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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Feb 2006

Vol. 615 No. 4

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 14, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 15 to 44, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 45 to 47, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 48 withdrawn.
Questions Nos. 49 to 51, inclusive, answered orally.

Freedom of Information.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

52 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the public bodies which remain excluded from the freedom of information legislation; his plans to extend the remit of the legislation to include them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7941/06]

It has been the practice in responding to previous questions of this nature, in the interests of currency and accuracy of information, for individual Ministers to respond in relation to their own areas of responsibility. Accordingly, I will arrange for details of bodies under the aegis of other Ministers to be supplied directly to the Deputy by each Department. The public bodies under my aegis which are not covered by the FOI Act are the Central Bank and Financial Service Authority of Ireland; the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority; the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau; the Financial Services Ombudsman Council; the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal; the National Treasury Management Agency; the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission; the National Development Finance Agency; the State Claims Agency; the Valuation Tribunal; the Disabled Driver Medical Board of Appeal; the Public Service Benchmarking Body; and the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector.

Extension of the FOI Act to the Central Bank and Financial Service Authority of Ireland, the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau, the Financial Services Ombudsman Council, the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal, the National Treasury Management Agency, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission, the National Development Finance Agency and the State Claims Agency is being considered at present.

In view of the confidential nature of the work of the Public Service Benchmarking Body and the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector, I do not propose to extend the Act to these bodies.

More generally, in October last year, I announced plans to extend the Freedom of Information Act to over 100 public bodies for which the necessary regulations will be brought forward shortly. FOI is being extended to the Valuation Tribunal as part of this exercise.

Extension of the Act to a number of other bodies is being considered at official level in consultation with other Departments. Pending the outcome of such consultation, I will not be making any comment in relation to the position of individual bodies.

Social Finance.

Joan Burton

Question:

53 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date with regard to the plan announced by him in budget 2006 for the establishment of a €100 million fund for social finance; when the fund will be established; the amount that will be contributed by financial institutions; the way in which the money will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7927/06]

The aim of the Government's initiative that I announced in my Budget Statement is to give an impetus to the development of social finance in Ireland. I believe the initiative can make a real contribution towards expanding social finance provision in Ireland, thereby complementing the wide range of measures that are currently in place to promote and assist community infrastructure and local development, including the establishment of micro-enterprises. It delivers, in a significant way, on commitments made in Sustaining Progress, the current social partnership agreement, and in our programme for Government.

Investment in social and community infrastructure and local development has the potential to yield significant economic and social returns. These types of projects, however, often experience difficulties in accessing finance from mainstream financial institutions. This has led to a recognition both domestically and internationally of the need for new and innovative investment mechanisms such as social finance. The essence of the social finance concept is repayable loan financing provided at affordable terms for community-based projects and local development initiatives.

There are three distinct tiers involved in the delivery of the initiative: first, the creation of a social investment vehicle that will essentially perform the role of a wholesale financial intermediary, specialising in social finance funding, second, the arrangements for the on-lending of the funds for individual projects. The idea here is to use, as far as possible, existing agencies and established networks of social finance providers, third, community and local development organisations developing individual projects for social finance support and applying for social finance loans from the retail lending intermediaries.

A practical model for social finance funding is currently being developed. The intention is to keep the administrative structures as light as possible, consistent with meeting the objectives of the initiative, and ensuring that the funds are used effectively on a value-for-money basis. With a view to developing an effective model my Department has, to date, consulted with a number of public, private and voluntary bodies currently involved or with interests in this area, in addition to its discussions with the banking community.

A key priority is early implementation of the initiative. This will provide the opportunity to market test particular options, which can in turn inform the further development of the social finance initiative.

As far as the potential sources of funding for social finance provision are concerned, there has been a positive reaction from the banking community to my invitation to support the initiative. The banks expressed at budget time a willingness to contribute seed capital funding of €25 million to the initiative. The sum of €100 million referred to by the Deputy in her question may relate to a newspaper report at the beginning of this year.

I do not at this stage have a view on the eventual scale of funding that may be warranted. It is not clear at this early stage what the level of demand may be. Experience in the UK and Northern Ireland would suggest, however, that some caution is warranted to ensure that the funds available are applied effectively and yield value for money investments. I am satisfied, therefore, that the seed capital from the banks is sufficient to meet initial requirements for the initiative in light of the available capacity and capabilities to develop suitable social finance projects and manage social finance lending. In my Budget Statement, I indicated that I was keeping the door open to other contributors.

Advice has been sought by my Department from the Office of the Attorney General on the appropriate legal framework which would clarify the objectives, roles and functions of the investment vehicle, establish the type of delivery structure judged most suitable to the long-term requirements of social finance, and also deal with such matters as governance and accountability arrangements.

Financial Services Regulation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

54 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance his views of the decision of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority not to proceed with plans that would have required anyone being appointed a director or manager within the sector to produce a tax clearance certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7862/06]

In my role as Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the legal framework governing financial regulation. In the context of the regulatory system put in place through the establishment of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003, responsibility for the operation of the regulatory regime and the fitness and probity requirements for directors or managers in the financial services sector rests with the Financial Regulator.

The Financial Regulator in February 2005 issued a consultation paper on proposals for a fit and proper test for directors and managers of financial services firms, referred to as "Approved Persons". Taking account of the responses to this consultation, the Financial Regulator in February 2006 published its proposals on fitness and probity, including its proposals for assessment of tax compliance. In opting for a formal commitment to a code of behaviour in the conduct of tax affairs, rather than tax clearance certificates, the regulator took account of responses to the consultation. Some of these questioned the actual value of tax clearance certificates, as the Revenue certification related solely to declared liabilities. The objective in the case of regulation is to assure continued appropriate conduct of tax affairs.

The Financial Regulator is now proposing that each financial services company seeking approval from the Financial Regulator for directors or managers must have in place a code of ethics including in relation to the conduct of tax affairs. There will be an obligation on all approved persons to sign a written commitment to observe the code. The Financial Regulator will expect all regulated firms to ensure compliance with the code at all times.

Furthermore, the Financial Regulator has made it clear that there is no tolerance for serious and systematic tax evasion. The 2005 Finance Act gives greater powers to the Revenue Commissioners to prosecute institutions or persons who aid tax evasion by others. The Financial Regulator proposes to amend the individual questionnaire to include a specific question in relation to tax, asking applicants whether they have been convicted, on indictment, of tax offences or of aiding and abetting tax evasion.

The Financial Regulator is also proposing that any person convicted of summary tax offences or subject to fines by the Revenue Commissioners will provide that information, together with other information, to the proposing firm and to the Financial Regulator. The Financial Regulator will make a determination on a case by case basis, having examined all of the information provided, in a manner that is proportionate and that fully respects due process.

The consultation on these amended proposals will be completed by end-April 2006 and the Financial Regulator proposes to publish guidelines on the fit and proper test for directors and managers in June 2006.

National Development Plan.

Bernard Allen

Question:

55 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance the preparations which have taken place regarding a replacement for the national development plan; and the way in which the inputs will be cobbled into a coherent programme. [7970/06]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

73 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the progress of the consultation process promised in advance of the introduction of a new national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7871/06]

Michael Noonan

Question:

105 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance his plans for changes in the way in which a successor to the NDP will be drawn up. [7952/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

127 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the allocation of funding under the next national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7800/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 73, 105 and 127 together.

The Government announced last August its decision to prepare a successor to the current National Development Plan, 2000-2006. The next NDP will cover the period 2007-2013 and its preparation will be co-ordinated by my Department. A high level steering group chaired by my Department and comprising senior officials of relevant Departments has been established to oversee the drafting of the plan and has met on a number of occasions to date.

An extensive consultation process on the next national development plan has commenced. My Department has written, inviting submissions on the plan from the social partners, the regional assemblies, the regional authorities and other interested parties such as the Heritage Council, Comhar and the Combat Poverty Agency. My Department has also engaged the Economic and Social Research Institute to carry out an ex-ante evaluation of investment priorities for the period of the next NDP.

The content and focus of the next NDP and the resultant allocations and prioritisation will be a matter for decision by Government. In doing so, the Government will take account of the recommendations of the ESRI study and the results of the consultation process. I envisage that the new plan will address the investment now necessary to maintain national competitiveness within a sustainable economic and budgetary framework. It will also set out a coherent investment strategy at sectoral level with particular reference to the infrastructure investment necessary to meet economic and social challenges. In addition, the plan will address the following horizontal themes: the implementation of the national spatial strategy; the all-island dimension and the potential benefits of cross-Border co-operation; the promotion of social inclusion; and environmental sustainability.

Tax Code.

Willie Penrose

Question:

56 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the Portuguese Government concerning the taxation agreement between Ireland and Portugal that would restrict high income Irish individuals from relocating to Portugal in order to avoid paying capital gains tax since this measure has been dropped from the Portuguese Government’s legislative agenda; the status of the Irish legislation and its enforceability by the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7891/06]

The protocol to amend certain provisions of the Ireland-Portugal Double Taxation Convention seeks to retain Irish taxing rights on gains from the disposal of certain shares for three years after an individual ceases to be Irish resident and becomes resident in Portugal. When the protocol is ratified by Portugal these taxing rights will be enforceable. Protocols to double taxation agreements, like double taxation agreements, come into effect on 1 January of the year following ratification by both parties.

I am informed that the Portuguese Government has confirmed that the procedure to ratify the protocol between Ireland and Portugal amending the double taxation convention is under way and, on the assumption that the ratification process is completed this year, the protocol would then take effect from 1 January 2007, which is the earliest possible date from which it can take effect.

I would also refer the Deputy to the impact of section 69 of the Finance Act 2003. That section amended our legislation to impose a charge to capital gains tax on an individual in respect of a deemed disposal of certain assets on the last day of the last year of assessment for which the individual is taxable in the State, prior to becoming taxable elsewhere, where the individual disposes of these assets while resident outside the State and returns to the State within five years.

Decentralisation Programme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of posts which have been vacated and scheduled to remain in Dublin as a result of the decentralisation programme; the number of people wishing to remain in Dublin who have to date applied to the Public Appointments Service in respect of these posts; and if details of the posts and respective applicants will be published in a manner similar to the central applications facility. [7942/06]

Dan Neville

Question:

68 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance the negotiations that have taken place regarding the placement of persons who do not opt to decentralise with their units or agencies; and the proposals the Government has made to unions. [7971/06]

Joe Costello

Question:

124 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if an estimate has been undertaken of the number of civil or public servants who do not wish to relocate and who will be surplus to requirements as a result of their jobs being transferred to other locations under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the jobs that will be provided for these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7876/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 68 and 124 together.

The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. At end-January 2006 in excess of 1,150 staff have been assigned to decentralising posts of which almost 750 are Dublin based applicants.

In addition, my Department has been in discussions with the Civil Service unions on further arrangements to facilitate the placement of Dublin based staff. The objective of these arrangements is to provide to the Public Appointments Service details of staff who wish to remain in Dublin at each grade level so that a proportion of vacancies arising in Dublin based posts may be filled by those staff. These arrangements have been recently initiated for general service grades. I will write to the Deputy with details of the number of people who have supplied details to the Public Appointments Service in this regard.

It is intended that the arrangements will continue over the full transition phase of the decentralisation programme. I would not envisage a process similar to the central applications facility for the placing of staff in Dublin posts, as I would continue to expect that a significant number of staff will be placed through the bilateral arrangements outlined as the programme is rolled out. The central resource managed by the PAS will therefore represent only a proportion of the overall arrangements for placing of staff in Dublin posts. Participation in these arrangements by Departments and offices will be influenced by their timeframe for moving, their success in placing staff through the bilateral arrangements, whether they are relocating in full or in part and the extent to which their staff can be placed elsewhere within the organisation in Dublin.

Tax Code.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

58 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether any other elements of the Irish tax code could be subject to challenge under state aid rules. [7974/06]

Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty prohibits, in general terms, the granting of aid by the state which distorts competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, in so far as the aid is liable to affect trade between member states. There are a number of components to this provision, all of which must be met before a particular type of support can be classified as a state aid. The principal components are that the aid in question is granted by a member state, which includes regional or local authorities or other bodies acting on behalf of the state, or through state resources in any form whatsoever; the aid confers an advantage on the recipient; the aid is selective in its application, inasmuch as it is not afforded to other undertakings in the market in general; and the aid is capable of distorting competition, usually by strengthening the competitive position of the beneficiary relative to other participants in the market, and is thus liable to have an effect on trade between member states. The EC Treaty also provides for circumstances in which state aids may be permissible in light of considerations of public policy.

The enforcement of the state aid rules across the member states is primarily a matter for the European Commission. It is not the practice of Ministers to comment on areas where, depending perhaps on interpretation of rules, changing practice or jurisprudence, the Commission might wish to take a view in relation to the Irish tax code. As far as Ireland is concerned, all new proposed tax incentives are examined in light of the state aid rules, and it has been the general practice over recent years to discuss such measures with the European Commission and to notify schemes as appropriate.

