significant value for money for the Department. The costs of this contract for each year in question were: in 2002, €3,039,940.08; in 2003, €4,634,482.06; in 2004, €4,720,749.79; and in 2005, €1,728,833.88.

A separate contract was awarded to the company in question in January 2005 for the supply and implementation of a calculation and payment system for the criminal legal aid process. Similar procurement arrangements applied for this contract as for the financial management system project listed. This contract is for a fixed price of €560,720.40, of which €363,651.00 has been paid to date. This project also came in on time and within budget and represents value for money and a significant improvement on the predecessor system, which had been in operation for a considerable number of years.

Following an evaluation process carried out by representatives from the asylum agencies and divisions of the Department, a contract was awarded to the company in question for the development of a high level information management and information technology strategic plan for the asylum services.

Work commenced in May 2002. This work was carried out under the control of a project board made up of representatives from the asylum agencies and divisions of the Department, including business users and information technology users. Board meetings were held at regular intervals and all deliverables were monitored carefully. The contract was for the fixed price of €127,000, including VAT. The final strategy was delivered in October 2002 and is currently being implemented by the Department.

I regret it has not been possible in the time available to compile information in respect of contracts or services provided by this company to the Garda Síochána. This will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

Garda Deployment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

689 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the rapid growth in population, there is an urgent need for a permanently based junior liaison officer in Gorey; if this is the view of a relevant group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/05]

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the current full-time juvenile liaison officer allocated to Gorey district is based in Arklow Garda station. This full-time juvenile liaison officer deals with and monitors referrals under the juvenile diversion programme for qualifying young people from the Gorey area. Local Garda management state they are satisfied that the current arrangement is working effectively.

In respect of 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 shortly draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context the needs of Gorey Garda station and the juvenile diversion programme will be fully considered within the overall context of Garda needs throughout the country.

Drug Seizures.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

690 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there were 45 drug seizures in Gorey to date in 2005; if, in view of this, he will extend extra resources to the Garda in Gorey; the form these resources will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29500/05]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

691 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the view of the local superintendent that there are 20 to 30 regular users of heroin living in the Gorey area; his views in terms of a targeted, local strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29501/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 690 and 691 together.

I understand from the Garda authorities that heroin abuse is a relatively new phenomenon in the Gorey town area. Gorey and its hinterland is one of the fastest growing areas in the south east and is now a satellite town of Dublin with many people from the greater Dublin area settled in the local community. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, to counteract heroin abuse, the local drug unit based at Arklow has been expanded to include members permanently allocated to Gorey. Since the establishment of the unit in Gorey, seizures of heroin and cannabis have increased from five in 2004 to 26 to date in 2005. The growth in heroin abuse is and will remain a high priority from a policing perspective and every effort will continue to be made to prevent and detect illegal drug use.

School Curriculum.

David Stanton

Question:

692 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the advice she has received from officials in her Department or from any State agency or other agency on the need for young persons to choose science subjects at second level and further need to pursue science at third level; the projected number of science graduates needed each year for the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28645/05]

The 2002 report of the task force on the physical sciences highlighted the importance of addressing the decline in the numbers of students participating in physics and chemistry at senior cycle and choosing science options in higher education and sets out a range of strategies and actions to address this issue. A quantification in terms of supply and demand for science graduates was not featured in the report.

The essential need to increase the proportions of science, mathematics, technology and engineering graduates has been highlighted in a range of reports from IBEC, the National Competitiveness Council, expert group on future skills needs etc., as these are seen as critical to supporting high value employment, competitiveness and innovation in a globalised knowledge economy. As part of the Lisbon strategy to make Europe the most advanced knowledge society, member states are committed to reaching a target of 3% of gross domestic product expenditure on investment in research and development by 2010.

The July 2003 Benchmarking Education and Training in Ireland for Economic Development report of the expert group on future skills needs highlighted the need to increase the take up and performance in science subjects at senior cycle and to increase the numbers choosing science, technology and engineering subjects in higher education. This issue is further stressed in the study on the Supply and Demand for Skills in the Biotechnology Sector published in September 2003. The fourth report of the expert group on future skills needs in October 2003 quantified the likely demand needs in the ICT, engineering and biotechnology sectors and demand for the next five years are shown in the attached document.

A further report in August 2004 set out a model to predict the supply and demand for researchers and research personnel to contribute to the Lisbon target. The report highlights that, to meet the overall demands in the economy assuming a 2.5% investment target in research and development, an average demand of 512 PhD graduates and 1,258 non-PhD graduates, degree level or higher, will be needed each year from 2004 to 2010. These projections cover needs across the science, engineering, mathematics and computing sectors.

School Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

693 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the support she will provide to parents of children attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 in order that the Department of Transport provide sufficient funding for the full provision of school bus transport. [28664/05]

Seán Crowe

Question:

696 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to ensure that all pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 in need of public transport will be catered for. [28670/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 693 and 696 together.

If the Deputy can supply the names and addresses of the pupils referred to in the questions I will have the matter investigated and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome.

Special Educational Needs.

James Breen

Question:

694 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided for an autistic unit at a school (details supplied) in County Clare that has been sanctioned by the special needs unit in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28983/05]

James Breen

Question:

729 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided for an autistic unit at a school (details supplied) in County Clare that has been sanctioned by the special needs unit in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28982/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 694 and 729 together.

An application for capital investment for the provision of an autism unit was received within the last week from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is being considered and officials in my Department are in contact with the school authority.

School Staffing.

Seán Crowe

Question:

695 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to address the teaching staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the fact that this school’s first mainstream teacher was removed in June 2005 and has only one teacher with 12 children enrolled in September 2005. [28669/05]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The staffing schedule is outlined in a circular that is issued annually to all primary schools. The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy on 30 September 2004 warranted a staffing of one teacher. In addition, the school, which is in the rural dimension of the Giving Children an Even Break programme for funding, has the services of a shared rural co-ordinator.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system, an independent primary staffing appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeal board on 14 June 2005 and was rejected. I understand that the board of management of the school was notified of the decision of the appeal board on 15 June 2005. The decision is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.

Question No. 696 answered with QuestionNo. 693.

School Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

697 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if the provision of school transport for gaelscoileanna with their unique status and services will be more flexible than those of regular English speaking schools. [28671/05]

The terms of the school transport schemes are of general application and are applied without distinction as to category of school. The scheme for primary schools provides that, in the case of pupils who are attending all-Irish or multi-denominational schools, eligibility for transport is determined by reference to the distance to the nearest such school. It is my intention that these arrangements should continue to apply.

Schools Building Projects.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

698 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a meeting will be arranged between the design team of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 and the architectural unit of her Department to review progress on the proposed extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28672/05]

The proposed extension project for the school in question was one of the schools listed to enter architectural planning this year as per my announcement in March. A design team has been appointed and architectural planning commenced. My Department's officials recently examined a submission from the school in respect of the project brief. This has been discussed and clarified with the school's architect and the school principal and a letter requesting a combined stage one and two submission under the site suitability and outline sketch scheme will issue shortly. Consequently, there is no necessity for a meeting at this point.

Grant Payments.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

699 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a response will issue to a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28690/05]

Tony Gregory

Question:

701 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the proposals from an organisation and their current application for State grants totalling €500,000 per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28705/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 701 together.

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. The issue of additional funding for Educate Together from other State sources is essentially a matter for the patron body to pursue with the relevant interests outside of my Department.

Multi-Denominational Schools.

Tony Gregory

Question:

700 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy regarding the development of multi-denominational education; if same will be provided with a firm statutory footing and if she will make it an objective of the national development plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28704/05]

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998 I, as Minister, am obliged to have regard to the need to reflect the diversity of educational services provided in the State. Applying this provision to the development of multi-denominational education at primary level, my Department has supported the establishment of a significant number of new multi-denominational schools in recent years. Of the 24 new schools granted provisional recognition in the past three years alone, 12 are multi-denominational. At post-primary level, the requirement for multi-denominational education is met by the State sector through undesignated vocational education committee schools.

To underpin the establishment of new schools, my Department has made a number of changes in recent years that have assisted patron bodies in the provision of accommodation. One of these changes, which was strongly welcomed by the patron body for multi-denominational schools, was the abolition of the local contribution to the building costs for State-owned school buildings, which had cost up to €63,000 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 multi-denominational school in Griffeen Valley, Lucan, which was designed and built in less than 13 months.

Many multi-denominational primary schools are established in areas of rapidly expanding population growth. School building projects in these areas are assigned a band one rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects. This is the highest band rating possible that results in the delivery of permanent accommodation in the shortest timeframe achievable. These measures are a strong indication of my Department's commitment to supporting an educational diversity agenda, including multi-denominational education provision. It will continue to do as part of its own statutory obligations and in the context of the national development plan which is structured to support the development of all educational sectors regardless of ethos.

Question No. 701 answered with QuestionNo. 699.

State Examinations.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

702 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of running the State post-primary examinations in each year from 2002 to 2005 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28706/05]

The cost, net of fee income, of running the State post-primary examinations for the years in question are as follows. In 2002 it was €33.7 million, in 2003 it was €38.9 million, in 2004 it was €45.7 million and in 2005 it will be a projected €49.5 million. The State Examinations Commission has operational responsibility for the certificate examinations.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael Lowry

Question:

703 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be reviewed for funding from the emergency repair fund; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school has a leaking roof, which is a serious health and safety issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28707/05]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the funding in question was recently approved by my Department.

State Examinations.

Michael Lowry

Question:

704 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals received from leaving certificate students in each county; the number of appeals upheld; the number of students in each county whose overall points increased as a result of the appeal nationally and in each county; the reason for appeals; the number of appeals in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28708/05]

The State Examinations Commission is responsible for operational matters concerning the certificate examinations. The commission released data on 12 October 2005 regarding leaving certificate appeals in 2005 that were compiled on an individual subject rather than county basis. A total of 11,567 individual subject appeals were processed resulting in 2,612 upgrades and five downgrades. This means that 3% of the overall grades awarded in the leaving certificate were appealed and 0.7% of the grades were adjusted. These figures exclude a small number of appeals that have yet to be finalised. Further information is available at the State Examinations Commission website, www.examinations.ie. Any upgrading or downgrading in the range above D3 results in a change in CAO points. The points requirements for entry to particular courses are a matter for individual third level colleges in collaboration with the Central Applications Office in accordance with their admission strategies.

Michael Lowry

Question:

705 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the possibility of reducing the time taken for reviewing appeals from leaving certificate students; the procedures required for introducing a shorter appeal time to allow appeal results to be known before colleges start first year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28709/05]

On foot of a Government decision, the then Minister for Education and Science formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. This includes the matter raised by the Deputy. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply.

School Staffing.

Michael Lowry

Question:

706 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; her views on the correspondence; the steps she will take to review class size cut-off points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28710/05]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The staffing schedule is outlined in a circular issued annually to all primary schools. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.

To ensure transparency and openness in the system, an independent primary staffing appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. The staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2005-06 school year was considered by the appeal board on 14 June 2005 and was rejected. I understand that the board of management of the school was notified of the appeal board's decision on 15 June 2005. The decision of the appeal board is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.

The school made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional ancillary accommodation. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09. The school also made an application for additional accommodation under the additional accommodation scheme 2006. The school planning section of my Department is considering all applications made under this scheme.

School Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

707 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Bus Éireann refused to issue bus tickets for children returning from a school (details supplied). [28711/05]

As the Deputy does not provide details of the individual pupils concerned, I am not in a position to comment on any specific cases. However, I understand children from the area identified by the Deputy attend the national school referred to in the details supplied. The general position under the terms of the primary school transport scheme is that children are eligible, subject to conditions, for free transport to their nearest national school or school of amalgamation.

