Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:63 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the effect that his proposal to reduce the number of officers on overseas missions will have on the Defence Forces commitments to UN peacekeeping. [38086/05]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 12 to 50, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 51 to 62, inclusive, answered orally.
Overseas Missions.
Seán Crowe
Question:65 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the reason for his decision to propose that the number of officers on overseas missions be reduced. [38101/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the basis on which he has come to the conclusion that too many of the officer corps of the Permanent Defence Force are posted overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38211/05]
Martin Ferris
Question:69 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he intends to redeploy the officers he plans to withdraw from overseas missions. [38097/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:75 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers he intends to redeploy or withdraw from overseas missions. [38098/05]
Liz McManus
Question:87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence if he will expand on his comments at the recent RACO conference in Cavan that the long-term sustainability of the current level of commitment in terms of the number of Irish officers serving in defence missions overseas is open to question; if he is planning a review of the level of commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38166/05]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:88 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence his views on his recent assertion that the number of Defence Forces officers serving overseas is unsustainable in view of the Defence Forces domestic commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/05]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:102 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to statements by a spokesman for RACO (details supplied) that there is no need to cut the number of officers serving abroad; if he accepts the view that tighter management here, including more centralised training, would improve the overall management of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38167/05]
Seán Crowe
Question:104 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the impact on overseas missions of his plans to reduce the number of officers available. [38100/05]
Arthur Morgan
Question:114 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the overseas missions he intends to withdraw officers from, and the reason therefor. [38099/05]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:116 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of his plans to reduce the number of officers on overseas peacekeeping missions on the State’s commitments to the UN. [38094/05]
Martin Ferris
Question:117 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence his plans in relation to changes to the number of Irish officers serving on overseas missions. [38096/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 65, 67, 69, 75, 87, 88, 102, 104, 114, 116 and 117 together.
At present Ireland subscribes to the United Nations Standby Arrangements System, UNSAS, under which the State offers to provide up to 850 personnel on overseas service at any given time. Ireland's commitment under the UNSAS represents 10% of the total Army strength. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. This overall commitment is not being reviewed.
Ireland's peacekeeping activity has now grown to the point where over 140 officers are serving overseas. While this is a laudable contribution on the international stage the Minister has stated that the long-term sustainability of such a level of commitment is open to question.
The Minister, in addressing the conference, indicated that the proportion of officers within the overall UNSAS commitment of 850 would be reviewed in order to ensure that we balance our obligations to Ireland's foreign policy with our obligation to the other roles of a well-managed Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputies that any rebalancing of ranks within the overall 850 will not reduce the effectiveness of the Defence Forces contribution to Ireland's foreign policy or international peacekeeping.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:64 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if non-nationals are permitted to join the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38116/05]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:79 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-nationals who applied for enlistment in the Defence Forces in 2004; the outcome of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38114/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 79 together.
Defence Forces regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign nationals to the Defence Forces as enlisted personnel. However, for a person other than an Irish citizen to be appointed as an officer of the Defence Forces, the special approval of the Minister must be sought. In such a case, and provided that security clearance has been obtained, the Minister would normally recommend that such a person be commissioned to the Defence Forces.
The current requirements for general service enlistment are that applicants be of a particular minimum height and physical fitness; and be ordinarily resident in the State and satisfy such general and education qualifications as may be determined by the Minister for Defence.
Candidates from within the European Economic Area, EEA, and refugees have the same right to apply for general service enlistment as citizens. Candidates from outside the EEA must have three years' legal and unbroken residency, be in possession of a work permit and have security clearance.
The military authorities inform me that in 2004 eight foreign nationals applied for general service enlistment. Four of these applicants failed to attend for interview, two were unsuccessful at interview stage of the selection process and two are being processed. My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces.
Question No. 65 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Emergency Planning.
Phil Hogan
Question:66 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Office of Emergency Planning have expressed concern at the lack of funding being allocated to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38129/05]
The Office of Emergency Planning was established, following a Government decision in October 2001, as a joint civil and military office within the Department of Defence. The office functions as a branch of the Department and from within its overall annual budget allocation. The office supports the work of the Government task force on emergency planning, which is chaired by the Minister for Defence, and continues to work with Departments and other public authorities in order to ensure the best possible use of resources and compatibility between different planning requirements. A key area of activity is oversight of emergency planning, to refine and develop the arrangements that exist, to continuously improve them through review and revision, and to generally provide the basis for an increased confidence in the emergency planning process. The lead responsibility for specific emergency planning functions remains with the relevant Departments, as do budgetary, exercise programmes and resource management requirements.
The Department of Defence does not have a specific budgetary allocation for emergency planning as emergency plans are co-ordinated by the various lead Departments at a national level and through the local authorities, including the fire service, the Health Service Executive and the Garda divisions at local and regional levels.
Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Military Investigations.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:68 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Defence about the inquiry under way into allegations that a member of the Defence Forces at Rockhill Barracks, Letterkenny, County Donegal had been stealing diesel from military vehicles and replacing it with illegal laundered fuel; if a link to the fuel used to refill the vehicles and illicit fuel laundered by the Provisional IRA has been established; when the inquiry will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38165/05]
The military authorities advise that the military police investigation is still ongoing into the alleged larceny of diesel oil from military vehicles in County Donegal. It would be inappropriate to comment on the details of the investigation but it can be confirmed that a member of the Defence Forces has been interviewed in the course of the investigation. As the investigation is continuing and several lines of inquiry remain to be completed it is not possible to determine when the investigation will be concluded.
Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Departmental Investigations.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:70 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the independent review being carried out by a person (details supplied) into the interaction between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and the parents and family of Private Kevin Barrett following his death; when he expects this review to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38159/05]
Tom Hayes
Question:85 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report on the inquest into the death of Private Kevin Barrett in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38132/05]
Joan Burton
Question:96 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a copy of the transcript of the coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Private Kevin Barrett in Lebanon in 1999; if he has reviewed the transcript; if he will authorise a full independent inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38160/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 85 and 96 together.
Private Kevin Barrett died on 18 February 1999 while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon. His death was the subject of a UN board of inquiry and an Irish contingent board of inquiry as well as a military police investigation. The coroner for north west Donegal held an inquest into the death of Private Barrett from 5 to 8 September 2005. The jury returned an open verdict.
The Minister for Defence met Mrs. Barrett on 4 October 2005, accompanied by her solicitor. During the course of this meeting the Minister for Defence apologised to Mrs. Barrett and her family for the pain and suffering they had experienced since Private Barrett's tragic death. The Minister for Defence indicated to Mrs. Barrett that when he had received the transcript of the coroner's inquest, which was unavailable at the time of the meeting, he would decide what further action to take. He also gave Mrs. Barrett an undertaking to have the interaction between the Department of Defence-Defence Forces and her and Private Barrett's family reviewed by an independent person. On 28 October 2005, the Minister for Defence appointed Mr. Sean Hurley to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence-Defence Forces and parents and family of Private Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death. It is anticipated that the Minister for Defence will receive the report of the independent review before Christmas.
The Department of Defence recently received a copy of the transcript of the coroner's inquest into the death of Private Kevin Barrett, and this is currently being examined in the Department. When the Minister for Defence reviews the report on the coroner's inquest and Mr. Hurley's report on the interaction between the Department of Defence-Defence Forces and the parents and family of Private Barrett, he will decide what further action to take.
EU Battle Groups.
Trevor Sargent
Question:71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if the decision on Ireland participating in the new EU battle groups has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38208/05]
John Gormley
Question:76 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if the decision on Ireland participating in the new EU battle groups has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38198/05]
Gay Mitchell
Question:83 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if the reports commissioned to examine the feasibility of Irish participation in the EU battle groups have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/05]
Paul McGrath
Question:92 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the policy of the triple lock will have an impact on the potential involvement of the Irish Defence Forces in the EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38143/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position in regard to Ireland’s participation in EU or UN led battle groups or rapid response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38210/05]
Joe Sherlock
Question:108 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Irish participation in EU battle groups; if he has received the report of the interdepartmental group established to examine all issues relating to battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38158/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 76, 83, 92, 103 and 108 together.
The background to the rapid response elements concept, sometimes referred to as battle groups, is that at the European Council in Helsinki in 1999, member states set themselves a headline goal that by the year 2003, co-operating together and voluntarily, they will be able to deploy rapidly and then sustain forces capable of the full range of Petersberg Tasks as set out in the Amsterdam treaty. In short, these are humanitarian, rescue, peacekeeping and crisis management operations, including peacemaking. This included, inter alia, a capability to provide “rapid response elements available and deployable at very high readiness”. The ambition of the EU to be able to respond rapidly to emerging crises has and continues to be a key objective of the development of the European security and defence policy, ESDP.
Ireland supports the development of the EU's rapid response capability in support of UN authorised missions and is positively disposed towards participation in the rapid response elements in this regard. However, it is important that the full implications of our participation are assessed and, to this end, the Minister for Defence established an interdepartmental group which includes representatives of his Department, the Defence Forces, the Taoiseach's Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's office to consider the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from participation.
The Minister received the report from the indepartmental group last week and is currently reviewing it. The report deals comprehensively with a range of issues related to rapid response elements-battle groups and also issues arising in the context of overseas service by the Defence Forces generally. Once the Minister has had an opportunity to consider the matter he plans to consult his colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with a view to bringing proposals to the Government as to how we then proceed. In advance of the Government having had the opportunity to consider the issue, it would be inappropriate to comment on the relevant actions which may be taken pursuant to the group's report.
Departmental Expenditure.
Olwyn Enright
Question:72 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the details of a press statement, statement or call from the Fine Gael defence spokesperson seeking an increase in the defence Vote by €1 billion as outlined in an article by him in a newspaper (details supplied) of 20 November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38147/05]
In the article in question the Minister was extrapolating on the basis of the various exchanges on defence spending etc. which took place during Question Time on 3 November 2005, specifically arising from his replies to Questions Nos. 4; 7, 23, 30, 56 and 65; and 11 and 27. If the Minister was mistaken and Deputy Timmins is satisfied with the current level of defence spending, the Minister will be pleased to be so advised by him.
Defence Forces Representation.
John Deasy
Question:73 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations from PDFORRA requesting that he contact his Portuguese counterpart to support the attempts to set up a representative association in the Portuguese army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/05]
This issue was raised at the RACO biennial delegate conference last week and the Minister has also received correspondence from PDFORRA on the matter in the last few days. PDFORRA has also written to a number of public representatives outlining its concerns.
It should be emphasised that issues relating to the Portuguese armed forces are an internal matter for the Portuguese Government. I understand that Portuguese law provides for the right of association for the members of the armed forces although it also allows for restrictions upon that right. If asked by his Portuguese counterpart, the Minister would be happy to provide a briefing on the Irish system of representation and to emphasise the success of the Irish model.
Defence Forces Deployment.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:74 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel deployed in the Army’s Ranger Wing; the number of men and women who are deployed; if women who have applied for selection to the Ranger Wing have made it through the training course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38162/05]
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. The military authorities have advised that detailed records of the number of applicants for the Army Ranger Wing are not maintained. However, since 2000 approximately 240 personnel, including one female, undertook the Army Ranger Wing selection course. Of these 50 — males — were successful. There are currently no female personnel serving in the Army Ranger Wing.
There is an existing policy of ongoing recruitment to the Army Ranger Wing. Selection courses are held periodically and successful candidates are then taken into the Army Ranger Wing. The next selection course is due to be held in early 2006. It is not known at this time how many personnel are likely to be successful on this course. The military authorities advise that the number of personnel serving in the Army Ranger Wing is fewer than 75.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Defence Forces Property.
Paul McGrath
Question:77 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the military property at Gormanston Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38145/05]
The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that lands at Gormanston, County Meath would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. The modalities in this regard are under consideration in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department for the development of the affordable housing initiative.
Hearing Impairment Claims.
Joe Costello
Question:78 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of claims which have been received to date in 2005 under the Army deafness compensation scheme; the number of claims processed and settled; the amount of money paid out in such settlements to date in 2005; the number of claims outstanding; when he expects the scheme to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38161/05]
Up to 31 October last, 18 hearing loss claims were received in the calendar year 2005. In the same period 109 cases were finalised. Of these, 63 were disposed of by way of out of court settlements and one was a court award. The amount of the award and settlements totalled €346,996. In the remainder of the cases, the plaintiffs either withdrew or did not proceed with the case or the claims were dismissed by the courts.
The National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Claim Management Functions) Order 2005 which, among other matters, delegates the management of all hearing loss claims to the State Claims Agency, came into operation on 1 September 2005. All new and outstanding hearing loss claims have now been transferred to the agency. Of the 109 cases settled to end of October 2005, four were settled by the State Claims Agency. A total of 1,203 hearing loss claims remain to be settled by the State Claims Agency.
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Departmental Expenditure.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:80 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of the non-pay defence Vote devolved to the military authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38148/05]
Excluding the subhead T provision of €14 million for compensation, the non-pay element of Defence Forces expenditure under the defence Vote for 2005 is €189.8 million, of which €100.3 million — 53% — has been devolved to the military authorities.
White Paper on Defence.
Simon Coveney
Question:81 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence when he intends to carry out a review of the White Paper; the composition of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38120/05]
The White Paper on Defence 2000 deals comprehensively with all aspects of defence provision and sets out the Government's policy on defence for the period to 2010, with a view to ensuring an appropriate level of defence capability having regard to the changing defence and security situation at home and abroad.
The Department of Defence strategy statement 2005-2007 provides for a review of White Paper implementation, to be completed in 2006. A formal review process has been initiated and a civil-military steering group and civil-military working group established, tasked with reviewing White Paper implementation and reporting to the Minister for Defence within the set timeframe.
Defence Forces Property.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:82 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence his plans to develop Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38151/05]
Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel as outlined in the White Paper on defence, the Air Corps has the basis for better management of its resources. Baldonnel will continue to be the centre of military aviation in Ireland.
Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Army Barracks.
David Stanton
Question:86 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has ever sought or received valuations for its property at Cathal Brugha Barracks and McKee Barracks in Dublin; his plans to dispose of these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/05]
There are no plans to dispose of either Cathal Brugha Barracks or McKee Barracks. It is the practice for the Department to seek the advice of the Commissioner of Valuation on up-to-date open market valuations of individual properties where the disposal of such properties is under consideration. No such valuations have been obtained in respect of the properties in question.
Questions Nos. 87 and 88 answered with Question No. 63.
Humanitarian Volunteer Corps.
Billy Timmins
Question:89 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with the chief of staff with respect to the Defence Forces involvement in the proposed humanitarian assistance groups as announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/05]
In the course of a speech on 18 November 2005 at the Royal Irish Academy at an event to mark 50 years of UN participation, my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, outlined his plans to set up a volunteer corps unit within his Department to harness the strong volunteer spirit which exists across the country. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will provide advice, as required, to this unit.
Also, in the course of the speech, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, mentioned his intention to preposition humanitarian supplies, including tents and ready to eat meals, which would be deployable at short notice, which will contribute to the immediate saving of lives. Prior to this event, the Department of Foreign Affairs had sought assistance from the Minister of Defence in relation to the development of this concept and a meeting to discuss these issues took place between civil and military personnel from the Department of Defence and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs on 11 November 2005. Arising from that meeting, an interdepartmental committee, which will include representation from the Defence Forces, is being established to proceed with this task. The first meeting of this committee will take place on 16 December next and the Minister has instructed that every support possible should be provided for this initiative.
Defence Forces Operations.
Seymour Crawford
Question:90 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number and type of operational activity for and to the civil power that the Air Corps was involved in for the months of October and November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38155/05]
To aid the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Siochána who have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State — is among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In this regard, the Defence Forces assist the Garda as required in duties, which include cash escorts, prison escorts and explosives escorts.
Figures for November 2005 are not yet available. However, in the two month period September and October 2005 there were a total of 441 tasks carried out by the Defence Forces under aid to the civil power requests. The Air Corps assisted in 40 of these tasks. It is not the practice, for security reasons, to give details relating to these operations.
In addition, the Garda air support unit provides a 24-hour, all year immediate response capability for air support within the State. The Garda Síochána is responsible for the operational control and policing functions, while the Air Corps personnel have responsibility for the flying and maintenance functions of the service, with the exception of the EC 135 where the maintenance is contracted to a civilian contractor.
Council of Defence.
Róisín Shortall
Question:91 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the membership of the Council of Defence; when the council last met; the tasks it has in hand; if it is proposed to allocate additional functions to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38174/05]
The Council of Defence is provided for in section 11 of the Defence Act 1954. The council consists of the Minister of State, the Secretary General of the Department, the chief of staff and the two deputy chiefs of staff. The purpose of the council under the Act is to aid and counsel the Minister on all matters in relation to the Department of Defence on which the Minister may consult the council. The council last met in 1987.
The council's origins lie in a requirement in the early years of the State to enshrine the civil-military management process in a formalised way. However, in modern times, senior civil and military staff meet on a regular basis, individually and jointly, as part of normal day-to-day business. Advice is readily available to Ministers from civil and military staff without the formality of the Council of Defence.
In these circumstances the question of allocating additional functions to the council does not arise. The White Paper on defence — February 2000 — recognised this reality and noted that this would be reflected in amending legislation when the opportunity arose.
Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Defence Forces Operations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:93 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the domestic commitments referred to by him in comments on 29 November 2005 at the biennial conference of the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers. [38085/05]
In his address to the RACO biennial delegate conference on 29 November last, the Minister did not specifically mention domestic commitments. What he did speak about was our peacekeeping commitments in the context of the number of officers serving overseas and the need to ensure that we balance our obligations to Ireland's foreign policy with our obligations to the other roles of a well managed Defence Forces.
The roles of the Defence Forces are set out in the White Paper on Defence. The roles in an on-island context are to defend the State against armed aggression, to aid the civil power, to provide a fishery protection service and to carry out such other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time.
European Security and Defence Policy.
Eamon Ryan
Question:94 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland is participating in the EU’s military exercise (details supplied) from 22 November to 1 December 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38205/05]
The European Union conducted its first military exercise — MILEX 05 — which was a command post exercise from 22 November to 1 December 2005 in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP. A command post exercise is an exercise involving EU institutions and EU member states, including military commanders and their staffs. As it is a desktop exercise and does not involve real troop deployment, it is a cost-efficient means of exercising decision-making and co-operation in a realistic manner.
MILEX 05 was the first EU crisis management exercise to focus exclusively on the military aspects of crisis management and it was the first time that an EU operational headquarters, OHQ, was fully activated as part of an EU exercise. It concentrated on the interaction between an EU OHQ in Paris, France and an EU force headquarters, FHQ, in Ulm, Germany in the context of a UN authorised EU-led military operation. Some 375 civil and military personnel from member states, including seven from the Defence Forces, took part in the planning and conduct of this large-scale EU crisis management exercise.
It is Government policy to stay in the mainstream of peacekeeping. Ireland's participation in EU exercises enables our peacekeepers to remain abreast of developments in preparation for peacekeeping in areas such as training, humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping, and interoperability. It enhances the ability of our peacekeepers to work with those of other countries and it also enables us to share our own peacekeeping skills with a wide range of countries.
Official Engagements.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:95 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the military display by the Army Ranger Wing at the Curragh on 16 November 2005, marking the 25th Anniversary of the Army Ranger Wing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38202/05]
The Minister for Defence visited the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh on 16 November 2005 to attend a display by the Army Ranger Wing, ARW, to mark their 25th anniversary and to open a new stores facility at the ARW headquarters. The display consisted of a number of training exercises and simulated rescues including two practical demonstrations of static room assaults and fast rope-hostage extraction, and a static demonstration of weapons, equipment and vehicles. The Minister was invited to inspect the weapons on display and this was done under constant military supervision and the weapons were, of course, not loaded.
This was an open media event, with those present being given the maximum access possible, subject to safety and security considerations. The Minister has asked me to reiterate his deep regret if people's sensitivities were offended by the pictures of him widely published in the media handling the weapons on display. His intention on the day was to highlight the professionalism of the ARW, the excellence of its training, and the sophistication of the equipment provided to it.
The visit to the ARW in the Curragh was one of a large number of visits to and inspections of military installations by the Minister. The nature of these visits involves the Minister being seen around military vehicles and various forms of weaponry. Shortly after the Minister was appointed, he told the military authorities that he wanted these visits to be as informal as practical to give him an opportunity to meet and chat with as many troops as possible. The purpose of these visits is not to glamorise the new weaponry or military hardware but to show how dramatically the Defence Forces have developed and progressed over the past few years.
Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Gerard Murphy
Question:97 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the correspondence he has received from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Education and Science with respect to issues concerning applications from females to join the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38119/05]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:111 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his acknowledgement that increased recruitment of women is one of his main priorities, his Department’s strategy to encourage more applications from women to the Defence Forces; the strategies he plans to promote in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38171/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 111 together.
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces — Army, Air Corps, Naval Service — including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. In effect this means that women are eligible on the same basis as men for participation in operational and ceremonial activities, for assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and for promotion. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.
In order to encourage increased participation by women in the Defence Forces the Minister's predecessor decided in March 1998 to reduce the height requirement for all female recruits to 162.5 cm or 5 ft. 4 in. This height requirement now also applies to male recruits.