Freedom of Information.

Liam Twomey

Question:

59 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Finance his views on a consolidation of exclusions from the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as recommended by the Information Commission and to make arrangements whereby new exclusions being proposed would be brought to the notice of the commission for observation before they are enacted. [7994/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

220 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to consider a consolidation of exclusions from the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as recommended by the Information Commission; and if arrangements will be made whereby new exclusions being proposed will be brought to the notice of the commission for observation before they are enacted. [8221/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 220 together.

I understand these questions concern a recommendation in a recent report submitted to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service by the Information Commissioner related to that committee's function under section 32 of the Freedom of Information Act to review the operation of non-disclosure provisions in other enactments. I will consider any recommendations made by the joint committee on this or other matters when it has concluded its deliberations.

As regards the other matter raised by the Deputies, I can confirm that arrangements have been made with a view to ensuring that relevant legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas is brought to the attention of the Information Commissioner.

Tax Yield.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

60 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the assumptions and methodology underpinning his estimate of the increase in revenue from capital taxes in 2006 (details supplied). [7987/06]

The assumptions underpinning the forecasts for capital taxes are based on the economic growth estimates in the stability programme update which is published on budget day. These estimates include GNP growth forecasts, projected changes in consumer prices and developments in the construction sector.

The methodology for forecasting receipts from capital taxes in 2006 first required my Department to estimate the outturns for the base year, in this case 2005. These projected outturns were then adjusted to take account of known once-off factors, both negative and positive, likely to impact on the yield in 2006. An example would be the discontinuance in 2006 of the bank levy, the receipts from which come under stamp duties. The figures were then refined to take account of the impact of budget measures. These various steps provide the base upon which the 2006 forecasts were built.

The base is then inflated for projected economic developments in 2006. In the case of capital gains tax and capital acquisitions tax, estimated growth is driven by the forecast change in nominal GNP and in the CPI, respectively. For stamp duties, since the bulk of the yield is from transactions in residential and non-residential property, the forecast for 2006 is largely based on estimated volume and price growth in the residential and non-residential property sectors. The methodologies used continue to be developed and my Department continually reviews any available international and domestic developments in forecasting methodologies in order to improve our approach.

Capital tax receipts are always hard to forecast as they tend to reflect movements in property markets and once-off decisions by buyers and investors. With this in mind, my Department's estimates for revenues in 2006 from capital taxes are as follows: capital gains tax, €2,035 million; capital acquisitions tax, €260 million; and stamp duty, €2,685 million. The capital gains tax estimate represents an increase of 3.8% and the capital acquisitions tax estimate an increase of 4.4% on the respective outturns for these taxes in 2005. The stamp duty estimate represents a decrease of 1.5% on the outturn for stamp duties in 2005 but this largely reflects the non-renewal of the bank levy.

The estimates for all three taxes assume a lower rate of growth in revenues from these sources this year than the significant increases experienced last year. They still assume, however, a reasonably buoyant property market this year, both residential and commercial.

Revenue Commissioners’ Audits.

Seán Ryan

Question:

61 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the number of random audits carried out by the Revenue Commissioners in 2005; the way in which this compares with each year from 2002; the number expected to be undertaken during 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7869/06]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 400 cases were selected for random compliance testing as part of their 2005 programme. This includes not just the auditing of returns filed but also the testing of overall compliance with their payment and return filing obligations. To date, random testing has been completed in 327 of those 400 cases.

I am informed that Revenue's approach to random compliance testing changed significantly for their 2005 programme, and that any comparisons with previous years would need to bear this in mind. The traditional random audit programme was not carried out in 2004 due to the change in Revenue's approach following a review of the programme. However, 25 cases selected under the programme for previous years were completed in 2004.

I understand that 274 random audits were completed in 2003 and 720 in 2002. However, for these years the selection was not purely random as Revenue districts narrowed down the initial random selection based on risk criteria.

With regard to 2006, I understand that the random compliance testing programme will commence shortly and that the sample size is again expected to be 400 — the same as for the 2005 programme. The Revenue Commissioners assure me that they are pursuing a programme which is dealing in a very determined way with tax evasion by maximising the impact of their resources through focusing on risk. This is strengthened by their taxpayer compliance testing programme, which ensures that all taxpayers are exposed to the possibility of a compliance check or Revenue audit. This approach is in line with international best practice.

Price Inflation.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

62 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent increase in the consumer price index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7856/06]

Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the consumer price index, CPI, rose to 3% in January from 2.5% in December. The main cause of this increase was the recent rise in interest rates by the ECB. In addition, the price of oil rose throughout most of last year and this had an input on the annual rate of inflation in January.

In my recent budget, my Department forecast that CPI inflation will average 2.7% in 2006. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.

On an EU basis, Ireland's harmonised index of consumer prices, HICP, was 2.5% in January, compared to an estimated 2.4% in the euro area. Ireland has been broadly in line with the euro area for some time now.

Tax Collection.

Seán Ryan

Question:

63 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid to date to the Revenue Commissioners in respect of settlements made in connection with its investigation into the use of life assurance policies for tax evasion; the progress made to date in regard to the second phase of its investigation which commenced on 23 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7879/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that arising from this investigation payments totalling €389 million have been made to date.

As the Deputy is aware the Revenue Commissioners are conducting their investigation into the use by taxpayers of life assurance investment products for the purposes of tax evasion in two stages. In the first stage of these inquiries taxpayers who invested undisclosed and undeclared funds in life assurance products were given until 23 May 2005 to advise Revenue of that. That part of the disclosure stage was successfully completed and about 10,000 notices of intention to make a disclosure were received from taxpayers or their agents. Some of these notices were protective. Correspondence was received from others indicating that no liabilities arose.

Revenue formally commenced the second stage of its investigation into the use of life assurance products for tax evasion on 23 May 2005. New powers were provided in the Finance Act 2005 to authorise Revenue officers to examine the records that relate to a class or classes of life assurance policies and policyholders in the course of conducting sampling exercises. Revenue has completed the preliminary work in regard to the use of these new powers and authorised officers are actively engaged in the sampling process. The information gathered in this process and from the voluntary disclosures will be used to ground applications to the High Court for orders directing insurance companies to furnish details on policyholders and policies to Revenue.

Public Service Employment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

64 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the target of reducing public service employment has been achieved. [7976/06]

Damien English

Question:

83 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance his plans to set targets in respect of public service employment over the three years 2006-08. [7960/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

86 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the target of reducing public service employment by 5,000 was achieved; and if a target is being set for 2006-08. [7978/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 83 and 86 together.

The policy on numbers employed in the public service has succeeded in cutting back on the rapid rise in public service employment in the period 1997 to 2002. From 1997 to 2001 there had been an increase of almost 43,000, or 19%, in the number of public service employees. From the introduction of the policy in December 2002 to the end of 2005, the increase has been of the order of 6,300, or just over 2%. This took place at a time of significant increases both in employment in the economy generally and in the population with the corresponding increased demand for public services.

Numbers employed in the Civil Service, defence, local authority and non-commercial State-sponsored sectors have been reduced by 3,700 and the target for this group has been exceeded. However, original targets in the health and education sectors have not been met because the Government has been prepared to increase numbers to meet priority needs in frontline and essential services, for example, new health units and the disability area in the health sector, special needs teachers in the education system and to increase the number of gardaí; this is in line with the approach stated when the policy was launched.

Total employment in the public service by the end of 2005 was close to 288,000. The Government has decided to continue to control and regulate numbers in the public service within the following agreed ceilings: Civil Service — non-industrials and industrials, 37,700; non-commercial State-sponsored bodies, 9,600; local authorities, 33,300; Defence Forces, 11,400; and Garda Síochána, 14,000. Given the nature and demands of the health and education sectors, further consultation is taking place between my Department and the relevant Departments before consideration is given to setting appropriate employment level ceilings in these sectors.

It is important that an appropriate balance is struck between the need on the one hand to provide resources to improve front-line services and the need on the other to control and regulate overall numbers in the context of providing value for money for the public expenditure involved.

Duty Free Allowances.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

65 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the thresholds for personal purchases overseas are set at unrealistic levels and are unenforceable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/06]

The duty-free allowances for purchases for personal consumption of goods by persons entering the State from outside the European Union are set down in EU legislation — Council Directive 69/169/EEC. Therefore, the same passenger allowances apply across all EU member states. These thresholds were last increased in March 1994 and are set out in the table below.

For alcohol, tobacco and perfume the allowances are set at certain amounts of the goods in question, while for all other goods, there is an aggregate limit of €175 per adult. In the case of these duty-free allowances it should be borne in mind that there are three tax or duty types involved, namely, customs, excise and VAT. From a fiscal viewpoint, the allowances on alcohols and tobacco products are the most sensitive and, therefore, tightly controlled.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they maintain an enforcement presence at all the principal points of entry to the State for the purpose of checking compliance with the limits to these duty-free allowances. Officers perform checks on both accompanied and unaccompanied luggage or baggage on a selective basis using intelligence and risk assessment methods. In performing such tasks, a balance must be struck between the need for enforcing controls and not imposing undue burdens on passengers arriving in this country. In the circumstances, the commissioners do not consider the enforcement of the allowance limits unduly difficult or onerous.

The Deputy might wish to note that the European Commission has, only in the last week, published a proposal with respect to revising the exemptions from VAT and excise duty applying to goods when imported by persons travelling from non-EU countries. Part of this proposal involves the €175 limit referred to above being increased to €500 in the case of air travellers. While we have yet to fully tease out all the elements contained in this Commission proposal, entitled COM 76 (2006), the proposed increase from €175 to €500 seems reasonable. Discussions on the Commission proposal will in the normal way commence at EU working group level.

Details of current duty-free allowances

Goods accompanying travellers from outside the EU

Duty-free Allowance

Tobacco

Cigarettes

200 or

Cigarillos

100 or

Cigars

50 or

Smoking tobacco

250 gms

Alcohol

Spirits with an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% by vol. (whiskey, gin, vodka, etc.)

1 litre or

Spirits, fortified wines, sparkling wines, etc. with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% by vol. (port, sherry, etc.)

2 litres

Still wines

2 litres

Beer

This forms part of the €175 allowance applying to non-excisable goods

Perfumes

Perfumes

50 gms

Toilet waters

250 ml

Other (non-excisable) goods

Per adult

To the value of €175

Per person under 15 years of age

To the value of €90

Wage Levels.

Tom Hayes

Question:

66 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if research has been conducted into the gap between public sector and private sector pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7959/06]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the ESRI commentary published about a month ago dealing with public sector and private sector pay. The commentary drew on research carried out in 2004 which compared public and private wage rates, controlling for other factors that impact on wages, such as age, education and gender. The study concluded that in 2001, public sector employees earned 13% more than private sector employees — again, controlling for other characteristics associated with wages.

The study seems to be based on aggregate data on fairly broadly defined categories, for example, professional, operative. However, it does not make comparisons based on actual job responsibilities and weights. Thus, it does not show conclusively that, on a like for like basis, public servants are paid more than valid comparators in the private sector. The methodology adopted simply does not allow such a conclusion to be drawn. This is not to criticise the research; it is merely to highlight that one must not draw inferences which the study could not sustain.

The ESRI commentary also mentions a survey carried out among those who had recently graduated from third level colleges in 2004 which found that wages for this group were 20% higher in the public sector but acknowledges that the group was a narrow one. Again, we are dealing with a broad comparison.

The Government position on public service pay is very clear. The public service must be able to attract and retain a reasonable proportion of good quality staff at all levels. In this respect, it should neither lead the field, nor trail behind. The independent benchmarking process affords a means whereby painstaking comparisons between public service jobs and their counterparts in the private sector can be made and appropriate pay rates for the public service determined. This process looks at qualifications, responsibilities, hours worked and a range of other factors. On the last occasion, the benchmarking process recommended awards across and within areas of the public service of from 4% to 25%, showing clearly that the benchmarking body looked at individual jobs and related them to their comparators in the market.

A new benchmarking body has been established recently and is to report in the second half of 2007. I expect that, among the many tasks undertaken by the body, will be consideration of the significance of studies such as those quoted by the ESRI.

The ESRI commentary represents a useful contribution to the debate on public service pay. It should be understood, however, within its own terms.

Banking Services.

David Stanton

Question:

67 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to prevent financial exclusion faced by people on low incomes who often face difficulties opening bank accounts; the steps he has taken in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4653/06]

Lack of financial knowledge, particularly in relation to initiating the transaction, and the need to provide suitable identification documents to open an account, are frequently identified as the main obstacles faced by those on lower incomes when attempting to access financial services.

Financial institutions are obliged under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 to take reasonable measures to identify their customers, with a view to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Guidelines approved by the money laundering steering committee under the aegis of my Department set out measures that might reasonably be adopted by financial institutions in this regard. These guidelines highlight that any measures adopted should not deny a person access to financial services solely on the grounds that they do not possess certain specified identification documentation. For its part, the Financial Regulator has incorporated this as a requirement in its draft consumer protection code.