Pupils not attending their nearest national school or school of amalgamation may, subject to conditions, avail of concessionary fare-paying transport to another school, subject to spare accommodation being available on the bus and provided that no extra State cost is incurred by extending or re-routing the service. The eligibility of such pupils would be assessed for concessionary fare-paying transport by Bus Éireann, which organises school transport on behalf of my Department, subject to the usual terms of the school transport scheme. I understand that, after all eligible pupils were accommodated on the service covering the area referred to by the Deputy, a sufficient number of spare seats was not available to facilitate pupils applying for concessionary fare-paying transport.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Crowe

Question:

708 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed extension for a school (details supplied) in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09. [28712/05]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied for a general purposes room and ancillary accommodation. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

709 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the recent announcement of a €300 million allocation for post-primary school when she will approve funding for the provision of a sports hall at a college (details supplied) in County Mayo. [28714/05]

The PE hall project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard Allen

Question:

710 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if information will be provided on the primary schools which have 30 children or more in their classes in Cork city and county for 2003, 2004 and 2005. [28715/05]

In the 2003-04 school year the number of children in classes of 30 or more was 3,260 in Cork city and 9,107 in Cork county. In the 2004-05 school year the provisional figure for the number of children in classes of 30 or more is 3,159 in Cork city and 10,451 in Cork county. The figures for the 2005-06 school year are not available from my Department. The progress made in reducing class sizes in Cork in recent years is evident from the fact that in 1997, 8,075 children were in classes of 30 or more in Cork city and 13,995 children were in classes of 30 plus in Cork county.

The Deputy should be aware that significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio in recent years. The pupil-teacher ratio, which includes all the teachers including resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to a projected 17.1:1 in 2004-05. More than 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 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.

Regarding the number of classes in our schools with over 30 pupils, the Deputy should be aware that the general rule is that schools are staffed on the basis of having a maximum class size of 29 across the school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is often because a decision has been taken at local level to use teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Therefore, figures on the number of children in classes over 30 should be interpreted with caution. What is more instructive is the average class size in a particular school. The average class size in Cork city in 2004-05 was 22.9 and the average class size in Cork county was 24.6.

Regarding providing for children with special educational needs, more than 5,000 teachers in our primary schools work directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to less than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers now works specifically with children with special needs. The Deputy will be aware of the new action plan for educational inclusion, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, 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 further reduced. 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.

Adult Education.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

711 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if grant funding for a course in training and education was allocated directly to the county vocational educational committee in 2005 when in previous years funding was allocated via a person (details supplied); the way in which this person can go about applying for a grant for fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28720/05]

Further and adult education in-career training budgets hitherto administered by individual national co-ordinators of Youthreach, senior Traveller training centres and VTOS programmes have been amalgamated into one continuing professional development, CPD, budget to be administered and spent locally by vocational education committees, VECs. This new approach will ensure the decision-making process in deploying a budget moves from national to local level. It will also enable the VECs to integrate existing further and adult in-career development programme budgets into a single continuing professional development budget that supports both full-time and part-time staff working in VEC managed and co-ordinated programmes.

Annual funding is made available to provide certainty on the available CPD funding so that VECs can plan an annual CPD programme; standardise the approach to the provision of CPD in further and adult education at national and local levels; maximise the effectiveness, coherence and reach of CPD activities; facilitate decision-making at the point of delivery of CPD activities; encourage provision of generic CPD programmes; encourage VECs to consider providing joint CPD programmes and stimulate and support further and adult education programmes.

Each VEC, including that in County Wexford, has been allocated funding for 2005 for the delivery of a continuing professional programme for Youthreach, senior Traveller training centre and VTOS staff. Individuals seeking financial support towards the cost of fees may make applications directly to their respective employer VEC.

Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

712 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the application for funding for the provision of a general purpose classroom at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if money will be allocated in view of the fact that this school is located in a catchment area that is experiencing a growth in population; when the work will commence and the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28725/05]

The application from the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.

Jack Wall

Question:

713 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school at Nurney, County Kildare, in view of the efforts of the local committee and parents council to provide the funding to purchase the school site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28728/05]

The new eight classroom building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department's officials are in the process of examining a recently received stage 2 submission, developed sketch scheme. When this examination is completed they will be in contact with the school authorities with regard to the next steps involved in progressing this building project.

Vocational Education Committees.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

714 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if the necessary funds will be provided to ensure that there is no disruption of the adult literacy and child care courses within the Mayo vocational educational committee’s area; if the monies will continue to be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28730/05]

Michael Ring

Question:

716 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the cutbacks that are proposed or are taking place within the vocational educational committee; the reason for the proposed cutbacks; the number of persons who will be affected on a county basis; the savings which will occur as a direct result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28742/05]

Michael Ring

Question:

717 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the cutbacks that are proposed or are taking place within the vocational educational committee in County Mayo; the reason for the proposed cutbacks; the number of persons who will be affected; the savings which will occur as a direct result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28743/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 714, 716 and 717 together.

My Department was contacted by the chief executive officer of County Mayo Vocational Education Committee, Mr. Joseph Langan, on Friday 7 October about this matter. My officials requested that the matter be put in writing so it could be considered. As yet no written communication has been received. The adult literacy services are delivered locally by vocational education committees, VECs, under the budget for adult literacy, community education and the special initiatives for disadvantaged adults scheme. The national position regarding the allocations is as follows.

My Department notified all VECs by letter on 30 March 2005 of their provision for 2005 covering their further education programmes. These include adult literacy and community education programme, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post leaving certificate courses, senior Traveller training centres, Youthreach, and the back to education initiative. The provision for County Mayo VEC for the adult literacy programme in 2005 is €422,187 as against an allocation of €406,176 for 2004. This represents an increase of 10.39% which was one of the highest percentage increases to any VEC. The corresponding increase in the overall subhead was 9%. This increase was in recognition of the demographic factors and the dispersed nature of the population in that county. The number of literacy clients for 2004 was 660.

Under the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001, each VEC must remain within its allocation for the year. The VEC has discretion over how it allocates its resources and the nature and extent of adult literacy provided. However, it is expected that each VEC plans its activities to ensure literacy services are available throughout the year, based on the annual budget provided. On a national level, my Department has increased the resources for adult literacy from approximately €1.3 million in 1997 to €22 million this year. Numbers of clients have increased from 5,000 in 2000 to 33,000 in 2004. County Mayo has played its part in the expansion of client numbers and service, as seen by an increase in clients from 316 in 2000 to 660 in 2004. The six month return to June 2005 indicates 763 clients.

Notwithstanding the impressive increase in numbers it is important that VECs plan their literacy courses for the full 12 months within the budget provided. I re-iterate that my department was given little prior warning of this matter and looks forward to receiving written communication from County Mayo VEC.

School Transport.

Michael Noonan

Question:

715 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if school bus transport will be provided for first year pupils attending a school (details supplied) in County Limerick as a result of the discussions between officials of her Department and the parents committee of the school on 7 October 2005; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the parents are seeking no new concession merely the maintenance of the status quo which has prevailed since the mid 1990s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28740/05]

The report of the recent meeting between parent representatives and officials of my Department regarding school transport for first year pupils attending the school referred to by the Deputy has been presented to me and the Minister of State, Deputy Síle de Valera. The key consideration in this matter was that the arrangements were contrary to the provisions of the post-primary school transport scheme. The Deputy will appreciate that the scheme is intended to be of general application throughout the country and any departure from its provisions damages its integrity. Therefore, while I note the strong views of parents on the matter, my concern is to ensure that such services are accessible by all eligible students on an equal basis.

Questions Nos. 716 and 717 answered with Question No. 714.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

718 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the decision to discontinue home tuition provision to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare as of 22 December 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28744/05]

As the Deputy may be aware, the home tuition scheme is primarily intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils who have a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school. In this context, my Department provides home tuition grants in respect of pupils who cannot attend school at all, or who are absent for a significant proportion of the school year. My Department also sanctions home tuition in cases where children are awaiting a suitable school placement.

I can confirm that the pupil in question is enrolled in a mainstream primary school with appropriate supports. The pupil had also been in receipt of a home tuition grant. My Department considers that the most appropriate intervention for all children is school-based and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education would also be able to avail of home tuition grants.

A number of dedicated resources are now deployed to support children with special educational needs in the primary system. More than 5,000 teachers in our primary schools work directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to less than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers now works specifically with children with special needs. Approximately 6,000 special needs assistants work in the system, more than €30 million is spent on school transport for special needs pupils and more than €3 million has gone towards specialised equipment and materials.

My Department has written to this pupil's parents confirming its intention to discontinue the practice of sanctioning home tuition grants for pupils who are also in full-time education. This has also been communicated to the pupil's school. However, in the interim my Department has sanctioned the continuance of the home tuition grant for this pupil to the end of the current school term to allow further consideration to be given to the pupil's needs. In this regard, the school has been requested to make contact with the local special education needs organiser, SENO, to discuss how the needs of the pupil can be met by the school.

State Property.

Michael Lowry

Question:

719 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a property (details supplied) is in her Department’s ownership; her immediate and long-term plans for the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28749/05]

The site in question is in the ownership of the Department. My Department is examining whether the site in question may have potential use in the context of overall education requirements in the area.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

720 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of court actions regarding the provision of school places for students with special needs and the provision of resources relating to students with special needs which her Department has been involved in during 2003, 2004, and 2005; the number of these actions which progressed to the hearing stage; the number of cases that resulted in the provision of the school places or resources sought by the plaintiffs; the costs which were incurred by her Department in responding to these court actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28750/05]

The number of court actions initiated against the Minister for Education and Science regarding the provision of school places for students with special needs and the provision of resources relating to students with special needs in the years referred to by the Deputy is as follows:

2003: 17 cases (8 Judicial Review, 9 Plenary)

2004: 17 cases (7 Judicial Review, 10 Plenary)

2005 to date: 6 (2 Judicial Review, 4 Plenary)

Only two actions have progressed to hearing stage since 2003, one of which took place in that year and one which took place earlier this year. The Court ruled in favour of the State in both cases.

The Legal Costs borne by my department in respect of claimants in cases settled or heard are detailed below. The Deputy should note that the figures provided do not include the costs of the State's Legal defence which is borne by the Attorney Generals office.

2003

2004

2005

Legal Costs

€3,852,147.69

€5,183,879.15

€880,694.29

Settlements

€667,648.42

€425,501.11

€26,988.50

Total

€4,519,796.11

€5,609,380.26

€907,682.79

As the Deputy is aware enormous progress has been made over the past number of years as regards increasing the number of teachers and other supports in our schools which are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs.

At primary level there are now approximately 5,000 teachers working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares with fewer than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs. At second level, there are approximately 1,600 whole-time equivalent resource teachers in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares with the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in the 1997-98 school year for such pupils. Furthermore there are approximately 6,300 whole time equivalent special needs assistants, SNAs, in our primary and second level schools supporting children with special needs.

In addition to the issue of resources at school level, the National Council for Special Education has also been established. This council has approximately 100 staff, the great majority of whom are special educational needs organisers, SENOs, who are locally based throughout the country. The role of the SENOs is to ensure that all special educational needs in their areas are addressed in an effective manner.