The Defence Forces actively encourage female applicants, for example, by: advertising — where possible, all graphical advertisements and booklets produced for the Defence Forces show both male and female personnel and emphasise that all applicants are assessed on an equal basis; recruitment fairs — stands at recruiting fairs are generally staffed by male and female personnel; and visits to schools — when the Defence Forces are invited to give talks at all female or at mixed schools, every effort is made to have a female speaker.
Over the past eight years, the strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force has increased from 244 at the end of 1997 to 527 at the end of September 2005. This constitutes an increase of over 100% in the number of females serving over this period.
On 5 August 2005 I wrote to the Departments of Education and Science and Justice, Equality and Law Reform along with a number of outside organisations seeking their views and recommendations on how more women might be encourage to enlist in the Defence Forces. While to date a number of replies have been received, a number are still outstanding. One organisation asked for further time to prepare its submission. When that has been received and examined with the others, the Minister proposes that officials, both civil and military, of the Department of Defence will meet with representatives of each of the organisations who made submissions along with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, to consider the ideas and suggestions to see what, if any, improvements or changes can be made to the programme of recruitment so as to encourage more females to join the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:98 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence his views on the meeting in Brussels of the European Defence Agency on 21 November 2005; the voluntary code of conduct for defence procurement agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38201/05]
The Minister for Defence attended a meeting of the European Defence Agency Steering Board on 21 November 2005. The steering board is the principal decision-making body of the agency on which the 24 participating member states are represented — Denmark does not participate under its general opt-out on decisions with defence or military implications. The overall aim of the agency is to support member states in their efforts to improve European defence capabilities in support of European Security and Defence Policy.
The meeting began with the presentation of a report by the head of the EDA, Secretary General-High Representative Solana, outlining progress made on the agency's work programme during 2005. Agreement was reached on a work programme for the EDA for 2006, a budget for the EDA for 2006, and on an intergovernmental regime — a voluntary code of conduct — to encourage competition in the European defence equipment market. The voluntary code of conduct will seek to eliminate or reduce the use of Article 296 and the use of offsets and other market distortion instruments. It is intended to introduce the regime for subscribing member states by 1 July 2006. Not all states need join from the outset, or at all. While Ireland is not a major consumer of defence equipment in relative terms, developments which improve market efficiencies or which may yield some economies of scale for equipment procurement for the Defence Forces should be encouraged and would obviously be beneficial in terms of driving prices down. It is hoped that the effect of the code of conduct would be to deliver more efficiency in terms of our investment in defensive equipment for the Defence Forces.
The development of a long-term vision, LTV, was discussed which will provide a reference point to assist and guide future decisions on research and strategic decisions in relation to capabilities development. It will be important that the LTV is commensurate with the stated ambition of the EU as set out in the headline goal 2010 and the European security strategy.
A short discussion took place on proposals to identify participating member states' requirements and to test the viability of a collective European approach to developing a next-generation software defined radio as a joint civil-military endeavour. This issue is very much at the embryonic stage.
A proposal was discussed that will see work begin in 2006 on devising a set of indicators and targets in relation to defence expenditure across Europe on the clear understanding that decisions on the level and focus of defence expenditure continues to be, and will remain, a matter for national Governments.
Military Investigations.
Brendan Howlin
Question:99 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the investigation under way into the alleged misappropriation of funds by two quartermasters; the amount of money that has been recovered following the investigation; if disciplinary action was taken; if an external Garda inquiry will be initiated; the action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38164/05]
The Military Police investigation into this matter is still ongoing and is expected to be completed shortly. Pending completion of the investigation, I do not consider it appropriate to comment any further on the matter.
Departmental Estimates.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:100 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the spending priorities for his Department following publication of the 2006 Book of Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38169/05]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:115 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the 2006 Estimate for his Department. [38203/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 115 together.
The combined Defence Forces and Army pensions Estimates for 2006 provide for gross expenditure of €957.5 million, comprising €783 million for defence and €174.5 million for Army pensions. During 2006 the policy of continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces to maintain strengths at the approved levels will be continued, as will the programmes of investment in equipment, infrastructure and facilities which have been undertaken in recent years.
The unprecedented level of expenditure on infrastructure and equipment for the Defence Forces in recent years was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper in 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be fully reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment. Over €192 million was spent on the capital investment programme for the upgrade of barracks, accommodation and other facilities between 1997 and the end of 2004. This year's defence Estimate includes €19 million for such capital works and a further €22 million is provided in the 2006 Estimate. This will facilitate a number of major new projects for 2006.
Over the past six years, over €200 million has been expended on the purchase of 65 armoured personnel carriers and the Javelin missile system for the Army, new patrol vessels for the Naval Service and new trainer aircraft for the Air Corps. Last January, the Minister for Defence signed contracts for six new helicopters for the Air Corps costing over €60 million. Planning is well under way on the replacement programme for the next Naval Service ships to reach the end of their economic life and a further 15 armoured personnel carriers will be added to our current fleet. It is expected that the contract for the additional 15 APCs will be signed by the end of the year. Further details of the re-equipment programme and of the capital works programme are contained in the reply to Question No. 17 of today's date.
Military Installations.
Dinny McGinley
Question:101 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of military installations in Donegal; the personnel attached to each; and if it is the Government’s policy to maintain each centre for the future. [37991/05]
There are three occupied military posts located in County Donegal at Rockhill House, Letterkenny, Lifford and Finner Camp, Bundoran. It is not the policy to disclose the number of military personnel at any particular military post or barracks. There are no plans to dispose of any of these military posts.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Bullying in the Workplace.
Willie Penrose
Question:105 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the number of initiatives taken by his Department in recent years have been insufficient to address the serious problem of bullying within the Defence Forces; his further views on whether the problem is endemic within the Defence Forces and that there are sufficient levels of respect for each and every individual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38170/05]
The Defence Forces and the Department have taken a wide variety of initiatives and have devoted an unprecedented level of resources to this issue, since Dr. Eileen Doyle and the external advisory committee presented their original report The Challenge of a Workplace in March 2002. This independent report addressed the range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.
As previously outlined by the Minister for Defence, implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. An independent monitoring group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of these recommendations. The independent monitoring group's progress report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace, launched by the Minister for Defence on 24 September 2004, is available on the Defence Forces website and describes in detail the very significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle report in 2002.
Arising from the Doyle report, the following steps have been taken. Firm guiding principles have been set out in the Defence Forces dignity in the workplace charter. A major educational awareness programme is ongoing throughout the Defence Forces. A new administrative instruction on interpersonal relationships was introduced in March 2003. The instruction and a users' guide were distributed to every member of the Defence Forces. A total of 188 of a planned 200 designated contact persons have been fully trained and are deployed throughout all Defence Forces posts and barracks, both country-wide and overseas. The DCPs will facilitate the operation of the formal and informal procedures that may be used by any party wishing to institute a complaint. An independent external confidential free phone help-line and counselling service was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003. An independent pilot project of exit interviews seeking the experiences and views of outgoing members of the Permanent Defence Force was conducted. Leadership training has been given by external experts and has been the subject of NCO focus groups with an emphasis on training the trainers. Changes in cadet school instruction have been initiated and issues concerning the ranking, selection and training for cadet school instructors are being addressed. Defence Forces regulations, administrative instructions, policies and procedures have been reviewed by an equality steering group under a Labour Court chairperson. The Defence Forces Ombudsman has now been appointed and the practical arrangements for the operational aspects of her office are in progress. An officer within the Defence Forces human resources management section has been assigned responsibility for equality matters. A training circular entitled Military Code of Conduct for Students and Instructors in all Training Environments was issued in 2004 and was followed by an extensive series of associated workshops for all relevant personnel.
The chief of staff has repeatedly emphasised his acceptance of the problems indicated by the Doyle report. He has recognised the necessity to tackle this matter in a fundamental way at all levels of the Defence Forces and has demonstrated a very active and genuine commitment to change. He has emphasised that it is incumbent on all commanders to ensure that best practice in the management of personnel is fostered at all levels in order to eliminate the problems identified in the Doyle report. Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The Minister is satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.
It is reiterated that bullying is not training for anything. It has always been acknowledged that the project of bringing about necessary fundamental changes in attitudes and culture will not be quick or easy. However, with substantial and vigorous leadership, there is every confidence that the proper environment will be firmly established and maintained throughout the Defence Forces. The matter continues to receive the highest priority in the Defence Forces in terms of incorporating the correct ethos in training at all levels and in terms of maintaining the resources necessary to assist personnel in tackling difficulties where they may arise.
Defence Forces Strength.
Damien English
Question:106 Mr. English asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Navy; his plans to change same in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38152/05]
The role of the Defence Forces is set out in the White Paper on Defence as follows: to defend the State against armed aggression, this being a contingency, preparations for its implementation will depend on an ongoing Government assessment of the security and defence environment; to aid the civil power, meaning, in practice, to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, which has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State; to participate in multinational peace support, crisis management and humanitarian relief operations in support of the United Nations and under UN mandate, including regional security missions authorised by the UN; to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the EU; and to carry out such other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time, such as search and rescue, air ambulance service, ministerial air transport service, assistance on the occasion of natural or other disasters, assistance in connection with the maintenance of essential services, assistance in combating oil pollution at sea.
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. Fishery protection activities account for over 90% of Naval Service operations. There are no plans to change the role of the Naval Service.
Defence Forces Reserve.
Michael Noonan
Question:107 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence if commanding officers have been appointed to the new reserve defence units; if not, when same will take place; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38135/05]
The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, which was officially launched in July 2004, started a process that will lead to significantly enhanced Reserve Defence Force capabilities while ensuring the traditional strengths of the reserve are maintained. The ambitious programme of reform and modernisation that is set out in the plan will be implemented over the period to end 2009.
On 1 October 2005, an important milestone in the implementation plan was reached with the introduction of new reserve organisational structures. The reserve is now organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force with an Army Reserve comprising three brigades and a Reserve Defence Force training authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. The military authorities have advised the Minister for Defence that general officers commanding have appointed commanding officers to all appointments in new Reserve Defence Force units.
Question No. 108 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Partnership for Peace.
Trevor Sargent
Question:109 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the Partnership for Peace activities the Irish Defence Forces have participated in during 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38207/05]
Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace to date is set out in our six individual partnership programmes, copies of which have been lodged in the Dáil library. Ireland's fifth IPP, covering the period 2005-2006, was completed last year in consultation with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Justice Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children, and Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. A total of 116 activities were chosen representing participation by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Activities consisted of training courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, staff exercises and table top exercises.
Defence Forces personnel have participated in a number of staff, technical and crisis management exercises in the context of both the EU and PfP. In accordance with stated policy, the Defence Forces do not participate in multinational military field exercises. Participation in the selected exercises is limited at either staff or observer level. Ireland's sixth IPP, covering the period 2006-2007, was recently completed and a total of 118 activities were chosen representing participation by the Department of Defence, the Civil Defence board, the Defence Forces and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland also participates in the PfP planning and review process, known as PARP. In common with the other EU neutrals, Ireland is using the PARP process in connection with planning for humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping and crisis management, collectively known as the Petersburg tasks. The scope of our involvement in PARP is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment.
Participation in Partnership for Peace activities is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentiation, that is, a State selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation. It is Government policy to stay in the mainstream of peacekeeping. Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace enables our peacekeepers to remain abreast of developments in preparation for peacekeeping in areas such as training, interoperability and humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping. Participation enhances the ability of our peacekeepers to work with those of other countries and also enables us to share our own peacekeeping skills with a wide range of countries.
Airspace Regulation.
Catherine Murphy
Question:110 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the discussions which have taken place between his Department, the Irish Aviation Authority and the management of Weston Aerodrome since an application was made by the latter to the former for a change in their airspace licence; the impact such a change in airspace licence he will have on operations at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/05]
The Irish Aviation Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Transport, is responsible for the safety regulation of Irish airspace. An airspace change proposal was submitted by Weston Airport Ltd. to the Irish Aviation Authority in August 2005. The proposal was also copied to the Department of Defence and is currently under examination by the Air Corps. It is anticipated that following the completion of this examination that the Department of Defence will raise any issues arising in the group which has been convened by the Irish Aviation Authority in regard to the airspace change proposal.
The issue of current and future use and development of Weston Aerodrome is of concern to the Department of Defence only in so far as it infringes upon Defence Forces responsibility for the control and management of military airspace, which is such airspace as is designated for Defence Forces use under section 68 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. The principal concerns of the Minister for Defence regarding proposed changes at Weston Aerodrome focus on maintaining safe and functional airspace in which military flight training and air operations can continue on a 24-hour basis.
Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 97.
Overseas Missions.
Brian O'Shea
Question:112 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers currently serving in all overseas missions; the strength of Irish involvement in each overseas mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38168/05]
Ireland is currently contributing 768 Defence Forces personnel to 19 different missions throughout the world. Of these personnel, 149 are officers. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following statement. The main commitments are to the United Nations Mission in Liberia, with 425 personnel, to the NATO-led international security presence, or KFOR, in Kosovo, with 213 personnel and to EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 56 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union. Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the OSCE, the UN, NATO and the EU.
|
No. Officers Serving |
No. Other Ranks Serving |
Total No. Serving |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|||
|
(i)UNIFIL (United Nations interim Force in Lebanon) |
3 |
3 |
6 |
|
(ii)UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
13 |
— |
13 |
|
(iii)MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
4 |
— |
4 |
|
(iv)UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
(v)MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
— |
3 |
|
(vi)UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
(vii)UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) FHQ |
6 |
— |
6 |
|
UNMIL 93rd Inf Bn |
36 |
383 |
419 |
|
TOTAL |
69 |
388 |
457 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|||
|
(viii)EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
15 |
41 |
56 |
|
(ix)KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) |
27 |
186 |
213 |
|
(x)ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
Total |
46 |
230 |
276 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN mission — 733 |
|||
|
2. EU Missions |
|||
|
(i)European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia |
6 |
— |
6 |
|
(ii)EU support to UN authorised African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
(iii)Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) |
3 |
— |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
11 |
1 |
12 |
|
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). |
|||
|
(i)OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(ii)OSCE Mission in Montenegro |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(iii)OSCE Presence in Albania |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(iv)OSCE Mission in FRY |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
(v)OSCE Mission in Georgia |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(vi)Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
7 |
— |
7 |
|
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels) |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels) |
4 |
— |
4 |
|
6. EU Military Staff (New York) |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
7. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
8. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels) |
3 |
— |
3 |
|
9. Military Representatives/ Advisers |
|||
|
(i)Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(ii)Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
(iii)Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
10. Appointments — UN HQ (New York) |
— |
— |
— |
|
Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations) |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
— |
16 |
|
Total number of officers serving overseas — 149. |
|||
|
Total number of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas 768. |
Question No. 113 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 100.
Questions Nos. 116 and 117 answered with Question No. 63.
Unemployment Levels.
John Curran
Question:118 Mr. Curran asked the Taoiseach the latest unemployment figures for the Clondalkin and Lucan areas. [38311/05]
The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. Statistics on employment and unemployment are compiled, at a regional level, from the Quarterly National Household Survey. The latest statistics show that there were 28,800 people classified as unemployed in the Dublin region in the June-August quarter of 2005. Sub-regional statistics of the kind requested by the Deputy are not available from the survey.
The live register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each local social welfare office.
The most recent information available is for November 2005 and this indicates there are 38,959 persons on the register in the Dublin offices, including 3,416 in the Clondalkin office. There is no office in Lucan. It should be noted that the live register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers and seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit. Statistics on unemployment are measured at regional level by the quarterly national household survey. It should also be noted that the exact area covered by each local office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght local office, persons from the Blessington area may be registered.
The November live register figures for the Dublin region, which include the Clondalkin office figures, are set out in the following table.
|
Males |
Females |
||||||
|
November 2005 |
Under 25 years |
25 years and over |
Total |
Under 25 years |
25 years and over |
Total |
|
|
Dublin |
38,959 |
4,959 |
20,098 |
25,057 |
2,859 |
11,043 |
13,902 |
|
Bishop Square |
3,308 |
350 |
1,863 |
2,213 |
201 |
894 |
1,095 |
|
Cumberland Street |
5,126 |
669 |
2,640 |
3,309 |
361 |
1,456 |
1,817 |
|
Navan Road |
2,559 |
310 |
1,473 |
1,783 |
178 |
598 |
776 |
|
Blanchardstown |
3,419 |
414 |
1,610 |
2,024 |
283 |
1,112 |
1,395 |
|
Thomas Street |
2,166 |
249 |
1,277 |
1,526 |
146 |
494 |
640 |
|
Tara Street |
1,142 |
113 |
658 |
771 |
50 |
321 |
371 |
|
Tallaght |
3,176 |
552 |
1,553 |
2,105 |
316 |
755 |
1,071 |
|
Ballymun |
1,498 |
263 |
746 |
1,009 |
146 |
343 |
489 |
|
Clondalkin |
3,416 |
491 |
1,596 |
2,087 |
361 |
968 |
1,329 |
|
Rathfarnham |
1,704 |
152 |
843 |
995 |
60 |
649 |
709 |
|
Kilbarrack |
2,197 |
219 |
1,156 |
1,375 |
100 |
722 |
822 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
2,316 |
180 |
1,231 |
1,411 |
69 |
836 |
905 |
|
Balbriggan |
1,251 |
101 |
630 |
731 |
70 |
450 |
520 |
|
Ballyfermot |
1,258 |
226 |
598 |
824 |
160 |
274 |
434 |
|
Finglas |
2,184 |
343 |
1,080 |
1,423 |
168 |
593 |
761 |
|
Coolock |
2,239 |
327 |
1,144 |
1,471 |
190 |
578 |
768 |
Source: live register analysis, Central Statistics Office.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:119 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of staff broken down by grade employed within his private and constituency offices; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38323/05]
The number of staff currently employed in my private and constituency offices, and their grades, salaries, overtime and expenses paid are detailed in the following tables. The salaries include the pay increase due on 1 December 2005 under the terms of the Sustaining Progress agreement.
|
Grade |
Current annual salary (including allowances) |
Annual overtime (estimate) |
Annual expenses (estimate)Expenses received (Dec 04-Nov 05) |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Private Secretary, Assistant Principal |
97,292 |
Nil |
1,490 |
|
Assistant Principal |
72,937 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Higher Executive Officer — Assistant Private Secretary |
72,004 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Higher Executive Officer — Assistant Private Secretary |
69,630 |
Nil |
157 |
|
Personal Assistant — Higher Executive Officer |
56,829 |
Nil |
1,454 |
|
Staff Officer |
40,102 |
12,166 |
Nil |
|
Staff Officer |
37,849 |
821 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
25,588 |
7,086 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
26,596 |
7,219 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
32,683 |
Nil |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
26,596 |
6,933 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
23,575 |
5,948 |
Nil |
|
Usher |
35,445 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Total |
617,126 |
40,173 |
3,101 |
|
Grade |
Current annual salary (including allowances) |
Annual overtime (estimate) |
Annual expenses (estimate) |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Personal Assistant |
47,391 |
4,399 |
Nil |
|
Personal Assistant |
48,640 |
5,988 |
Nil |
|
Personal Secretary (Non-Civil Servant) |
33,770 |
520 |
Nil |
|
Executive Officer |
27,017 |
506 |
Nil |
|
Staff Officer (Work-Sharing) |
18,369 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
26,596 |
1,372 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
21,563 |
1,221 |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
21,563 |
Nil |
|
|
Total |
244,909 |
14,006 |
Violence Against Women.
Sean Fleming
Question:120 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when additional funding will be introduced for frontline services for violence against women in order that all women may receive help when needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38353/05]
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.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:121 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the projected cost of the plan to allow private hospitals to be built on public hospital sites. [38462/05]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:142 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the projected cost of the plan to allow private hospitals to be built on public hospital sites. [38463/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 142 together.
The Government is committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity in the health system. The key objective is to provide the required extra capacity, whether this is in the public or private sector.
In July this year, my Department issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive, HSE, 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. Private developers will be responsible for the construction of the private hospitals and public capital funding will not be provided. Public capital investment will continue to be directed towards public hospitals.
Attached to the policy direction was an assessment framework which the HSE has been requested to follow in regard to proposals to locate private hospital facilities on public hospital sites. It requires that the evaluation should have regard to a detailed assessment of need, and existing and planned capacity on a particular site and within the relevant region. It should also provide for a rigorous value-for-money assessment of any proposal that would take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any capital allowances. In addition, it makes clear the need for adherence to public procurement law and best practice.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:122 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will commence for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if this person can be reassessed for treatment. [38288/05]
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 Ring
Question:123 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with orthodontic treatment. [38289/05]
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.
National Cancer Strategy.
John Curran
Question:124 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects the national cancer strategy to be finalised by the National Cancer Forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38314/05]
The National Cancer Forum is currently finalising a new national cancer strategy, which I expect to be submitted to me shortly. On receipt, my Department will assess the policy implications, including costs. I will then bring the new cancer strategy to Government. I will publish it as soon as possible thereafter.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:125 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan in obtaining new hearing aids and if the maximum support will be given. [38320/05]
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.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:126 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38324/05]
The following tables detail the numbers and grade of staff employed in my private and constituency offices and the annual cost of each office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses. All staff are permanent civil servants except for special advisers, personal assistants and personal secretary.
|
Grade |
Number of Officers (Wholetime Equivalent) |
|
Special Advisers |
3 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary) |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
6 |
|
Grade |
Number of Officers (Wholetime Equivalent) |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2.5 |
|
Private Office |
Constituency Office |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Salary excluding PRSI, ER and Pension Contributions |
759,387.22 |
178,179.35 |
|
Overtime |
11,608.31 |
— |
|
Expenses |
1,354.56 |
In addition to the three special advisers listed above, a senior manager is on loan from the Health Service Executive and works as part of my advisory team but is not contracted by the Department and continues to be an employee of the executive.