Identification of a customer comprises two elements. These are name verification — typically evidenced by a photograph bearing document such as passport, driving licence or other reputable source document — and address verification. The guidance notes for credit institutions provide for those circumstances where persons cannot reasonably be expected to produce certain forms of identification, such as a passport or driving licence and/or whose name and Irish address does not appear on a utility bill, electoral register or directory.

As far as improving financial knowledge is concerned, the Financial Regulator within its statutory consumer mandate has developed a number of specific initiatives to help consumers make informed choices in terms of the financial products they choose, the amount of risk they take on and the cost of the financial products. These initiatives have been developed through the framework of the Financial Regulator's consumer awareness campaign and include publication of a fact sheet entitled How to Open a Bank or Building Society Account.

Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 57.

Prison Building Programme.

Joe Higgins

Question:

69 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the Mountjoy Prison site. [1869/06]

The Office of Public Works has been tasked by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with creating a strategic plan for the development of the site when it becomes vacant after the opening of the new prison in north Dublin. This plan will address the various cultural, historic and urban planning issues relating to this unique site of national importance. The OPW is currently seeking specialists through an EU procurement process to assist it in this task.

Fiscal Policy.

Enda Kenny

Question:

70 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance when he next expects to receive a report from the working group on basic incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39762/05]

The examination of the issues involved in introducing a basic income scheme was undertaken by the steering group on basic income which was established as part of a commitment in Partnership 2000 for inclusion, employment and competitiveness. The group, which was chaired by the Taoiseach's Department, was comprised of representatives of all four pillars of social partnership, as well as relevant Departments including the Department of Finance. The group commissioned a number of reports and finished its work in March 2001. The group's work contributed to the development of the Government's Green Paper on Basic Income, which was published in September 2002.

Taoiseach’s Residence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

71 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to establish a Taoiseach’s residence; the projected capital cost and running cost of such a residence; the guidelines for its use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1040/06]

There are no plans to create a State residence for the Taoiseach. The Deputy's question may have been prompted by recent press speculation on the completion of the refurbishment of part of Farmleigh estate to further enhance the guest facilities there.

Financial Services Regulation.

Dan Boyle

Question:

72 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the mis-selling of and excessive commission on payment protection products; the measure he intends to take in order to protect consumers, particularly those on low incomes, from mis-selling of and excessive commissions on payment protection products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7930/06]

As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the legal framework governing financial regulation. In the context of this legislative framework, the Financial Regulator, which was set up in May 2003, has responsibility for consumer protection issues.

I am aware that the Financial Regulator has expressed its concerns about payment protection insurance, PPI. The consumer director in the Financial Regulator highlighted her concerns in relation to this financial product in the Financial Regulator's annual report in July 2005. These concerns include how payment protection insurance is sold, how the costs are disclosed to customers and how premiums are handled in the event of early repayment of a loan.

The Financial Regulator has been actively pursuing this matter and, as result, a number of actions are being taken. First, through the new consumer protection code which the Financial Regulator proposes to introduce from July of this year, a suitability test will be applied to this product. In other words, it cannot be sold to the customer unless it is suitable to that customer. Also, when taking out a loan, the loan repayments will be quoted separately to that of PPI, so that the customer will see the true cost of the product.

Second, the Financial Regulator is also currently consulting on introducing new requirements in relation to the disclosure of commission payments. Third, the Financial Regulator has produced consumer information materials on payment protection insurance, alerting consumers to the various issues they should consider in relation to this product. The fact sheet published earlier this month emphasises: that PPI is not compulsory; the high cost of cover; the very specific nature of the cover provided; and the need to ensure that the cover is in fact required.

Anyone who is concerned that they were mis-sold payment protection insurance can complain to the financial institution concerned or, if the complaint is not resolved, to the Financial Services Ombudsman.

I am satisfied that the active interest which the Financial Regulator is taking, together with the measures outlined above, will ensure that there is a high level of consumer protection and information available in the area of payment protection insurance.

Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 55.

Tax Code.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

74 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the number and percentage of income earners who are paying tax at the higher rate and the standard rate for 2005; the anticipated figures for each category for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7863/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Numbers of income earners on income tax record

Year

Standard Rate*

Higher Rate

Number

%

Number

%

2005

641,000

31.6

666,400

32.9

2006**

663,200

32.2

658,100

31.9

*Includes relatively small numbers of income earners entitled to marginal relief.

**Assuming the enactment of the changes announced in the 2006 Budget.

The numbers of income earners above have been rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate. The numbers of income earners are based on actual data for 2002 projected forward in accordance with macro-economic data relating to actual and expected growth in income and employment. The percentages are expressed in terms of the numbers of all income earners on the income tax record, including those who are exempt. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Benchmarking Awards.

Joan Burton

Question:

75 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the membership and terms of reference of the recently established Public Service Benchmarking Body; when the body is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7928/06]

On 13 January 2006 I formally announced the establishment of the Public Service Benchmarking Body as provided for in the second public service agreement under Sustaining Progress to undertake a fundamental examination of the pay of public service employees vis-à-vis the private sector.

Agreement was reached with the public service unions on the terms of reference and membership of the benchmarking body. The agreed terms of reference are set out below and its membership is as follows: chairperson, Mr. Dan O'Keeffe SC, BCL, LL.B., A.C.A; members — Mr. Billy Attley, former general secretary of SIPTU; Ms Olive Braiden, chairwoman of the Arts Council, chair of justice sector performance verification group; Mr. John Malone, former secretary general of the Department of Agriculture and Food; Mr. Thomas McKevitt, former deputy general secretary of the Public Service Executive Union; Mr. Willie Slattery, managing director, State Street International (Ireland) Ltd.; and Professor Brendan Walsh, emeritus professor of economics, UCD. The body is being asked to report in the second half of 2007.

Terms of Reference for the Public Service Benchmarking Body

Introduction

In the second Public Service Pay Agreement under Sustaining Progress the parties agreed that the benchmarking body would carry out a benchmarking review to report in the second half of 2007. The parties have agreed the following terms of reference for the benchmarking body.

Timing and scope of the examination

The Public Service Benchmarking Body is asked to examine the pay and jobs of specified grades and to produce a report containing recommendations on the pay rates for these grades in the second half of 2007.

As in the previous benchmarking exercise that took place between 2000 and 2002, the exercise should be a coherent and broadly based comparison with jobs and pay rates across the economy.

As in the previous exercise the Body will examine the roles, duties and responsibilities of jobs in the public service and in the rest of the economy and not just the pay rates applicable to jobs with similar titles, and superficially similar roles, in the private sector.

Approach

The body should conduct in-depth and comprehensive research and analysis of pay levels in the private sector on the following basis: Overall pay levels in the two sectors as well as pay rates for particular groups (such as clerical-administrative staff and technicians) and other identifiable grouping (such as graduate recruits); the overall pattern of pay rates in the private sector and employments across a range of type, size or sector; and the way reward systems are structured in the private sector.

As previously, the body, in reaching its recommendations should have regard to: the need to recruit, retain and motivate staff with the qualifications, skills and flexibility required to exercise their different responsibilities; the need to support ongoing modernisation of the public service; the need to ensure equity between the employees in both the public and private sectors and; the need to underpin the country's competitiveness and continued economic prosperity.

In this work the body should have regard to the differences between the public service and the private sector and between the various public service groups within its remit in working conditions, the organization of work, perquisites, and conditions of employment and other relevant benefits, including security of tenure and superannuation benefits.

The body should also consider any issues arising from any third party recommendations concerning benchmarking and any group on List A since the Body's first report, including, specifically, Labour Court Recommendations Nos. 17526 and 17805.

Relativities

As was the case previously, the body should have regard to the agreement made under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and reiterated in Sustaining Progress that cross-sectoral relativities are incompatible with the benchmarking process. Within the sectors internal relativities is a relevant criterion for the body to take into account but the existence of any traditional or historic relativities should not prevent the body from recommending what it considers are the appropriate rates of pay for any particular job.

Public Service Modernisation

Continued co-operation with change and modernisation has been a feature of previous national agreements and, in the context of Sustaining Progress, detailed action plans were agreed in each sector. This reflects the ongoing nature of the work of modernisation of the public service to meet present day needs and future demands. In that context change and modernisation is a continuing requirement of a modern public service. It is, of itself, not a basis for giving an improvement in pay or conditions.

Procedures

Subject to these terms of reference the benchmarking body will determine its own procedures but these should provide for relevant employers and trade unions to have the opportunity to make written and oral submissions to the body.

The last exercise gathered large quantities of data and developed a job weighting system used by the body. In doing its work the body may draw on the previous work done in this area and use, as it sees fit, the existing database and methodology for comparing jobs.

The level of detail to be provided by the body in its report is a matter for the body itself taking into account any confidentiality constraints and its own judgement on the level of detail that should be provided. However, the body should seek to ensure the optimum level of transparency consistent with the efficient and effective operation of the benchmarking process, regarding the factors and their import, which the body took into account in determining the appropriate pay levels.

Implementation

The implementation of the outcome of the benchmarking process is a matter for the parties and will be discussed by them in the context of discussions on whatever arrangements on pay and conditions are put in place on the expiry of the current Sustaining Progress pay agreement.

Fiscal Policy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

76 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the 12 point programme to improve value for money in public spending, announced by him on 20 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7865/06]

As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 303 and 304 on 21 February, I wrote to my ministerial colleagues on 20 October last enclosing a copy of my address of the same date to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and requesting them to ensure that their Departments take all necessary steps to implement measures set out in my address.

My Department has since issued a circular letter to all Departments on 25 January last outlining in detail the requirements to give effect to the measures in my 20 October address as well as decisions made by Government in relation to ICT and consultancy procurement. I have arranged for copies of this circular letter to be placed in the library of the House. The Financial Regulator has already drawn attention to the need for consumers to choose the right type of loan for their needs. The Financial Regulator, with its statutory consumer mandate, has developed a number of specific initiatives to help consumers make informed choices in terms of the financial products they choose, the amount of risk they take on and the cost of financial products. These initiatives have been developed through the framework of the Financial Regulator's "It's Your Money" campaign and have involved publishing consumer guides on credit products, fact sheets, cost surveys on personal loans, all of which are intended to assist borrowers in making the most appropriate credit decisions given their circumstances.

While the level of indebtedness of Irish households has been increasing, the Central Bank's most recently published financial stability report concludes that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels in the economy. The report does, however, emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders to factor into their financial decision-making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment.

I share the Central Bank's assessment of the importance of maintaining financial and economic stability. In that regard, for my part I intend maintaining a responsible approach to maintaining stability in our public finances, which will ensure that the strategic direction of our economy will focus on sustainable real improvements in public services, social provision and infrastructure.

As far as overall economic and financial stability is concerned, the relevant measure of credit encompasses both public and private sector credit and debt levels. The Minister for Finance has a key role in this regard in ensuring prudent management of the budget and overall sustainability in the public finances. In this context, Ireland's fiscal performance is among the best in the developed world with government indebtedness the second-lowest in the euro area. Responsible budgetary policy has made a significant contribution to economic performance overall, to the maintenance of low unemployment and to the achievement of record employment levels.

Decentralisation Programme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

77 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated costs, in terms of acquiring and equipping premises and other related costs, at the latest date for which figures are available, of the original decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004 and the slimmed down version announced in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7875/06]

The Government is committed to the full implementation of the decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004, involving some 10,300 civil and public service jobs in more than 56 locations across some 60 Departments-offices and agencies.

My office is in the process of procuring appropriate properties in the designated locations for the Departments and agencies involved, with much progress having been made to date. Property acquisition negotiations are completed or are significantly advanced at 23 locations.

The prevailing property market conditions in each geographical area have a significant bearing on the cost of acquiring sites. As the acquisition process is still in progress, it is not possible at this stage to provide a precise estimate of the cost of the site acquisition programme. However, and for working purposes only, an indicative figure of €75 million to €100 million, excluding VAT, is being used by the OPW.

As the Deputy will know, the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, in its report of November 2004, announced the names of the Departments and organisations selected as "early movers" and set out a timetable for provision of accommodation. At the same time the group published a report on the procurement and financial aspects of decentralisation. A further report — June 2005 — updates the timetable announced in November 2004, includes a timetable for the balance of organisations comprehended by the decentralisation programme and sets out commencement and completion dates for accommodation ranging from the final quarter of 2005 to end of 2009. I am confident that this programme will be successfully implemented.

With regard to the public private partnership approach recommended by the DIG, my office has been developing a comprehensive risk-adjusted costing of project elements to measure the value-for-money of future PPP bids. Expressions of interest will be sought for the first of these major projects early in 2006.

Although property solutions will include leasing and fitting-out of existing buildings, it is anticipated that in the majority of cases, the accommodation facilities will be provided by the construction of new office buildings and cost estimation can be approached on that basis. However, in advance of actual market testing of any procurement methodology, it is possible at this time only to assign the most general measurements of cost to such a large-scale, diverse and complex programme.