In particular, the SENOs are a focal point of contact for parents, guardians and schools and process applications for resources for children with special educational needs. I am satisfied that the establishment of the council and the work of the SENOs is transforming the delivery of special educational services in this country. The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act was passed in 2004. This Act provides a framework for future development of special educational needs services and provides a legislative basis for assessment, for individual educational plans and for the delivery of services on foot of those plans. It also ensures that parents have a right to be consulted and kept fully informed at all stages of the process. The Act also contains provisions regarding rights of appeal where parents are dissatisfied with decisions concerning the education of their children. I am satisfied that this Act provides a very comprehensive approach to the future delivery of services.

I am confident that the State has faced up to the issue of providing appropriate educational provision for all children with special needs and that much work has been done to ensure that the necessary resources and structures are in place. I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Higher Education Grants.

Billy Timmins

Question:

721 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a student who has completed a masters and has been accepted for a doctorate in University College Galway who did not qualify for a grant as a mature student in 2004 as they were not over 23 years; if they will be eligible to apply as this is a three year course leading to a doctorate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28751/05]

Under the terms of my Department's third level maintenance grant schemes, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.

Such people are categorised as either independent or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is someone who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents from the October preceding entry or re-entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' incomes or addresses.

When assessing the means of people other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.

Generally speaking, candidates continue to be assessed under the terms and conditions of the scheme appropriate to their year of entry. Accordingly, candidates who were not classified as independent mature students at the time of entry to an approved course may not generally be assessed as such for the duration of their courses.

There is, however, provision under the terms of the schemes for candidates who are re-entering as mature students, following a break in study of at least one year, to pursue or complete an approved course for the first time. Such candidates may be assessed under the terms of the scheme appropriate to the year in which they re-enter.

Site Acquisitions.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

722 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Office of Public Works has identified a site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if not, the reason for delay on this project; and the projected timeframe within which the project will commence and be completed. [28756/05]

The property management section of the Office of Public Works which acts on behalf of the Department of Education and Science in relation to site acquisitions generally, is continuing, in consultation with the local authority, to explore all possibilities in relation to the acquisition of a site for the school referred to by the Deputy.

Every effort is being made to ensure that a suitable site is acquired as soon as possible. Following the acquisition of a site, the building project for the school will be considered in the context of the schools building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.

School Staffing.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

723 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that both previous school population statistics and future demand for school places will be taken into account when allocating resources and staff to schools; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that depending solely on statistics from previous years to assess the need for extra staff and resources frustrates the efforts of schools to cater for the needs of growing populations; her plans to look into this system of needs assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28760/05]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The staffing schedule is outlined in a circular which is issued annually to all primary schools.

Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals with regard to staffing. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in primary circular 19/02 which is available on my Department's website.

Special Educational Needs.

Tom Hayes

Question:

724 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if home tuition will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary until Christmas as was indicated by her Department. [28761/05]

As the Deputy may be aware, the home tuition scheme is primarily intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils who have a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school. In this context, my Department provides home tuition grants in respect of pupils who cannot attend school at all, or who are absent for a significant proportion of the school year. The Department also sanctions home tuition in cases where children are awaiting a suitable school placement.

The Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education provision would also be able to avail of home tuition grants. The child referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of a home tuition grant while awaiting school placement. I can confirm that she is now enrolled in a special school since September 2005. Her needs are being catered for in a special class for pupils with autism with a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 together with special needs assistant support. As the pupil is now in full-time education, the matter of the continuance of home tuition no longer arises. The application for home tuition was therefore refused and the parents were notified accordingly on 16 September 2005. I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence from the parent of the pupil in question appealing my Department's decision and a response will issue as quickly as possible.

School Accommodation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

725 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for additional facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [28768/05]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €350,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide additional accommodation. The initiative allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of building projects. In this particular case the building works are well advanced and 70% of the funding has been drawn down.

Special Educational Needs.

John Curran

Question:

726 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision to sanction resource teaching hours for a person at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be made. [28771/05]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently, and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. More than 70 special educational needs organisers, SENOs, have been recruited and are a focal point of contact for schools and parents. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that an application has been received for individual resource teaching support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The local SENO has sanctioned 3.5 hours' resource teaching hours and the school authorities were notified on 13 September 2005.

Schools Recognition.

John Curran

Question:

727 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Dublin has applied for formal recognition; if such a request was made; the response of her Department; and the reasons considered when deciding this request. [28772/05]

My Department has had some informal discussions with the school to which the Deputy refers. However, the school authority has yet to make a formal application for recognition to the new schools advisory committee. The closing date for a notice of intention to apply for the recognition of a new school to commence operation for the 2006-07 school year was 20 September 2005. The criteria for the recognition of new schools are as follows: recognition of new primary schools criteria — evidence that the proposed school meets a need that cannot reasonably be met within existing provision; the local community is consulted in advance; the patron has been registered as such by the Minister for Education and Science; a board of management will be appointed in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Science; the Rules for National Schools will be complied with; the proposed school has a minimum initial enrolment of 17 junior infants and a minimum projected enrolment of 51 pupils for the third year of operation; all pupils are at least four years of age on 30 September of the year in which the school is due to commence operation; in accordance with Section 10(2) (e) of the Education Act 1998, the proposed interim accommodation complies with the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963 to 1996, the Building Regulations 1991 to 1997 (including the Building Control Regulations), the Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 1989 and any modifications, statutory instruments or orders made in accordance with these Acts; the school will follow the Primary School Curriculum of the Department of Education and Science; and the school will employ recognised primary school teachers.

Higher Education Grants.

Pat Breen

Question:

728 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a refund in college fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28776/05]

Under my Department's free fees initiative, tuition fees are not paid in respect of students doing repeat years or repeating a year level having changed, but not completed, their undergraduate courses. This condition may be waived in exceptional circumstances, such as in cases of certified serious illness. As regards this particular case, I understand that the college has advised the student that on the basis of the medical evidence produced the student will not be liable to pay tuition fees.

Question No. 729 answered with QuestionNo. 694.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

730 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new secondary school in Newport, County Mayo; if an assessment has been carried out; when a decision and announcement will be made regarding whether this school will go ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29092/05]

Last year a new planning model was introduced for educational infrastructure to ensure that, in future, school provision is decided after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, trustees, parents, sponsors of prospective schools and all interested parties from a locality have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process.

A draft development plan for Newport and Westport up to 2010 was published by my Department in January 2005. The public consultation process has been completed by the commission on school accommodation on the draft plan for Newport-Westport and it is anticipated that the final area development plan will be published shortly. The plan will provide a blueprint for educational provision in the area for the next decade, against which all capital funding decisions including the provision of a new second level school for Newport, will be made.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

731 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an investigation will be carried out into claims that some legal representatives charged clients who attended the Residential Institutions Redress Board fees that had already been covered by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29107/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

732 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if claimants to the Residential Institutions Redress Board will be fully informed of the fact that their legal fees are entirely covered by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29108/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

733 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if immediate steps will be taken to ensure that claimants to the Residential Institutional Redress Board received the entirety of their payments and that legal representatives are prevented from deducting any alleged charges from them in view of the fact that legal fees are paid directly by the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29109/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 to 733, inclusive, together.

Section 27 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that all reasonable legal costs and other costs associated with the preparation and presentation of an application to the redress board will be met by the board. In the event that agreement cannot be reached between the board and the applicant's legal representative, the matter is referred to the Taxing Master of the High Court for determination.

The redress board's published guidelines and other publicity material on the redress scheme specifically highlight the fact that all reasonable legal costs incurred in respect of applications for redress are payable by the board. Furthermore, as solicitors are required under law to fully inform their clients, in writing, of the legal costs payable in their case, it is incumbent on the solicitor to inform an applicant to the redress board that all reasonable legal costs will be met by the board and that the applicant should not have to pay any legal costs.

The Law Society of Ireland is the body responsible under law for regulating the solicitor profession and as such it is a matter for the society to investigate complaints about the conduct of a solicitor. Earlier this year, my Department became aware that the society had taken the view that it was precluded from investigating complaints from applicants concerning overcharging by solicitors as a result of the prohibition on disclosure of information under section 28 of the redress Act. Arising from this, I included an amendment to this section on the Committee Stage of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Bill 2005 to enable the Law Society to investigate such complaints. This Bill was enacted into law on 9 July 2005. In early October, the Attorney General wrote to the Law Society and the Bar Council in clarification of the issue. That correspondence is ongoing.

The redress scheme was set up by the Government to help alleviate the injury and suffering experienced by victims of child abuse in residential institutional care. Awards made by the board are payable in full to the applicant, without any deduction for costs. It is a disgraceful practice that some solicitors take advantage of their clients by overcharging, as reported. I welcome the steps taken by the Law Society to examine and deal with the issue of overcharging by solicitors and to ensure that applicants to the redress board are fully reimbursed where this has arisen. I expect the society to take whatever action is appropriate.

School Accommodation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

734 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for additional facilities and improved conditions. [29110/05]

The school planning section of my Department is 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 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 the 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.

Academic Qualifications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

735 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a PhD in a scientific field is a degree obtained by research; her Department’s views on whether it is academic fraud for applicants for positions which require a PhD to rely on degrees purchased on the basis of life experience or other academically invalid criteria from bodies without academic campuses, qualified faculty members or three-year degree programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29111/05]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

736 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the existence of diploma mills claiming to be universities which issue bogus degrees, including doctoral degrees, on the basis of life experience or other academically invalid criteria; if so, the steps she has taken to ensure no person claiming a degree from such a bogus university is permitted to rely on such a degree for the purposes of any job application in the public or private sectors; if she will introduce legislation to ensure claimed foreign degrees may be validated for use in the State on grounds of academic credibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29112/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 735 and 736 together.

The question of assessing the relevance and status of qualifications for any post is a matter for the employer in each case, irrespective of whether it is in the public or private sector. However, I am aware that a number of companies registered in Ireland are using the title "university" in contravention of section 52 of the Universities Act 1997. My Department is pursuing such organisations with a view to restraining them from using this title and securing compliance with the legislation.

School Transport.

Denis Naughten

Question:

737 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 734 of 28 June 2005, if she will report on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the steps being taken to ensure such an incident is not repeated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29124/05]

The accident referred to by the Deputy was the subject of separate investigations by the Garda and Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department. Active consideration is being given by my Department to the measures that may be required to enhance the safety of school transport operations. The circumstances of the accident referred to by the Deputy are being borne in mind in that context.

School Accommodation.

Joan Burton

Question:

738 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in respect of shared facilities at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if an agreement has been signed between her Department and Fingal County Council; the provision which has been made for participation by local residents and organisations in the management, running and access to the shared community facility; the person or entity responsible for insurance; the estimated overall cost of the project; the contribution of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29129/05]

My Department has reached agreement in principle with Fingal County Council and the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers, that the hall being provided will serve the needs of the local community along with those of the school. The details of how this arrangement will work have yet to be finalised at local level. I understand an initial meeting of a committee formed to oversee the management of the hall has taken place.

Officials in the school planning section of my Department have arranged a further meeting with Fingal County Council and the school's management authority to resolve any outstanding issues regarding the management and administration of this shared facility. Fingal County Council has made a financial contribution to that portion of the hall already built. It will also fund the remaining portion of the hall, yet to be constructed.

Schools Refurbishment.

John Perry

Question:

739 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the application submitted for refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if the necessary moneys have been allocated; when this work will commence; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29270/05]

The application from the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was revised last year following consultation with the education partners. The project is being considered for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

740 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not receiving 3.5 hours continued resource teaching support per week as recommended by their psychologist; and if this case will be reviewed. [29272/05]

I confirm that an application for individual resource teaching hours was made to the relevant special educational needs organiser, SENO, of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. The application in question did not meet the criteria for resource teaching hours and this decision was conveyed to the pupil's parents by the SENO. The NCSE will, however, undertake to review a decision on resource teaching supports on foot of a request from the school or parents-guardians when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the original decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its circular 01/05 which issued to all primary schools.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

741 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school at Nurney, County Kildare in view of the efforts of the local committee and parents council to provide the funding to purchase the school site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29273/05]

The new eight-classroom building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department's officials are in the process of examining a recently received stage 2 submission — developed sketch scheme — and when this examination is completed will be in contact with the school authorities with regard to the next steps involved in progressing this building project.