Health Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:127 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the person who has the legal responsibility to ensure that speech therapy, language therapy, occupational therapy and psychological services are provided to children who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders and are in primary or secondary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38342/05]
Catherine Murphy
Question:128 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the necessary budgetary allocations have been made by her Department or the Health Service Executive with regard to financing the provision of speech therapy, language therapy, occupational therapy and psychological services for all children in need of these services; if her Department or the Health Service Executive has calculated future levels of need in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38347/05]
Catherine Murphy
Question:131 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of her Department’s stance that thousands of persons here fail to access education, social, economic and career opportunities due to communication difficulties of one kind or another and that therapy services help persons to maximise their communication potential and offer assistance with daily living, she is satisfied that the Health Service Executive is delivering adequately speech and language therapy services to children who have been diagnosed with such needs; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) is no longer being provided these services by their Health Service Executive provider as they have attempted to transition from primary to secondary school; if, in view of same, this person’s future economic and career opportunities will be severely restricted if the situation is not resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38359/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128 and 131 together.
The issues raised by the Deputy are dealt with under sections 31 to 33 of the Health Act 2004. These sections provide for the preparation, submission, approval and implementation of the Health Service Executive's service plan.
The plan should set out the type of health and personal social services to be provided by the executive during the period to which the plan relates. In developing the service plan, the executive must have regard to section 31(12) of the Act which requires that the estimate of income and expenditure relating to the plan must be consistent with the Vote for the executive as published by the Government in the Estimates for supply services.
As I have informed the Deputy previously, the Government has taken a planned approach to building up capacity in the area of multidisciplinary support services for both adults and children with disabilities. This includes, in addition to the provision of additional financial resources, various initiatives related to the training, recruitment and retention of key allied health professionals as follows: the expansion of the number of training places available for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nursing and other key professionals; and national and overseas recruitment initiatives and enhancement of career opportunities.
The level of support available from these health-related support services to children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and autism has been incrementally increasing annually in recent years as a result of the additional funding which has been made available by this Government. As part of the national disability strategy, further additional funding amounting to €11.5 million in 2006 is being made available to the Health Service Executive in respect of the provision of health-related support services for adults and children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and autism, with a priority in 2006 on enhancing assessment and support services for children with disabilities. Additional funding amounting to €17.5 million is also being provided in 2006 to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary support services available to adults and children with mental illness. This ongoing investment in multidisciplinary support services for persons with disabilities, including those with mental illness, together with specific initiatives to be taken in the area of recruitment, will assist the process of building capacity within these services in a very significant manner. The Deputy is incorrect to state that it is due to my Department's stance that thousands of persons here fail to access education, social, economic and career opportunities due to communication difficulties of one kind of another.
The remainder of 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.
Sean Fleming
Question:129 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding which will be provided for cystic fibrosis services here in 2006; the amount of money to be paid to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland; the way in which these funds will be allocated in terms of medical, nursing and allied health facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38357/05]
As part of the overall funding for health services in 2006, additional funding of €4.78 million is being allocated specifically for the development of cystic fibrosis services.
I wish to see significant improvement next year in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis. The current service deficits in this area are widely acknowledged and have been identified most notably in the Pollock report, and by the Health Service Executive working group which is looking at this issue. My Department is advised that the working group, which is due to report shortly, will be making specific recommendations in relation to a range of service improvements required for persons with cystic fibrosis, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in cystic fibrosis units around the country. As part of the implementation process I would like to see a particular focus on addressing the identified deficits at the national adult referral centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin.
Health Service Staff.
Tom Hayes
Question:130 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason three persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary who completed a health care assistant’s course at Waterford Regional Hospital and have attained a FETAC level-two certificate, are not having their qualification recognised, in view of the sacrifices they made to participate in the course and are employed as multi-skilled personnel; and the reason taxpayers money was spent on the course if the qualification was not required. [38358/05]
The Deputy's question relates to human resource management issues within the Health Service Executive. As these are matters for the executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have them investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 127.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:132 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when nursing home subvention will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38401/05]
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.
Primary Care Services.
John Gormley
Question:133 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding the Health Service Executive has allocated to implementation of the primary health care strategy in 2005; the amount of funding the Health Service Executive plans to allocate to implementation of the aforementioned strategy in 2006, and the proposed implementation projects, including the way in which resources will be allocated and reorganised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38402/05]
John Gormley
Question:134 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the ten primary health care teams and the future plans for development of additional teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38403/05]
John Gormley
Question:135 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans on developing private sector investment in primary care services and the delivery of health services in general; her plans for preventing fraud in the system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38404/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 to 135, inclusive, together.
The implementation of the primary care strategy is first and foremost about developing new ways of working and of reorganising the resources already available to the health service in line with the service model described in the strategy. The whole-system nature of the approach to implementation is such that change will be required in many sectors in the health service, and not solely within primary care itself. While certain funding has been provided specifically to support implementation, additional resources allocated to other sectors will also support the delivery of services in line with the aims of the strategy.
Implementation 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 existing resources; further revenue and capital investment by the State; and a structured role for the private sector in the development of facilities and possibly also the delivery of integrated primary care services in line with national policy.
In 2005, I provided an additional €5 million in revenue funding to support the implementation of the primary care strategy bringing total ongoing revenue funding to €12 million per annum. In order to further support the continued development of primary care services in line with the principles I have outlined, the Government is providing an additional €16 million in 2006. The additional resources will be invested to ensure that they are focused on meaningful developments with maximum front-line impact.
The extra funding will permit the appointment of some 300 additional frontline personnel to work alongside GPs in approximately 75 to 100 teams in the improved delivery of community primary care services, the establishment of an additional 22 GP training places and the further development of general practitioner out-of-hours co-operatives to enable an estimated 350,000 additional persons to benefit from such services.
Beginning in 2002, work was undertaken by the health boards, and continued by the HSE, to establish an initial ten primary care teams, with funding to enable existing staff resources within the public system to be augmented. These teams enable the primary care model to be demonstrated in action and have allowed practical experience to be gained of the process involved in developing a primary care team and providing expanded services in the community. The HSE will be building on the experience gained in these ten projects as it develops team-based primary care services on a wider scale.
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 extended and improved primary care services in line with national policy.
Any arrangements that are entered into with the private sector must ensure that appropriate processes are followed in relation to public procurement aspects; that probity is assured; that value for money is achieved; that the best possible service is provided to the patient; and that the control, management and delivery of projects-services ensures the protection of the State's interests.
Health Services.
John Gormley
Question:136 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if Ireland is unusual in Europe in not providing primary care services without charge to the majority of the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38405/05]
Policy on the coverage of health services in other countries, including primary care, depends on the nature of the overall health system and on whether the funding mechanism is based on social insurance or central taxation. Under a social insurance model, for example, a person may make a contribution as part of the financing of health services and not make a direct contribution towards the cost of a particular service. It is difficult, therefore, to generalise about other countries in regard to charging for specific services.
In Ireland, eligibility for services is based on the principle that those who can afford to contribute towards their cost should do so. I support this principle. I intend to bring forward new legislation to clarify and update the present eligibility system. The main focus will be to ensure that the law is fair, clear and efficient. I believe that the best means of achieving these objectives is by providing graduated benefits. I intend to develop proposals in this regard as part of the new legislation on eligibility. I have already started this process through the provision of GP visit cards.
Medical cards are a fundamentally important health benefit and eligibility for a medical card facilitates free access to many other public services. I have increased the income guidelines for medical cards and GP visit cards by some 29% this year, and have also made other changes in the assessment rules to make it easier for people to qualify for a medical card or GP visit card. It is my intention to keep this graduated benefits approach under review.
Ombudsman for Children.
Finian McGrath
Question:137 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role of the Ombudsman for Children particularly in relation to assisting children in primary schools in obtaining resources and services for their educational needs. [38410/05]
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children was established under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 and is a statutory independent body with two main functions, to promote the rights and welfare of children and to examine and investigate complaints against schools and voluntary hospitals were an action may have adversely affected a child. Any specific queries concerning the role of the ombudsman should be addressed directly to that office.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Finian McGrath
Question:138 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9 with their nursing home costs; and if she will work with the relevant Departments on this matter. [38411/05]
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.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:139 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the go-ahead will be given to the Mater and children’s hospital development; and the position regarding the project. [38427/05]
Under the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for capital developments in public hospitals. The Mater and children's hospital development is the largest single capital development project in the HSE capital programme. It involves the redevelopment of the Mater campus to include considerably expanded and improved facilities for the Mater itself, and the construction of new, purpose-built accommodation which will replace the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street. The revenue costs and scope of the project are currently being examined by the Health Service Executive.
National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Jack Wall
Question:140 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is entitled to the treatment purchase scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38428/05]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the national treatment purchase fund, my Department has asked the chief executive of the fund to respond to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
Hospital Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:141 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she proposes to take in view of the evidence given at the inquest on the death of Frances Sheridan following the discharge of this patient from Cavan General Hospital; the policy implications of the case; the measures she will undertake to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38460/05]
At the outset, I would again like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family on the death of their daughter, Frances.
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 these matters investigated and to have a detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.
The report prepared for the former North Eastern Health Board into the circumstances surrounding the death in February 2004 of Frances Sheridan at Cavan General Hospital contained 22 recommendations, of which eight were classified as high priority, and 14 as medium priority. The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that these recommendations are being implemented.
In addition, the Health Service Executive has also advised my Department that it has decided to procure a consultancy to examine acute hospital services in the north east, to include an evaluation of the risks associated with the provision of acute hospital services on five sites serving a current population of approximately 350,000. The terms of reference for this review are presently being finalised by the executive.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 121.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
John Perry
Question:143 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be called for their keyhole surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38470/05]
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.
John Perry
Question:144 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 140,000 women awaiting the BreastCheck screening programme; the ministerial orders she has given to the Health Service Executive to have this service in place in 2006 in Sligo and the north west; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is unacceptable that this service will not be available to women in Sligo and the north west until 2009; the instructions she will give to the Health Service Executive to have this programme in place in 2006-2007. [38472/05]
The National Breast Screening Board is responsible for BreastCheck. The Health Service Executive has no function in the matter. The programme commenced in 2000 and covers the eastern, midland, north-eastern and parts of the south-eastern regions of the country. Screening is being offered free of charge, every two years, to approximately 160,000 women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age.
The rollout of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. BreastCheck has advertised for lead consultant radiologists and radiographers for the two new clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and one at University College Hospital, Galway. The recruitment of other key clinical posts will commence early in 2006. A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for the new units. 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.
There are approximately 130,000 women in the target population for screening in the remaining regions. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for commencement of the rollout will be met. 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.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:145 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of money made available to the Health Service Executive in 2004 and to date in 2005 and proposed for 2006 in respect of elderly day care provision in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38479/05]
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.
State Property.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:146 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider waiving the rights and interest of his Department in a property which was vested in the Minister for Finance on behalf of the State in 1986 (details supplied). [38270/05]
The up-to-date position in this case is outlined in my reply to Question No. 217 of 29 November 2005.
Pension Provisions.
Dinny McGinley
Question:147 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the retirement lump sums, in view of the fact that these are tax free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38271/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide a precise estimate of the cost sought by the Deputy in regard to the payment of tax free lump sums because the relevant data are not captured in such a way as to make this possible.
The only relevant data available relate to the estimated cost of tax forgone to the Exchequer derived at aggregated level from very tentative estimates of aggregated amounts paid out under pension schemes including both pension payments and lump sum payments. The tentative estimate of cost based on the taxpayer's marginal rate for 2002, the latest year available, is €147 million.
Disabled Drivers.
Jerry Cowley
Question:148 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance his plans to amend the criteria laid down for disabled drivers and disabled passengers; if, in view of the fact that this section of legislation has not been updated since 1994, he will review same; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38393/05]
A special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it, both on an administrative and user level, and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.
The group's report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the qualifying medical criteria, as well as the benefits of the scheme, the Exchequer costs, the relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations: both immediate regarding the operation of the appeals process, which issues have been addressed; and long-term regarding options for the future development of the scheme.
In respect of the long-term recommendations, I should say that given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June 2004 that the Minister for Finance would consider the recommendations contained in the report of the interdepartmental review group in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.
As the Deputy is aware, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister of Finance not to comment on such matters at this time.
Public Service Contracts.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:149 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his response to concerns expressed by the Construction Industry Federation regarding the nature of the fixed price lump sum contracts proposed by Government for major construction projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38407/05]
Brian O'Shea
Question:150 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to meet the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to Government contract reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38430/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
The Government decided to reform construction procurement to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of capital works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government contracts committee for construction, GCCC, specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has drafted a suite of draft standard forms of contract and conditions of engagement for construction related services. These provide for the introduction of fixed price lump sum contracts tendered on a competitive basis with appropriate risk transfer to give effect to the Government decision.
Consultation with the construction industry and the relevant professional bodies on these draft documents has been taking place since July of this year. During these extensive discussions, the views, comments and concerns of the construction industry and the professional bodies have been outlined in considerable detail, including those referred to by the Deputies. This exchange of views and constructive engagement is very valuable. My Department and the GCCC have examined in detail the issues raised and concerns expressed during this consultation process and have responded proposing appropriate changes to the draft contracts or clarification via guidance material to address many of the concerns raised.
The intention is to finalise work on the new contracts through further constructive consultation on both sides, which is under way. This process should help fine tune the new draft forms of contract in a way which seeks to further address industry concerns but which does not compromise Government policy.
We want to have the new contracts and related material available for use in early 2006 and my Department looks forward to continued engagement with the industry and professional bodies with a view to meeting this deadline.
Departmental Staff.
Tom Hayes
Question:151 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the position with regard to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has applied for a transfer with the Civil Service. [38436/05]
The person in question was recruited to the Department of Foreign Affairs on 18 December 1995 and transferred to the accounts branch, Office of Public Works, Kilkenny on 8 June 1999 on a voluntary transfer.
From the information available to the Commissioners of Public Works the following is the position thereafter. The person submitted an "application for transfer to a provincial location" dated 26 November 2001, specifying Waterford as first choice and Clonmel as second choice of preferred location. The person's application form was forwarded to all Departments and offices with offices in Clonmel and-or Waterford.
The person was offered a transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Clonmel on 10 April 2002. The person refused the transfer. On refusal of the offer of a transfer, the person was removed from the transfer list for the Department of Social and Family Affairs for Clonmel. This is the protocol associated with the transfer system and is agreed between the relevant unions and the Department of Finance. The person needed to reapply to that Department to be put back on to the transfer list for that location. The person has not to date reapplied for a transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Clonmel.
The person was offered a transfer to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Waterford on 3 May 2002. The person refused the transfer. On refusal of the offer of a transfer, the person was removed from the transfer list for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for Waterford, again in accordance with the protocols. The person needed to reapply to that Department to be put back on to the transfer list for Waterford. The person has not to date reapplied for a transfer to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Waterford.
The person was offered a transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Waterford City on 25 October 2002. The person refused the transfer on 30 October 2002. On refusal of the offer of a transfer, the person was removed from the transfer list for the Department of Social and Family Affairs for Waterford, again in accordance with the protocols. The person needed to reapply to that Department to be put back on to the transfer list for Waterford. The person has not to date reapplied for a transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Waterford.
The person has been advised that it is the individual's responsibility to reapply to Departments and offices for locations where the person has already refused the offer of a transfer in order to be considered again for a possible future transfer.
The person submitted an application for transfer to the Courts Service in Tipperary and that application was acknowledged by the Courts Service on 14 November 2002. The person also submitted an application for transfer to the Courts Service in Waterford and this was acknowledged by the Courts Service on 22 January 2003. The person was offered a work-sharing post in the Courts Service in Tipperary on 16 June 2003, which was refused. The person was offered a work-sharing post in Waterford on 28 August 2005, which was refused.
The person is currently second on the Waterford transfer list for the Courts Service and 18th on the Clonmel list. However, the majority of possible transfers to the Courts Service that arise are on a work-sharing or temporary full-time basis. The person is currently 26th on the transfer list for the Tipperary area in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, pursuant to the "application for transfer to a provincial location" submitted in November 2001.
Tax Code.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:152 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the cost to date in 2005 of tax reliefs for the development of private hospitals. [38461/05]
I announced in my Budget Statement in December 2004 that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners would undertake a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005. Certain schemes have been reviewed by two external consultancy firms and the tax incentives for private hospitals was one of the schemes reviewed.
As regards estimates of tax forgone under the schemes, I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 380 of 18 October 2005 on this matter. The outcome of the consultants review will be dealt with in the budget.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:153 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the qualification criteria, including public health and assessment of need on a local and regional basis, which are applied in relation to the tax reliefs for the developers of private hospitals. [38464/05]
A private hospital has to meet certain conditions before it can be regarded as a qualifying building and these conditions are set out in section 268(2A) TCA 1997. Conditions include that, the hospital must have the capacity to afford medical or surgical services all year round, provide a minimum of 70 inpatient beds, outpatient services, operating theatres and on-site diagnostic and therapeutic services and have facilities to provide at least five specialist services, ranging from accident and emergency to oncology and cardiology, etc. Section 24 of the Finance Act 2003 extended this relief to private hospitals providing acute services on a day care basis with accommodation for such services of not less than 40 beds. The Health Service Executive, in consultation with the Minister for Health and Children and with the consent of the Minister for Finance, is required to certify annually during the period in which the tax relief is being claimed that the hospital has complied with these conditions.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:154 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number and locations of hospitals constructed, under construction and at the planning stage which have qualified for the tax relief for developers of private hospitals. [38466/05]
Claims for tax relief on private hospitals are generally aggregated in tax returns with other claims and do not distinguish at present between the reliefs claimed in respect of different schemes. 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 following the returns of income filed in October-November 2005.
The Galway Medical Clinic private hospital has been certified by the Health Service Executive, in consultation with the Minister for Health and Children in accordance with the legislation as set out in section 268(2A) TCA 1997.
John Perry
Question:155 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that VAT at 13.5% on an ESB bill of €108.58 adds an extra €14.66 levy on to the bill for an old age pensioner; his plans to exempt VAT charged on ESB bills to old aged pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38471/05]
The position is that the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of an exemption from VAT for supplies of electricity to old age pensioners.
However, under the social welfare code, the household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and free lifetime television licence is available to people living permanently in the State. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. The package is also available to carers. Customers under the age of 70 who are in receipt of a qualifying payment and live alone or only with certain categories of people may also have an entitlement to the package. For those customers aged between 66 and 69 years and who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment, a means test must be satisfied to determine eligibility for the package.
The electricity allowance covers the normal standing charge and up to 1,800 units of electricity each year. At current prices, the value of the electricity allowance to the consumer is approximately €339 per annum for urban dwellers, and €381 for rural dwellers, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%. An electricity — group account — allowance may be paid if a customer lives in self-contained accommodation and operates an electricity slot meter or where the registered consumer of electricity is the landlord. Payment is made by way of 12 vouchers at an annual value of €360, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%.
Alternatively, if the natural gas allowance option is selected, the customer is entitled to the supply charge and up to 1,674 kw/h of gas per year. The annual value of this is up to €313 per annum, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%. If the person's home is not connected to an electricity or natural gas supply, the person is entitled to 15 cylinders of bottled gas per annum at an annual value of approximately €320, inclusive of VAT at 13.5%.
The telephone allowance is paid as a credit on the customer's telephone bill. The value of the allowance is €24.70 per month, including VAT, or €296.40 per annum.
Food Safety Standards.
Trevor Sargent
Question:156 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the food safety regulations which apply to shell fish and other fish caught in the Dublin region. [38260/05]
Two separate pieces of legislation apply directly to the food safety of shellfish and other fish or fishery products.
Shellfish are covered under Council Directive 91/492/EEC which lays down health conditions for the production and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs. This directive has been adopted into Irish law under SI 147 of 1996, entitled the European Communities (live bivalve molluscs) (health conditions and hygiene rules for production and placing on the market) Regulations 1996.
Fishery products are covered by Council Directive 91/493/EEC which lays down the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of fishery products. This directive has also been adopted into Irish law under SI 170 of 1996, entitled the European Communities (fishery products) (health conditions and hygiene rules for production and placing on the market) Regulations 1996.
The legislation for food safety of shellfish and fishery products is implemented as part of the seafood control divisions inspection activities nationwide.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:157 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38326/05]
There are ten staff employed in my private office, one administrative officer, three executive officers and five clerical officers, all of whom are permanent civil servants, and one special adviser who is a political appointee. The current annual salary cost of my private office is €368,328. In the year to date, overtime costs amounted to €2,208 and expenses amounted to €13,226.