It is estimated that approximately 210,000 sq. m. of office space will be required to accommodate the total numbers included in the programme. OPW cost norms — April 2005 — in respect of offices would indicate an average build-cost to fit-out standard, in the range of €1,800 to €2,200 per square metre for suburban-rural locations, and €2,500 to €3,000 per square metre in city-town centre locations. Such figures exclude VAT, professional fees and inflation. In addition, the cost of equipping the accommodation to standard office equipment levels could be estimated at approximately €4,000 per person. This would exclude the cost of information and communication technology and specialised equipment requirements.

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

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

Tax Code.

John Gormley

Question:

78 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the Revenue Commissioners have encountered problems with regard to the issue of tax certificates in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7935/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the issue of approximately 2.2 million individual tax credit certificates to PAYE customers has now been completed. Revenue has advised me that each year priority is given initially to the issue of new certificates to employers so that employees get the benefit of changes to tax credits and reliefs announced in the budget in December in their pay packets as quickly as possible. Once the issue to employers is completed the next priority is the issue of certificates to the individual PAYE customers.

The number of certificates to issue to both employers and PAYE customers is a major logistical operation and is of necessity spread over a period of several weeks. In addition, the budget changes involve changes to Revenue computer systems and this adds to the overall timeframe for the issuing of certificates. An added dimension for 2006 was the new PAYE computer system put in place by Revenue in October last that forms the foundation for a range of improved services for PAYE customers coming later this year.

Some situations have been identified where incorrect tax credit certificates have issued for 2006. Most of these have already been corrected and employers notified of the revised credits due. Any adjustments are automatically backdated to 1 January. I am assured that Revenue is working to fix the remaining problem cases as quickly as possible.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

79 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 65 and 227 of 13 December 2005, if his Department has examined the area of VAT refunds on conferences held in hotels here, as is practice in other countries; his views on whether this practice would enable the tourist industry here to compete on a level playing field with international competitors for the lucrative international conference and corporate business; the stage this examination is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7771/06]

I am not indisposed to introducing such a relief but I want to make sure any such relief can work, has a positive cost-benefit ratio, and does not open up the VAT system to other very costly demands. That examination is ongoing and I will consider it for next year's budget.

Price Inflation.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

80 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the CSO consumer price index showing that the rate of inflation has risen 0.5%, leaving the annual rate of inflation at 3% for January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7938/06]

Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the consumer price index, CPI, rose to 3% in January from 2.5% in December. The main cause of this increase was the recent rise in interest rates by the ECB. In addition, the price of oil rose throughout most of last year and this had an input on the annual rate of inflation in January.

In my recent budget, my Department forecast that CPI inflation will average 2.7% in 2006. I made no changes to indirect taxes in that budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.

On an EU basis, Ireland's harmonised index of consumer prices, HICP, was 2.5% in January, compared to an estimated 2.4% in the euro area. Ireland has been broadly in line with the euro area for some time now.

State Property.

Mary Upton

Question:

81 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the planned sale of State property announced; the property sold to date and the amount raised; the way in which the money used has been raised; the properties it is planned to sell during 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7880/06]

As part of the transforming of State assets programme the following properties have been disposed.

Property

Method of Sale

Price

2 Church St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Public Auction

337,000.00

Lad Lane, Dublin 2.

Public Tender

22,500,000.00

Blacklion Customs Frontier Post Site — Cavan

Private Treaty to Cavan County Council

21,586.23

72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Public Tender

52,300,000.00

Kilmacthomas GS, County Waterford

Private Treaty to Waterford County Council

100,000.00

14/16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8.

Public Tender

8,780,140.48.00

Thomastown GS, Co. Kilkenny

Public Auction

450,000.00

TOTAL 2004

84,488,726.71

Disposed of in 2005

Property

Method of Sale

Price

Dungloe Former SWO, Co. Donegal

Private Treaty

300,000.00

Leighlinbridge GS, Co. Carlow — disposal of part of site

Public Auction

165,000.00

Ashbourne GS — disposal of part of site

Public Auction

2,125,000.00

St. John’s Road site (Westgate)

Public Tender

44,916,551.79

Ballinskelligs Old Garda Station, Co. Kerry

Public Auction

409,693.03

Kilronan CGS, Galway. Sale of site to Údarás.

Private Treaty

1,416.53

Galway — 16 Eyre Square (Part)

Private Treaty

9,920.59

26-27 Eden Quay, Dublin 1.

Public Tender

4,205,000.00

Chantilly site, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin

CPO compensation

5,162,202.65

TOTAL 2005

57,294,784.59

Disposed of in 2006

Property

Method of Sale

Price

The former Vet. College, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4

Public Tender

171,558,110.36

Lynch’s Lodge Hotel, Macroom, Co. Cork

Public Tender

2,300,036.08

TOTAL (To-date) 2006

173,858,146.44

The total amount raised in direct disposals since the announcement of the transforming of State assets project is approximately €315 million. The proceeds of these sales are forwarded to the Department of Finance as extra Exchequer receipts to be offset against funding for decentralisation.

Identification of properties surplus to requirements is continuously evolving; premature release of disposal information and timescales would affect the potential income from such disposals. However, below is a list of properties which are scheduled to date for disposal in 2006.

Properties identified for disposal in 2006 are as follows:

Property for Sale

Method of Sale

Guide Price / Sale Price

Muff Garda Station, County Donegal

Public Auction

€195,000

Bridgend former Customs & Excise Post, County Donegal

Public Auction

€350,000

Knocknagoshel Garda Station House, County Kerry

Public Auction

€75,000

Gardiner St. former SWO, Dublin 1 for Trinity Hall, Abbey Street.

Private Treaty

Property swap plus €2.5m payment to OPW

CPO Ballyshannon SWO, County Donegal

CPO Compensation

€2,500

Faculty Building, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Public Tender

Commercially sensitive

Decentralisation Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

82 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants who applied for relocation under the Government’s decentralisation programme and who subsequently withdrew their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7877/06]

The Public Appointments Service estimates that a small proportion of the 10,600 applications, approximately 380, have been withdrawn from the central applications facility to date. In view of the nature of the programme and the timescales involved, individual circumstances are open to change and therefore application status can fluctuate as the programme is rolled out. The picture will become clearer over the coming period as staff are assigned to decentralising organisations.

The Deputy may be interested to note that there continues to be, each week, new applications from individuals wishing to decentralise under the Government's programme.

Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 64.

Film Industry Development.

Jack Wall

Question:

84 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the revisions he may be considering to the section 481 scheme for investment in film production here; the reason these revisions may be required; if section 481 relief will be extended beyond the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2509/06]

Section 18 of the 2006 Finance Bill provides for an overall increase to 80% in the proportion of the total cost of film production that can qualify for relief under section 841 from the existing levels, which range from 66% for films with budgets of €5.08 million to 55% for bigger budget films. In addition, the ceiling on the amount of section 481 funding that can be raised in respect of an individual film production is to be increased from €15 million to €35 million per film. These new limits are subject to the approval of the European Commission in the context of the Commission's state aid rules and are subject to the signing of a commencement order pending such approval.

The decision to change the relief was made on the basis of a case put forward by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Irish Film Board which advised me that such changes would be necessary in light of the increasingly competitive international environment for attracting film production, including forthcoming changes in the UK tax relief for films.

This relief is not due to terminate until 31 December 2008 and no decision has been taken in regard to any possible extension of the scheme beyond that date.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

85 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to make changes to the Civil Service code of standards and behaviour or the code of conduct for office holders in view of recent evidence of Ministers using civil servants for political purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7934/06]

I am satisfied that Ministers are aware of the responsibilities and duties of the civil servants who report to them.

The Civil Service code of standards and behaviour was introduced in September 2004 in compliance with section 10(3) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and I have no plans to make changes in it. The provisions of the Civil Code of standards and behaviour form part of all civil servants' terms and conditions of employment who are expected to apply it at all times. Breaches of the code constitute a breach of the terms of employment of a civil servant and may result in disciplinary action.

Pursuant to the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, the Government drew up the code of conduct for office holders, which was published in July 2003. A person to whom the code of conduct relates shall have regard to and be guided by the code in the performance of his or her functions and in relation to any other matters to which the code relates.

If a Deputy believes that any office holder may have transgressed the code or may have done an act that is inconsistent with the proper performance of the functions of the office, he or she is entitled to avail of the remedies available under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, which include referring the matter for examination to the Standards in Public Office Commission, an independent public body established, inter alia, for that purpose under the 2001 Act.

Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 64.

Credit Unions.

Paul McGrath

Question:

87 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change policy in order to facilitate the development of credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7993/06]

The Credit Union Act 1997 provides the legal framework for the regulation of credit unions. The Act was designed to provide the credit union movement with a regulatory structure that reflected and promoted the particular ethos and philosophy of the credit union movement, its strong tradition of volunteer service and the core objective of providing opportunities for saving and lending for members of credit unions. In the context of this legislative framework, the Registrar of Credit Unions, within the Financial Regulator, is responsible for the operation of the regulatory and supervisory regime for credit unions.

The Credit Union Act has provided the legal and regulatory framework within which the credit union movement in Ireland has continued to grow and develop over recent years. The assets of credit unions, largely comprising members' savings, have increased to €11.5 billion. This highlights the continued success of credit unions in meeting the financial needs of local communities and occupational groups falling within the common bond.

The rules-based approach to the regulation embodied in the Credit Union Act has served the credit union movement well by providing clarity and certainty to individual credit unions, their directors and members. It has helped support the continued stability of the credit union movement and safeguard the members' savings during a period of rapid growth. The Act does provide a significant amount of discretion to the Registrar of Credit Unions in relation to specific regulatory requirements acting either on his own initiative or in the context of regulations made under the Act.

As Minister of Finance, my role is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions in light of the current state of development, capacity and capabilities of credit unions as a whole. A range of issues now arising in that context, including savings protection, investment rules and proposed legislative and regulatory changes, is currently under examination by my Department with the assistance of the Registrar of Credit Unions and are the subject of consultations with the representative bodies for credit unions.

I can assure the Deputy that these issues will be assessed on their own merits with a view to establishing an appropriate balance in the regulation of credit unions between the need to facilitate credit unions in adapting to the changes taking place in Irish society and ensuring the stability and financial sustainability of credit unions and the safeguarding of the very significant savings entrusted to them by their members.

My decisions in these matters will be based on the advice and information provided by the Registrar of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Advisory Committee, CUAC — the statutory advisory body on credit union matters — and the credit union movement itself.

State Property.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

88 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the sale of the Reception and Integration Agency property in Macroom, County Cork at a loss of over €2 million to the taxpayer in the context of a property market where prices have more than doubled over the past five years. [3418/06]

Lynch's Lodge Hotel was purchased for the accommodation of asylum seekers in October 2000 at a cost of €3,549,711. It was never occupied because of judicial review proceedings which were finally settled in June 2005.

At this stage it was not required for the purpose for which it was purchased. All Government accommodation requirements were looked at including decentralisation and the Health Service Executive. The property was deemed surplus to the requirements.

An agent was engaged and the property was placed on the open market for sale by public tender. There was substantial interest in the property with 19 viewings and 13 requests for tender documents. The highest bid received was €2,300,010.00. This was accepted after due consideration and taking into account the recommendation of the agent.

The sale price of €2.3 million reflected a number of factors: the general deterioration in the market value for this type of property and the lack of tax incentives; and the effects of the loss of goodwill and trade during the period when the property was not in use as a hotel.

Private Sector Debt.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

89 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the increase in 2005 in mortgage credit and in non-mortgage credit. [7957/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

114 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on reports (details supplied) that Ireland is set to become the most indebted country in the eurozone, with private sector debt anticipated to amount to 200% of GNP before the end of 2006, and credit rising by 29% per year. [7893/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 114 together.

The Deputy's question refers to a projection relating to overall private sector debt. In evaluating the financial position of the private sector, it is too narrow an approach to consider the level of indebtedness in isolation from the asset side of the private sector's balance sheet. A high proportion of household indebtedness in Ireland, which accounts for approximately 45% of private sector indebtedness overall, relates to borrowing for house-purchase which, in turn, creates an asset for the households. In the same way, borrowing by the business sector underpins high investment levels and the creation of business assets yielding future income. It therefore reflects the strong performance of the economy and confidence in Ireland's economic prospects.

The report referred to by the Deputy makes the important point that in assessing household debt, account should be taken of Ireland's demographics, savings ratio and interest rate regime. A comparative household debt index published in the report which takes account of these factors, places Ireland's household indebtedness level at 11th out of 19 developed countries. As the Deputies will be aware, the Government has been actively promoting saving by individuals in the recent past, notably through the SSIA scheme.

As far as looking after the interests of the individual borrower and the individual investor is concerned, the function of Government is to provide an appropriate legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector, one that is both comprehensive and robust. I am satisfied that on foot of the progress made over recent years, especially in establishing the Financial Regulator with a particular focus on the interests of the consumer, we have such a framework in place.