Departmental Bodies.

Seán Haughey

Question:

742 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the contact details for the National Council for Special Education; the name of the chief executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29274/05]

The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, became operational on 1 January 2005 and is based at Mill Street, Trim, County Meath, Telephone: 046 9486400. The chief executive officer is Mr. Pat Curtin. The NCSE website address is www.ncse.ie.

Adult Literacy.

Pat Carey

Question:

743 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her budget for literacy in adults in each year from 2000 to 2005; if there is a separate literacy budget for the Prison Service; the amount which has been allocated to the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee for literacy initiatives in each of the years already mentioned; the number of literacy organisers who are employed in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29275/05]

My Department funds the provision of adult literacy, which is delivered by the vocational education committees, from the adult literacy and community education — ALCES — budget. The national development plan committed €93.5 million to the service in the period 2000-06, with a target of reaching 113,000 clients over that period. This target will be met.

The Department's budget for adult literacy for the years 2000-05 was €10.6 million for 2000; €13.6 million for 2001; €16.7 million for 2002; €17.9 million for 2003; €19.2 million for 2004; and €22 million for 2005. My Department, under a separate budget, provides for an education service in the prisons. This prison education budget includes literacy.

The amount allocated to City of Dublin VEC for literacy initiatives in each of the years 2001-05 was €1,194,457 for 2001; €2,718,106 for 2002; €2,687,136 for 2003; €2,734,000 for 2004; and €2,908,406 for 2005. The amount allocated for the year 2000 is not readily available as it is archived. The Department will, however, furnish this information to the Deputy within the next few days. It should be noted that the figure for 2005 represents the provision only.

The returns made to the Department for the year ended December 2004 indicate that City of Dublin VEC has four full-time and six part-time adult literacy organisers; Dún Laoghaire VEC has one full-time and no part-time adult literacy organiser; and County Dublin VEC has five full-time and six part-time adult literacy organisers. The Dublin Adult Learning Centre is funded separately to provide literacy services in its catchment area. This funding is additional to the City of Dublin VEC funding detailed above but is channelled through the City of Dublin VEC for administrative purposes.

School Services Staff.

Pat Carey

Question:

744 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, in view of the enormous workload of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who is employed as part-time secretary cannot be approved and funded by her Department to work in a full-time capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29276/05]

My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment of full-time secretaries and caretakers in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. This scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. The scheme has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the ancillary services grant.

The ancillary services grant provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The scheme is flexible in nature, giving boards of management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided. The school referred to by the Deputy receives secretarial grant assistance under this scheme. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme, which was increased from €102 in 2002 to €127 in 2004, is being further increased to €133 this year.

The amount of grant paid to an individual school is determined by the enrolment in the school subject to a minimum grant of €7,980 in the case of a school with 60 pupils or less and a maximum grant of €66,500 in the case of a school with 500 or more pupils, provided the school in question does not already have either caretaking or secretarial services under an existing Department scheme. Where a school already has either caretaking or secretarial services under an existing Department scheme, the rate of grant payable is €66.50 per pupil and the minimum and maximum grants payable are €3,990 and €33,250 respectively.

The school to which the Deputy refers has the services of a full-time caretaker under the 1978-79 scheme. Accordingly, the rate of grant payable in the case of this school this year under the ancillary services scheme is €66.50 per pupil.

Schools Refurbishment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

745 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications which have been received for the summer refurbishment scheme 2006; the budget which she will make available; the way in which this compares with the 2005 allocation; the number of projects which were accommodated in 2005; and the criteria for selection which will apply for the 2006 scheme. [29277/05]

The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2006 summer works scheme, SWS, was 14 October last. The school planning section of my Department has, therefore, just commenced the logging of applications received. The number of applications will not be known until this procedure has been completed. Under the assessment process, projects will be categorised and prioritised as follows:

Priority/Category 1: Gas Works

Priority/Category 2: Electrical Works

Priority/Category 3: Mechanical works

Priority/Category 4: Projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils

Priority/Category 5: Toilet facilities

Priority/Category 6: Roof works

Priority/Category 7: Window projects

Priority/Category 8: Curricular requirement projects

Priority/Category 9: Other structural improvements

Priority/Category 10: External environment projects

Demonstrably necessary projects will be approved to proceed in accordance with this prioritisation and categorisation system subject to the availability of funding. The budget for the 2006 scheme will be set following the Estimates and budgetary process. In 2005, 741 projects received funding under the summer works scheme.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ryan

Question:

746 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a report on the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [29278/05]

The school planning section of my Department is aware of the need to provide a long-term accommodation solution to meet the needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. It is understood that the children attending the school come from a wide catchment area. With this in mind, the appropriate location for the school is under consideration in my Department. When this has been determined, site acquisition procedures will be commenced. Delivery of the building project will then be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.

Childhood Development Initiative.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

747 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the action which is proposed in respect of the Childhood Development Initiative ten-year strategy; the resources which will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29279/05]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

765 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the action which is proposed in respect of the Childhood Development Initiative ten-year strategy (details supplied); if she will detail the resources to be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29478/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 747 and 765 together.

A key focus of education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. The wide variety of measures in place in Tallaght and other similar areas for tackling educational disadvantage and social exclusion reflects these concerns. These measures range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil-teacher ratios, increased capitation grants and measures to tackle early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, family and community. In addition, there are interventions in support of youth and in providing second chance education for young people and adults.

DEIS — delivering equality of opportunity in schools — the new action plan for educational inclusion, which I launched last May, aims to ensure the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities are prioritised and effectively addressed. The plan provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP, which will bring together and build upon a number of existing interventions for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. Approximately 600 primary schools and 150 second-level schools will be included in the school support programme. The new action plan will be introduced on a phased basis, starting during the current school year, and will involve an additional annual investment of €40 million on full implementation. It will also involve the provision of some 300 additional posts across the education system.

The key principle of early intervention underpins both the early childhood education measure and many of the literacy and numeracy measures being adopted under the new action plan. The new school support programme will integrate a number of schemes and programmes that are currently benefiting schools in west Tallaght. Moving to a single programme of supports for all disadvantaged schools will result in a far more integrated and co-ordinated approach, one of the key principles of the childhood development initiative. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered by my Department in the context of the implementation of the new action plan.

Special Educational Needs.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

748 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the requirements in respect of remedial, resource or other special needs teachers at the primary and secondary schools in east Galway; her proposals to approve the necessary staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29280/05]

The specific information requested by the Deputy is not available. However, I advise the Deputy that at primary level there are now approximately 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs.

At second level, there are approximately 1,600 whole-time equivalent resource teachers in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to a figure of approximately 200 teachers who were in place in the 1997-98 school year for such pupils. In addition, there are approximately 336 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants, SNAs, in our primary and second level schools in County Galway supporting children with special needs. The National Council for Special Education, through its network of locally based special education needs organisers, is responsible for processing any applications for additional special educational needs, SEN, resources. I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring all children with special educational needs, including in east Galway, receive the support they require, when and where they require it.

I also confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the NCSE, ensure that all children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

749 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which speech and language requirements have been assessed or determined in respect of each national school in east Galway; the extent to which such requirements are being met; her plans to meet such requirements in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29281/05]

The provision of therapies, including speech and language therapy, is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

Schools Building Projects.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

750 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made on the provision of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the manner in which it is proposed to provide the accommodation; the stage at which the project is; when the project will proceed to the next stage; when she envisages construction work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29282/05]

The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed to amalgamate into a single school and my officials are in discussion with the trustee and the local authority regarding how best to provide for the new school and such issues as site configuration, etc. These discussions are ongoing in tandem with consideration for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

751 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when resource hours will be restored to a person (details supplied) in their new school in County Mayo. [29283/05]

As I confirmed for the Deputy on 28 September last, my Department reviewed the file on the child concerned in the last school year and based on the documentation that was submitted to my Department it was determined that the child concerned falls into the high incidence disability category.

As the Deputy will be aware, a new general allocation system has been announced 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. Under the new system, the school in question has a specific teaching allocation of one full-time post and five hours.

The teaching posts being provided under the new general allocation scheme are 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 who 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. It is open to the parents of the pupil in question to contact the school to discuss with the principal and teaching staff the type of provision that the school intends to put in place for the pupil.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

752 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will clarify the context in which her reply to Question No. 1310 of 28 September 2005 was answered, in view of the fact that an application for SEN support was made on the 15 July 2004, which was refused seven months later (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29288/05]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education — NCSE — which was established recently, and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs — SEN — supports.

My officials have been advised by the NCSE that the matter has been referred to the local special educational needs organiser — SENO. The SENO is currently making inquiries regarding the issues raised by the Deputy and will be in direct contact with the school authorities in the near future.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

753 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in her Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29302/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

754 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in her Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29317/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

755 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in her Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29332/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 753 to 755, inclusive, together.

Where additional hours over and above normal working hours are worked by officers in the press office or any other unit of my Department, any such officers who are in grades designated as overtime grades are entitled to claim overtime or time off in lieu of overtime in respect of additional hours worked. Ex gratia or on call allowances are not paid to the officers in the press office.

The Department of Finance has set out, in a circular letter to all personnel officers, the general instructions regarding the arrangements for compensating extra attendance by members of general service grades up to and including higher executive officer, either by payment of overtime or by time off in lieu of extra attendance.

My Department adheres to these general instructions on extra attendance by officers in grades designated as overtime grades, that is, grades up to and including higher executive officer. Rates of overtime payable are in accordance with those set out by the Department of Finance from time to time.

Paul McGrath

Question:

756 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the personnel files of staff in her Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in her Department will be released to third parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29347/05]

Individual officers of the Department of Education and Science are entitled to view their own personnel file on request and to receive a copy of any or all of the contents of the file. Personnel files are made available to the chief medical officer in certain sick leave cases. It would be general practice that information on personnel files for individual officers would be treated as strictly confidential and would not be disclosed to any third party without the consent of the officer concerned.

Paul McGrath

Question:

757 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in her Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29362/05]

Four members of my Department's staff have received leave of absence in excess of two months for educational purposes since 2002. One staff member participated in the visiting research fellowship programme at the Policy Institute, Trinity College Dublin — TCD — from September to December 2004 — four months. The Policy Institute is a multidisciplinary public policy research institute based in TCD. Further information can be found on their website —http://www.policyinstitute.tcd.ie.

One staff member completed the masters degree programme in public policy analysis over the two academic years 2003-2005. Two others have embarked upon the programme at the start of the current academic year. The programme is a two year full-time programme involving academic study and projects in public policy evaluation. The primary aim of the programme is to enhance the capabilities of personnel within the public sector to analyse policy and thus to contribute to decision-making on the allocation of public money. Successful completion of the programme will result in the award of an National University of Ireland — NUI — accredited M.Econ.Sc. in public policy analysis. An officer whose participation on the training programme is not satisfactory may at any time during the training period be returned to her or his former position or other suitable vacancy at that level and duties without delay and any entitlement to an allowance or subsequent appointment to assistant principal under the terms of the scheme will then cease.