There are five people employed in my constituency office, one executive officer and two clerical officers, all of whom are permanent civil servants, and one personal assistant and one personal secretary who are political appointees. The current annual salary cost of my constituency office is €164,607. No overtime or expenses have been paid this year to date in respect of my constituency office.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:158 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38327/05]
The following tables set out the number of personnel in my private and constituency offices, their grades and remuneration.
|
Grade/Position |
Number |
Remuneration |
|
Special Adviser (non-established) |
1 |
Principal Officer scale €76,162 —€94,205 |
|
Personal Secretary (non-established) |
1 |
Executive Officer (higher) scale €27,017 —€44,555 |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
First Secretary scale €58,494 —€72,937 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer scale €41,151 —€52,235 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
Executive Officer scale €27,017 —€42,872 |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
Clerical Officer scale €21,563 —€34,964 |
|
Total |
10 |
|
Grade/Position |
Number |
Remuneration |
|
Personal Assistant (non-established) |
1 |
Higher Executive Officer scale €41,151 —€52,235 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
Executive Officer scale €28,441 —€45,125 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Clerical Officer scale €21,563 —€34,964 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Clerical Officer scale €20,483 —€33,219 |
|
Total |
5 |
The employment contracts of the non-established officers referred to in the tables are coterminous with my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal Civil Service regulations.
Prisoner Transfers.
Tony Gregory
Question:159 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure that future flights through Shannon Airport are not carrying prisoners to places where they would be at risk of torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38367/05]
During my visit to the United States last week, I met the US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, in Washington DC on 1 December. I raised with her the allegations that have been made regarding the rendition of prisoners and the use of Irish airports. The Secretary of State confirmed the assurances that we have previously received from the US authorities that prisoners have not been "rendered" through Irish airports or airspace, nor would they be, without the permission of the Irish authorities first being sought. No such request for permission has been received.
In light of such categorical assurances, the Government will continue to follow the long-standing practice whereby details supplied to the Department of Foreign Affairs in this area by the US authorities are accepted in good faith as being accurate. The Government would be very concerned if Shannon were to be used in any way that would infringe international or Irish law and we would have to take immediate action if we felt that was the case.
If anyone has credible evidence that Shannon Airport, or any other Irish airport, is being used for the purposes described by the Deputy, this should, as has been made clear by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, be shared with the Garda authorities.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Finian McGrath
Question:160 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to request that the British Government rein in their so-called security services; and the position in relation to the peace process. [38425/05]
The 1999 Patten report recommended as part of the restructuring of policing in Northern Ireland that security work be integrated with the task of investigating crime. I am pleased to say that the independent oversight commissioner has expressed satisfaction at the manner in which this and other related changes have been put into effect. In this regard, the commissioner stated in his September 2005 report that, as far as the police is concerned, "oversight of covert law enforcement is sound".
The Government is also aware of proposals for changes in Northern Ireland in the area of national security with effect from 2007. It has sought further information about these changes through the British-Irish intergovernmental secretariat. The Government has emphasised the importance of public accountability in any new arrangements, in line with the recommendations of the Patten report. This is also of particular relevance in the context of proposals for the future devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
As regards the peace process generally, the Deputy will be aware that there have been significant positive developments in recent months. The IRA statement of 28 July which announced an end to its armed campaign, and the report of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning on 26 September confirming that the IRA had put all of its weapons beyond use, were important and necessary steps towards the restoration of trust and confidence in the process.
The Government is firmly committed to restoring political momentum and is actively engaged with the British Government and with political parties to build on these positive developments. Most recently, I met the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, on 14 and 24 November in Hillsborough, where we jointly held a series of "stocktaking" meetings with political parties. These meetings complemented the bilateral meetings which both Governments have had with the political parties in recent weeks.
My meetings with the Secretary of State were a useful opportunity for a comprehensive exchange of views on current issues in the peace process and on how we could best make progress in the coming months. Our discussions with the parties were constructive and covered a broad range of issues, including the prospects for restoration of devolved institutions. Our primary purpose was to listen to the views of the parties and to take stock of the issues which need to be addressed in order to advance the process in the period ahead.
I stress the Government's determination to take concrete steps towards the restoration of devolved Government in Northern Ireland at the earliest opportunity next year. To this end, the Taoiseach and I will have further discussions later this month with Prime Minister Blair and Secretary of State Hain, respectively. The findings of the next report of the Independent Monitoring Commission, which is due to be submitted to the Governments in January, will also be important in that context.
Finian McGrath
Question:161 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to request that the British Government disband all Unionist paramilitaries and other instruments of their own creation. [38426/05]
In the course of the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, political parties in Northern Ireland accepted the principles set out in the report of the international body chaired by Senator George Mitchell, including the commitment to democratic and exclusively peaceful means of resolving political disputes, as well as the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations. As part of the Good Friday Agreement, the participants reaffirmed the commitment to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations.
In an important development the two Governments on 26 September 2005 received the report of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning confirming that the commission had overseen the completion of IRA decommissioning. While welcoming this development, both Governments made clear that this should be followed by the complete cessation of loyalist paramilitary activity, and the decommissioning of loyalist arms. It was indicated that there was no place for illegally held weapons in Northern Ireland, and that the loyalist groups should re-engage with the IICD.
In this context, I welcomed the announcement on 31 October that the LVF had stood down and called on them to engage with the IICD. I also welcome the reports of recent contacts between the UDA and the IICD. The Government has repeatedly called on loyalist paramilitary groups to build on this historic opportunity to bring a speedy end to paramilitary activity and to decommission fully. The Government has also urged the leaders of the political parties to use their influence to this end.
More generally, the Government welcomes recent indications of an openness to change within the loyalist community and reiterates its readiness to work constructively with those committed to tackling through peaceful means the real needs of their communities.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:162 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38328/05]
There are currently seven staff employed in my private office, one special adviser at principal officer level, one private secretary at higher executive officer level, one personal assistant at higher executive officer level, two executive officers and two clerical officers. There are currently six staff employed in my constituency office, two executive officers, one personal secretary at Oireachtas secretarial assistant level and three clerical officers.
All those mentioned are permanent civil servants, except my personal assistant and personal secretary. My special adviser is a permanent civil servant on secondment to this position. All these staff are paid at the appropriate Civil Service rates. In addition, my special adviser and personal secretary are each paid a 10% attraction allowance in respect of their current positions. My private secretary is paid an allowance at the rate of €18,015 per annum for these duties.
The expenses and overtime paid for the year ended 31 December 2004 are as follows:
|
Overtime |
Expenses |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Constituency Office |
1,269.08 |
Nil |
|
Private Office |
2,112.50 |
25,159.74 |
The staffing of both my private and constituency offices is in line with Department of Finance guidelines on this matter.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:163 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38329/05]
The requested details, which I outlined in my response to the identical question, Question No. 389 tabled by the Deputy on 22 November 2005, are as follows:
|
Grade |
Staff |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary) |
1 |
|
Executive Officers |
2 |
|
Clerical Officers |
5.8 |
|
Total |
8.8 |
The staff in the table above are civil servants.
|
Grade |
Staff |
|
Clerical Officers (Civil Servants) |
2 |
|
Personal Assistants (non-civil servants) |
1.5 |
|
Personal Secretary (non-civil servant) |
1 |
|
Total |
4.5 |
I have also appointed one special adviser, one policy adviser and one press adviser. The individuals concerned transferred with me from the Department of Health and Children on my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 29 September 2004. My special adviser is a civil servant while my policy adviser and press adviser are non-civil servants.
It is estimated that the total cost of running the private and constituency offices for 2005 will amount to €624,816 and €130,893, respectively.
Fuel Prices.
Tom Hayes
Question:164 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the price of LPG has not been reduced (details supplied). [38343/05]
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not track the movement of fuel prices. The policy of the Government as regards oil products generally is to promote competition and consumer choice. There is no price control on these products and in common with most other goods and services price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy. It is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur and my Department encourages consumers to raise price concerns directly with retailers. If it is the case that prices for fuel are affected by agreements between petrol companies or retailers or by an abuse of a dominant position, the Competition Authority is there to enforce competition law. Any suspected infringements of competition law should be brought to the attention of the Competition Authority
Industrial Development.
Gerard Murphy
Question:165 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the IDA is not taking a realistic approach to an idea (details supplied); and the further reason it seems to be continually obstructing the process. [38370/05]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas for the attraction of foreign direct investment to the State and its regions. While I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings. From inquiries which I have made I understand that IDA has been involved in ongoing discussions with Cork County Council over the past year regarding a number of land holdings in the Cork area and that there are still outstanding issues to be resolved. IDA is seeking an early meeting with Cork County Council with a view to resolving these issues. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that, in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
Economic Competitiveness.
Arthur Morgan
Question:166 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of all-island trade in the first six months of 2005 and the percentage increase or decrease over that period. [38406/05]
Exports from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland for the period January-June 2004 were €722,415,000 and in the corresponding period in 2005 totalled €690,225,000, a decrease of 4.5%. Imports from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland for January-June 2004 were €552,840,000 and for the corresponding period in 2005 totalled €552,780,000, a decrease of 0.01%.
Pension Provisions.
Dinny McGinley
Question:167 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the sections of the EU pensions directive that were transposed into Irish legislation in September 2005; if he will report on the sections that have not been transposed and the reason these sections were omitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38263/05]
Dinny McGinley
Question:168 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the provisions of Article 14 of the EU pensions directive stating this article was transposed into Irish legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38264/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
The EC Council Directive 2003/41/EC on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision, IORPs, is generally referred to as the IORPs directive or the pensions directive. The directive sets out a framework for the operation and supervision of occupational pension schemes in all member states and will facilitate pan-European pension plans.
Much of the framework required by the directive already existed in the Pensions Act 1990 and only a small number of amendments were required to ensure compliance. The amendments to the Pensions Act were carried in Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2005 and in consequential regulations which I signed into law on the 23 September 2005, the deadline for transposing the directive. My Department notified the European Commission that we had implemented the requirements of the directive by the required deadline.
The approach taken to transposition was to examine the existing provisions of Irish pensions law and to make changes only where required. Article 14 of the directive requires competent authorities to ensure that appropriate management and governance procedures are in place. It ensures that the competent authorities are sufficiently equipped with powers of intervention to perform their responsibilities properly and safeguard the interests of members and beneficiaries of the pension scheme. In Ireland, the competent authority is the Pensions Board.
As regards the transposition of Article 14, the existing provisions of pensions law in Ireland were considered sufficient compliance. For example, there are many requirements placed on trustees by trust law generally and by the Pensions Act. In addition, the Pensions Board has wide powers of investigation. The board also has powers as regards the appointment and removal of trustees and powers of intervention which are exercisable through the courts.
Family Support Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:169 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will reinstate the fuel allowance in the case of approximately 200 older people living in sheltered accommodation in the Dublin city area who have not received a winter fuel allowance in respect of winter 2005-06; if he will backdate the payments to compensate those people for the payments not made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38293/05]
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 with the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. As a long-standing policy within the scheme, fuel allowances are not payable in situations 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, my Department recently ceased allowance entitlement which had been paid in error in a specific number of cases where the recipients were in, or had moved to, local authority accommodation with subsidised or low cost heating. The allowances in question, which under current scheme rules should not have been put in payment in the first place, were withdrawn in these cases with effect from the start of this winter heating season.
However, I am conscious of the particular circumstances which apply in the cases concerned. I have reviewed the position to see if there is scope to resolve their fuel allowance situation, and I intend to clarify the matter very shortly.
John Curran
Question:170 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the services which are provided to lone parents in Clondalkin and Lucan to assist them to return to education and employment with regard to high levels of welfare dependency of lone parents; the success of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38316/05]
My Department assists and encourages long-term unemployed and other welfare recipients, including lone parents, to return to work, training or further education through a range of measures administered by its social and family support service. One significant measure is the back to work allowance scheme which incentivises and encourages people to return to work by allowing them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment. Research has shown that 75% of participants remain in employment or self-employment following participation. Another measure offered by my Department's social and family support service is the back to education allowance programme which provides support to long-term social welfare recipients who need to obtain educational qualifications before re-entering the labour force. Again, information provided through research has shown that, in the case of a group surveyed, 63% were in employment following participation in the scheme.
In addition, a special projects fund, administered by the Department's locally based facilitators provides enhanced support to people who need additional help to progress to training and employment. The facilitators also operate small-scale family services projects in certain areas, which are designed to focus supports towards specific target groups with complex needs. The provision of this additional support involves individual attention, customised information and enhanced access to services. It can increase the capacity of those in the most difficult circumstances, to improve their self-esteem and personal situations through access to basic education, training and developmental opportunities.
It is hoped that by encouraging customers to participate in self development programmes and in some instances "taster" educational programmes that they will move on to more formalised training and educational programmes. The special projects and family services initiatives are based on the application of a partnership approach between my Department, the voluntary and community sector, the private sector and other local players in identifying and addressing local needs in terms of training and development for people dependent on social welfare payments, including lone parents. I can confirm that in 2005 to date the Department funded two programmes specifically for lone parents in the areas in question. One was a 14 week preparation for work and personal effectiveness programme for 15 lone parents. The second was a 12 week personal development and job seeking skills programme for 12 lone parents. Funding of €23,670 was provided for these programmes.
Two other programmes were funded this year to improve parenting skills and strengthen families. These programmes were targeted at parents in need and included lone parents but were not exclusively for lone parents. Funding of €41,100 was provided for these programmes to assist 100 families. In 2004, seven programmes specifically for lone parents — six in Clondalkin and one in Lucan — were funded. The programmes varied in duration from ten to 14 weeks and were designed to improve parenting skills and personal development. Over 80 lone parents participated and funding of €83,945 was provided towards programme and ancillary costs.
Another four programmes were funded — three in Clondalkin and one in Lucan — targeted at parents in need and included lone parents but were not specifically for lone parents. Funding of €38,150 was provided for these programmes to assist approximately 70 families. In addition to the above, lone parents are encouraged to maximise their income from different sources and the means test for the one-parent family payment makes provision for the exemption of significant levels of earnings.
With regard to employment, lone parents may earn up to €146.50 per week without affecting their payment. Above that level, half of any earnings are assessed, up to a current maximum of €293 per week.
From 6 January 2005 recipients whose earnings increase and exceed €293 per week may be entitled to half of their one-parent family payment for a maximum of 26 weeks, starting immediately after their earnings exceeded €293 per week and when the 26 week period expired the payment would cease.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:171 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38330/05]
There are ten staff employed in my private office. These include eight administrative staff, a press adviser and a special adviser. The eight administrative staff are all established civil servants, one higher executive officer, 1.5 executive officers and 5.5 clerical officers.
The higher executive officer is on a pay scale of €40,543 to €51,463 with a private secretary allowance of €15,620 per annum. The executive officers are on a pay scale of €26,618 to €42,238, adjusted proportionally in the case of the work sharing officer.
Some 3.5 of the clerical officers are on a pay scale of €20,181 to €32,728 — class B rate of PRSI contribution applies — adjusted proportionally in the case of the work sharing officer. The other two clerical officers are on a pay scale of €21,245 to €34,448 — class A rate of PRSI contribution applies — as they commenced employment after 6 April 1995. The total overtime costs and expenses incurred to date in 2005 for the administrative staff in this office is €12,728 and €6,798, respectively. The press adviser and special adviser were appointed by me on a contract basis for my term of office. The press adviser is on a principal officer higher level pay scale of €80,750 to €93,599 together with a private pension contribution of 10% of salary. The special adviser is on a principal officer pay scale of €75,036 to €87,247. The total expenses incurred to date by my press adviser and special adviser are €13,000 and €8,152, respectively. No overtime costs have been incurred by these officers.
There are a total of six full-time administrative staff assigned to deal with matters in my constituency office. There are four established civil servants, one executive officer on a pay scale of €26,618 to €42,238 and three clerical officers on a pay scale of €21,245 to €34,448.
I have also appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, two non-established civil servants, a personal secretary and a personal assistant. The annual salary for my personal secretary is €38,948. My personal assistant is on secondment from the Department of Education and Science. That Department will recoup from my Department on an annual basis the cost of a replacement teacher's salary, allowances, PRSI contributions and superannuation contributions. This will be in the region of €34,400. No overtime or expenses have been incurred to date in 2005 by the administrative staff in my constituency office.
The payscales quoted above are exclusive of the 1.5% increase due under the Sustaining Progress agreement with effect from 1 December 2005.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the respite care grant. [38396/05]
The person to whom the Deputy refers was paid the respite care grant on 2 November 2005.
Gay Mitchell
Question:173 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Question No. 425 of 14 June 2005, if the reduction in rent subsidy for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 was correctly calculated following a readjustment in their one parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38473/05]
Rent supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The Dublin-mid-Leinster area of the HSE has advised that the rent supplement rate payable to the person concerned has been reviewed recently to take account of an increase in her rate of one parent family payment. It has determined that the revised rate of rent supplement payable to her will be €163.69 per week. The HSE is to notify her of this decision and of the effective date.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:174 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38331/05]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 421, answered on 22 November 2005. The following tables provide the information requested by the Deputy as regards salary. The salary costs are based on current salary scales. The overall expenses, including overtime, incurred by my office over the past year — November 2004-05 — is approximately €160,000. This includes travel and subsistence costs for staff and all other associated office costs.
|
Office |
Total staff |
Grade/Job Title |
Status: Permanent or Political |
Salary scale: Annual Cost |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Assistant |
Political appointee |
€41,151 —€52,235 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Administrative Assistant |
Political appointee |
€41,151 —€52,235 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Personal Secretary |
Political appointee |
€20,489 —€39,532 |
|
Constituency |
1 |
Staff Officer |
Permanent |
€32,508 —€43,402 |
|
4 |
|
Office |
Total Staff |
Grade/Job Title |
Status: Permanent or Political |
Salary scale: Annual Cost |
|
Private Office |
1 |
Private Secretary |
Permanent |
€43,316 —€54,986 plus allowance of €19,246 |
|
Private Office |
1 |
Special Adviser |
Political appointee |
€144,240 |
|
Private Office |
1 |
Press Officer |
Political appointee |
€76,162 —€94,205 |
|
Private Office |
1 |
Executive Officer |
Permanent |
€28,441 —€45,125 |
|
Private Office |
1 |
Executive Officer |
Permanent |
€27,017 —€42,872 |
|
Private Office |
6 |
Clerical Officer |
Permanent |
€21,563 —€34,964 |
|
11 |
Dublin Transportation Office.
Róisín Shortall
Question:175 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the 2004 annual accounts from the Dublin Transportation Office; and when the accounts will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [38344/05]
I have received a draft of the 2004 annual accounts of the Dublin Transportation Office. The accounts will be published, following sign-off by the Comptroller and Auditor General's office and the steering committee of the Dublin Transportation Office. This process is following the same pattern as in previous years. Following publication, a copy will be lodged in the Oireachtas Library.
National Safety Council.
Róisín Shortall
Question:176 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the 2003 and 2004 annual reports and abstracts of the audited accounts from the National Safety Council and if the documents will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [38345/05]
I have not yet received the 2003 and 2004 annual reviews and abstracts of audited accounts from the National Safety Council. The council has advised that its annual review for 2003 is complete and will be forwarded to me shortly and that the annual review for 2004 awaits approval by the board and will be sent to me immediately thereafter.
An issue arose in 2003 as regards an assessment for value added tax in respect of a service provided by the council. This matter has been the subject of ongoing consideration by the council and Revenue and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has been kept advised of the situation. It is expected that the matter will be resolved shortly thus allowing for audited accounts for 2003 to be furnished. It is expected that the 2004 audited accounts will be completed shortly thereafter.
These annual reviews and abstracts of the audited accounts will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas upon receipt from the council.
Community Development.