Within the implementation of the overall legislative framework, private sector credit growth and debt levels are, in the first instance, a matter for the Central Bank and the Financial Services Authority of Ireland. This follows from its role as part of the European system of central banks and its functions, as the Financial Regulator, in relation to the prudential supervision of financial institutions and the protection of the consumers of those firms.

The Financial Regulator has already drawn attention to the need for consumers to choose the right type of loan for their needs. The Financial Regulator, with its statutory consumer mandate, has developed a number of specific initiatives to help consumers make informed choices in terms of the financial products they choose, the amount of risk they take on and the cost of financial products. These initiatives have been developed through the framework of the Financial Regulator's "It's Your Money" campaign and have involved publishing consumer guides on credit products, fact sheets, cost surveys on personal loans, all of which are intended to assist borrowers in making the most appropriate credit decisions given their circumstances.

While the level of indebtedness of Irish households has been increasing, the Central Bank's most recently published financial stability report concludes that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels in the economy. The report does, however, emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders to factor into their financial decision-making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment.

I share the Central Bank's assessment of the importance of maintaining financial and economic stability. In that regard, for my part I intend maintaining a responsible approach to maintaining stability in our public finances, which will ensure that the strategic direction of our economy will focus on sustainable real improvements in public services, social provision and infrastructure.

As far as overall economic and financial stability is concerned, the relevant measure of credit encompasses both public and private sector credit and debt levels. The Minister for Finance has a key role in this regard in ensuring prudent management of the budget and overall sustainability in the public finances. In this context, Ireland's fiscal performance is among the best in the developed world with Government indebtedness the second-lowest in the euro area. Responsible budgetary policy has made a significant contribution to economic performance overall, to the maintenance of low unemployment and to the achievement of record employment levels.

Public Expenditure.

Liz McManus

Question:

90 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the amount of public spending in terms of capital and public expenditure for 2005; the estimated spending in both categories for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7855/06]

Details of the provisional outturn for 2005 and estimated spending in 2006 are set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2006 published on 23 February. The estimate for total gross expenditure in 2006 is €50,643 million, comprised of €43,876 million in current expenditure and €6,767 million in capital expenditure. The gross provisional outturn for 2005 is €44,943 million comprised of €39,285 million in current expenditure and €5,658 million in capital expenditure. Additional to these amounts, €236 million was spent in 2005 and €289 million is being made available for spending in 2006 under the capital carryover arrangements.

The 2006 Estimates make provision for the major economic and social investment programmes which the Government has put in place including the significant increases in social welfare rates and the new child care package announced on budget day. The Estimates also provide for an ambitious programme of investment in infrastructure necessary to underpin our competitiveness into the future.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

91 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the status of his proposals to reduce the fees payable at tribunals. [7990/06]

The Deputy will be aware that in July 2004, the Government approved, on the initiative of the then Minister for Finance, reduced fees for legal representation at tribunals or inquiries established from September 2004, and to the then-existing tribunals and inquiries with effect from various dates set in the light of consultations between the Attorney General and the chairpersons of each tribunal-inquiry. The lower rates have applied to the Barr tribunal since June 2005. The dates applicable to those tribunals currently sitting are as follows: Moriarty tribunal — 30 June 2006; Morris tribunal — 30 September 2006; and Mahon tribunal — 31 March 2007.

The Tribunal of Inquiry Bill 2005 which is being brought forward by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consolidate and reform the legislation relating to tribunals of inquiry, was published on 25 November last. This Bill will provide a statutory basis, going forward, for the regulation of tribunal and third party legal fees payable by the State. In addition, the Bill incorporates a number of provisions which should improve the operational efficiency of tribunals. For example, the Bill will enable uncontested evidence, which has been supplied in written form and circulated to relevant parties, to be simply taken as if it had been "read into" the record. I understand that Second Stage of the Bill is expected to commence shortly.

Pension Provisions.

Jack Wall

Question:

92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated average of the 2 million people at work in respect of pension cover; the number of workers who avail of tax relief-credits for pension purposes; the number and costs, in respect of pensions, including AVCs, ARFs and SSASs for each year from 1998 to date in 2006. [7894/06]

The pension coverage rate for all persons in employment aged between 20 and 69 in the first quarter of 2005 was 51.5%. These figures are based on a survey update module on pensions, which was included in the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey in the first quarter of 2005.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant available information relates to the cost of tax relief on pension contributions by employers, employees and self-employed and the exemption from tax of income and gains in the pension funds. This information, together with the numbers of employee and self-employed contributors, is provided for the five income tax years 1998-99 to 2002, the latest year for which it is available. The estimates of cost in relation to contributions by employers and contributions by employees are particularly tentative as this information is not captured in such a way as to enable more precise estimates to be compiled.

The following is the information available.

Estimated Costs and Numbers of Contributors

Tax Relief

1998/99

1999/00

2000/01

2001

2002

‘Retirement Annuity Contracts’ available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes.

€116.2m

€180.8m

€205m

€184.7m

€250.9m

Numbers

92,900

104,500

109,300

109,600

110,600

Contributions by employers *

€533.4m

€595.4m

€646.2m

€497.7m

€623.1m

Contributions by employees *

€328.9m

€420.5m

€471.9m

€388.7m

€563.3m

Numbers of employees contributing to approved superannuation schemes.**

not available

569,220

629,800

670,500

709,300

Exemption of Net Income of Approved Superannuation Funds (Contributions Plus Investment Income Less Outgoings)*

€966.5m

€1,225.5m

€1,292.3m

€938.4m

€1,271.6m

* These are extremely tentative estimates

** Calendar year figures sourced from annual reports of the Pensions Board

It should be noted that as PAYE taxpayers were charged to tax on their earnings in the period from 6 April to 31 December 2001 and self-employed taxpayers were assessed to tax for that short "year" on 74% of the profits earned in a 12 month accounting period, the cost figures will not be directly comparable with those of earlier or later years. A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Economic Competitiveness.

Phil Hogan

Question:

93 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the latest quarterly economic commentary from the ESRI, in particular its remarks on the partnership process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4075/06]

The ESRI published its most recent Quarterly Economic Commentary in January 2006. The ESRI is forecasting economic growth this year of 4.7% in GDP terms, and 4.8% in GNP terms. It is forecasting employment growth of 3.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. These forecasts are broadly in line with my own Department's forecasts for 2006, which were published at budget time.

On budget day, my Department forecast CPI inflation of 2.7% in 2006, again in line with the ESRI forecast of at 2.6%. I am pleased to see, and obviously agree with, the ESRI assessment that the budget was strongly progressive in terms of the direction of tax and social welfare measures in favour of those on lower incomes.

In relation to the research on the partnership process, the ESRI commentary calls for wage restraint in the public sector under any new partnership deal and for flexibility in relation to private sector wages. The Government position on public service pay is very clear. The public service must be able to attract and retain a reasonable proportion of good quality staff at all levels. In this respect, it should neither lead the field, nor trail behind. The independent benchmarking process affords a means whereby sustainable comparisons between public service jobs and their counterparts in the private sector can be made and appropriate pay rates for the public service determined.

A new benchmarking body has been established recently and is to report in the second half of 2007. I expect that, among the many tasks undertaken by the body, will be consideration of the relevance of studies such as those quoted by the ESRI, which were fairly broad in their scope and were not based on actual job comparisons. Nonetheless, the ESRI commentary makes a useful contribution to the ongoing debate on public sector pay.

ICT Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

94 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if the promised peer review system for large ICT projects is in place; the way in which it will operate; the threshold figure above which the peer review system will operate; if the Centre for Management Organisation Development within his Department will play a role in the peer review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7864/06]

The Centre for Management and Organisation Development, CMOD, in my Department developed procedures for the peer review process and agreed these in meetings with other Departments and offices late last year. A number of projects were identified for early inclusion in the initiative and the review of two of these is now under way and initial work has commenced in two more.

The peer review is carried out at key decision points — preliminary business case assessment, detailed assessment, pre-tender, post-tender, and project close-out — by a team of experienced people external to the project board and the organisation. The process will particularly focus on examining the preparation of good business cases; cost benefit analysis; affordability within the approved budget for the organisation; detailed planning; and the governance arrangements, etc. Peer review teams will be selected by the sponsoring Department or office of each project subjected to the process. These selections are subject to agreement with CMOD. It is envisaged that such review teams will include people with relevant experience from both the public and private sector.

However, while I believe that the peer review process is a very worthwhile initiative and is an additional safeguard in the development and implementation of IT projects, it does not in any way override the accountability arrangement in place within organisations.

It is envisaged that reviews will be carried out for all projects where the development and roll out costs exceed €5 million or where the project would be likely to stretch the resources of the sponsoring Department or agency.

As well as developing and agreeing the process with other Departments and offices, CMOD will co-ordinate, administer and control the peer review process across the whole public service which will include providing a panel of peer reviewers to sponsoring organisations; selecting the number and type of projects to be peer reviewed; agreeing the composition of peer review teams; considering the peer review team's findings and the sponsoring organisation's consideration of these findings for each stage of the peer review process before making and issuing any final decision to proceed or halt; and developing a website in the future where review findings will be placed in the public domain.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Mary Upton

Question:

95 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of special savings investment scheme accounts opened at the latest date for which figures are available; the average amount of savings per investor per month; if, on the basis of such figures, his Department will give a figure for likely cost to the Exchequer of the specials savings investment scheme; when the first payments will become due; the amount expected to be paid out by the Exchequer in each of the first 12 months after the SSIAs mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7890/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that all qualifying savings managers are furnishing their 2005 SSIA annual returns at present. Revenue will shortly begin analysing these returns and it is expected that final details of this analysis will be available at the end of April 2006.

All qualifying savings managers have, in advance of the annual return, provided a declaration indicating the number of active accounts held at 31 December 2005. Based on these declarations, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total number of active accounts at 31 December 2005 was 1,082,265 and the average monthly subscription was €196. The cost of the scheme in 2005 was €597.4 million.

The first SSIAs commenced in May 2001 and will mature at the end of May 2006. As indicated in replies to previous questions, it is not possible to give a definitive answer as to the eventual cost of the scheme as it is subject to a number of variables including where participants voluntarily withdraw from the scheme or vary their monthly contributions over the remaining period of the scheme. For this reason also, it is not possible to state the cost to the Exchequer in each of the 12 months after the SSIAs begin to mature in May 2006.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is the financial institutions which will pay out funds, including the Exchequer top up, to account holders.

Tax Code.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

96 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if reports of a stricter interpretation of tax rules for US parent companies located abroad have been investigated; and the potential impact on Ireland. [7949/06]

The interpretation of domestic tax rules is a matter for the relevant authorities of the country concerned.

With regard to the normal administration of taxes in Ireland and the US, the relevant double taxation convention between both countries allows for the exchange of information concerning the taxes covered by the convention.

As I indicated in response to Question No. 129 of 13 December last, I understand that there are currently no outstanding issues from the US authorities in this regard.

I understand that IDA Ireland, which regularly monitors international tax changes, is not aware of any recent change in US tax law that has negatively affected Ireland, or has resulted in significant concern being raised by existing US companies located in Ireland.

Financial Services Regulation.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

97 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied regarding the level of supervision of the financial sector and particularly firms operating out of the Irish Financial Services Centre especially in view of indictments issued in the United States by the corporate crime task force relating to two reinsurances designed and executed through the Dublin bases subsidy of the US company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7861/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

116 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance if allegations that some reinsurance transactions underwritten through Dublin was outside regulatory oversights have been investigated. [7947/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 116 together.

In my role as Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the legal framework governing financial regulation. In the context of the regulatory system put in place through the establishment of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland, CBFSAI, Act 2003, responsibility for the operation of the regulatory regime and the supervision of financial services firms rests with the Financial Regulator.

The Financial Regulator has highlighted that all regulated entities, whether engaged in international activities or domestic activities, are required to comply with best international practice. Ethical behaviour, including transparency in business dealings, is a key value expected of boards and senior management of all financial entities operating in Ireland. As far as the IFSC is concerned, the Financial Regulator has emphasised that since its inception, the IFSC has been regulated to the highest international standards for all financial activities. Moreover, the regulatory standards applied in the international financial sector are no less stringent than those that apply generally in the industry in Ireland.

As far as the reinsurance sector in particular is concerned, the Deputy may wish to note that it is only comparatively recently that the international community concluded that reinsurance should be subject to a full regulatory regime. In this context my Department and the Financial Regulator have played a full part and have been actively engaged in the process of developing a reinsurance regulatory regime at EU and international level. The EU reinsurance directive was finally published in December 2005. Ireland will be among the first countries in Europe to implement it with the directive expected to be transposed into Irish law by April 2006 — significantly in advance of the transposition deadline of December 2007. This will result in a full solvency regime for reinsurance companies in Ireland. The Irish regime will go beyond the strict minimum requirements of the directive by requiring adherence to explicit standards of corporate governance and by requiring particular disciplines in relation to finite reinsurance.