Staff may also avail of a career break for educational purposes. Educational purposes may be deemed to encompass certain training courses which include a practical training element for which there is a nominal payment or grant made to the student. Career breaks are not available for educational purposes where the student or trainee is in an employment relationship with the training body and is in receipt of a normal salary or wage. There are no terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attaching to the granting of such leave. However, career breaks for educational purposes may not be granted for longer than the period of the particular course of study and/or training.

Paul McGrath

Question:

758 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by her Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29377/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

759 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of her Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by her Department in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29392/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.

Details of refund of fees in respect of night-time or weekend study courses attended by staff in my Department over the last three years, 2002-2004, are in the following tables. Some 80 members of staff applied for a refund of fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings in 2005. The value of refunds expected to be made in 2005 is €169,392. Of those approved to attend a course in the last academic year, 11 staff members did not subsequently apply for a refund of fees.

The Department of Finance circular 21/78 governs refund of fees in respect of courses pursued in an officer's own time. Officers pursuing approved courses may have the appropriate course and examination fees refunded to them. The refund will be made at the end of each completed academic year or corresponding course period, that is, where it is established, normally by written statement from the institution providing the course, that the officer gave satisfactory attendance at the course — or participated satisfactorily in the course, if it is a correspondence course — during the academic year or period and underwent the relevant examinations or other prescribed tests. My Department has, to date, been in a position to recoup 100% of fees for approved courses.

My Department recognises the importance of training and developing its staff and seeks to promote a learning and development culture within the organisation. The Department has a pilot scheme in place for the advance payment of fees for post-graduate studies undertaken in the officer's own time and of particular relevance to the Department.

Each officer to whom a payment is made is required to undertake in writing to refund the payment in the event of leaving the public service before completing one year's service in respect of each academic year or course period for which a payment has been made, the academic years or course periods themselves not to reckon as service in this context.

Department of Education and Science Training Budget/Refund of Fees (ROF) Scheme

Year

Budget

Actual Spend

ROF Spend

% of ROF over Actual Spend

2004

946,000

679,177.74

129,098.92

(19%)

2003

880,000

595,747.92

182,305.43

(31%)

2002

976,000

686,102.84

123,568.80

(18%)

List of courses funded.

2004

Course Name Qualification

Business Administration Masters Degree

Business Studies Degree

Business Studies Diploma

Business Studies in Trade Union Studies Certificate

Cognitive Neuropsychology Masters Degree

Computing (CISCO — CCNA) Certificate

Dana (Translation of English Documents) Diploma

Developmental Disability Masters Degree

Education Doctorate

Education Management Masters Degree

Educational (Disadvantage) Masters Degree

Educational Psychology Diploma

Educational Psychology Doctorate

Electro Chemistry Masters Degree

Employee Assistance Diploma

Employment Law Diploma

Governance Doctorate

History Doctorate

HR Management Diploma

Humanities Degree

Industrial Relations/Human Resources Degree

Information Technology Diploma

Interdisciplinary Studies Certificate

International Relations Masters Degree

Irish Diploma

IT in Education Masters Degree

Law Degree

Legal Studies Diploma

Management Diploma

Management & Law Degree

Non-Directive Play Therapy Masters Degree

Payroll Management Diploma

People Management Diploma

Phd Research Other

Philosophy Doctorate

Policy Analysis Diploma

Policy Analysis Masters Degree

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Masters Degree

Psychology Degree

Public Accountancy Certificate

Public Management Degree

School Psychology Doctorate

Sociology, History & Literature Degree

Supervisory Management Certificate

2003

Course Name Qualification

Autism Masters Degree

Business Administration Masters Degree

Business Studies Degree

Business Studies Diploma

Business Studies (HR Management) Diploma

Computer Applications & E-Commerce Certificate

Computer Applications Accs (HETAC) Certificate

Computer Science Degree

Computing (CISCO — CCNA) Diploma

Economics & Sociology Doctorate

Education Doctorate

Educational (Disadvantage) Masters Degree

Educational Management Masters Degree

Educational Psychology Doctorate

Employee Assistance Diploma

Executive Masters Degree

Executive (Business Administration) Masters Degree

Geographic Information Systems) Diploma

Higher Education (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) Certificate

Humanities Certificate

Industrial Relations/Human Resources Degree

Information Technology Diploma

Intercultural Studies Masters Degree

Interdisciplinary Studies Certificate

International Relations Masters Degree

IT in Education Masters Degree

IT Management Degree

Law Degree

Legal Studies Diploma

Management & Employee Relations Diploma

Management & Law Degree

Modern History Masters Degree

Non-Directive Play Therapy Masters Degree

Payroll Management Diploma

Philosophy Doctorate

Policy Analysis Diploma

Policy Analysis Masters Degree

Project Management Diploma

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Masters Degree

Psychology Degree

Public Management Degree

Public Management Diploma

Public Management Masters Degree

Public Service Management Diploma

School Psychology Doctorate

Social Science Data Analysis Summer Course

Sociology, History & Literature Degree

Supervisory Management (IMI) Degree

Systemic Organisation & Management Masters Degree

Training & Development Certificate

2002

Course Name Qualification

Autism (Pupils) Masters Degree

Barrister-at-Law Degree

Business Administration Masters Degree

Business Studies Certificate

Business Studies Degree

Business Studies Diploma

Certified Payroll Technician Certificate

Civil Service HR Management Practice Certificate

Communications & Cultural Science Masters Degree

Computer Applications & E-Commerce Certificate

Computer Applications Accs (HETAC) Certificate

Computer Science Degree

Economics & Sociology Doctorate

Education Doctorate

Educational Leadership Doctorate

Educational Management Masters Degree

Educational Psychology Doctorate

Equality/Diversity Studies Certificate

Executive Masters Degree

First Line Management/Supervision Diploma

Higher Education (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) Certificate

History Doctorate

History, Film Studies, Archaeology & Politics Degree

Human Resource Strategies Masters Degree

Information Systems Degree

Information Technology Diploma

Intercultural Studies Diploma

Irish Applied Diploma

Legal Studies Diploma

Management & Employee Relations Certificate

Management & Law Degree

Management and Employee Relations Diploma

Managing Change Certificate

Mathematics Doctorate

Non-Directive Play Therapy Masters Degree

Non-Formal Guidance Doctorate

Philosophy Doctorate

Professional Legal Studies Certificate

Project Management Diploma

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Masters Degree

Psychology Degree

Public Administration Masters Degree

Public Management Certificate

Public Management Degree

Public Management Diploma

Public Management Masters Degree

Social Sciences (Introduction) Degree

Sociology, History & Literature Degree

Spanish Certificate

Supervisory Management Certificate

Systemic Management & Organisation Degree

Systemic Organisation & Management Masters Degree

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

760 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by her Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in her Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29407/05]

Since 1 January 2003 the Department of Education and Science spent €888.70 on briefcases. The amount refunded to staff in respect of purchases of briefcases in this period was €888.70. The number of staff who received briefcases and received refunds for the briefcases they purchased was seven. The largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase was €150.00.

Paul McGrath

Question:

761 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in her Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29422/05]

Some 20 personal digital assistants have been provided to staff in the Department. The total cost was €5,073, including VAT. The cost of the most expensive PDA was €361, including VAT. The devices were issued on a limited basis to the Secretary General, members of the management advisory committee, ministerial staff and IT support personnel.

Personal digital assistants are not allocated as a matter of course. A request for a PDA must be supported by a business case approved by the head of the relevant business unit. The request is then assessed by the IT unit and either granted or refused.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

762 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in each general service and department grade in her Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the Chief Medical Officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29437/05]

The Department of Finance issues instructions to all Departments from time to time on the arrangements for sick leave for civil servants. Instances of sick leave for officers within my Department are monitored in accordance with such instructions and, where necessary, the advice of the chief medical officer is sought in individual cases.

The welfare and recovery of an officer on sick leave is always of primary consideration and value for money considerations are not necessarily appropriate in the context of the health of an officer. In some cases where an officer is out on long-term sick leave, arrangements are made for acting-ups to cover an officer's absence and temporary clerical assistance is engaged.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

763 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29460/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

764 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if she has satisfied herself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29475/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 763 and 764 together.

This company was appointed by the Department in 2002. The appointment was as a result of a tender competition. It was appointed to provide consultancy assistance and advice on the implementation of a new financial management information system. The contract was completed on time during 2003 at a total cost of €99,950 and I am satisfied that value for money was achieved. The Department was billed monthly in arrears.

Question No. 765 answered with QuestionNo. 747.

Schools Evaluation.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

766 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluation reports and the number of subject inspection reports she will carry out in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29543/05]

In the first half of 2005 there were 141 whole-school evaluations of primary schools. A further 130 whole-school evaluations are planned at primary level for the rest of 2005.

At post-primary level there were 21 whole school evaluations in the first half of 2005. A further 32 evaluations are planned for the remainder of the year. There were 399 subject inspections at post-primary level in the first half of 2005, with a further 342 subject inspections planned for the rest of the year.

It is expected that the total number of whole-school evaluations at primary and post-primary level will be of the order of 300 in 2006 and the number of the subject inspections at post-primary level will be in the order of 700 in 2006.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

767 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if, with regard to the special needs of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and in view of the fact that the parents have sourced a school outside of the State, the funding which is available in the USA or Britain to assist the family to get the child educated as these facilities are not available here. [29550/05]

I assure the Deputy that I am most anxious that children with disabilities should have their educational needs addressed within the jurisdiction. Decisions to place children in facilities outside the State have only been taken in exceptional circumstances and would usually have arisen because of the very specialised educational or health care-medical needs of the children involved.

As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently, and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports.

My Department officials have been informed by the NCSE that the matter has been referred to the local special educational needs organiser, SENO. The SENO is currently examining the issues raised by the Deputy and will be in direct contact with the relevant parties in the near future.

Defence Forces Property.

Pat Breen

Question:

768 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 294 of 28 June 2005 and 503 of 28 September 2005, if he will consider allocating the premises presently occupied by the FCA (details supplied) in County Clare to the local Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28694/05]

The property in question comprises a site of approximately 0.6 acres, together with a dilapidated prefabricated structure. The property was vacated by the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, in March 2004 on health and safety grounds. A Portacabin on the site is currently used for storage. As it is not feasible to refurbish the prefabricated structure, it has been decided to offer the site for sale on the open market. The local RDF unit will occupy the former Garda station with effect from next week and will require use of that entire premises. I regret, therefore, that it will not be possible to meet the requirements of the local Red Cross.

Benchmarking Awards.

Noel Grealish

Question:

769 Mr. Grealish asked the Minister for Defence the cost of implementing benchmarking for maintenance workers in the Defence Forces; the reason money was paid out (details supplied); if he has received a report revealing that maintenance work could have been carried out more cost-effectively had outside contractors been utilised; the absenteeism rate amongst craftworkers, clerks and storekeepers employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/05]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the civilian personnel employed in building maintenance work at military installations throughout the country. I should explain that under the Sustaining Progress agreement the application of pay increases arising under the benchmarking process to employees in the State sector requires the approval of the relevant performance verification group, PVG, for that sector.

With regard to the civilian personnel engaged in building maintenance, the PVG decided that the payment of the benchmarking pay increases was warranted in the case of these employees. Progress has been made in a number of areas in recent years, including the introduction of work sheets for employees engaged in building maintenance and the implementation of the performance management and development system, PMDS, for all civilian personnel.

The cost of implementing the benchmarking pay increases for approximately 550 civilian employees involved in building maintenance at military installations is estimated at €5 million for the period from 1 December 2001 to 31 December 2005.

The Deputy also refers to a report regarding maintenance work in his question. I have not received any such report. However, outside contractors have been used to an increasing extent over recent years for building maintenance work and that trend is likely to continue.