John Curran
Question:177 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the various community groups in Clondalkin and Lucan that have received funding by means of grant aid in the years 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [38315/05]
The various community groups in Clondalkin and Lucan that have received funding from my Department in the years 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005 are as follows:
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Clondalkin Partnership |
1,121,814 |
1,043,287 |
1,151,046 (2005 allocation) |
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Lucan 2000 (Community Partnership) |
85,828 |
49,255 |
|
Name |
2003€ |
2004€ |
2005€ |
|||
|
Core Funding |
Once Off |
Core Funding |
Once Off |
Core Funding |
Once Off |
|
|
Ronanstown Women’s Community Dev Project Ltd |
100,000 |
4,205 |
104,000 |
5,200 |
108,200 |
12,840 |
|
Bawnogue Women’s Dev Company Ltd |
38,300 |
1,570 |
39,830 |
2,300 |
41,500 |
4,452 |
|
Clondalkin Women’s Network Ltd |
129,400 |
132,000 |
136,400 |
2,000 |
||
|
Dolcain Project (S.W. Clondalkin CDP Ltd) |
82,162 |
94,860 |
3,000 |
99,300 |
1,186 |
|
|
North Clondalkin Community Dev Prog Ltd (NCCDP) |
109,400 |
112,380 |
115,900 |
4,600 |
||
|
Quarryvale Community House Project Ltd |
97,751 |
14,000 |
102,440 |
4,000 |
106,600 |
8,210 |
|
Rowlagh Women’s Group Ltd |
78,600 |
1,499 |
82,780 |
86,100 |
1,000 |
|
|
Clondalkin Travellers Development Grp. |
95,800 |
11,348 |
99,630 |
2,500 |
100,700 |
No appl. rec’d |
|
Total |
731,413 |
32,622 |
767,920 |
17,000 |
794,700 |
34,288 |
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Knockmitten Youth Facility |
72,384 |
437,616 |
|
|
Ronanstown Youth Service |
50,000 |
||
|
Bawnogue Youth and Community Centre |
10,000 |
||
|
St. Ronan’s and Sruleen Youth Centres |
25,000 |
||
|
Total |
72,384 |
522,616 |
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
CYC Youth Workers |
165,000 |
171,000 |
|
|
CYC Quarryvale Youth Worker |
55,000 |
57,000 |
|
|
CASP Youth Worker |
6,464 |
57,000 |
|
|
Teen Counselling |
55,000 |
57,000 |
|
|
Clondalkin Partnership Community Development Worker |
50,000 |
52,000 |
|
|
St. Ronan’s, Deansrath, Sruleen Youth Worker |
50,000 |
52,000 |
|
|
Collinstown Community College |
36,179 |
52,000 |
|
|
Bawnogue Community Centre Operational Grant |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
Bawnogue Community Centre 2 Youth Workers |
55,000 |
112,200 |
|
|
Neilstown Youth Community Centre Operational Fund |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
Neilstown Youth Community Centre Youth Worker |
27,500 |
56,100 |
|
|
Quarryvale Community and Leisure Centre Staffing/Running Costs |
62,500 |
127,500 |
|
|
YPFSF in Clondalkin also funds: |
|||
|
Sports Development Officer |
27,500 |
56,100 |
|
|
Youth Support Worker |
27,500 |
28,500 |
|
|
Youth Support and Training Unit |
6,151 |
15,000 |
|
|
Small Grants Fund |
35,000 |
35,000 |
|
|
Total |
451,294 |
769,000 |
406,900 |
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
CASP |
260,414 |
321,689 |
346,542 |
|
CUMAS |
64,090 |
39,292 |
160,834 |
|
Carline |
31,744 |
97,774 |
95,940 |
|
Ballyogan Family Support |
24,335 |
29,028 |
39,323 |
|
Cairdeas |
38,093 |
26,158 |
47,041 |
|
Beacon of Light |
44,440 |
34,666 |
46,692 |
|
Clondalkin Youth Service |
25,395 |
25,903 |
|
|
Ronanstown Youth Service |
63,487 |
55,868 |
67,393 |
|
Dublin Simon Community |
57,710 |
40,349 |
|
|
LDTF in Clondalkin also funds: |
|||
|
Community Drugs Team |
73,646 |
94,737 |
103,069 |
|
Under 18 Drug users support |
31,744 |
31,744 |
55,000 |
|
Schools Drug Education Worker |
63,486 |
49,521 |
68,375 |
|
Task Force information service |
12,697 |
12,951 |
|
|
Total |
695,479 |
876,279 |
1,109,412 |
Grants awarded to community and voluntary groups under the scheme of community support for older people and the programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations for the years in question are published by county on my Department's website —www.pobail.ie.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:178 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38332/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, of 22 November 2005.
Food Labelling.
Trevor Sargent
Question:179 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the regulations that are in place to ensure that vegetables with an organic label are actually organically grown. [38261/05]
The organic sector is governed by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91, as amended. The only food that may be labelled organic is food produced in accordance with the EU regulation and, in some instances, with additional standards for Ireland set down in the European Communities (Organic Farming) Regulations 2004. Under these regulations, a person who falsely labelled a product as organic would be liable for prosecution. The regulations provide for fines of up to €3,000 or a term of imprisonment.
Consumers already have a high degree of trust in the integrity of the organic production system and it is essential to preserve that trust. For that reason, I am determined that any instances of false labelling will be vigorously pursued and dealt with.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:180 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38333/05]
The following table shows the breakdown of the numbers in my private and constituency office.
|
Grade |
Number of Posts |
Salary Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
€57,630 —€71,859 Assistant Principal Officer scale + 10% allowance |
|
Private Secretary |
1 |
€40,543 —€51,463 — Higher Executive Officer scale + €18,015 allowance |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
€43,000 —€53,191 — Higher Executive Officer scale |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
€20,186 —€38,948 — Secretarial Assistants salary scale + 10% allowance |
|
Executive Officers |
2 |
€26,618 —€42,238 — Executive Officer scale |
|
Clerical Officers |
8 |
€21,245 —€34,448 — Clerical Officer Salary scale |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
2 |
€20,181 —€32,728 — Full PRSI Clerical Officer Salary scale |
|
Total |
16 |
The following three staff members are non-civil servants employed on a contract basis, namely, a personal assistant, a personal secretary and a temporary clerical officer.
Expenses relating to my office since January 2005 total €6,755.69. Overtime relating to my office since January 2005 totals €23,108.68.
School Milk Scheme.
Sean Fleming
Question:181 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of schools on a county basis that participated in the school milk scheme in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38348/05]
Sean Fleming
Question:182 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the schools in County Laois that participated in the school milk scheme in 2004; the dairies that were involved; and the amounts paid in respect of each school. [38349/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
In 2004, 2,360 schools around the country participated in the school milk scheme. The following table lists the school on a county basis.
|
County |
Number of Schools |
|
Cork |
386 |
|
Clare |
44 |
|
Kerry |
60 |
|
Limerick |
84 |
|
Tipperary |
104 |
|
Waterford |
66 |
|
Galway |
179 |
|
Sligo |
52 |
|
Roscommon |
39 |
|
Mayo |
139 |
|
Leitrim |
16 |
|
Cavan |
41 |
|
Donegal |
121 |
|
Monaghan |
67 |
|
Meath |
47 |
|
Laois |
18 |
|
Longford |
22 |
|
Louth |
62 |
|
Kilkenny |
46 |
|
Kildare |
34 |
|
Offaly |
34 |
|
Westmeath |
61 |
|
Dublin |
462 |
|
Carlow |
28 |
|
Wexford |
100 |
|
Wicklow |
48 |
|
Total number of schools |
2,360 |
The 18 schools in County Laois that participated in the scheme in 2004 are listed below.
|
School |
|
|
Ballyroan Girls national school |
Abbeyleix |
|
Emo national school |
Emo |
|
Gaelscoil Phortlaoise |
Portlaoise |
|
Kolbe Centre Montessori |
Portlaoise |
|
Maryboro national school |
Portlaoise |
|
Number Two N.S Sandy Lane |
Portarlington |
|
Rathdowney Church of Ireland national school |
Rathdowney |
|
Rathdowney Boys national school |
Rathdowney |
|
Rathdowney Montessori |
Rathdowney |
|
Ratheniska national school |
Stradbally |
|
Scoil Bhríde |
Montrath |
|
Scoil Mhuire national school |
Abbeyleix |
|
Scoil Phádraig Naofa B.N.S. |
Mountmellick |
|
St. John of God N.S. |
Rathdowney |
|
St. Joseph’s national school |
Mountmellick |
|
St. Pius X national school |
Ballacolla |
|
St. Francis |
Portlaoise |
|
Timahoe national school |
Timahoe |
Glanbia provides almost two thirds of all milk utilised in the school milk scheme in Ireland and is the sole provider of milk to schools in County Laois. My Department does not hold information on the amounts paid in respect of individual schools.
Water Charges.
Sean Fleming
Question:183 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amounts paid to Laois County Council in 2004 in respect of water rates for the Department’s offices in Portlaoise. [38350/05]
In 2004, a total of €1,975.01 was paid by my Department to Laois County Council in respect of water rates for my Department's offices in Portlaoise.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:184 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive their full single farm payment entitlement. [38434/05]
Originally, the person named had a single payment of €1,522.03 and 7.1 entitlements established for him during the reference period 2000 to 2002. However, since he was destocked in 1999 under the agri-environmental measures, his entitlements were subsequently based on the years prior to destocking which would have been more beneficial to him. Accordingly, the person named was notified that his single payment was €2,274.06, which was based on the average number of animals on which premia was paid during the years 1997-98. He was also notified that his number of entitlements was 24.11 based on the average number of hectares farmed during those two years.
In view of the fact that he only declared 7.1 hectares of land in 2005, he was paid only a percentage of his single payment as a result. My Department is now willing to accept the average number of hectares declared during 2000 to 2002 as his entitlements and assign him 7.1 entitlements instead of the 24.11 already notified. Arrangements are being made to have the balance of his single payment paid to him shortly.
Sexual Offences.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:185 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures which are in place to ensure that information relating to convicted sex offenders is made available to the relevant members of the Garda Síochána at operational level to ensure the protection of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38277/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a garda inspector has been appointed in each Garda division throughout the State with responsibility for liaising with the domestic violence and sexual assault investigation unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2, concerning the supervision of sex offenders.
Citizenship Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:186 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for Irish citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/05]
Jack Wall
Question:187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for Irish citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38279/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
Certificates of naturalisation are being prepared at present and I understand these will be issued to the two persons concerned within the next week.
Child Care Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:188 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if grant aid will be provided by his Department to mothers who stay at home to mind their children. [38280/05]
My Department provides funding for child care services under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006. The EOCP is funded by the Government under the national development plan, which receives co-financing under European Union Structural Funds. Funding available includes capital grants for child care facilities, grants to support staffing costs in child care services and grants towards quality improvement, primarily through the national voluntary child care organisations and the city-county child care committees.
My Department does not operate a scheme of the type referred to by the Deputy but it may interest him to know that the Government has made substantial provision under child benefit, which has increased from about €500 million to €2 billion per annum over the period since 1997. This increase was introduced to give effect to the Government's commitment to assist all parents in relation to the care of their children irrespective of income or employment status.
Registration of Title.
Pat Breen
Question:189 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry office will expedite a file plan folio for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38281/05]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.
Pat Breen
Question:190 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry office will expedite a file plan folio for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38282/05]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.
Security Industry.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:191 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to ensure that persons with criminal records are not issued with licences under the Private Security Services Act 2004. [38284/05]
My concern in regard to unacceptable elements within the private security industry was one of the reasons why I brought forward the Private Security Services Act 2004 to regulate the private security industry.
The Private Security Authority is the statutory body established under the Act to regulate this important industry. The PSA has put in place stringent criteria to ensure the private security industry operates to a high standard. In this regard, all applicants for a licence must undergo criminal record checks by the Garda Síochána, be they employees, principals or directors of private security companies and it is a matter for the authority to take the nature of any such record into account in determining whether to issue a licence. It is an offence in itself not to disclose details of a conviction when applying to the authority for a licence.
Garda Strength.
Joe Costello
Question:192 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí serving in each of the Garda stations in each county here for each year since 1997 to date in 2005; the population served by each Garda station in 1997 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38285/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the information requested is not readily available in the detail sought. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the Garda authorities have compiled the information to the extent that it is practical to do so.
Inquiries into Garda Activities.
Joe Costello
Question:193 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the final report of the internal Garda inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38286/05]
The Deputy will be aware that I have already received a preliminary Garda report on this distressing incident.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into the death of the person referred to by the Deputy, which is being carried out by an officer from outside the Garda division concerned, is at an advanced stage. I have requested the Garda authorities to submit the final report to me as soon as it is completed. When received, I will consider its contents. A completed investigation file will also be submitted by the Garda authorities to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:194 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38334/05]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 486 of Tuesday, 22 November 2005.
Residency Permits.
Olwyn Enright
Question:195 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the factors taken into account in adjudicating on a residency application for a non-national person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38339/05]
Subject to certain exceptions, every non-EEA national who wishes to remain in Ireland for longer than three months is required by law to register with the Garda Síochána. Permission to remain is granted in the form of an endorsement in the person's passport. Following registration he or she is issued with a Garda registration certificate.
A non-national can seek permission to remain on a number of grounds. For example, holders of work permits, students, family members of refugees and spouses of Irish nationals can all seek to make residency applications. The factors taken into account in adjudicating on residency applications depends to a large extent on the nature of the application. Should the Deputy require further information on a particular type of residency, the immigration division of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform would be happy to provide more detailed information.
Deportation Orders.
Jerry Cowley
Question:196 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) are being deported to Nigeria; if his attention has been drawn to the contribution this person has made to the local community; the steps he will take to reverse this deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38346/05]
The family concerned arrived in the State on 15 April 2005 and applied for asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The mother was informed by letter dated 12 August 2005 that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children and afforded them three options under section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, namely: to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons they should be allowed to remain in the State; to leave the State voluntarily; or to consent to the making of deportation orders.
Their case was examined under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, which relates to prohibition of refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations received on their behalf. On 10 November 2005, deportation orders were signed in respect of the family concerned, including a child born in the State on 25 May 2005. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the family to present themselves to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB, at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on Thursday, 24 November 2005, in order to make arrangements for their deportation from the State. The family failed to present themselves as required and are classified as evaders. They are being sought by Garda for removal and should present themselves to the GNIB without delay.
In addition to the 11 factors contained in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, I must also have regard to section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, which relates to prohibition of refoulement, before making a deportation order. The safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether to make a deportation order. This means that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a state where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to Nigeria and other third countries.
I am satisfied that the person's applications for asylum and leave to remain, together with all refoulement issues, were comprehensively and fairly considered and that the deportation should proceed. I would again urge the family to present themselves to the GNIB without delay.
Violence Against Women.
Sean Fleming
Question:197 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government plans to conduct large-scale public awareness and educational programmes highlighting violence against women and carry out training for public officials, the Judiciary and other professionals who deal with this issue during the course of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 517 of Wednesday, 2 November 2005. The position remains as set out in that response.
Sean Fleming
Question:198 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to review the civil and criminal justice system to ensure that it prevents and punishes persons found guilty of violence against women in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of women and children as both victims and witnesses of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38355/05]
While a comprehensive range of civil and criminal justice measures are in place to tackle violence against women, the operation of the law in this area is kept under ongoing review.
The Domestic Violence Acts 1996 and 2002 provide for the protection of a spouse and any children or other dependent persons, and of persons in other domestic relationships, whose safety or welfare requires it because of the conduct of another person in the domestic relationship concerned. Contravention of an order under the Acts, that is, a safety order, a barring order, an interim barring order or a protection order, is an offence and subject to sanctions under the criminal law . Under the Acts the Garda has powers of arrest without warrant to deal with cases of domestic violence. The Legal Aid Board has in place procedures to provide an immediate appointment to persons requiring legal advice in the context of seeking an order under this legislation.
Furthermore, under the code of criminal law, there is a range of sanctions that the court can apply in cases involving violence against women. The Garda Síochána has in place a domestic violence intervention policy which stresses the seriousness of this type of crime and Garda training addresses issues particular to the investigation of cases of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, and incorporates input from various experts, including NGOs active in this field.
Many of the measures being advanced by the commission for the support of victims of crime, which I established earlier this year, also play an important role in responding to this type of crime. In particular the commission has already approved funding totalling €290,000 for the provision of services by groups which deal directly with women and children who are victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Tackling the problem of violence against women requires multifaceted solutions and involves a far broader range of agencies than those within the civil and criminal justice systems alone. For this reason, a national steering committee, NSC, involving all of the relevant Departments as well as key voluntary groups, is charged with co-ordinating our response to this issue. The NSC is working on a new strategy and action plan which will build on the work achieved to date and chart progress for the future. This document is due to be finalised early next year and will be widely disseminated at that time.
Citizenship Applications.
Pat Carey
Question:199 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for naturalisation will be processed for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38356/05]
I informed the Deputy in response to Question No. 377 on 29 November that processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation of the person concerned was almost finalised. This is still the position. If the person concerned wishes to travel outside of the State prior to her application being finalised, she can travel on her current passport and apply, in advance of her departure from the State, for a re-entry visa to the Department of Foreign Affairs visa office at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Prisoner Transfers.
Tony Gregory
Question:200 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that future flights through Shannon Airport are not carrying prisoners to places where they would be at risk of torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38368/05]
I refer the Deputy to the replies by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Questions Nos. 167 and 263 of 30 November and 6 December 2005, respectively.
I also refer to the confirmation given last week by US Secretary of State Rice to my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, of the assurances that had previously been received from the US authorities, namely, that prisoners had not been transported through Irish airports or airspace, nor would they be, without permission from the Irish authorities. I understand no such request for permission has ever been received.
Both my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and I have called on any person with specific evidence that Shannon Airport or any other Irish airport is being used for these purposes to share this information with the Garda authorities, who would be responsible for investigating such matters. Such an investigation could include, where appropriate, the inspection of an aircraft, although international law would prohibit the forcible entry of the Garda Síochána onto foreign military-State aircraft.
Deportation Orders.
Tony Gregory
Question:201 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the request of persons (details supplied) who wish to remain here will be reviewed in view of the representations from their school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38369/05]
A deportation order was signed in respect of the first person concerned on 13 December 2004 and the second person concerned on 18 November 2005. On examination of further representations received in regard to these cases, I have now decided as an exceptional measure to revoke their deportation orders and grant them temporary leave to remain for a period of 12 months with their cases being reviewed at the end of that period. The individuals concerned will be notified of my decision shortly.
Registration of Title.
Michael Ring
Question:202 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a full response has not issued from the Land Registry office as per Question No. 217 of 24 November 2005 in regard to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38400/05]
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that a reply issued directly to the Deputy, as indicated in my response to the parliamentary question referred to. That reply indicated that the application in question would be expedited. I understand that since then a query has issued to the lodging solicitor on 28 November and that the application cannot proceed until this query has been satisfactorily resolved.
However, I assure the Deputy that on receipt of a satisfactory reply to the query raised, the matter will receive further attention in the Land Registry and will be completed as soon as possible.
Citizenship Applications.
Tom Hayes
Question:203 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38424/05]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 16 January 2004.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled, including where the applicant has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.
In the context of qualifying residence for the purposes of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996. Generally speaking, immigration stamps in an applicant's passport are used to determine periods of permission to remain in the State.
I understand that the application of the person concerned was recently examined to determine if he had the required residence. It appears that a substantial period of his time in the State was for the purposes of study and, consequently, he does not satisfy the statutory requirements in this regard. Officials from the citizenship section will shortly be in touch with the applicant to further explain the situation in this regard.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Finian McGrath
Question:204 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the maximum support will be given to a victim of the Dublin bombings (details supplied) in relation to expenses for consultation fees and hearing aids to resolve other matters. [38431/05]
I have made inquiries with the Remembrance Commission and I have been informed that, within the terms of the scheme of remembrance, acknowledgement and assistance for victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland, there is no restriction on the amount that may be claimed for current, ongoing and unmet medical expenses pertaining to injuries received as a result of the conflict. The only restriction on an applicant is that he or she cannot claim a reimbursement from any other source, such as a private health insurer, for the procedures which are the basis of the claim.
The commission has informed me that any application for the reimbursement of expenses, such as consultation fees and hearing aids, must be accompanied by a certificate from a qualified medical practitioner stating that the medical treatment obtained related to an injury sustained in the conflict. In addition, the original receipts for any medical expenses incurred must be included with the application.
I am further advised that, in regard to the person in question, the commission is anxious to ensure that his current applications for funding are dealt with as promptly as possible. They are, therefore, putting specific arrangements in place for the person in question.
Garda Deployment.
Paul Kehoe
Question:205 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether Bunclody should be transferred to the Enniscorthy Garda division and Ferns should be transferred to the Gorey Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38478/05]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I sought the views of the Commissioner regarding the matter raised and I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Schools Refurbishment.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:206 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the need of a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the renovation of the 30 year old science laboratory; and if approval will be arranged therefor under the summer scheme works programme. [38272/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy made an application for funding for the upgrading of its science laboratory under the summer works scheme 2006. All applications under this scheme are being examined in school planning section of my Department. The list of successful applicants will be published when the assessment process is completed.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:207 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the pressure for additional teaching accommodation and space at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; her views on whether a substantial extension is necessary; and if she will confirm approval for same. [38273/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation. The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was 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.
Special Educational Needs.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:208 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether there is no evidence that disadvantaged schools that have lost resource teaching hours as a result of the introduction of the weighted system no longer need them as implied in replies to parliamentary questions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38274/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the general allocation of learning support and resource teachers, LSs and RTs, is intended to cater for children with learning support and high incidence special educational needs. The system was constructed so that LS and RT allocations would be based on pupil numbers, taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard.
The new system has a number of benefits. It puts resources in place on a more systematic basis, thereby giving schools more certainty about their resource levels. It facilitates early intervention as the resource is in place when the child enrols. It reduces the need for individual applications and supporting psychological assessments. It allows flexibility to school management in the deployment of resources, leading to a more effective and efficient delivery of services.
In introducing the general allocation system, transitional arrangements were also introduced whereby transitional hours were allocated to schools to cater for children for whom individual teaching resources had previously been allocated but which it would not have been possible for the school to continue to provide from its general allocation. In the circumstances no child should have experienced a loss of resource teaching support. It has however always been the case that schools in receipt of resource teacher support in respect of pupils with special educational needs would lose teacher support, either full posts or part-time hours, when the pupils that triggered the extra support left the school.
In the circumstances I do not propose to restore LSs and RTs to schools that are no longer entitled to them as a result of the pupils for whom the resources were originally allocated having left or transferred to other schools. Furthermore, I would remind the Deputy that the pupil teacher ratio for LS and RT support in the most disadvantaged schools is 80:1 and in addition to special needs supports, these schools also receive other supports as a result of their disadvantaged status.