The specific issues referred to by the Deputy that have been a subject of indictments in the US were orchestrated in the US in order to overstate the capital position of the firm concerned. The Financial Regulator has worked closely at the highest levels with the regulators from the other jurisdictions involved in these transactions with the objective of ensuring that all the issues are dealt with and all the necessary actions are taken, including ensuring that any involvement in such activity no longer has a place in the industry.

The Financial Regulator is always concerned about, and has always acted to ensure, the good reputation of Ireland as a well-regulated market in view of the importance of that reputation to the success and attraction of Ireland as location for the provision of international financial services.

Tax Code.

Joe Costello

Question:

98 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that there is no benefit in kind rule for taxation purposes on the use of company helicopters or planes, as there is with company cars; his plans to close off this loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7859/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that benefits in kind are chargeable to tax under either a specific benefit in kind tax charging provision, for example, as is in place for the use of cars and preferential loans, or under the general benefit in kind tax charging provision.

The private use by directors or employees of helicopters or planes supplied by their employer is within the general benefit in kind tax charging provision and the rule in relation to such benefit is that the annual taxable benefit in kind arising is calculated by reference to a sum equal to 5% of the market value of the helicopter or plane at the date it was first provided plus the annual running costs, as apportioned between business use and private use. However, where an employer charters and pays for a plane or helicopter for the private use of the director or employee, the full cost of such charter is treated as part of normal salary and taxable in full in the hands of the director or employee.

Likewise, where a director or employee charters a plane or helicopter the cost of which is paid by his-her employer, such cost is treated as part of normal salary and taxable in full in the hands of the director or employee.

As there is no loophole whereby the private use of helicopters and planes by directors or employees goes untaxed, there is no need to introduce a new tax provision.

Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

99 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the 23% rise in complaints against the insurance sector and credit institutions to the Financial Services Ombudsman in 2005. [7892/06]

The Deputy may wish to note that the statutory Financial Services Ombudsman scheme, in place since April 2005, provides a wider coverage in terms of financial services than did its predecessor voluntary schemes. This is reflected in a higher level of complaints. Furthermore, increased awareness of the Financial Services Ombudsman and the reputation and increased effectiveness of a statutory scheme inevitably has the effect of encouraging consumers to avail of the scheme. The fact that people are choosing to use the Ombudsman service demonstrates that the system is working as intended in providing a mechanism within which complaints against financial institutions can be investigated and resolved.

Industrial Development.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

100 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there is consistent neglect by the Government of the Ballina and north Mayo region and that Ballina remains a notorious employment black-spot area; his further views on whether investment in infrastructure is needed in the western area of the country; if he will ensure that the necessary infrastructure investment takes place in Ballina and Mayo by addressing the underspend and establish a tax incentive area in Ballina and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7772/06]

I cannot agree with the Deputy that north Mayo is being neglected by the Government. However, I do recognise that the area has suffered the closure of a number of key employers over the past 18 months and efforts by the Government to attract new job opportunities have proved difficult. My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Micheál Martin, has already outlined to the House the efforts he, his Department and the development agencies are making to deal with this difficult situation.

The latest data reported to my Department indicates that some €750 million has been spent in County Mayo under the NDP since 2000. Expenditure on housing, transport and environmental infrastructure alone has amounted to some €490 million. The Deputy will agree that this is a significant level of investment. Ambitious plans have been set for further investment in transport infrastructure under Transport 21. Transport 21 sets out targeted improvements to be made in a number of national secondary routes including the important N59 costal road which runs from Sligo through north Mayo on through Westport and into Galway city. Recently completed projects in north Mayo include phase 1 of the N26 from Ballina to Bohola with a further 18 km currently being planned by the NRA. Work on the important N5 Charlestown bypass has begun and is due for completion in 2008. Further development of the N5 will see 14 km of roadway being constructed which will bypass the town of Ballaghaderreen. In addition, a further 17 km of the N5 from Westport to Castlebar will be upgraded following completion of planning for the project. When completed, these projects will further complement the 16 km of the N17 between Knock and Claremorris which was completed in 2002 and the plans by the NRA for upgrading a further 25 km of this route from Charlestown to Collooney.

The Deputy will be aware that investments under the NDP are delivered through a number of operational programmes which are directly managed and implemented by Departments, the regional assemblies or other agencies. The responsibility of my Department is to ensure that resources are made available to meet the Government's objectives and to secure full drawdown of Ireland's allocation of Structural Funds. Departments have been asked to ensure that the investment objectives for the BMW region are prioritised. I expect that the level of planned Exchequer expenditure under the NDP will be close to target at the end of the programming period.

With respect to tax incentive schemes which come under my responsibility, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that Ballina was among the 42 towns and cities that had integrated areas designated for tax relief under the 1999 urban renewal scheme, while Belmullet, Charlestown and Foxford had sub-areas and sites designated for tax relief under the town renewal scheme. Under both of these schemes tax relief is provided for the refurbishment and construction of certain residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In my Budget Statement I announced that arising from a review of the various property and area based tax incentive schemes that the following reliefs either have achieved the objectives set out for them or are no longer considered to be cost effective in terms of the objectives set out for them and are therefore being terminated subject to certain transitional provisions. These are the urban renewal, town renewal and rural renewal schemes, and the special relief for hotels, holiday cottages, student accommodation, multi-storey car parks, third-level educational buildings, sports injuries clinics, developments associated with park and ride facilities and the general rental refurbishment scheme.

This winding down of property based tax reliefs is consistent with the greater capacity of particular economic sectors nowadays to fund such investment from their own resources, and the sizeable capital investment which the Government itself is making through major new investments.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

101 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the status of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7799/06]

I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made on this ambitious programme. I am particularly pleased with the continuing popularity of the programme among public servants. There are about 10,600 applications on the central applications facility to date and new applications are being received each week.

I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July 2005 report which identified progress in relation to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. I understand that the OPW is currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Discussions have progressed with the Civil Service general service unions on a number of human resource and industrial relations issues. Actual movement of staff within and between Departments and offices is now under way with approximately 1,150 staff already assigned to posts which will decentralise. Discussions are continuing with the professional and technical staff representative in respect of arrangements for staff in those grades.

With regard to the State agencies, the decentralisation implementation group took the view that it would not seek to dictate every step in the process to the management of the state agencies. Although the group proposed a group of state agencies for early mover status it did not include specific timeframes in recognition of this approach and also of the fact that it is the responsibility of the board and senior management of each agency to implement Government policy. The group stated in its report that each agency included in the programme should have a successful relocation as a high level strategic objective and should prepare the next and deeper iteration of its implementation plan. In the meantime, the OPW is continuing to seek property solutions in respect of any agency that requires it.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

102 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the timescale for decentralisation to Listowel, County Kerry; the number of applicants for relocation to Listowel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has identified a suitable property solution for the accommodation of 50 Revenue staff due to decentralise to Listowel. The data from the central applications facility, published in September 2004 indicated that there were 49 applications for decentralisation to Listowel. The indicative timeframe for the provision of the building is the last quarter of 2006 and it is expected that the movement of staff to Listowel will be commenced as soon as the building is available.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Billy Timmins

Question:

103 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the stage at which his plans to bring forward legislation to incorporate uncashed bank drafts into the dormant accounts fund are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7992/06]

My Department is continuing to liaise with the Financial Regulator and the banking industry to determine the merits or otherwise of the proposed incorporation of uncashed bank drafts into the dormant accounts scheme.

The approach currently under consideration relates to the funds held by the banks against presentation of the drafts to avoid any change in the rules or conditions relating to the instruments themselves. However, a number of important legal and technical issues have arisen and are being examined.

First, funds representing uncashed bank drafts are held in an account in the name of the bank where it was issued and not an account in the name of the person beneficially entitled to the draft. Such accounts are inherently different to those specified under the dormant accounts legislation.

Second, bank drafts are payable on demand to the payee but the bank has no knowledge of the current holder of the bank draft and records do not always include the address of either the original purchaser or payee. This presents obvious difficulties in meeting the notification requirements which are a key feature underpinning the current dormant scheme.

Third, while bank drafts are payable on presentation, reclaims from the dormant accounts fund allow for a delay of up to 56 days. As banks will have to pay out almost immediately on drafts, it may not be feasible to oblige them to fund the payment for such a period. The assessment of these issues is continuing.

Consideration is required of whether the prospective yield from bringing uncashed bank drafts within the scope of the dormant accounts legislation as would outweigh the costs associated, in relation to regulation and compliance, as well as inconvenience to holders of these drafts.

Decentralisation Programme.

Simon Coveney

Question:

104 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Finance if the issue of confining promotions to only persons willing to decentralise has been modified as a result of recent Labour Court hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7943/06]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

111 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the implications of the Labour Court decision regarding FÁS’s breach of agreed industrial relations procedures on the Government’s decentralisation programme; the Departments and divisions in which applications have been withdrawn in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7931/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 111 together.

I am aware that, in its recent recommendation in a dispute between SIPTU and FÁS concerning decentralisation and FÁS contracts of employment, the Labour Court expressed the opinion that FÁS was in breach of the consultation procedure provided for in the company-union industrial relations procedure agreement. However, the court went on to recommend that the matter be referred back to the appropriate central body, at which the issues should be teased out with a view to arriving at agreed long-term solutions, in consultation with all the parties involved. I am confident that this will lead to a resolution of the issues in dispute.

The Public Appointments Service estimates that a small proportion of the 10,600 applications, approximately 380, have been withdrawn from the central applications facility to date. In view of the nature of the programme and the timescales involved, individual circumstances are open to change and therefore application status can fluctuate as the programme is rolled out. The picture will become clearer over the coming period as staff are assigned to decentralising organisations.

The Deputy may be interested to note that there continues to be, each week, new applications from individuals wishing to decentralise under the Government's programme.

Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 55.

Fiscal Policy.

Pat Breen

Question:

106 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he has exercised his powers to block the emergence of a common corporate tax base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7965/06]

As I informed the House on 13 December 2005, to date, the Commission has not made a formal proposal on the common consolidated corporate tax base. At the informal Ecofin in September 2004 it was agreed that the Commission should establish a technical working group to consider such matters. While we opposed such a move, we, like all other member states, are participating in the group without prejudice to our national position of opposition to the common consolidated corporate tax base. As there is no proposal currently being examined by Council, the issue of exercising a block does not arise.

National Agreements.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

107 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on the financial commitments envisaged by his Department in the context of a new social partnership programme over ten years. [7953/06]

Talks on a new national partnership agreement to follow Sustaining Progress commenced recently and are ongoing. It would be imprudent to make any statement at this stage about any financial commitments which might arise in the context of a new agreement.

Pension Provisions.

Dan Boyle

Question:

108 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to ethical guidelines being put in place by the Norwegian Government for its national pension fund; his views on introducing similar criteria for the national pension fund here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7929/06]

Dan Boyle

Question:

219 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to ethical guidelines being put in place by the Norwegian Government for its national pension fund; and his views on introducing similar criteria for the national pension fund here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8068/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 219 together.

I am aware of Norway's policy on the investment of its government pension fund. However, the goal set for the national pensions reserve fund, NPRF, from the outset under its establishing legislation, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, has been to secure the optimal return over the long term, having regard to the purpose of the fund as set out in section 18(1) of the Act and the payment requirements of the fund as provided for under section 20 of the Act, provided the level of risk to the moneys held or invested is acceptable to the NPRF commission. The commission which, under the legislation, is independent of the Government, controls and manages the fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement its investment strategy.

Some so-called ethical investment funds have performed well in the past and may continue to do so. The national pensions reserve fund commission has discretion to allow its investment managers to invest in the sectors it sees fit to maximise the return to the fund consistent with prudent risk management. It is open to it to choose to invest in such funds should it consider it consistent with the goal set for it in the legislation.

I do not propose to amend the legislation to bring the NPRF into line with its Norwegian counterpart.

Consumer Price Index.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which an examination has been done of the impact on the economy in terms of inflation caused by items currently not included in the CPI, with particular reference to competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/06]

The director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index.

The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It measures in index form the monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services.

Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.

Employment Figures.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

110 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the contrasting trends reported by the Central Statistics Office in relation to employment growth and output growth in the economy, which implies an unexplained collapse in productivity growth in the economy here. [7966/06]

The CSO's most recent employment figures, taken from the quarterly national household survey, show that average employment in 2005 was 1,952,000 people. This was an increase of 87,000 jobs, or 4.7%, on 2004. The sectors making the greatest contribution to this increase were construction, up by 30,900 or 14.4%, financial and other business services, up by 18,500 or 7.7%, wholesale and retail trades, up by 11,700 or 4.4% and health, up by 9,400 or 5.2%. On the other hand, employment in industry fell by 7,600 persons, 2.5%.