The statistics requested by the Deputy on the absenteeism rate for the specified grades are contained in the following tabular statement.

No. of days absence due to sick leave in 2004

No. of available work days

Average no. in Grade 2004

Absenteeism Rate*

Grade

Craft Worker

7,345

230

335.5

9.52

Storekeeper

1,906

230

87.5

9.47

Clerks

1,724

230

87.0

8.62

* Absenteeism Rate: Number of days absence due to sick leave in 2004 (divided by number of employees multiplied by the total number of work days available). The result is then multiplied by 100. This is the standard method of calculating absenteeism rates.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

770 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29303/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

771 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29318/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 770 and 771 together.

No payments of the type referred to by the Deputy, overtime, additional allowances or ex gratia payments, were made to staff who work in my Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their attendance at work before or after normal hours.

Paul McGrath

Question:

772 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/05]

The information requested by the Deputy is listed in the following table.

Grade

No. of Overtime Days Earned during Leave Year

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

Total

Cleaner

2.5

2.5

5

Telephonist

1

1

Clerical Officer

7

10.5

1

1

19.5

Staff Officer

6.5

5.5

1

13

Executive Officer

4.5

8.5

1

14

Higher Executive Officer

12

1

4.5

17.5

Total

33.5

28

5.5

3

70

With regard to civilian employees, the total number of hours of compensatory leave granted since June 2002 was 4,252 hours.

Grade

Number of hours

Craftsmen

2,094.25

General Operatives

1,134

Storekeepers

63.25

Craft Chargehand

111

Barrack Foremen of Work

603

Riggers

161

Civilian Clerk

47.5

Messenger

38

Total

4,252.00

Paul McGrath

Question:

773 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29348/05]

The office of the chief medical officer for the Civil Service provides high quality medical advice and an occupational health service to my Department. The sick leave papers of staff are referred to that office from time to time as necessary. Personnel files are also released to staff of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on request for audit purposes.

Personal information relating to any member of staff in this Department is not released to third parties, banks, insurance companies, solicitors etc., without the express permission of the employee concerned.

Paul McGrath

Question:

774 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29363/05]

Three higher executive officers from my Department, one in 2003 and two in 2004, were successful candidates in the competition held by the Public Appointments Service for acceptance onto the masters programme in public policy analysis, a two year full-time programme delivered by the Institute of Public Administration in association with the faculty of commerce, UCD. The first year is a full time academic year and in the second year, candidates undertake a major evaluation project identified by my Department in co-operation with the centre for organisation and management of the Department of Finance and the Institute of Public Administration.

Candidates who are allocated a place on the programme are appointed to temporary supernumerary positions at assistant principal level on an acting basis. Upon satisfactory completion of the programme, candidates are assigned to a posting at assistant principal level to undertake work in public policy analysis.

Paul McGrath

Question:

775 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29378/05]

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

Night /Evening courses undertaken by staff 2005

No. applied for refund

Value of refund expected to be made in 2005

No. granted approval but did not subsequently apply for refund

Civil Service Staff

16

21,120

2

Civilian Employee Staff

5

8,624

Nil

Military Personnel

35

70,000

Nil

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

776 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29393/05]

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

Proportion of Training Budget spent on refund for night time and weekend study

2003

2004

2005

Civil Service Staff

14.8%

10.2%

8.2%

Civilian Employee Staff

8.6%

7.9%

5.7%

Details with regard to members of the Defence Forces are not readily available. The military authorities are compiling the information and I will write to the Deputy with the details as soon as possible.

A list of courses funded by my Department in the past three years is provided. Details with regard to the Defence Forces are not readily available. I will include these when I write to the Deputy.

Night Time and weekend study courses funded by the Department of Defence.

Civil Service Staff

Diploma in Irish, Diploma in French, BA Business Studies, Accounting Technician, BA Politics and Health Supervisory Management Information Systems, Certificate in IT Geographical Information Systems, Human Resource Development, Equality Studies, Counselling Mediation Studies, Neuro Linguistic Programme, Legal, Deeds of Property Property Studies.

Civilian Employee Staff

ECDL IT Computing/AUTOCAD, French Language, BA Local and Community Studies, PhD in Active Noise Control, BA in History and Sociology, Mediation Skills, Training Diploma in Purchasing and Materials Management, MA in Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

Paul McGrath

Question:

777 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/05]

My Department expended €1079.09 on nine briefcases during the period 6 June 2002 to date. The largest amount paid in respect of a briefcase was €158.26. No refunds were made to staff in respect of the purchase of briefcases during the period in question.

Details in respect of briefcases purchased by the Defence Forces are not available.

Paul McGrath

Question:

778 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29423/05]

The number of personal digital assistants purchased by my Department is three, each costing €400. Two are currently on issue to staff, one to the Secretary General and one to an assistant secretary, with a backup device held by ICT personnel for support and development. Such devices are not issued as a matter of course but only on instruction from the highest levels and where a business case exists.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

779 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in each general service and department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29438/05]

There are no staff in my Department in respect of whom the exemptions referred to by the Deputy apply.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

780 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29461/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

781 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29476/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 780 and 781 together.

No payments were made by the Department of Defence to the companies mentioned by the Deputy.

Local Authority Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

782 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the staffing cap on the provision of local authority services in new areas of population, specifically Dublin 15, where the Government is encouraging intense development of new homes. [29128/05]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

823 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the employment embargo placed upon local authorities will be lifted to enable the employment of staff to administer the rental assistance supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29541/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 782 and 823 together.

The cap on local authority staffing levels arises from a Government decision of December 2002 to cap public service numbers at the existing authorised level and to reduce numbers by 5,000 across all sectors by the end of 2005. The number of local authority staff is to be reduced by 1,000 over that period. Local authorities were informed of the reduction required in the overall local government sector over the three-year period 2003 to 2005. This requirement is borne in mind when local authorities apply to the Department for the approval of additional posts. The general position is monitored by the Department on a quarterly basis. Each county and city manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. The Department is keeping the overall position under review with regard to the employment demands of each local authority.

Departmental Expenditure.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

783 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) since 1997; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of controls applied in the procurement process; and if value for money has been achieved. [29567/05]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

820 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29462/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 820 together.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government paid the company concerned €5,929 in 2002, €16,284.58 in 2003, €8,939.87 in 2004 and €10,285 in 2005. The company provides a database of research material relating to information and communications technology and business. The contract with Gartner allows staff to access and download independent advice on various topics including information technology, e-Government, project management and business and ICT strategies. The information is used to develop strategies, prepare tenders, select technologies and solve ICT problems. It also allows ICT staff in the Department to keep abreast of the latest advances in ICT. It is considered to have provided value for money to date. The fixed-price one-year contract is reviewed at renewal time each year.

Local Authority Housing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

784 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made in relation to the redevelopment of flats (details supplied) in Dublin 2; the budget he plans to allocate to such redevelopment; the discussions he has had with Dublin City Council in relation to the flats; the length of time for the redevelopment; when the redevelopment will be completed; the arrangements which will be made for current residents of the flats during the redevelopment of their individual units and blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28605/05]

Dublin City Council has submitted a preliminary report to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, outlining the regeneration proposals for the Charlemont Street flats, including the Tom Kelly flats complex. As it is a preliminary report, the matter requires detailed consideration, by the Department in consultation with Dublin City Council, of the nature and extent of the proposed refurbishment and how it should be implemented in the most cost effective manner. The examination is being advanced by the Department and a decision will be conveyed to Dublin City Council as soon as possible. The question of committing funding to the outline proposals does not arise at this stage.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

David Stanton

Question:

785 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request to provide funding to upgrade the water supply in Youghal and to upgrade the pipe network in the town; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that water has been turned off during July and August 2005 in Youghal, County Cork, at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28646/05]

The Youghal water supply scheme was eleventh in the list of water and sewerage schemes for the 2007-12 period that was submitted by Cork County Council for its southern division in response to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's request to all local authorities to undertake fresh assessments of the need for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The assessments were taken into account in the framing of the water services investment programme 2004-06, which was published in May 2004. Given the rating afforded to the scheme by the council, it was not possible to include it in the programme.

Town Status.

Bernard Allen

Question:

786 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding plans to grant town status to Glanmire, County Cork, and allow it to form a district council. [28650/05]

The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins the programme of local government renewal. The Act takes account of the recommendations of Towards Cohesive Local Government — Town and County, which is the 1996 report of the reorganisation commission on improved accessibility, interaction and linkages for non-local authority towns within county council areas. The report concluded, inter alia, that the widespread creation of new town authorities was neither warranted nor feasible and recommended that only towns with a population of 7,500 or over be eligible for consideration. Accordingly, section 185 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides, inter alia, that qualified electors of a town having a population of at least 7,500 as ascertained at the last preceding census and not having a town council may make a proposal for the establishment of such a council. I understand Glanmire would not fall within the required population threshold.

Local Authority By-Laws.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

787 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce by-laws for a park (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in view of the fact that there has been a huge increase in anti-social behaviour taking place in the park and the staff and Garda have requested same. [28651/05]

I have no powers to make the by-laws proposed. The operational management of sites, including the provision of necessary security, is a matter for the Office of Public Works. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will have discussions with the OPW with a view to proposing appropriate legislative provisions for the management of historic properties.

Waste Management.

John Gormley

Question:

788 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in signing the contract for the incinerator in Ringsend, which has been awarded to a company (details supplied); if he will confirm that this is mass burn technology; when this contract will be signed as requested by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28653/05]

The plant in question is a waste to energy plant. It is being procured by Dublin City Council on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities in accordance with their joint waste management plan. The plan provides for energy recovery as part of an integrated approach to waste management in the region in which thermal treatment will deal with the residue after maximum prevention, recycling and recovery. The specification for the proposed plant is consistent with the requirements for thermal treatment of waste identified in An Agreed Programme for Government. As the envisaged procurement of the plant is by way of public private partnership, the role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the matter is to ensure compliance with public policy on public private partnership procurement. Following submissions from Dublin City Council and consultation with the National Development Finance Agency, the necessary certification of compliance has been issued. It is a matter for Dublin City Council to enter into resulting contractual arrangements.

Nuclear Safety.

Phil Hogan

Question:

789 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the existence of a nuclear safety section in his Department; the terms of reference; the number of staff and the grade in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28691/05]

The nuclear safety section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has the important mandate, as when it operated previously from the Department of Public Enterprise, of leading the development of national policy, legislation and regulation in respect of nuclear safety; participating in international co-operation arrangements at EU and other international levels for nuclear safety; representing Ireland in the further development of the arrangements; co-ordinating and implementing action by Ireland, including legal actions, against the risks posed to Ireland by nuclear operations in other jurisdictions, particularly by the Sellafield plant; and supporting the work of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. Since the transfer of the responsibilities to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in June 2002, the nuclear safety section has operated within the Department's environment division, which comprises one principal officer, three assistant principal officers, one administrative officer, two higher executive officers, one executive officer, one staff officer and two clerical officers.

Recycling Policy.