I am satisfied that at this stage the general allocation system is working well and has been favourably received by schools. My Department will continue to work with schools and the education partners with a view to ensuring this remains the case. I would add that more than 5,000 teachers in our primary schools now work 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.
Educational Projects.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:209 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application for funding from a council (details supplied); if a decision has been made to fund the council in view of the rapidly growing demand from schools for their projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38275/05]
My Department has not received any application for funding from the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland. However, my Department does not provide direct funding for special interest groups such as that referred to by the Deputy. Schools have considerable discretion as to how the funding allocated by my Department should be best utilised in the interests of their students. Should a school accord sufficient priority to a project offered by the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland then the school would be free to engage with the council in this regard.
School Curriculum.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:210 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she has taken to provide modern texts in Irish for leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38276/05]
A revised literature course for leaving certificate Irish at both ordinary and higher levels was introduced in September 2004 for first examination in 2006. Modern texts in Irish are a feature of the revised course.
The prescribed prose and poetry includes works by contemporary authors in the Irish language. For example, the prose includes works by Biddy Jenkinson and Máire Mhac an tSaoi and poems by Áine Ní Ghlinn, Cathal Ó Searcaigh and Máire Mhac an tSaoi are included.
The additional prescribed poetry section at higher level also includes works by contemporary authors. Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Johnny Chóil Mhaidhc Ó Coistealbha, Cathal Ó Searcaigh and Deirdre Brennan feature on this list. The elective material, that is "An tÁbhar Roghnach", for both prose and poetry provides candidates with opportunities to present alternative texts of their choice. These may include modern texts in Irish.
The revised literature course also includes the option of studying a contemporary film in the Irish language. This can be an alternative to the prescribed play. It is my view that the revised literature course offers multiple opportunities for the study of modern texts. Furthermore, it provides teachers and students with a high degree of flexibility to choose works that match their interests.
School Transport.
Michael Ring
Question:211 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the provision of school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be investigated and the service reinstated. [38287/05]
Under the terms of my Department's post primary school transport scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 km or more from her or his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area, otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way either to the catchment boundary or to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The pupils in question who are enrolled in the school referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied have been facilitated with catchment boundary transport to another post primary centre. It has recently been established, however, that the pick-up for these pupils was located within the catchment area in which they reside. This is contrary to the terms of the post-primary school transport scheme. As a result, the pick-up point was changed by Bus Éireann to a point that is now within the catchment area being attended.
Catherine Murphy
Question:212 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to her response to Question No. 491 of 4 November 2005, if her Department has received an up-to-date report from Bus Éireann with regard to the need for a school bus service to be provided to students (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this report has been received, the findings of same, if the report will change her Department’s position regarding the provision of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38295/05]
An up-to-date report has been received from Bus Éireann, which organises the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. In its report Bus Éireann has again confirmed that the pupils in question are availing of a public schedule service of good standard to the school concerned. It reported that the relevant set down and collection points for the service are located 200 metres and 500 metres, respectively from the school with a footpath along the route concerned and pedestrian lights available where pupils need to cross the road to the collection point in the afternoons.
Regarding the use of the service by younger pupils, Bus Éireann has again pointed out that this would be on the basis of the general arrangements in place for pupils availing of public scheduled services in the greater Dublin area. On the basis of Bus Éireann's most recent findings, there are no plans to change the current transport arrangements in place in respect of the pupils concerned.
Summer Works Scheme.
John Curran
Question:213 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding allocated to the school summer works projects in Clondalkin and Lucan for the periods 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [38310/05]
My Department's records on summer works scheme projects are not kept in the format requested by the Deputy. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that since the scheme was introduced in 2004, in excess of €10.8 million was allocated to schools in Dublin in 2004 and €27.4 million in 2005.
Details of the Dublin schools that were allocated funding under the summer works scheme in both years are given in the following table:
|
County |
Roll Number |
School |
Project |
|
Dublin |
60092U |
Clonkeen College |
gas proving |
|
Dublin |
60343T |
St. Joseph’s Secondary School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin |
60361V |
St. Raphaela’s Secondary School |
mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60380C |
St. Dominic’s High School |
fire safety |
|
Dublin |
70080T |
Lucan Community College |
heating system |
|
Dublin |
70120F |
St. Finian’s Community College |
fire safety |
|
Dublin 1 |
60853T |
Mount Carmel Secondary School |
re-wiring |
|
Dublin 10 |
70240P |
Kylemore College |
refurbishment of science labs |
|
Dublin 11 |
60571J |
Patrician College |
mechanical and electrical |
|
Dublin 12 |
60700R |
Scoil Chaitriona |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 12 |
60800V |
Loretto College |
fume cupboard |
|
Dublin 12 |
60851P |
Assumption Secondary School |
heating |
|
Dublin 12 |
60902G |
St. Paul’s Secondary School |
gas proving |
|
Dublin 12 |
70131I |
Greenhills College |
access for all |
|
Dublin 13 |
60021U |
St. Mary’s Sec. School |
re-wiring |
|
Dublin 13 |
60370W |
St. Fintan’s High School |
gas |
|
Dublin 13 |
70020B |
Grange Community College |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 13 |
91318U |
Donahies Community School |
fire safety |
|
Dublin 14 |
60891E |
Our Lady’s Grove Secondary School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 14 |
70060N |
Dundrum College |
access for all |
|
Dublin 15 |
91315O |
Coolmine Community School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 2 |
60490J |
CBS Westland Row |
dry/wet rot |
|
Dublin 20 |
60272W |
The King’s Hospital |
gas proving |
|
Dublin 24 |
70141N |
Jobstown Community College |
gas monitoring system |
|
Dublin 24 |
91335U |
Tallaght Community School |
ceiling replacement |
|
Dublin 3 |
70250S |
Marino College |
heating upgrade |
|
Dublin 4 |
70200D |
Ringsend Technical Institute |
roof |
|
Dublin 4 |
70290H |
Ballsbridge College of Further Education |
access for all |
|
Dublin 5 |
60550B |
Chanel College |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 6 |
60670L |
The High School |
gas proving |
|
Dublin 6 |
60890C |
St. Louis High School |
roof |
|
Dublin 6 |
N/A |
Kiltiernan Adult Education Centre |
access for all |
|
Dublin 8 |
70220J |
Inchicore College |
access for all |
|
Dublin |
06200O |
St. Mary’s Boys National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin |
11583O |
St. Andrew’s National School |
external |
|
Dublin |
13217L |
Holy Family National School |
structural |
|
Dublin |
17470I |
St. Raphaela’s National School |
heating repair |
|
Dublin |
17820J |
Rolestown National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin |
17979A |
Mt. Anville Primary School |
boiler replacement |
|
Dublin |
18080A |
Scoil Mhuire Mixed National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin |
18976W |
St. Colmcille’s Boys National School |
heating |
|
Dublin |
19066L |
Loreto Primary School |
electrical installation |
|
Dublin |
19515O |
St. Theresa’s Primary School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin |
19840C |
Holy Family National School |
access |
|
Dublin |
19877C |
Holy Family Senior National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin |
19901T |
Booterstown National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin |
19938T |
St. Joseph’s National School |
heating replacement |
|
Dublin |
18647D |
Scoil San Treasa |
disabled access |
|
Dublin 1 |
15056L/15816I |
St. Vincents Girls and Boys National School |
boiler replacement |
|
Dublin 1 |
19946S |
Rutland St. National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 10 |
18341C |
St. Louis Senior School |
mechanical and electrical upgrade |
|
Dublin 10 |
20139T |
Inchicore National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 11 |
20059V |
Mother of Divine Grace National School |
electrical system |
|
Dublin 12 |
17683C |
Scoil Mhuire Ógh 11 |
water system |
|
Dublin 12 |
19623R |
St. Paul’s Junior National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin |
19612M |
Dalkey School Project National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 12 |
19764M |
Our Lady of the Wayside National School |
mechanical |
|
Dublin 14 |
19939V |
Good Shepherd National School |
mechanical and electrical |
|
Dublin 15 |
00697S |
St. Brigid’s National School |
refurbishment |
|
Dublin 16 |
19314E |
Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire |
electrical |
|
Dublin 16 |
19319O |
St. Olaf’s National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 16 |
19396J |
Our Lady’s Girls National School |
heating system |
|
Dublin 16 |
19474D |
St. Colmcille’s Junior National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 16 |
19742C |
St. Colmcille’s Senior National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 17 |
19524P |
Our Lady Immaculate National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 2 |
19705T |
Catherine McAuley National School |
electrical and heating |
|
Dublin 2 |
19896G |
Scoil Chaitriona C.B.S. National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 20 |
10653E |
St. Laurence’s National School |
heating |
|
Dublin 20 |
15622S |
Chapelizod National School No. 1 |
structural |
|
Dublin 20 |
18323A |
St. Lorcans Boys National School |
water system |
|
Dublin 22 |
19566I |
Our Lady Queen of the Apostles |
fire safety |
|
Dublin 22 |
19569O |
St. Peter Apostle Junior National School |
windows/doors/security |
|
Dublin 22 |
19642V |
St. Peter Apostle Senior National School |
windows/doors/security |
|
Dublin 24 |
17899C |
Scoil Carmel National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 24 |
19462T&19463V |
St. Maelruan’s Junior and Senior National School |
boiler replacement |
|
Dublin 24 |
19520H |
St. Joseph’s Special School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 24 |
19543T/19652B |
An Chroí Ró Naofa S and J National Schools |
boiler replacement |
|
Dublin 3 |
18726W |
Scoil Iosaif na mBráthar |
fire safety |
|
Dublin 4 |
15995L |
Star of the Sea Boys National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 5 |
16792C |
St. Brigid’s Girls National School |
rewiring |
|
Dublin 5 |
17976R |
Scoil Assaim Senior Boys National School |
disabled access |
|
Dublin 5 |
18361I/18362 |
Scoil Chaitriona (Cailíní) National School |
roof repair |
|
Dublin 5 |
19954R |
North Bay Educate Together National School |
heating |
|
Dublin 6 |
17210F/17211H |
St. Louis Infant Senior School |
insulation |
|
Dublin 6 |
18817C |
Scoil Bhríde |
fire safety |
|
Dublin 6 |
18904U |
St. Peter’s Special School |
refurbishment |
|
Dublin 6W |
19178W/19177U |
St. Pius Girls and Boys National School |
electrical |
|
Dublin 8 |
00743W |
Mater Dei National School |
re-wiring |
|
Dublin 8 |
17083B |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál |
heating repair |
|
Dublin 8 |
18477E |
Scoil na mBráthar |
electrical |
|
Dublin 8 |
20104A |
St. Audoens National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 9 |
11525A |
St. Patrick’s Boys National School |
toilet upgrade |
|
Dublin 9 |
16759E |
Scoil Mhuire Marino |
security fencing |
|
Dublin 9 |
16860Q |
Corpus Christi Girls National School |
window replacement |
|
Dublin 9 |
18417J |
St. Joseph’s Primary School |
access for all |
|
County |
Roll No |
School |
Project |
|
Dublin |
00697S |
St. Brigids Mxd NS, Castleknock, Dublin 15 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
00743W |
Mater Dei Primary School, Basin Lane, James Street |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
03359N |
Ballyroan B N S, Ballyroan, Rathfarnham |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
05600C |
Clochar San Dominic, Dúnlaoghaire, Co Dublin |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
05933G |
Georges Hill Convent, Georges Hill, Dublin 7 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
06200O |
Booterstown Boys, Booterstown, Blackrock |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
07546J |
Goldenbridge Convent, Goldenbridge, Inchicore |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
09492W |
Balscadden N S, Balscadden, Ring Commons |
External Environment |
|
Dublin |
10653E |
Chapelizod NS |
Install Soundproof Partition |
|
Dublin |
11525A |
St. Patricks N School, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
11873A |
Rathmichael N S, Rathmichael, Shankill |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
12014D |
St. Andrews N S, Lucan, Co Dublin |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
12755W |
Kildare Place N S, 96 Upper Rathmines Rd, Dublin 6 |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
13612F |
Presentation Primary, Terenure, Dublin 6w |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
14180H |
Holmpatrick NS, Skerries, Co. Dublin |
Fencing & Gates |
|
Dublin |
14463T |
St. Columba’s NS Mxd, North Strand, Dublin 3 |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
15816I |
St. Vincent’s Inf Boys, North William Street, Dublin 1 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
15995L |
Canon O’Hanlon Memorial NS |
Complete upgrade of playground shelter |
|
Dublin |
16567S |
St. Brigids NS, Haddington Rd |
Access |
|
Dublin |
16651H |
St. Clares Convent N S, Harolds Cross Road, Dublin 6w |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
16759E |
Scoil Mhuire, Marino, Dublin 3 |
outdoor toilets to indoor |
|
Dublin |
16792C |
St. Brigids Convent N S, Killester, Dublin 5 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
16964F |
Scoil Mhuire Ógh 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Rd |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
16966J |
Scoil Náisiúnta Stratford, 1 Zion Road, Rathgar |
Upgrade Play area |
|
Dublin |
16988T |
Christ The King B N S, Cabra, Dublin 7 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
16989V |
Christ The King G N S, Cabra, Dublin 7 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
17210F |
Clochar Lughaidh Cailíní |
Fencing |
|
Dublin |
17211H |
Clochar Lughaidh Naoidh, Williams Park, Rathmines |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
17284L |
Baldoyle B N S, Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Dúill, Br Clochaise |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
17355I |
Muire na Dea Comhairle G, Mourne Road, Drimnagh |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
17356K |
Muire na Dea Comhairle Inf, Mourne Road, Dublin 12 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
17367P |
Scoil Mhuire Gns, Navan Road, Dublin 7 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
17459U |
Christ The King I G, Cabra, Dublin 7 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
17470I |
St. Raphaela’s N S, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
17683C |
Muire Ógh 2 |
Pedestrian Entrance/ Pathways/Avenue Widening |
|
Dublin |
17785K |
San Nioclás Myra, Kinsealy, Dublin 17 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
17899C |
Scoil Carmel |
Upgrade Play area |
|
Dublin |
17912O |
S N Eoin Bosco Buach, Navan Road, Dublin 7 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
17954H |
Scoil Caoimhin Naofa, Mount Merrion, Blackrock |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
17971H |
St. Michaels Spec School, Glenmaroon, Chapelizod |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
17979A |
S N Cnoc Ainbhil, Lr Kilmacud Rd, Stillorgan/Blackrock |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
18170B |
Sn Muire Na Freastogála, Siúracha Na Carthanachta, Baile Uailcin |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dublin |
18171D |
Our Lady Assumption Bns, Siúracha Na Carthanachta, Baile Uailcin |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dublin |
18323A |
Scoil Lorcain B |
Fencing |
|
Dublin |
18324C |
Scoil Bride C, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 |
External Environment |
|
Dublin |
18342E |
Sn Louise De Marillac, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
18386B |
Marist National School, Clogher Road, Crumlin |
External Environment |
|
Dublin |
18417J |
St. Josephs For Blind Ns, St. Josephs School For, Visually Impaired Boys |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
18455R |
Our Lady Of Assumption, Siúracha Na Carthanachta, Baile Uailcin |
Structural Improvements |
|
Dublin |
18477E |
Scoil na mBráthar, Francis Street, Dublin 8 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
18499O |
St. Augustines School, Obelisk Park, Blackrock |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
18519R |
Scoil Séamus C B S, James Street, Dublin 8 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
18602E |
Scoil Mhuire Clondalkin |
Upgrade Play area |
|
Dublin |
18632N |
S N Eoin Bosco Naí Buac, Navan Rd, Dublin 7 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
18817C |
SN Brighde |
Fire Escape |
|
Dublin |
18863J |
Dominican Convent Sp Sc, Sion Hill, Blackrock |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
18904U |
St. Peters Special Sch, Lucena Clinic, 59 Orwell Road |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
18976W |
S N Cholmille B, Swords, Co. Dublin |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19015R |
St. Josephs G N S, Barry Avenue, Finglas West |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19158Q |
St. Peters B N S, Limekiln Rd, Greenhills |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
19159S |
St. Pauls G N S, Greenhills, Kimmage West |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19220S |
Scoil Naomh Íde, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19221U |
Scoil Naomh Áine, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19259W |
St. Patricks Gns, Foxrock Ave, Foxrock |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19319O |
St. Olafs N S, Balally Drive, Dundrum |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19374W |
Garrán Mhuire, Goatstown, Dublin 14 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19396J |
Na Maighdine Muire Girl, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19431I |
St. Josephs Jnr, Balcurris, Ballymun |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19435Q |
St. Francis Xavier J N S, Roselawn Road, Castleknock |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19462T |
Naomh Maolruain, Old Bawn, Tallaght |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19463V |
Naomh Maolruain Senior, Old Bawn, Tallaght |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19470S |
St. Francis Xavier Senior N S, Coolmine, Castleknock |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19471U |
St. Paul’s JNS, Malahide Rd, D13 |
Tarmac |
|
Dublin |
19474D |
Scoil Colmcille Naofa, Knocklyon, Templeogue |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
19490B |
Scoil Mhuire, Ballyboden, Dublin 16 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19509T |
Scoil Nano Nagle, Bawnoge, Clondalkin |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19510E |
Talbot Senior Ns, Bawnoge, Clondalkin |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19535U |
Brackenstown Senior N S, Brackenstown, Swords |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19537B |
St. Attractas Junior N S, Meadowbrook, Dundrum |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19546C |
St. Oliver Plunkett N S, St. Oliver Plunkett Ns, St. Helenas Drive |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19566I |
Our Lady Queen of Apostles |
Full fire safety fit out |
|
Dublin |
19575J |
St. Marys JNS |
Fire Alarm |
|
Dublin |
19577N |
Scoil Íosa, Scoil Náis. Íosa, Tymon North |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19583I |
St. Josephs Senior N S, St. Josephs Senior Ns, Balcurris |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19605P |
Scoil Náis Mhuire Sois, Blakestown, Mulhuddart |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19612M |
Dalkey School Project, Glenageary Lodge, Glenageary |
Other structural |
|
Dublin |
19612M |
Dalkey School Project, Glenageary Lodge, Glenageary |
Oil to Gas |
|
Dublin |
19617W |
St. Martin De Porres N S, Aylesbury, Old Bawn |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19619D |
St. Malachys Ns, Rivermount, Finglas |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19623R |
St. Pauls Jun Ns, Greenhills, Walkinstown |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19647I |
St. Marys Sen N S, Rowlagh, Clondalkin |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19661C/19662E/19663G |
St. Gabriels/Michaels/Raphaels, Ballyfermot |
fencing |
|
Dublin |
19669S |
Lady Of Good Counsel Ns, Mourne Rd, Drimnagh |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19676P |
Scoil Áine Naofa, Esker, Lucan |
External Environment |
|
Dublin |
19694R |
Scoil Mhuire Sinséaracha, Blakestown, Mulhuddart |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19705T |
Catherine McAuley N Sc, 59 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19707A |
St. Ronans N S, Deansrath, Clondalkin |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19723V |
Queen Of Angels Primary School, Wedgewood, Dundrum |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19727G |
St. Marys Central N S, Belmont Ave, Donnybrook |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19742C |
St. Colmcille Senior N S, Knocklyon, Dublin 16 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
19743E |
St. Bernadettes Junior N S, Quarryvale, Clondalkin |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19766Q |
Scoil Íosagáin/Mhuire, Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19767S |
Scoil Mhuire/Seosamh, Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19785U |
St. Bernadettes Senior N S, Quarryvale, Clondalkin |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19799I |
Sacred Heart N S, Sruleen, Clondalkin |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19840C |
Holy Family School, Dunedin Park, Monkstown |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19845M |
Nth Dublin Project, Ballymun Rd, D9 |
PE Hall Repairs |
|
Dublin |
19877C |
Holy Family Senior N S, Forest Fields, River Valley |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19896G |
Scoil Caitríona Na mBráithre, Baggot St, Dublin 2 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19901T |
Booterstown N S, Cross Ave, Blackrock |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
19907I |
Gaelscoil Mologa, Bóthar Chlareville, Baile Átha Cliath 6w |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19922E |
Our Ladys N S, St. Columbanus Road, Milltown |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19929S |
St. Brigids Senior Girls, Finglas West, Dublin 11 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
19939V |
Scoil Náisiúnta An Dea Aoire, Whitehall Road, Churchtown |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19946S |
Rutland Street N S, Lower Rutland Street, Dublin 1 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
19979K |
St. Kevins N S, Sallynoggin, Co Dublin |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
20012S |
Griffith Barracks N S, The Old Guardhouse, Griffith College |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
20014W |
St. Agnes NS |
Upgrade Play area |
|
Dublin |
20104A |
St. Audoens Ns, Cook Street, Dublin 8 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
20121A |
St. John Of God Special School, Glenageary, Co Dublin |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
20139T |
Inchicore Ns, Sarsfield Road, Inchicore |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
20173T |
St. Annes Primary School, Fettercairn, Tallaght |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
42653I |
Cabra Multiplex, St. Marys Dominican Convent, Cabra |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
42654K |
St. Basil’s Training Centre, Greenhills Road, Tallaght |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
42655M |
St. Oliver’s Training Centre, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
60021U |
St. Marys Secondary School, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
60050E |
Oatlands College, Mount Merrion, Blackrock |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60081P |
Rockford Manor Secondary School, Stradbrook Rd, Blackrock |
External Environment |
|
Dublin |
60092U |
Clonkeen College, Clonkeen Road, Blackrock |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60121B |
Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60261R |
St. Benildus College, Upper Kilmacud Rd, Stillorgan |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60263V |
St. Josephs College, Lucan, Co Dublin |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60264A |
Coláiste Phádraig Cbs, Roselawn, Lucan |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60290B |
St. Pauls College, Sybil Hill, Raheny |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60291D |
Ardscoil La Salle, Raheny Road, Dublin 5 |
Refurb HE Room |
|
Dublin |
60300B |
Manor House, Watermill Road, Raheny |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
60341P |
Sancta Maria College, Ballyroan, Rathfarnham |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60343T |
St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Convent Lane, Rush |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60361V |
St. Raphaela’s Secondary School, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60370W |
St. Fintan’s High School, Dublin Road, Sutton |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60470D |
Synge Street Cbs, Synge Street, Dublin 8 |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
60471F |
St. David’s C.B.S., Malahide Road, Artane |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60480G |
Meánscoil Iognáid Rís, Long Mile Road, Walkinstown |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60490J |
C.B.S. Westland Row, Westland Row, Dublin 2 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60510M |
St. Johns College De La Salle, Le Fanu Rd, Ballyfermot |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
60571J |
Patrician College, Deanstown Ave, Finglas West |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60670L |
High School, Rathgar |
Replace water tanks |
|
Dublin |
60700R |
Scoil Chaitriona, Bóthar Mobhí, Glasnaíon |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60720A |
Saint Dominic’s Secondary School, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
60741I |
St. Michaels Secondary School, Wellmount Road, Finglas |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
60770P |
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Holy Faith Convent, Glasnevin |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
60792C |
Presentation College, Warrenmount, Dublin 8 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60800V |
Loreto College, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
60841M |
Rosary College, Armagh Road, Crumlin |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
60843Q |
St. Josephs Secondary School, Stanhope St, Dublin 7 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
60851P |
Assumption Secondary School |
Ceiling Repairs |
|
Dublin |
60853T |
Mount Carmel Sec Sch, Kings Inns St, D1 |
Refurb HE Room |
|
Dublin |
60870T |
Our Lady of Mercy College, Beaumont, D9 |
Gutters/Fascia |
|
Dublin |
60890C |
St. Louis High School, Charleville Road, Rathmines |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
60902G |
St. Pauls Secondary School, Greenhills, Dublin 12 |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
60991I |
Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School, Mourne Road, Drimnagh |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College, Pine Ridge, Chapel St. |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
70020B |
Grange Community College, Grange Road, Donaghmede |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
70040H |
Deansrath Community College |
Convert 3 Science Labs to 3 classrooms |
|
Dublin |
70041J |
Collinstown Park Community College, Neilstown Rd., Rowlagh |
Access For All |
|
Dublin |
70042L |
St. Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
70050K |
Dún Laoghaire College Of, Further Education, Cumberland St |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70060N |
Dundrum College, Sydenham Road, Dundrum |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
70070Q |
College of Further Education |
Construct recessed entrance and Gates |
|
Dublin |
70080T |
Lucan Community College, Esker Drive, Lucan |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70081V |
Riversdale Community College, Blanchardstown Rd North, Dublin 15 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
70090W |
Sallynoggin College Of, Further Education, Pearse St, Sallynoggin |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70100W |
Coláiste Chilliain, Bóthar Nangor, Cluain Dolcáin |
Electrical |
|
Dublin |
70110C |
Stillorgan College Of, Further Education, Old Dublin Rd |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70120F |
St. Finians Community College, Swords, Co Dublin |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
70121H |
Fingal Community College, Seatown Road, Swords |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70130I |
Greenhills College, Limekiln Avenue, Greenhills |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70140L |
Firhouse Community College, Firhouse Road, Dublin 24 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70150O |
Coláiste Éanna, Kilkieran Road, Cabra |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
70160R |
St. Kevins College, Clogher Road, Crumlin |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70170U |
Crumlin College of Further Ed |
Refurbish Home Economics Room |
|
Dublin |
70180A |
Coláiste Eoin, Cappagh Road, Finglas West |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
70190D |
Colaiste Íde, Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas West |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70200D |
Technical Institute, Cambridge Road, Ringsend |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70230M |
Killester College Of, Further Education, Collins Avenue |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70240P |
Kylemore College, Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
70250S |
Marino College, Fairview, D3 |
Refurb Science Lab |
|
Dublin |
70260V |
St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Wellington Lane, Templeogue |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
70300H |
Pearse College, Clogher Road, Crumlin |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70310K |
Plunket College, Swords Road, Whitehall |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
70320N |
Whitehall House Senior College, Swords Road, Dublin 9 |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
70321P |
Margaret Aylward Community College, The Thatch Road, Whitehall |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
70330Q |
Coláiste Dhúlaigh, Barryscourt Rd, Coolock, D17 |
Convert Science Lab to Home Economics Room |
|
Dublin |
70340T |
Liberties College |
Upgrade Play area |
|
Dublin |
70342A |
Ballyfermot College Of, Further Education, Ballyfermot Road |
Toilets |
|
Dublin |
76077O |
Larkin College, 1 Champions Ave, D1 |
Const of Safety Ladder |
|
Dublin |
76078Q |
Skerries Community College, Skerries, Co. Dublin |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
76092K |
Presentation College |
Fire Alarm |
|
Dublin |
81002K |
Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Malahide Road, Dublin 3 |
Mechanical |
|
Dublin |
91302F |
Phobailscoil Iosolde, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 |
Windows |
|
Dublin |
91315O |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin, Cluain Saileach, Baile Átha Cliath 15 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
91318U |
The Donahies Comm School, D13 |
The Donahies Comm School, D13 |
|
Dublin |
91330K |
Holy Child Community School, Pearse St, Sallynoggin |
Gas |
|
Dublin |
91336W |
Old Bawn Community School, Old Bawn, Tallaght |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
91342R |
Pobalscoil Neasain, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 |
Roofs |
|
Dublin |
91343T |
St. Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Balally |
Roofs |
School Transport.