The CSO's most recent estimate shows that GDP in the first three quarters of 2005 was 4% higher than in the same period of 2004. Output in all sectors was up on 2004, with the exception of the agriculture sector. While full year data are not yet available, estimates contained in budget 2006 point to GDP growth of 4.6% for last year.

The growth in employment and GDP can be used to calculate a crude indicator of the trend in labour productivity. To do this requires comparing growth in employment and GDP in 2005, which were 4.7% and an estimated 4.6% respectively. This implies that there was little or no increase in aggregate labour productivity in 2005.

Care should be taken in interpreting differences between trends in employment and in GDP because timing differences and statistical volatility can affect the results. In particular, estimates of GDP are still subject to revision. However, there is evidence in recent years to suggest that while labour productivity levels continue to increase, the rate of growth is slower than previously.

A major factor influencing the slowdown in the rate of increase in labour productivity is the change in the sectoral composition of the workforce. Productivity growth rates in Ireland have been exceptionally high compared with other countries because of the large numbers of foreign owned high technology industries that generate very high levels of output or value added. However, much of the strong growth in employment in recent years has been in other sectors such as construction and retail, with the result that the overall productivity levels have not grown as quickly as in the past, although the total numbers employed have increased at a record rate.

While employment growth in 2005 has marginally exceeded the estimated growth in output as measured by GDP, it is too early to conclude that there has been an unexplained collapse in labour productivity. The available information is still limited and part of the fall is explained by changes in the composition of employment. However, this is something that needs to be monitored as more information becomes available.

Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 104.

Tax Evasion.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

112 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of court prosecutions initiated as a result of tax evasion in respect of each year since 1997; the number of cases in which convictions were secured; the number of cases in which prison sentences were imposed and the sentence in each case; if he has satisfied himself regarding the level of court cases taken having regard to the high level of evasion; if he will report on the work of the investigations and prosecutions division of the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7887/06]

The following is the up-to-date position on court prosecutions initiated for tax evasion.

In 1997 there was one prosecution and one conviction. A fine of €635 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In 1998 there were six cases and eight convictions; fines totalling €42,854 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of six months suspended and one of two years suspended.

In 1999 there were two cases and one conviction. In one case a fine of €19,046 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In the other the defendant was acquitted. In 2000 there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €952 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of two years, reduced to 18 months on appeal, and another of 12 months suspended.

In 2001 there were four cases and four convictions. Fines totalling €14,284 were imposed. There were four custodial sentences, one of 12 months, two of six months suspended and another of three months. In 2002 there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €5,540 were imposed and there was one custodial sentence of six months.

In 2003 there were six cases and seven convictions. Fines totalling €29,365 were imposed and there was one custodial sentence of two years suspended. In 2004 there was one case and one conviction. A fine of €5,000 was imposed and 180 hours community service was imposed in lieu of a three months custodial sentence.

In 2005 there were eight cases finalised and ten convictions resulted — a prosecution for tax evasion can involve more than one person, or a case may involve both individual and corporate culpability. There were three custodial sentences, one of two years suspended and two of three months each. In a further two cases 240 hours and 120 hours of community service were imposed in lieu of custodial sentences of six months and three months, respectively. Fines totalling €199,287 were imposed. In another two cases guilty pleas were entered and sentencing was adjourned.

In 2006 so far there are 11 cases before the courts and a fine of €2,000 has been imposed in respect of a case adjourned from December 2005.

The Revenue Commissioners have a clear policy of prosecuting cases of serious tax evasion. This function is tasked to their investigations and prosecutions division. Following the restructuring of Revenue in 2003, all investigation activity was consolidated in this division with a remit to co-ordinate all Revenue prosecution work and, in particular, to increase the number of criminal investigations for serious tax offences and ultimately to increase the number of prosecutions. The number of investigators was also increased for this purpose.

The latest figures indicate that this approach is continuing to bear fruit. There are 58 cases under investigation for potential prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecutions is considering a further nine cases and has given directions to prosecute in another eight. In another case, a bench warrant has been issued for failure to attend court and, as I have stated, 11 cases are in the court process. I am satisfied that the above figures vindicate the decision to concentrate Revenue's prosecution resources in one area.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

113 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has conducted an evaluation in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children of the tax relief for private hospital investment; and if it meets the public policy objectives in the health sphere. [7977/06]

The scheme of capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals was reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property tax incentives in 2005. Indecon consulted widely in the course of its review, including consultations with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. Its report was published on 6 February 2006 and is available on the Department's website. The summary of the main findings from Indecon's analysis is as follows: There has been an overall increase in planning applications and approvals for private hospitals since 2000 but most have not proceeded to date. Most of the extra investment in the sector would either not have been undertaken, or would have taken longer to come online in the absence of the tax incentive scheme. After taking account of the beneficial effects of extra investment as a result of the scheme allowing for opportunity cost and deadweight, Indecon estimates the net cost of the tax incentive to the Irish Exchequer at €23.3 million in terms of tax revenue forgone.

While it is too early to provide detailed estimates of the impact of the scheme on the supply and on the costs of hospital beds, Indecon believes the scheme has the potential to address supply shortages in the sector and to reduce costs. The net cost of this measure to date of €23.3 million estimated by Indecon will be spread over a number of years.

Private health care is a long established feature of the system of health care provision in Ireland and acts as a strong complement to the publicly funded system. Private health care provision spans from general practitioner services through private beds in public hospitals and private hospitals to private nursing homes. 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. A number of Government policies-initiatives support the coexistence of public and private health care such as the designation of private and semi-private beds in public hospitals; income tax relief on private health insurance premiums; income tax relief on medical-dental expenses; the National Treatment Purchase Fund sources capacity in private hospitals for public patients; and the Tánaiste's policy direction to the Health Service Executive to build private hospitals on public sites, thereby freeing up beds for public patients.

Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 89.

Departmental Properties.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

115 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if his Department instructs the Commissioner of Public Works to consult local authorities to ensure that they can obtain requisite planning permission before buying property for State projects; if this happened in the case of a hotel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7940/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, purchased the property referred to by the Deputy in 2000 for the purpose of accommodating asylum seekers. It is the normal practice for OPW to satisfy itself about the planning status of any property it proposes to purchase.

Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 97.

Mortgage Protection Insurance.

Michael Ring

Question:

117 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that homeowners are facilitated in switching their providers of mortgage protection insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7955/06]

Mortgage protection insurance is to provide, in the event of the death of the borrower, for the payment of a sum equal to the outstanding balance of the loan, although some policies may also offer greater life cover or an investment element.

Mortgage protection policies are usually put in place at the time of drawdown of a mortgage loan and the annual or monthly premium is calculated on the assumption that the policy will continue in force over the lifetime of the loan. Typically this would be for a period between 20 and possibly 30 years.

Switching insurer would involve cancelling the policy in force and taking out a new one. Any change in actuarial factors such as the age and health of the insured person or persons, and the amount of cover and the length for which it is required, together with any commission and other sale costs, will all affect the premium charged in respect of the new policy. Accordingly, while it may be worthwhile to review the level of cover under the policy on a regular basis, switching insurer may not be an advisable course of action.

In the circumstances, the interests of consumers would be better served by seeking to ensure that they are facilitated in getting value at the time the insurance is put in place rather than seeking to facilitate switching. The Financial Regulator has already taken a number of initiatives in this regard, including its independent consumer guide to mortgages and the independent guide to life insurance, which explains mortgage protection insurance in more detail and encourages consumers to shop around.

Revenue Investigations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

118 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance-NIB inquiry at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7888/06]

Arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance-NIB inquiry, 465 cases have been targeted for investigation. To date, 306 cases have been settled on payment of tax, interest and penalties, amounting to a total of €53.72 million. A further 122 cases have been finalised with no additional liability arising. The remaining 37 cases are the subject of ongoing investigation, in respect of which €3.25 million has been paid on account.

In the course of 2003 three cases were prosecuted, with fines being imposed in two cases and a suspended sentence imposed in the other. The individuals concerned have also settled their tax affairs and paid the outstanding tax, together with interest and penalties. A further case is under investigation with a view to prosecution.

Aggregate results of the ongoing investigations have been published each year since 1998 in the annual reports of the Revenue Commissioners. Individual details of settlements have also been published where the provisions of section 1086 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 applied.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Shane McEntee

Question:

119 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Finance the underlying assumptions which he has made in relation to the impact of consumption and on saving of the maturing of SSIAs. [7984/06]

Domestic demand, including personal consumption, was the main driver of economic growth in 2005. In the budget 2006 forecasts the Department forecast that personal consumption will continue to be a major driver of growth over the period 2006-08, supported by strong earnings and employment growth. The maturing of the SSIA accounts is expected to provide some impetus to consumption, particularly in 2007, when the bulk of the proceeds become available.

While it is difficult to be certain of the impact of SSIA maturity, economic theory and the experience of other countries suggests that it is unlikely that a once-off factor of this nature will have an undue impact on overall consumption patterns. In 2006 growth in personal consumption is forecast to be 5.8%, accelerating to 6.8% in 2007. A slightly lower growth rate of 4.6% is expected in 2008 as the effect of the SSIA scheme unwinds.

Tax Incentive Schemes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

120 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently published Goodbody Economic Consultants review of area based tax incentive renewal schemes; the action he intends to take as a result of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7857/06]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

132 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently published internal review of certain tax schemes; the action he intends to take as a result of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7854/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

140 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently published Indecon review of property based tax incentive schemes; the action he intends to take as a result of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7858/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 132 and 140 together.

In my 2005 Budget Statement I announced that a review of a broad range of tax incentive schemes would be undertaken in 2005. The review process included studies by external consultants Indecon and Goodbody Economic Consultants, as well as internal reviews by officials from the Department of Finance and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, with the involvement of other Departments as appropriate. In the budget 2006 documentation, summaries of the recommendations of the various reviews were published. The full reviews were published by my Department in three volumes on 6 February 2006.

I have outlined in my Budget Statement and, extensively, in discussions on the Finance Bill, a wide range of actions which I am taking arising directly from this review process. For example, arising from the recommendations of the external consultants, a range of property-based tax incentive schemes are being discontinued, subject to transitional measures to avert any undue negative impact on the construction sector. A number of other tax schemes are to be retained or reintroduced, subject to amendments in some cases, and a horizontal measure is to be introduced from 1 January 2007 to limit the extent to which high earning individuals can shelter income from taxation in any one year. I am pleased that the Government's initiative in these reviews has yielded results both in terms of identifying reliefs which are to be phased out as well as those which should be maintained.

The general findings and recommendations arising from the review of tax schemes will be taken into account as appropriate in the context of the ongoing policy formulation process.

Public Service Contracts.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

121 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to ensure that public service contracts are awarded only to those companies that meet minimum standards in terms of pay, working conditions and pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7860/06]

Public procurement guidelines issued by my Department require contracting authorities to ensure that tenderers have regard to minimum pay and other legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements when preparing tenders and that tender documents should have an appropriate reference to this.

Regulations transposing recently revised EU directives on public procurement, currently being finalised, will require contracting authorities to indicate to tenderers where information on obligations relating to employment protection and working conditions legally in force in Ireland may be obtained. Tenderers will then be requested to indicate that in drawing up their tenders they have taken these obligations into account. Contracting authorities will be required to disregard any tenderer that fails to indicate compliance with this requirement. New draft forms for construction contracts, which are the subject of consultation with the forum for the construction industry, include provisions that require contractors to ensure that pay and conditions of employment comply with the law and are not less favourable than the terms of the registered employment agreements for those employees to whom the agreements apply. The new draft contracts also include a provision which gives some support to strengthening enforcement arrangements in the construction sector.

Tax Collection.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

122 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected to date by the Revenue Commissioners through special investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7870/06]

Figures for the total yield from various special investigations and initiatives by the Revenue Commissioners for the years 1998 to 2005 and updated to 31 January 2006 are set out in the following table. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that further information on the yields from the various special investigations and initiatives can be found on the Revenue Commissioners website at www.revenue.ie.

Yield from Special Investigations up to end January 2006.

Heading

Total yields

€ million

DIRT Audits

225

Bogus Non-Resident Accounts

610.2

Offshore Assets

799.9

Single Premium Policies

387

Ansbacher

55.8

NIB-Clerical Medical

57

Tribunals

36.2

Total

2,171

Note: Any apparent discrepancy in the total is due to rounding of constituent figures.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

123 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if, in regard to the almost €2.5 billion outstanding in uncollected taxes, the proportion of this which the Revenue Commissioners expect to recover; if new measures are planned to assist in the collection of outstanding taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7868/06]

As reported in the most recent annual report of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and in the most recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the total tax debt outstanding at 31 March 2005 was €1.2 billion, not the €2.5 billion quoted by the Deputy.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, as with any tax system, there will always be people who pay late, evade payments or are unable to pay. In this context, it is important to note that the debt of €1.2 billion on 31 March 2005 is €146 million or 10.7% less than on 31 March 2004. The figure represents 2.5% of annual gross collection and is one of the lowest percentages of any tax administration internationally. Of this figure, €278 million of the total debt is under appeal with a further €349 million under control or at enforcement. The remainder, €590 million is under active collection.