Tony Gregory

Question:

790 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of his Environment 2002 policy statement on recycling, assistance will be available to persons or groups in the community to progress projects which would have a public educational value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28697/05]

The Local Agenda 21 environmental partnership fund scheme promotes sustainable development by assisting, at a local level, environmental awareness projects which involve partnership arrangements between local authorities and local community groups, schools and environmental non-governmental organisations. The scheme is co-funded on a 50-50 basis by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the local authorities. Since the scheme was introduced in 1997, the Department has contributed €1,910,409 to 1,055 projects funded under the scheme. The level of funding and the number of projects assisted has increased each year, with 208 projects receiving assistance in 2004. Many of the successful projects have recycling and waste awareness as their theme. As in previous years, projects under the 2005 scheme, which was announced in September 2005, are encouraged to support the objectives of the Department's waste awareness campaign, Race Against Waste. Local authorities are asked to give priority to projects which supported Local Agenda 21, a multifaceted blueprint for sustainable local communities that are economically strong, socially inclusive and environmentally friendly.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jack Wall

Question:

791 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide grants for individual sewerage systems, upgrading of existing septic tanks to modern systems and group sewerage systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28741/05]

Although there are no proposals to introduce grants for the provision or improvement of single house sewage disposal systems, grants of up to €2,031 per house are available from county councils where two or more householders form a group sewerage scheme by providing a common or shared sewage collection and disposal system. As I indicated in response to Question No. 331 of 5 October 2005, the outcome of a pilot scheme in Tipperary to test a range of new small scale waste water collection and treatment systems under Irish conditions will inform any review of the level of group sewerage scheme grants.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

792 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the proposed guidelines on the designation of public safety zones at the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/05]

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is preparing draft guidelines for planning authorities on public safety zones at State airports. It is hoped to issue the guidelines for consultation with the relevant bodies by the end of the year.

Planning Issues.

Pat Breen

Question:

793 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the purchase notice provisions contained in section 29 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1963 were omitted from the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29037/05]

The compensation provisions under the planning code were revised and consolidated in Part XII of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Changes were made to reflect experience since 1963 and the significant amendments made in 1990. In that context, it was decided that the little used provision for purchase notices was outdated and should be repealed. That position is reflected in the legislation enacted by the Oireachtas in 2000.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

794 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has given guidance to local authorities regarding the practice of requiring the establishment and employment of estate management companies in new developments as a mandatory condition of planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29139/05]

Under section 34(4)(i) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may, when granting planning permission, impose a condition for the maintenance or management of the proposed development, including the establishment of a company or the appointment of a person or body of persons to carry out such maintenance or management. Such conditions are not mandatory. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has not issued guidelines to planning authorities in respect of this matter nor does it collect statistics relating to how local authorities are carrying out this particular function.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

795 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his motives for abstaining on two votes at European level at the end of 2004, leading to the approval in August 2005 of the importation of Monsanto’s patented GT73 oilseed rape seeds for use as animal feed. [29228/05]

Ireland was among a number of member states who abstained on the proposal at the meeting of the regulatory committee for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC on 16 June 2004. At that meeting, our abstention had regard to the long-standing positive but precautionary approach to modern biotechnology endorsed by successive Governments; the favourable opinion available on the product from the Environmental Protection Agency as Irish competent authority for the purposes of the directive, following the agency's consultations with other relevant State agencies; and consideration of the product within my Department.

At the Environment Council of 20 December 2004, Ireland was again among a number of member states who abstained on the proposal. Our abstention on that occasion again had regard to the long-standing positive but precautionary approach to modern biotechnology endorsed by successive Governments; the favourable opinion available to me on the product from the Environmental Protection Agency as Irish competent authority for the purposes of the directive, following the agency's consultations with other relevant State agencies; and the previous consideration of the product within my Department. It also had regard to the views of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government and the outcome of the earlier discussion of, and vote on, the product at the June meeting of the regulatory committee.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

796 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on concerns regarding the contamination of Irish farmland through spillage of GT73 live genetically modified seeds. [29229/05]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

797 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the potential for legal disputes, in view of the appearance of the trade related intellectual property agreements to assign possession of crops contaminated with patented genetically modified genes to the patent owner, Monsanto. [29230/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 796 and 797 together.

The product in question, genetically modified oilseed rape GT73, was authorised by the European Commission on 31 August 2005 for importation into the European Community for use as animal feed and for industrial use. The authorisation did not include cultivation. I am advised that oilseed rape imported into this country is processed prior to its importation by crushing and having its oil extracted. This minimises the possibility of live seed entering the environment.

In so far as the TRIPs agreement is concerned, this falls within the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and obliges WTO member states to provide patent protection for any invention in all fields of technology. However, I understand that the grant of a patent confers only a civil right on the patent owner to prevent others from doing what is claimed in the patent and grants no right to its owner to make use of his or her invention. The TRIPs agreement does not contain any specific provision on contamination of crops by patented genetic material.

Housing Grants.

David Stanton

Question:

798 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review of the operation of the disabled persons housing grant began in his Department; when the review will be completed and the results published; if there will be changes to the operation of the scheme in time for Budget 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29231/05]

The review of the disabled persons grant scheme, which was first signalled in March 2003, is being finalised in my Department. On its completion, it will be possible to determine the changes, if any, required to the regulations governing the scheme to ensure that the funding available is directed at those persons in greatest need of such assistance. The future funding of the scheme will be included in the outcome of the review and will be addressed by the Government in that context.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Question:

799 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the sewerage scheme at Adare, County Limerick will be upgraded. [29232/05]

The Adare-Patrickswell sewerage scheme is approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006. My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's contract documents for the scheme for approval. Once the contract documents are approved the council will be in a position to invite tenders for the construction of the scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

800 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the start date for the main drainage scheme in Enniscorthy. [29255/05]

Phase 3 of the Enniscorthy main drainage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 at an estimated cost of €13.2 million. Construction of the scheme is expected to commence in 2007. My Department is currently awaiting additional information requested from Wexford County Council to enable the Department to finalise its examination of the council's preliminary report for the scheme. Once the preliminary report has been approved the council will be in a position to prepare contract documents.

EU Directives.

Seán Haughey

Question:

801 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department makes advice available to retailers and producers in relation to the WEEE directive; if a company (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be advised as to its obligations under this directive in view of the fact that this company imports the raw materials to produce cables and connectors used in television broadcasting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29256/05]

The regulations transposing the EU directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE, in the State impose obligations on persons who supply electrical and electronic equipment to the Irish market. They are based on the principle of producer responsibility and apply to producers who manufacture and sell electrical and electronic equipment, EEE, under their own brand; resell EEE produced by other suppliers under their own brand; import EEE on a professional basis into the State; or export EEE on a professional basis. Those manufacturing EEE products intended for the Irish market should determine in advance whether the products which they place on the Irish market are within the scope of the directive. The directive relates to EEE products and not raw materials for the manufacture of such products. Some EEE products do not fall within the scope of the directive and an EU guidance document on this is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. My Department will also be pleased to provide advice and assistance on this matter.

Election Management System.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

802 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amounts paid to date in respect of the storage of electronic voting machines; if he will give a breakdown of the recipients in each case and the amount paid; if his Department has begun a process of attempting to buy out leases in respect of agreements entered into by returning officers for the storage of such equipment; the estimated likely cost of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29257/05]

Information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage cost, including rental, insurance, service charges, rates etc., for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment is some €696,000; details provided by returning officers in respect of ownership of premises and annual rental costs are set out in the following table. Payments to returning officers in respect of their electoral duties are made by the Department of Finance from the central fund. While I have requested my Department to examine the question of central storage for the voting machines and ancillary equipment, no process to buy out leases entered into by returning officers has been initiated. It would not be appropriate to comment at this stage on likely costs that might be involved with such a process given the commercial considerations involved.

Constituency

Owner of Storage Premises

Annual Rental Costs € (incl. VAT)

Carlow-Kilkenny

Matthew and Teresa Cleary

23,595

Cavan-Monaghan

Martin Duffy

20,328

Clare

Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Tony Mulqueen.

3,600

Cork City

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harvey

30,492

Cork County

Michael O’Driscoll

19,360

Donegal

Niall McIvors, Secure Storage

10,564

Dublin City

Brendan and Cara Walsh

42,350

Dublin County

John Fitzpatrick and Kevin McGarry

33,880

Galway

Voting machines stored in courthouse

Nil

Kerry

John Dillane

21,175

Kildare

J & D O’Brien

19,360

Laois-Offaly

KG Warehousing Ltd.

24,200

Limerick

Ashling Microsystems

51,188

Longford

Returning Officer has requested that this information not be released publicly for security reasons

12,100

Roscommon

Gerry Kelly

6,000

Louth

Dundalk Town Council

Nil

Mayo

Joseph Togher

25,410

Meath

Paul McDonnell

14,496

Sligo

Voting machines stored in courthouse

Nil

Leitrim

Voting machines stored in courthouse. Premises for ancillary equipment owned by Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre

3,000

Tipperary (N&S)

Nicholas Delehanty

24,200

Waterford

Johnstown Properties Ltd.

50,820

Westmeath

Peadar Conlon

15,972

Wexford

McGuinness Enterprises Ltd.

12,096

Wicklow

Telhurst Ltd.

38,000

Total

502,186

Local Authority Housing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

803 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the current rules covering the tenant purchase scheme to exclude the price of the site where the tenant was originally provided the site for the construction of the local authority house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29259/05]

The terms of the current tenant purchase scheme provide that, where the site of a dwelling has been provided to a housing authority for a nominal sum, the sale price should be reduced accordingly for the tenant purchaser.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

804 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the appointment of consultants for a project (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29260/05]

The west Roscommon regional water supply scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2004-2006 as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department has approved Roscommon County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a preliminary report for the scheme and the submission of this report to the Department is now awaited.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

805 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the execution of the pilot rental supplement scheme projects, the issues that have arisen which will prompt further consideration of and amendments to the rental supplement scheme prior to the roll-out of the scheme to all housing authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29261/05]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

806 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households that have been transferred from the community welfare supplement scheme to the new rental supplement scheme within the pilot project areas; if the roll-out of the rental supplement scheme to all housing authorities will commence within the timeframe envisaged originally; the level of satisfaction which has been communicated to him by both those participating in the scheme and those administering it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29262/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 806 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 175 of 29 September and Questions Nos. 536 and 557 of 4 October where I outlined the main actions to date in implementing the rental accommodation scheme, RAS. Under this scheme announced by the Government in July 2004, local authorities will over a four-year period progressively assume responsibility for accommodating supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, rent supplement recipients of 18 months or more continuous duration with a long-term housing need. The RAS is a collaborative project between my Department, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, local authorities and the community welfare service. Implementation of the scheme is being monitored closely and monthly progress reports are being prepared by the programme managers employed to co-ordinate the roll-out of the scheme by the local authorities.

Later this year an interim independent evaluation of the operation of the new arrangements for implementing RAS will be carried out. The evaluation will consider any further measures required to ensure the effectiveness of the roll out of the scheme. Where any additional details or amendments emerge in the light of the evaluation that impinge on the rent supplement scheme these will be brought to the attention of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Roll-out of the RAS commenced in an initial group of lead authorities, namely Dublin, Galway and Limerick city councils, south Dublin, Donegal, Offaly-Westmeath county councils, and Drogheda Borough Council. Cork city and county councils and South Tipperary County Council are now implementing the RAS. All local authorities are due to implement the new arrangements during 2005.

The first transfers to the RAS occurred in September 2005. Some 31 households have transferred from the SWA rent supplement scheme in the Galway City Council. It is estimated that a further 300 households will transfer to the RAS later this month, the majority of which will be in the Dublin city, Galway city and south Dublin county council areas.