Jerry Cowley
Question:214 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has curtailed the school bus service from the Hollymount, County Mayo area to a school (details supplied); her views on whether a firm commitment was given that there would be no changes in the existing service; her further views on whether this is not the case; the alternative she proposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38317/05]
Under the terms of my Department's post-primary school transport scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 km or more from her or his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area, otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way either to the catchment boundary or to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The pupils in question who are enrolled in the school referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied have been facilitated with catchment boundary transport to another post primary centre. It has recently been established, however, that the pick-up for these pupils was located within the catchment area in which they reside. This is contrary to the terms of the post-primary school transport scheme. As a result, the pick-up point was changed by Bus Éireann to a point which is now within the catchment area being attended.
Higher Education Grants.
Olwyn Enright
Question:215 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the rules which govern eligibility for a higher education grant in respect of the law society professional practice course one; if the holding of a postgraduate qualification affects eligibility for a higher education grant in respect of this course; if all persons with postgraduate qualifications are ineligible for a higher education grant in respect of this course or only those with postgraduate qualifications in certain disciplines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38318/05]
Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, administered by the local authorities and vocational education committees under the aegis of my Department, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether a grant was paid previously. The schemes also provide that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification. However, clause 7.7 of the higher education grant scheme and the VEC scholarship scheme, as amended in 2000, provides that candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid.
Students who hold a postgraduate diploma, an LLB or an LLM and who hold no other postgraduate qualification are eligible to be considered for grant assistance under the progression clause, subject to the usual conditions.
Schools Refurbishment.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:216 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made in having a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork prioritised for funding to have the school extended and repairs carried out to the existing building. [38321/05]
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards an extension. 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 in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:217 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff, by grade, employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38335/05]
There are currently nine staff working in my private office and five working in my constituency office, as follows: private office — one principal officer, one private secretary at higher executive officer level, two executive officers, four clerical officers and one special adviser at principal officer level; and constituency office — one higher executive officer, one staff officer working on a half-time basis, two clerical officers, one personal assistant at higher executive officer level and one personal secretary. All these staff are permanent civil servants except for my special adviser, personal assistant and personal secretary. The annual cost of these offices is as follows: private office, €408,177; and constituency office, €237,486 The amount paid in respect of salary, overtime and expenses for these staff is in accordance with the salary scales and travel and subsistence rates approved by the Department of Finance.
School Curriculum.
Olwyn Enright
Question:218 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if, as stated in her reply to Question No. 541 of 25 October 2005, she and her Department recognise fully the value of immersion education; and the reason same is not reflected or included in the current primary schools curriculum. [38338/05]
The primary school curriculum 1999, which was developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is integrated, child-centred and aims to meet the needs of all children in all schools. The curricula for Gaeilge and English were developed with the assistance of committees whose members represented a wide range of expertise, thus ensuring that the work was informed by prevailing educational thinking and the most innovative and effective pedagogical practice.
The curriculum offers a clear and structured national framework that provides for a broad and balanced education for all pupils. It recognises that each school is a unique organisation, with a distinctive character, tradition and culture and a particular set of values and priorities. Notwithstanding this, it is built on the right of all children, from the beginning of schooling, to experience language learning in both English and Gaeilge, our two official languages.
Within the curriculum for Irish, cognisance is taken of the particular requirements of Gaeltacht schools and scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge. This involves the provision of additional material for schools where Irish is the first language, that is, the medium of instruction and communication. Schools with different needs with regard to the Irish language are facilitated within the framework.
There is one curriculum for English for all schools. This defines the broad objectives to be achieved and outlines the content for each of the four levels: infant classes, first and second classes, third and fourth classes, and fifth and sixth classes. The curriculum provides suggested minimum weekly times for instruction in each curriculum area to afford schools flexibility in their planning. However, the achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement of all schools.
Within the framework of the curriculum as outlined above, my Department fully recognises the value of immersion education and is committed to providing a range of supports for the increasing number of schools that are offering education through the medium of Irish.
Capital Expenditure.
Arthur Morgan
Question:219 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of revenue spent by the State on third level education in each of the past ten years. [38340/05]
Total expenditure on third level education for the period 1996-2004 is contained in the following table.
|
Year |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
1996 |
632 |
59.7 |
691.7 |
|
1997 |
784.6 |
68.3 |
852.9 |
|
1998 |
754.2 |
198.0 |
952.2 |
|
1999 |
855.2 |
154.3 |
1,009.5 |
|
2000 |
948.1 |
188.0 |
1,136.1 |
|
2001 |
1,093.6 |
173.6 |
1,267.2 |
|
2002 |
1,228.8 |
184.2 |
1,413 |
|
2003 |
1,323.9 |
64.4 |
1,388.3 |
|
2004 |
1,407.3 |
96.7 |
1,504 |
|
2005 Estimate |
1514.2 |
84.3 |
1,598.5 |
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:220 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the person who has the legal responsibility to ensure that speech therapy, language therapy, occupational therapy and psychological services are provided to children who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders and are in primary or secondary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38341/05]
The provision of therapies for children with autistic spectrum disorders, ASD, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE.
Section 7 of the Education Act 1998 confers a function on the Minister for Education and Science to ensure that appropriate education and support services, including psychological services, are provided to children, including children with special educational needs. My Department recognises that both clinical and educational psychologists have a role to play in the provision of psychological services and National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, psychologists liaise with clinical services as necessary in regard to individual cases.
The State delivers therapies through the Health Service Executive, which is funded by the Oireachtas to provide such services. This is made clear by sections 7(5) and (6) of the Education Act 1998, as amended by the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and Health Act 2004. These provisions state that, following consultation with the Minister for Health and Children, the Minister for Education and Science can call on the HSE to assist her in providing, planning and co-ordinating support services, and the HSE is obliged to comply with this request. These provisions took effect on 14 July 2005.
Section 9 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 will also have a relevance in this context, when it is commenced. It provides that where a child who has an education plan is to be transferred from one school to another, there must be consultation between the schools before the transfer takes place. This is intended to ensure that the second school knows the content of the education plan and is assisted in amending the plan, where this is necessary, having regard to the special educational needs of the child and the operation of that school. Where an amendment to the education plan is proposed in these circumstances, the principal of the new school will consult with the relevant special educational needs organiser if requested to do so by the parents. If necessary, the needs organiser can reconvene the education plan team for the purpose of reviewing the content and implementation of the plan and may, as a consequence of that review, amend the plan.
Child Abuse.
Sean Fleming
Question:221 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science when policies will be introduced for schools on disclosure and appropriate referral where children have experienced violence in the family and when it becomes apparent in the schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38351/05]
Child protection guidelines for primary and post-primary schools, which were distributed to primary and post-primary schools in 2001 and 2004, respectively were produced in consultation with the partners in education to meet the need for schools to have in place clear procedures which teachers and other school staff should follow where they suspect, or are alerted to, possible child abuse.
The guidelines cover four different types of abuse; neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. The guidelines provide management authorities and staff with guidance on recognising the signs and symptoms of child abuse and with procedures for dealing immediately with such concerns.
A central facet of the guidelines is the requirement for each board of management to designate a senior member of staff as the designated liaison person for the school. The designated liaison person will act as a liaison for the school in all dealings with the Health Service Executive, the Garda Síochána and other parties, in connection with allegations of and/or concerns about child abuse, and as a resource person to staff who may have child protection concerns.
School Curriculum.
Sean Fleming
Question:222 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will introduce meaningful sex, relationship, gender and gender-based components into mainstream education programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38352/05]
All recognised primary and second level schools are required to offer relationships and sexuality education, RSE. It is an integral part of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum at primary level and at junior cycle second level where it has been made mandatory for all schools with effect from September 2003. In addition, all schools are required to have an agreed school policy and a suitable relationships and sexuality education programme in place for senior cycle pupils. Comprehensive guidelines for junior cycle and senior cycle have also been published and provided to schools by the NCCA to support the RSE aspects of the curriculum.
An integrated SPHE programme at senior cycle incorporating RSE is being developed. The overall aims of the SPHE curricula are to foster the personal development, health and well-being of students and help them to create supportive relationships and become responsible citizens, to develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their actions and decision making and to establish and maintain healthy patterns of behaviour.
At primary level, SPHE is one of the seven curriculum areas in the revised primary school curriculum that was introduced in 1999. SPHE has been implemented in all schools since September 2003 and is taught to pupils from junior infants class upwards to sixth class. One of the three strands within SPHE is Myself. The strand units within this include taking care of my body; growing and changing; safety and protection. This means that pupils from the beginning of their primary schooling learn, in an age-appropriate way, how their bodies develop, the importance of caring for one's body and that of others with dignity and respect and how to identify people, places and situations that may threaten personal safety.
The SPHE modules at junior cycle in second level schools deal specifically with belonging and integrating, handling conflict constructively, dealing with peer pressure, influences on decision-making, relationships and sexuality in terms of values, reproductive system, tackling myths about sex and pregnancy, personal safety, substance use and the impact of teenage pregnancy. Two of the SPHE modules relate specifically to relationships and sexuality and personal safety. The aims of these modules include bringing students to an understanding of the physical changes that take place during adolescence and exploring with them procedures for protecting their personal safety along with appropriate responses when their safety is threatened. In third year, an awareness of help agencies is promoted and students' skills for obtaining access to them are developed.
For senior cycle students, all schools are required to have an agreed school policy and a suitable relationships and sexuality education programme in place. The RSE programme at senior cycle deals further with these issues and, in addition, addresses issues such as pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and accepting sexual orientation. My Department has developed two sets of resource materials that are particularly relevant to this area for use with transition year and senior cycle students as part of an SPHE programme. These are BALANCE — Who cares? and Exploring Masculinities. These resources use a variety of materials and strategies to explore and discuss issues of gender equality.
Schools Building Projects.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:223 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been achieved since she announced her intention to provide for a new primary school for Newbridge, County Kildare; if a suitable site has been identified for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38360/05]
I confirm to the Deputy that I have given approval for the commencement of a new primary school in Newbridge, County Kildare. Where, as in this case, provisional recognition is given to a new school, the onus is on the patron body to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to provide permanent accommodation.
The new school in question will be a parish school and the parish is, therefore, acquiring a suitable site to facilitate the commencement of the school. It is the intention to have the new school in operation from September 2006.
School Accommodation.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:224 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department, in considering the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, envisages a situation in which the school could be integrated with other primary provision in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38361/05]
I confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers originally applied to my Department for large-scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. It has recently indicated that its board of management may wish to consider an integration project with a mainstream school. This matter will be considered by my Department in consultation with both of the schools involved.
Schools Building Projects.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:225 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given to stage three of the building programme for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38362/05]
The new eight classroom building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Department's officials wrote to the school authorities on 28 October 2005 giving approval to proceed to stage three — detailed plans-costs — of architectural planning.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:226 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if each of the schools in County Kildare which were included in the devolved schools building programme 2005, have availed of the offer; the progress that has been achieved to date in 2005 with these projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38363/05]
The devolved schools building programme allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project.
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, ten schools in County Kildare were offered funding under this scheme in 2005. Nine of these schools availed of this offer and one refused. These nine projects are currently at advanced architectural planning and are expected to be on site early in the new year.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made by the National Council for Special Education in respect of application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare through her Department for resources and staffing and so on for the double autism unit; the position in this regard; if the matter can be prioritised in view of the fact that this unit was completed and ready for occupation for the past two years and has remained vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38397/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with staffing requirements for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for its double autistic unit; when same is likely to be up and running; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38398/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
The Department received a response from the school in question on 1 November 2005 to its proposals for resourcing the proposed autism unit at the school. This response is now being considered within the Department.
The local special educational needs organiser, SENO, is continuing to liaise with the school authorities regarding the matter. The Department is also liaising with the Health Service Executive, HSE, regarding the provision of therapies to support the pupils entering the unit.
The Department has previously confirmed that the classes will be capable of catering for up to 12 pupils with autism at a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1. In addition, two full-time special needs assistants, SNAs, will be allocated to each class. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, through the local SENO will process the relevant application for resources following receipt of a formal application from the board of management of the school for the establishment of the classes. Additional SNAs for the classes may also be considered by the SENO on the basis of the individually assessed needs of the pupils enrolled.
I would add that the Department is extremely anxious that this purpose built facility for children with autism would become operational as soon as possible.
Schools Building Projects.
Tom Hayes
Question:229 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the local inspector’s report is expected in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [38412/05]
The school planning section of the Department recently received the inspector's report for the school to which the Deputy refers. On foot of this report and other relevant information, the school's application for capital funding has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
School Accommodation.
Michael Ring
Question:230 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the report on the findings of the review of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has been published; if it has been circulated; if copies are freely available; and if a copy could be made available to him. [38435/05]
The area development plan, which is being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation for the area in County Mayo in which the school to which the Deputy refers is located will be published shortly. The plan will be presented to me, placed on my Department's website and will be freely available to all interested parties. I will arrange for a copy to be provided to the Deputy. The development plan will provide a blueprint for educational provision in the area for the next decade, against which all capital funding decisions will be made.
Standardised Testing.
Olwyn Enright
Question:231 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made regarding the introduction of standardised testing at primary level; the ages at which children will be tested and when this testing will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38437/05]
Standardised testing on a systematic basis has great potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for our students at classroom level and to provide valuable information for parents about their children's learning. It is also clear that test results, provided on a sampling basis, can also guide policies aimed at improving performance and combating educational disadvantage. I fully agree with the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment that all pupils should take standardised tests in literacy and numeracy at the end of first class or at the beginning of second class and at the end of fourth class or at the beginning of fifth class. There is clearly important ground-work that must be put in place before committing to specific dates for the introduction of any requirements in this regard for schools and I am eager that this work be completed as soon as practicable. In that context, I have asked the NCCA to prioritise the preparation of guidelines for schools on developing and implementing a policy on assessment, on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents. This work is at an advanced stage.
I have also asked the council to advance the preparation of exemplars of pupils' work to guide teachers' judgments and also, summaries based on the curriculum of what pupils should achieve at each level of their schooling. A national report card for recording and reporting data on pupils' attainment is also being developed, as is a national policy on the transfer of information from primary to post-primary schools. In tandem with this work, my Department is currently exploring potential implementation models, in advance of entering into discussions with the education partners on the matter.
The question of providing training to teachers on standardised testing is also an issue which has to be considered in the context of any decision to be made on an implementation date. My intention is that we will proceed carefully but as quickly as possible to ensure the recommendations proposed by the NCCA are implemented in a way that has positive benefits for children, parents, teachers and the system as a whole.
State Examinations.
Olwyn Enright
Question:232 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for reform of the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38438/05]
Advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on proposals to reform of senior cycle education was sent to me earlier this year. The NCCA's advice is accessible on its website, www.ncca.ie. We are all concerned that our education system should be positioned so that it continues to maintain excellence, relevance, quality and inclusiveness in the changing climate which lies ahead. I have welcomed the broad thrust of the NCCA’s proposals, particularly in terms of building on the strengths of the existing leaving certificate, providing for greater equity and inclusion, supporting increased participation and achievement among disadvantaged students while stretching the exceptionally able, providing for a more adult culture and equipping students for lifelong learning. I have asked that change should be implemented on a phased basis over a significant period, minimising disruption and taking account of logistical and cost factors and system capacity to change. I have asked the NCCA to prioritise the reconfiguration of subjects generally within the leaving certificate to embed key skills, and to provide for a second assessment component. A work plan for this has been prepared under which maths, science and languages will be featured in the first phase of development. I have also asked the NCCA to develop as an exemplar a short course in enterprise education, building on the existing links modules.
With regard to transition units, I have expressed a preference for retaining the existing transition year as a stand alone programme, for reasons of equity. However, I have welcomed the standardisation of transition units proposed by the NCCA and I have asked the council to engage in further discussions with my Department on how these curriculum components could be specifically targeted to better meet the needs of disadvantaged students. The council's proposals for reform are built on extensive consultation and research, and provide an important basis for continuing evolution and reform which will ensure the relevance, quality and equity of the system in the years ahead.
Home-School Liaison Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Question:233 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of home-school liaison officers employed within her Department; their role and responsibility, and the average number of children and families with which they work; the number of primary and secondary schools which have access to a home school liaison officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38439/05]
A total of 371 home-school community liaison co-ordinators are assigned to 310 primary and 201 post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. The home-school community liaison scheme is concerned with maximising active involvement of children in the learning process, in particular, those who might be at risk of failure; promoting active co-operation between home, school and relevant community agencies in promoting the educational interests of the children; raising awareness in parents of their own capacities to enhance their children's educational progress and to assist them in developing relevant skills; enhancing the children's uptake from education, their retention in the educational system, their continuation to post-compulsory education and to third level and their attitudes to lifelong learning; and disseminating the positive outcomes of the scheme throughout the school system generally.
Home-school community liaison services will have a central role in the new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS, Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, which is putting in place a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage in our primary and second level schools for the purposes of qualifying for resources, both human and financial, according to the degree of disadvantaged experienced. This standardised system will replace all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage. As a result of the identification process, which involved a new survey of all mainstream primary schools conducted by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, last May and the updating by them of existing data sources on the levels of disadvantage in second level schools, approximately 600 primary schools, comprising 300 urban-town and 300 rural, and 150 second level schools will be included in a new school support programme. Home-school community liaison services will be extended to all of the 300 urban primary schools and 150 second level schools in the SSP that are not participating in the scheme. Access to teacher-co-ordinator support will also be made available to rural primary schools in the SSP that do not have access to such a service. We anticipate being in a position to notify participating schools regarding the outcome of the ongoing identification process by the end of the year.
Education Welfare Service.
Olwyn Enright
Question:234 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of welfare officers employed by the National Educational Welfare Board; the number of primary schools here covered by an education welfare officer; the number of secondary schools covered by an education welfare officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38440/05]
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The service is developing on a continuing basis. The total authorised staffing complement is 94, comprising 16 headquarters and support staff, five regional managers, 12 senior educational welfare officers and 61 educational welfare officers. In deploying its service staff, the National Educational Welfare Board has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. Towns which have an educational welfare officer allocated to them include Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo, Naas, Castlebar, Longford, Tuam, Tullamore, Letterkenny and Portlaoise.
There are 742 post-primary and 3,284 primary schools in the State. The NEWB provides an intensive service in the areas where educational welfare officers are located. All other areas receive an urgent service where the NEWB prioritises children who, for example, are out of school or where no school place exists for them. In addition to the staff of the NEWB, 490 staff are in educational inclusion programmes whose work involves a school attendance element. My Department is anxious to ensure the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently, work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for integrated working between the different services involved.
Psychological Service.
Olwyn Enright
Question:235 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists employed by the National Education Psychologist Service; the number of primary schools here covered by the National Education Psychologist Service system; the number of secondary schools covered by the National Education Psychologist Service system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38441/05]
The number of National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, psychologists has increased almost three-fold, from 43 on establishment to 121 at present. The Public Appointments Service has recently established new recruitment panels for NEPS. Regional panels are now in place and my Department is currently in the process of appointing psychologists. Priority will be given to filling vacancies in areas of greatest need. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.
All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through National Educational Psychological Service psychologists or through the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, that is administered by NEPS. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's website.
The latest figures available indicate that NEPS psychologists provide a dedicated service to a total of 1,623 primary schools and to 563 post-primary schools — the latter figure does not include 46 Dublin Vocational Education Committee, VEC, schools that have a VEC educational psychological service. NEPS provides assistance to all schools that suffer from critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for reasonable accommodation in certificate examinations.
Early Childhood Education.
Olwyn Enright
Question:236 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of early start programmes running; the locations at which early start is available, and the criteria for deciding where it is offered; the amount expended on Early Start since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38442/05]
The Early Start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. The aims of Early Start are to expose young children to an educational programme which would enhance their overall development, prevent school failure and offset the effects of social disadvantage. The total number of places available in Early Start centres has been 1,680 in each year since 1996, the first full year of operation, with the funding provided supporting this number of places on a year to year basis. The provision involved for 2005 is €5 million.
The Early Start programme referred to by the Deputy is a pre-school intervention programme targeted at three to four year old children in areas of social disadvantage. With this programme, young children can experience an educational programme to enhance their overall development, to help prevent school failure and to help offset the effects of social disadvantage.
Targeted early childhood education provision will be a key element of the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions on those children aged from three up to school enrolment who will subsequently attend urban-town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. On a phased basis, the 150 urban-town primary school communities serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage will be provided with access to early education for children aged from three up to school enrolment who will subsequently attend these primary schools. The action plan will be implemented on a phased basis over the next five years and my Department's approach will be to work in partnership with other Departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing child care programmes in disadvantaged communities with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner.
Course Duration.
Gay Mitchell
Question:237 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 215 of 10 November 2005, if clarification has being sought in relation to the duration of the course in question in order to establish if the candidate referred to is eligible for funding for a second year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38476/05]
As soon as we have clarification on the duration of the course we will communicate directly with the Deputy.
Physical Education Facilities.
Liz McManus
Question:238 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if she received a letter from a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow requesting a detailed response to a query in relation to a sports hall at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and the reply she will give to this request. [38477/05]
The school planning section of my Department has no record of receipt of a letter from the person in question. If a copy of the letter is forwarded to it, a response will issue. The position in relation to this matter is that the schools application for capital funding for a PE hall has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
Defence Forces Investigation.
Billy Timmins
Question:239 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had regarding the investigation into the murder of Private P. Kelly in Leitrim 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38256/05]
On 16 December 1983 Private Patrick Kelly was part of a joint Garda-Army cordon search of Ballinamore Wood, Ballyconnell, County Leitrim, following the kidnapping of Mr. Don Tidey. During this search Private Kelly sustained fatal gunshot injuries. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the time, a full-scale investigation was immediately launched, which involved the arrest of persons in connection with the kidnapping, false imprisonment and subsequent murders.
In 1998, a person was charged with false imprisonment and firearms offences. This person was subsequently successful in his application to the High Court to prohibit his trial proceeding. The order of the High Court is currently under appeal by the State to the Supreme Court. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation file remains open and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter. I have not had any discussions regarding the matter.
Defence Forces Equipment.
John Gormley
Question:240 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if the completion of the EU’s military requirements catalogue will result in increased armaments expenditure by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38459/05]
I attended the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, meeting in Defence Ministers formation on 21 November 2005 at which progress in developing military capabilities was one of the items discussed. Under military capabilities, the discussions focused on the requirements catalogue for 2005, the single progress report and the headline goal questionnaire. Comprehensive planning and security sector reform were discussed under civil-military co-operation.
The requirements catalogue for 2005 is the first step in the delivery of Headline Goal 2010. It identifies the forces and capabilities needed against which member states will be invited to make offers through the headline goal questionnaire. It is a planning document and therefore it imposes no obligations on member states in terms of capability development or the provision of specific capabilities.
In the context of the broader development of the EU's capacity to carry out both civilian and military crisis management operations, Ireland has advocated that the EU should prioritise the development of qualitative aspects of capability development. I am aware that this view is shared by many EU Defence Ministers at a time when the majority of member states, including Ireland, has no plans to increase their defence spending.
Defence Forces Personnel.
Niall Blaney
Question:241 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure the contract for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be renewed by the Irish Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38262/05]
The military authorities have advised that the deputy chief of staff has recommended the continuance in service of the individual in question.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:242 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38336/05]
Four permanent civil servants are employed in my private office, comprising one higher executive officer, one executive officer, one staff officer and one clerical officer. At current rates and since 1 January 2005, the salaries of these staff amounted to €144,018 per annum. Costs in regard to overtime and expenses, travel and subsistence, have amounted to €3,966.
Six permanent civil servants are employed in my constituency office, comprising one executive officer, one staff officer and four clerical officers, one of whom is worksharing. At current rates and since 1 January 2005, the salaries of these staff amounted to €157,217 per annum. Costs in regard to overtime and expenses, travel and subsistence, have amounted to €246.
In addition, I have appointed a special adviser, a press adviser, a personal assistant and a personal secretary. At current rates the salaries of these staff amount to €213,848 per annum. Costs in regard to expenses, travel and subsistence, since 1 January 2005 have amounted to €10,396.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the age, quality and status of military hardware and equipment is in keeping with best practice in a modern, well equipped defence strategy; his plans to improve or upgrade these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/05]
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for the Minister for Defence. I am aware that significant investment has taken place in recent years and I will continue the good work in that regard.
The unprecedented level of expenditure on equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.
Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and information technology equipment, etc. All elements of the Defence Forces, the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve have benefited from the investment in new equipment.
The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which breathing apparatus, gas masks or other protective equipment are available in adequate supply to meet requirements of all members of the Defence Forces in the event of a gas or chemical terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/05]
The most important defence against any gas or chemical terrorist attack is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing such assistance as is appropriate in specific circumstances.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the State may be at risk. An urgent and detailed review to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following the events of September 11. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment, intensive contacts with other State agencies, a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army Ranger wing, ordnance and engineer aspects in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 7,000 NBC suits, 1,500 of which were delivered in 2004. A further 1,200 NBC suits will be delivered before the end of the year and 800 NBC suits will be delivered in 2006.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan. The most important defence against any attack is of course vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to increase the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corp; the extent and the levels of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he proposes to increase the officer corps and strength of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38420/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 250 together.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to all aspects of recruiting.
The strength of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as advised by the military authorities as on 30 October, 2005 is as follows:
|
Total Officers |
Total NCOs |
Privates |
Overall Total |
|
|
Army |
1,063 |
3,073 |
4,473 |
8,623 |
|
Air Corps |
134 |
404 |
319 |
857 |
|
Naval Service |
163 |
471 |
427 |
1,061 |
Common Security and Defence Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with his EU colleagues in the matter of co-operation or training with other EU forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38416/05]
I have not had any discussions with my EU colleagues in the matter of co-operation or training with other EU forces. However, Defence Forces personnel have for many years attended workshops, training courses, desktop exercises, seminars and other events overseas as part of their military training and I expect that they will continue to do so. The Defence Forces have also attended training courses and workshops under PfP PARP, the purpose of which is to learn from best practices in other defence forces and includes improving the level of interoperability between forces in the context of peace support operations and the Petersberg Tasks.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps he proposes to take to increase the Defence Forces having regard to continued commitments overseas on UN missions and likely commitments arising from EU, Partnership for Peace or rapid response and battle group commitments in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38417/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the likely strength of Irish involvement in future Partnership for Peace, rapid response or battle group forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs both at home and abroad.
Ireland has offered, through the UN standby arrangements system, UNSAS, to provide up to 850 military personnel configured as a light infantry mounted battalion for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army — excluding Reserves — and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. There are no plans at this time to increase the level of our commitment to UNSAS and any commitment to EU led operations or to battle groups will be met from within the existing UNSAS arrangement.
Ireland supports the development of the EU's rapid response capability in support of UN authorised missions and is positively disposed towards participation in the rapid response elements in this regard. However, it is important that the full implications of our participation are assessed and, to this end, I established an interdepartmental group which includes representatives of my Department, the Defence Forces, the Taoiseach's Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's office to consider the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from participation. I received the report from the interdepartmental group last week and I am currently reviewing it. Once I have had an opportunity to consider the matter, I plan to consult the Minister for Foreign Affairs with a view to bringing proposals to the Government. In the event of a positive decision by the Government to Defence Forces participation in a battle group, it will be necessary to enter into discussions with potential partners with regard to the nature and scale of our contribution. Until then, it is not possible to say what the size of our commitment might be.
Security Escort Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the amounts paid by the financial institutions for the money escort services provided by his Department in the past five years; if all payments have been made to date in 2005; if any are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/05]
An annual contribution of €2.86 million has been paid by the banks to my Department in respect of the provision of cash escorts. This figure was set by the Department of Finance in the 1995 budget and had not been altered since. The contribution from the banks was designed to cover part of the total cost to the State of providing cash escorts. At that time, the contribution covered approximately 72% of the total cost arising to the Defence Forces. Based on annual costings by the Department, the relative level of the contribution had fallen in real terms over the years to the situation where it is only covering 43% of the total costs.
As the Deputy may be aware, I had a number of discussions with the Irish Bankers Federation, IBF, on this matter earlier this year, with a view to increasing the level of contribution by the banks in respect of the costs incurred by the Department in the provision of cash escorts. Following detailed and intensive discussions between officials of the IBF, the member banks and the Department, a detailed formal agreement was signed on 11 May 2005.
This agreement, which is for a five year period, provides that the banks will pay the total actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of cash escorts. Costs in respect of each 12 month period to the end of December will be paid the following year on or before the 1 June. This is to allow for the compilation of returns from the brigades and allocation of costs following the year end. The total number of cash escorts provided by the Defence Forces for 2004 was 2,425 and the total cost of these was €7.5 million.
The first payment under the new system will be paid in June 2006. I have, at the banks' request, agreed to defer the first payment to that date to meet the banks' budgeting and accounting timeframe. In return for my agreement to this deferral, a transitional payment of €1 million, payable before end 2005, was negotiated as part of the overall agreement. In 2005, the banks will therefore make their annual payment of €2.86 million plus the additional €1 million, for a total contribution of €3.86 million. The costs for the banks in any future year will be determined by the actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of the cash escorts in the previous year and thus are not available at this time. The payments by the banks will be paid directly to my Department.
We have now agreed an open and transparent system for agreeing the costs in respect of the Defence Forces and this should stand the test of time. The agreement resolves the issue of the banks' contribution in respect of cash escort costs for the foreseeable future.
Question No. 250 answered with QuestionNo. 245.
Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the full strength in terms of helicopters, personnel and rescue equipment available from the Defence Forces for air, sea or other rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38421/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy and strength in terms of equipment and personnel of the air, sea and rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38422/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities specifically with regard to search and rescue. The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region, and the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard in this regard as the need arises and within their available capability. While the Air Corps has withdrawn from the direct provision of search and rescue, Air Corps pilots continue to train in search and rescue techniques and to provide a limited non-maritime search and rescue response. The specification for the new helicopters being acquired for the Air Corps includes a search and rescue capability. That capability requires a wide range of available skills: piloting, winching, medical, vessel crewing, radar and so on. I am advised by the military authorities that the availability of these skills within the Defence Forces is sufficient to meet their continuing commitments in this area.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, all ranks, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. There are no proposals to increase the strength of the Permanent Defence Force above the White Paper figure of 10,500. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the approved level.
Rural Development.
Michael Ring
Question:253 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when formal approval will issue to Mayo County Council in respect of the proposed budget costs for a project in order that contractors can be appointed. [38259/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
My Department gave approval to Mayo County Council in September 2005 to accept tenders for the refurbishment of rural houses in the area in question subject to the submission of further documentation so as to determine an overall budget cost for the works. The council recently submitted further information on this issue. Following completion of the examination of this information an all in budget cost will be issued to the council.
Departmental Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:254 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff broken down by grade employed within the private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each such office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38337/05]
The staffing composition of my private and constituency offices is set out in the following tables.
|
Permanent Civil Servants |
Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants |
||
|
Full time Equivalent |
Grade |
Full time Equivalent |
Title |
|
1 |
Executive Officer (Private Secretary) |
0.8 |
Special Adviser (Principal Officer grade) |
|
3 |
Executive Officer |
||
|
3 |
Clerical Officer |
Annual salary costs for the above, based on the rates of pay at 1 December 2005, amounts to €316,042.18.
|
Permanent Civil Servants |
Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants |
||
|
Full time Equivalent |
Grade |
Full time Equivalent |
Title |
|
2 |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Personal Assistant (HEO grade) |
|
2 |
Clerical Officer (Full time Equivalent) |
1 |
Personal Secretary (Secretarial Assistant grade) |
Annual salary costs for the above, based on the rates of pay at 1 December 2005, amount to €261,872.67.
Overtime and travel and subsistence are paid as the need arises, in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines, and to date in 2005 have amounted to €27,199.34 and €11,744.54, respectively, for both offices.
Local Authority Funding.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:255 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Kildare County Council for funding for additional accommodation at a hostel (details supplied) in County Kildare; if payment will issue in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38364/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Local authorities and the Health Service Executive are responsible for meeting the accommodation and health care needs of homeless persons. While the level of accommodation related funding applicable to this type of project is, in the first instance, a matter for decision by the local authority in whose area the project is situated, my Department recoups to the authority 90% of such funding. In this context, Kildare County Council has been requested to submit information to clarify certain aspects of the proposal to increase the funding for the project in question. On receipt of this information, the matter will be further considered.
Local Authority Housing.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:256 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of housing accommodation provided under the capital loan and rental subsidy scheme to date in 2005 on a county basis; the number in planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Available information on the number of units provided in each local authority area in respect of the voluntary housing schemes is published in my Department's Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins. Copies of the bulletins, including June 2005, are available in the Oireachtas Library and the information contained in the bulletins is also available on the Departments website at www.environ.ie. Figures for September 2005 will be published shortly. The information requested in regard to the number in planning is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Voluntary Housing Associations.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:257 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of approved voluntary housing associations in existence here; the number of units being managed by each association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
There are currently 613 voluntary bodies with approved status from my Department and 18,600 units being managed by approved voluntary and co-operative housing associations. The information requested in regard to the number of units managed by each association is being complied and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Local Authority Staff.
Tony Gregory
Question:258 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 292 of 30 November 2005, if the regulation that prevents persons employed as general operatives by local authorities from eligibility for interview for grade four level will be reviewed on the basis that they do not hold a leaving certificate and prevents the employing authority from accepting such applicant for interview. [38394/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 583 of 22 November 2005 and Question No. 292 of 30 November 2005. The qualifications declared for all local authority posts are kept under review in the light of experience of their operation. There are no proposals at present to amend the qualifications for the post of assistant staff officer.
Rental Accommodation Scheme.
John Gormley
Question:259 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding tenants if their landlords do not want to become part of the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38423/05]
David Stanton
Question:261 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 96 of 28 June 2005, his progress in meeting the target of housing 5,000 households which are long-term recipients of the rent supplement by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38481/05]
David Stanton
Question:262 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department received €19 million from the Vote of the Department of Social and Family Affairs for a long-term accommodation initiative for rent supplement tenants; the amount of this transferred money that has been spent since his Department received it; the way in which the money was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38482/05]
David Stanton
Question:263 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of long-term rent supplement recipient households which have been housed to date in 2005 under the rent supplement initiative; the type of housing they received under this initiative; the breakdown of the number of households housed under each housing option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38483/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 261 to 263, inclusive, together.
Under the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, announced by the Government in July 2004, local authorities will progressively assume responsibility for accommodating supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, rent supplement recipients with a long-term housing need. The initial project to transfer existing rent supplement recipients of 18 months or more continuous duration is due to be completed by the end of 2008.
The RAS is a collaborative project between my Department, local authorities, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the community welfare service. Roll-out has 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 also implementing the RAS.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 677 of 25 October which outlined the main actions taken to date in implementing the scheme. Some 305 households have so far transferred to the RAS from the SWA rent supplement scheme. Some 300 households are accommodated by voluntary and co-operative housing associations with the remainder accommodated in the private rented sector. The first transfers occurred in the Galway City Council area and households have now transferred to the scheme in Westmeath, Offaly and Dublin city. It is expected that some 500 households will have transferred to the RAS by the end of the year.
Some €19 million was transferred to my Department's Vote for 2005 from that of the Department of Social and Family Affairs to provide for the mobilisation of the new rent supplement scheme. Some €600,000 has been spent to date by the implementing local authorities, including rent payments for transferred households, start-up costs and expenditure on the administrative arrangements to support implementation of the scheme.
Landlords are not obliged to participate in the scheme. Local authorities will seek to secure suitable alternative accommodation for eligible rent supplement recipients whose landlords do not wish to participate. In the meantime, eligible RAS households will continue in receipt of SWA rent supplement. Agreement between a local authority and a landlord also depends on the rent sought for the property, compliance with approved standards, registration of the tenancy with the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the landlord's tax affairs being in order.
Local Authority Housing.
Tom Hayes
Question:260 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [38433/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government recently gave approval to South Tipperary County Council to proceed with the construction of a house for the family in question.
Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, answered with Question No. 259.
Planning Issues.
Catherine Murphy
Question:264 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects the survey he initiated into planning policies applied by local authorities as they relate to management companies to be complete; the measures he anticipates taking following the conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38484/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has asked planning authorities for a report on their policies on attaching conditions relating to management companies to planning permissions for various types of residential developments. It is anticipated that all responses will be received and collated shortly. When all the responses from the planning authorities have been considered, the Department will consider the need for further guidance in this area.