First indications from the various agencies involved to the RAS have been generally positive. A number of seminars have been held in the lead local authorities to inform accommodation providers of the new scheme and receive their views. In addition, my Department has engaged the housing unit to arrange a series of information seminars, commencing in early November, to focus on the background to the establishment of the scheme and the policy and implementation issues currently facing implementing local authorities, community welfare service and the Departments concerned. These seminars will provide a vehicle for further feedback on the roll-out of the RAS.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Billy Timmins

Question:

807 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difficulty being experienced by purchasers of affordable housing under section 9 or 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 who wish to change their mortgage from the local authority to a financial institution, as the claw-back concept is attached to the mortgage and not the property; if he has received representations on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29263/05]

Houses sold under the various affordable housing schemes at a discount from market value contain a claw-back provision which is necessary to ensure that there is no short term profiteering on the resale of a house. In the traditional circumstances where local authorities were the sole supplier of mortgage finance for affordable housing, authorities registered the claw-back as a charge on the mortgage deed or, in the case of shared ownership transactions, inserted it as a clause or condition in the lease. This allowed them, as the lender, readily to enforce the claw-back. Two of the main financial institutions are now introducing schemes of mortgage financing for persons who wish to access affordable housing.

Following extensive discussions with my Department, agreement was reached with these institutions on the rankings of the various charges, which included provision for a claw-back as a charge on the property, in the context of implementing the new mortgage products. Discussions are under way with several other leading private lenders with a view to initiating similar products. Since the introduction of these mortgage products, I have received representations regarding the difficulties being encountered by persons wishing to re-mortgage with the private lenders. It is reasonable for a local authority to allow re-mortgage through a private lender provided the claw-back provision is fully protected; and it would be a matter for the local authority in such cases to ensure that the claw-back can be imposed as provided for in legislation. However, with a view to achieving a widely agreed solution for this kind of case, my Department is in communication with the private lenders about standardising arrangements. I hope that these would be finalised urgently and put in place as soon as possible.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

808 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the preliminary report received from Galway County Council for a project (details supplied) in County Galway will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29264/05]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1386 of 28 September 2005.

Sports and Recreational Facilities.

Jack Wall

Question:

809 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any local authority in County Kildare has applied for the proposed skateboard park grant as promised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29265/05]

Earlier this year, I announced an initiative for the provision of a number of skateboard facilities nationwide. Each city and county council was invited by my Department to submit expressions of interest for grant assistance towards the provision of a skateboard park in its area. The closing date for receipt of applications from local authorities was 15 July 2005. City and county councils responded positively to this new initiative and the proposals submitted are at an advanced stage of consideration. Kildare County Council submitted one application in respect of Newbridge sports and leisure centre. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the successful projects shortly.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

810 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the rates of overtime or additional allowances payable to staff who work in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29304/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

811 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amounts of ex gratia payments made to staff in his Department’s press office in respect of persons being on call and their additional attendance at work before or after normal hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 811 together.

On-call allowances are not paid to staff in my Department's press office. Payments for additional attendance to staff in my Department's press office are in accordance with the Department of Finance circular 27/99 dealing with extra attendance, which is available on www.codpearsanra.gov.ie.

Paul McGrath

Question:

812 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of compensatory leave granted or due to be granted to staff in his Department; the individuals to whom they were granted in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29334/05]

My Department operates in accordance with the conditions governing extra attendance as set out in Department of Finance circular 27/99 for overtime grades. This circular provides for the payment of overtime or time off in lieu for authorised extra attendance. Since January 2005, 260 days have been taken by such staff as time in lieu.

A time and attendance scheme operates for administrative staff up to and including assistant principal officer in the Department's main offices and is monitored centrally. In September, 67% of staff on this system carried forward in excess of 3.5 hours which can be taken as leave in the next four week period.

A considerable number of the Department's serving staff operate from local offices and when required to work outside normal hours avail of time off in lieu. The arrangements are managed locally and centralised data are not maintained in relation to them.

Paul McGrath

Question:

813 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the personnel files of staff in his Department have been copied or given to external parties; if so, the safeguards which have been put in place to ensure that no personal data of any member of staff in his Department will be released to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29349/05]

Staff personal files are treated as confidential by my Department and are referred outside the Department only for the purpose of providing information to the chief medical officer, as appropriate. My Department is examining ways to improve record management and, in that context, is giving preliminary consideration to the scanning of files in its corporate services division. To scope this work, a small sample of data were recently given to a company for test scanning. Prior safeguards were sought and obtained from the company that the confidentiality of this data would be rigorously protected.

Paul McGrath

Question:

814 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department to whom leave of absence, or any other absence from normal duties or place of work, in excess of two months was granted for educational purposes in any year since 2002; the nature of the educational course undertaken in each case; if there are terms or conditions relating to academic achievement attached to the granting of such leave; if personnel who were granted such leave failed to complete their courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29364/05]

Six officers have been selected to participate in a two year masters programme for public policy analysis since 2002. Two have successfully completed the course and four are currently participating in the scheme. For the duration of the course participants are appointed as assistant principal officers on an acting basis and on successful completion of the course, they are appointed in a substantive capacity in that grade. Applicants are nominated by the Department and interviewed by the Public Appointments Service, PAS.

Staff can avail of the career break scheme for educational purposes and eight staff are currently on career break for this purpose. It is not a requirement of the scheme to provide details of the courses to be pursued and in the circumstances such details are not available.

Paul McGrath

Question:

815 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff who applied for a refund of course fees in respect of courses undertaken at night or evenings; the value of refunds expected to be made by his Department in 2005; the number of staff to whom approval to attend a course was granted in the last academic year but did not subsequently apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/05]

Paul McGrath

Question:

816 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proportion of his Department’s training budget that is spent on refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses; the list of all courses funded by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29394/05]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 815 and 816 together.

My Department's training and development strategy 2004-09 aims to support the process of ongoing learning for staff. In support of this, my Department operates a scheme whereby staff can have their fees paid in full or in part at the beginning of the academic year for their attendance at courses that are relevant and beneficial to both staff and the work of the Department.

In 2005 my Department will spend approximately 17% of its training budget on payments-refunds to staff in respect of night-time or weekend study courses. Details of applications and projected payments for 2005 are set out in the following table.

Academic year 2005-06

No. of Applications Received

Value of Projected Payments in 2005

69

€124,000

Of the staff who received approval to attend courses in the academic year 2004-05, six did not apply for a refund. A list of courses funded in this way by my Department since 2003 is as follows: accounting technician; advanced Internet techniques; advanced ECDL; AITI, professional tax exams; Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Business Studies; Bachelor of Technology — computing; behaviour — assertiveness personal development; BSc in Engineering; BSc in Environmental Studies; BSc in Computing Science; BSc in Rural Development; BSc in Natural Sciences; Business Management; Certificate in Biodiversity Components in Forestry; Certificate in Business Law; Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies; Certificate in Communication Skills; Certificate in Counselling Skills; Certificate in Field Ecology; Certificate in Health and Safety; Certificate in Management Development; Certificate in Managing Change; Certificate in Professional Competence in Road Haulage; Certificate in Psychology; certified Cisco systems; Chartered Institute of Management Accountants — CIMA exams; Cleachtas sa Dátheangachas; Coastal Zone Management; Community Arts for Community Development; Computer Applications; Cúrsa Diplóma sa Ghaeilge; Digital Photography; Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment; Diploma in Accounting and Finance; Diploma in Arbitration; Diploma in Business Studies; Diploma in Field Ecology; Diploma in Geographical Information Systems; Diploma in Human Resources; Diploma in Legal Studies; Diploma in Management and Employee Relations; Diploma in Psychology; ECDL; Foundations in Law; Franchise; General Science; Higher Diploma in Computers; Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management; Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis; Higher Diploma in Public Management; Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning; Human Resource Management and Employment Law; Information Technology; Introduction to Social Sciences; Irish; Irish Taxation Institute Associate exams; JEB Teacher Diploma in IT skills; Foreign Language Training; Legal Studies; LLB; MA in Archaeology and Heritage Management; MA in Business Studies; MA in Environmental Protection; MA in Human Resource Management; MA in International Relations; MA in Public Management; MA in Strategic Management and Planning; MBA; Microsoft Office User Specialist Master: MSc in Applied Computing for Technologists; MSc in Applied Ecology; MSc in Environmental Protection X 2; MSc in Science; MSc in Spatial Planning; MSc in Urban Design; PhD in Archaeology; PhD in Biological Sciences; PhD in Life and Health Sciences; Social Policy; Soft Skills Training; the Environmental Web; Theories of Race and Ethnicity: an Introduction; Town and Country Planning; and Web Design.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul McGrath

Question:

817 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29409/05]

My Department has made no purchases of briefcases this year and no refunds have been made to staff in respect of briefcases.

Paul McGrath

Question:

818 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29424/05]

Late in 2004 the Blackberry was selected as the standard PDA for use in my Department. There have been 17 Blackberry personal digital assistants provided to staff members since then at a cost of €4,028.30. The most expensive device purchased to date cost €249.01.

Blackberry personal digital assistants are issued to staff on a case by case basis subject to a recommendation by the relevant line management, usually principal officer or equivalent level, that the device is required for the efficient and effective operation of the staff member and section in question. The ICT unit of my Department controls the issuing of devices. The devices have been issued to the following grades: secretary general, one; assistant secretary general, two; principal officer, four; principal adviser, one; assistant principal officer, three; private secretary to Minister, one; press and information officer, one; higher executive officer, two; and clerical officer IT unit, two.

Departmental Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

819 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in each general service and Department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29439/05]

My Department does not operate a formal system of exemption from duties in relation to any of its staff. Its published human resources strategy seeks to promote a positive working environment based on the equal treatment of all staff while respecting their individual differences and needs. The strategy aims also to foster teamwork and collaboration and to support the achievement of work-life balance for staff. The overall objective is to develop the Department as a responsive, capable and flexible organisation in line with good human resource practice. My Department works in partnership with unions and staff to give implement these provisions of its human resources strategy and is satisfied with the effective working arrangements which these provide.

Question No. 820 answered with QuestionNo. 783.

Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

821 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid to a consultancy company (details supplied) in respect of each year since 2000; the details of each of the contracts and services provided; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if he has satisfied himself that value for money has been achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29477/05]

My Department has not engaged these consultants in any year since 2000.

Election Management System.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

822 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the modifications which have been judged necessary to overcome shortcomings in the electronic voting machines purchased; the programme of work which is required to prepare these machines for use; the estimated costs of such work; the timeframe for the work to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29540/05]

Following an open procurement process, my Department appointed consultants in July 2005 as part of a programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the electronic voting and counting system. The brief is to undertake a security and risk assessment of all aspects of the system and to devise a programme of additional testing. This is intended to address issues raised by the Commission on Electronic Voting and demonstrate that the system operates reliably, securely and accurately.

The consultancy work is under way and will be completed as soon as possible. Pending completion of the work and consideration of the outcome, it is not possible to speculate on the cost of any modifications which could arise in this regard.

Question No. 823 answered with QuestionNo. 782.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

824 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the water supply capacity in the greater Dublin area at present (details supplied); the additional water supply schemes which are either under construction, at the planning stages, or awaiting approval from his Department; if the supply capacity in the area is deemed to be sufficient to cater for the current population and for the projected increases in population over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29542/05]

The current output of the water production plants in the greater Dublin area, including Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, is approximately 560 million litres per day. A range of projects to further expand capacity is being advanced under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006. These include Kildare Wellfield development, Leixlip water treatment plant extension, Navan water supply scheme, Wicklow town water supply scheme and the expansion of the Ballymore Eustace water treatment plant. The Ballymore Eustace scheme alone will increase capacity by 66 million litres per day. In addition, the programme also includes funding to support the identification of new sources to meet projected demand in the greater Dublin area up to 2031.

Since 1996, over €55 million has been spent on ongoing water conservation works in the region to reduce unaccounted for water and water losses in the distribution system. These measures, taken together, are designed to ensure the availability of adequate water supplies to meet the needs of the greater Dublin area in the medium term.

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