It is the goal of Revenue, as stated in its statement of strategy for 2005 to 2007, that all debt on record should be less than five years old or the subject of active enforcement or court proceedings. In this context, I am advised by Revenue that it expects the current collectible tax debt and any additional debt that will arise for periods up to 31 December 2004, through assessments made by Revenue or submission of overdue returns by taxpayers, to ultimately be substantially reduced in the next five years. That reduction will be achieved primarily by collection of debts due.

Revenue has emphasised the changing composition of the debts and the difficulty this creates in making an estimate of the likely reduction in the debt figure over a five year period. The strategies and methodologies adopted by Revenue to achieve a reduction over a five year period will be subject to an annual review and evaluation carried out within the context of its business planning process.

Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 57.

Tax Code.

John Deasy

Question:

125 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he has received any fresh analysis of the tax relief availed of by top earners as revealed by the revenue study of the 400 highest earners; if he will indicate the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7986/06]

The Revenue Commissioners' study, Effective Tax Rates of the Top 400 Earners: Report for the Tax Year 2001, was published by my Department in March last year. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their report on a study of the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners in 2002 is near completion. This will be published by my Department in due course.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

126 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his contacts with the European Commission regarding its preliminary opinion that the stallion tax exemption scheme constitutes an aid that was not compatible with the Common Market; if he has received a final opinion from the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7866/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar Parliamentary Question from Deputy Costello on 9 November 2005 which set out the background to this issue with regard to ongoing contacts with the European Commission. With regard to the future of the tax exemption for stallion fees, I announced in my Budget Statement of 7 December 2005 that this provision will be discontinued from 31 July 2008, the same end date as for various property based tax incentive schemes. A new regime appropriate to the industry will be discussed with the European Commission later this year.

Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 55.

Disabled Drivers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

128 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when the review of the disabled drivers and passengers tax concessions regulations commenced; if he plans to extend the scheme; and, if so, when. [7643/06]

I presume that the Deputy means to refer to an extension of the persons eligible for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions according to their disability status. The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. A person must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions: be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs; be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs; be without both hands or without both arms; be without one or both legs; be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg; or have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.

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, 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 current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the possible future development of the scheme. The short-term recommendations in respect of the appeals process have been implemented.

In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, the scale and scope of the scheme means that 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.

The Government is committed to supporting and reinforcing equal participation in society by people with disabilities. The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the disabled drivers scheme in that regard will continue to be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments with responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can obviously only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context.

Tax Code.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

129 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the reason the stallion tax exemption was excluded from the terms of reference of the consultants asked to consider the cost of various tax reliefs and whose reports were published on 6 February 2006; if figures are available to his Department on the cost of this exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7867/06]

During the course of 2004 and 2005 the tax relief for stallion stud fees as provided for under section 231 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 was the subject of ongoing discussions between the Irish authorities and the European Commission, with particular regard to the State aid aspects of the relief. In that context, the policy background to the tax scheme was considered extensively. No separate review of the tax scheme was in the event compiled by my Department. However, in the context of the consideration of the scheme, regard was given, inter alia, to the review conducted in July 2004 by economic consultants Indecon for the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the European Breeders’ Fund and Horse Racing Ireland. In my 2006 Budget Statement I announced that the tax relief for stallion stud fees would be terminated with effect from 31 July 2008 and that a new regime appropriate to the industry will be discussed with the European Commission.

With regard to the cost of this exemption, section 35 of the Finance Act 2003 provided that details of exempt income from a number of sources, including from stallion stud fees, would be returned to the Revenue Commissioners. With regard to the tax year 2004, this information was included in personal income tax returns filed in October and November 2005 and, in the case of companies, in corporation tax returns filed up to the end of 2005. While a significant proportion of these returns have now been processed, not all have. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to give an accurate assessment of the level of exempt income in respect of the stallion relief. However, based on the information received and collated to date, a total of €17,140,959 was included in the relevant returns for 2004 as profits or gains that are exempt under section 231 of the Taxes Consolidation Act in terms of stallion stud fees. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €7 million in 2004, in terms of income tax and corporation tax forgone. However, the actual Exchequer cost in terms of the income declared to date would be lower to the extent that the exempt income is subject to deductions for allowable expenses and other costs, thereby reducing the level of income actually subject to tax.

Decentralisation Programme.

Liz McManus

Question:

130 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the latest information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants currently located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; if agreement has been reached with all public service unions regarding promotional opportunities for those who choose to move and those who opt to remain where they are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7873/06]

The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. To date there have been over 10,600 applications made to the central applications facility. Of these, over 50% are from Dublin based staff. New applications for decentralisation continue to be received and over 1,300 new applications have been received since September 2004. Discussions are continuing between the management and the Civil Service unions on the implementation of the programme.

Tax Code.

John Gormley

Question:

131 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to set a deadline for the receipt of a report on tax residency rules from the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/06]

As outlined to the Dáil on 1 June 2005, I asked the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners to monitor the application of the current non-resident rules through examination of cases handled in the Revenue's large cases division and to provide me with a report once this examination was complete.

The chairman has recently advised me that the Revenue's large cases division has finalised its examination. The examination consisted of a series of audits on a cross-section of relevant taxpayers to ascertain if the absences claimed were compatible with claims to non-residence under the rules and consistent with other data and intelligence available to the Revenue Commissioners. The Revenue Commissioners established that there was no reason to conclude that the individuals concerned failed to comply with the statutory rules governing non-resident status. The chairman has also advised me that the Revenue Commissioners will continue to include within their regular audit programme the examination of a cross-section of cases where there is a claim to non-residence status with a view to monitoring compliance with the statutory provisions

Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Tax Collection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

133 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; if additional action has been taken by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the report of the Ansbacher inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7889/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements, Ansbacher type arrangements and other cases involving offshore funds and deposits.

Revenue has advised that the review team has inquired into 289 cases and, to date, 201 of these cases have been finalised. The 289 cases, taking account of spouses and connected companies, consist of 300 names and are made up of 179 cases listed on the High Court inspectors' report and 110 similar cases discovered by Revenue or listed on the authorised officer's report. The investigation includes an examination of the tax position of disclosed entities and the accumulation and assemblage of information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in cases under investigation is now nearly 700.

Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available. Revenue has made ten successful applications to the High Court for the production by financial institutions and third parties of books, records and other documentation relevant to liabilities of Ansbacher account holders. Some 200,000 documents have been received under the terms of the High Court orders. Advanced investigative computer software is used in controlling and managing the documentation.

To date a total of €55.8 million has been received, consisting of settlements and payments on account, in respect of 107 cases. This is made up as follows:

Cases

€ million

Cases involving Ansbacher or Ansbacher-type arrangements

84

45.03

Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits

23

10.77

Total

107

55.80

The 201 cases which have been finalised consist of 78 cases which were settled on payments of €44.88 million, included in the amount above, 66 non-resident cases which are covered by the provisions of double taxation agreements, 41 cases where no additional liabilities arose and 16 which were covered by the 1993 amnesty provisions.

Revenue made an application under section 11 of the Companies Act 1990, for a copy of the High Court inspectors' report which was made available to Revenue on 6 July 2002. The information in this report has been carefully considered with regard to the tax liabilities of the persons concerned. In addition, Revenue made a further application to the High Court for access to the supporting papers to the High Court inspectors' report. The High Court order in the matter was granted in June 2004 and perfected in January 2005 and allows for access to documents relating to clients of Ansbacher named in the High Court inspectors' report and those persons and companies, including members of the board, found by the High Court inspectors to have failed to co-operate with their inquiry. The order also allows for Revenue to make application and grounding affidavit for the obtaining of information and documents relating to any other individual or company. Access to documents is subject to the direction of the High Court. Revenue has applied, on foot of the order, for access to documentation in respect of certain cases named in the High Court inspectors' report. Some documentation has been supplied and further documentation is awaited. Revenue has informed me that the investigations are time consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.

Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the progress to date in the decentralisation programme; the extent to which original targets have been met or are likely to be met; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7910/06]

I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made on this ambitious programme. I am particularly pleased with the continuing popularity of the programme among public servants. There are about 10,600 applications on the central applications facility to date and new applications are being received each week.

I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July 2005 report which identified progress in relation to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs, etc. I understand that the OPW is updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Discussions have progressed with the Civil Service general service unions on a number of human resource and industrial relations issues. Actual movement of staff within and between Departments and offices is now under way, with approximately 1,150 staff assigned to posts which will decentralise. Discussions are continuing with the professional and technical staff representative in respect of arrangements for staff in those grades.

The decentralisation implementation group took the view that it would not seek to dictate every step in the process to the management of the State agencies. Although the group proposed a group of State agencies for early mover status, it did not include specific timeframes in recognition of this approach and also of the fact that it is the responsibility of the board and senior management of each agency to implement Government policy. The group stated in its report that each agency included in the programme should have a successful relocation as a high level strategic objective and should prepare the next and deeper iteration of its implementation plan. In the meantime, the OPW is continuing to seek property solutions in respect of any agency that requires it.

When details of the Government's decentralisation programme were first announced in budget 2004, it was stated that the overall objective would be to ensure that property being acquired at a regional level is matched as closely as possible in time and in cost terms by the disposal of property held in the Dublin region, whether held on lease or otherwise. In November 2004 the implementation group submitted a report on the procurement methodology and financial assessment of the property aspects of the programme, including a financial model, based on a property finance study carried out by the Office of Public Works. While the prevailing property market conditions in each area will have a bearing on cost, this model indicates that the break even position for property will be reached in about 20 years.

The latest information available from the OPW suggests that the total amount committed in principle to date by the OPW on site acquisition costs, excluding VAT, is approximately €36.3 million. With regard to other non-property aspects of the programme, a report was prepared by Deloitte and Touche at the request of the implementation group. This report provided a model for identifying non-property costs and savings that might arise both during the relocation phase and in the context of a post-decentralised Civil Service. Decentralising organisations have now been asked to use this model to make periodic reports identifying costs incurred and savings made since the programme was announced and going forward. I do not anticipate, however, that these costs will be significant.

Pension Provisions.

Enda Kenny

Question:

135 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the terms on which funds in the national pension reserve fund have been made available for public sector projects; and the reason they have not been taken up. [7968/06]

The national pensions reserve fund commission is independent of Government in the exercise of its functions. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, it controls and manages the fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement the fund's investment strategy. This investment strategy is based on a commercial investment mandate with the objective of securing the optimal return in the long term, subject to prudent risk management.

The independence of the commission is a cornerstone of the legislation which ensures that it will invest in a manner that maximises returns. Essentially, it is similar to the trustee arrangements that apply to private pension funds and places an obligation on the commission to act commercially and in the best interests of the fund.

With regard to commercial investment in public sector projects in this country, the annual report of the national pensions reserve fund commission for 2004 states that the commission has made an initial allocation of €200 million for investment in public private partnerships in Ireland and will increase this allocation should suitable opportunities arise. The report also states that the commission will make equity and-or debt finance available to the winning bidder in the tender process for public-private partnership projects, provided it is satisfied with the prospective rate of return. I understand that, to date, no moneys have been invested by the commission in any such projects. On a more general note, development of the public-private partnership process is not dependent on investment in PPPs by the national pensions reserve fund commission.

Budgetary Process.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

136 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on progress toward reforming the budgetary process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7939/06]

I announced the Government's proposals for budgetary reform in my Budget Statement in December 2005. I have written to the Opposition finance spokespersons to invite them to a briefing on these proposals for reform, as I said I would on budget day. I have received a number of replies to my invitations and I am considering how best to advance this matter taking account of those replies.

Financial Services.

David Stanton

Question:

137 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the measures he intends to take to improve access to bank accounts for people on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4654/06]

Lack of financial knowledge, particularly on initiating the transaction, and the need to provide suitable identification documents in order to open an account are frequently identified as the main obstacles faced by those on lower incomes when attempting to access financial services. Financial institutions are obliged under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 to take reasonable measures to identify their customers, with a view to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Guidelines approved by the money laundering steering committee under the aegis of my Department set out measures that might reasonably be adopted by financial institutions in this regard. These guidelines emphasise that any measures adopted should not deny a person access to financial services solely on the grounds that they do not possess certain specified identification documentation. For its part, the Financial Regulator has incorporated this as a requirement in its draft consumer protection code.

Identification of a customer comprises two elements. These are name verification, typically evidenced by a photograph-bearing document such as a passport, driving licence or other reputable source document, and address verification. The guidance notes for credit institutions provide for those circumstances where persons cannot reasonably be expected to produce certain forms of identification such as a passport or driving licence and whose name and Irish address does not appear on a utility bill, electoral register or directory.

As far as improving financial knowledge is concerned, the Financial Regulator, within its statutory consumer mandate, has developed a number of specific initiatives to help consumers make informed choices in terms of the financial products they choose, the amount of risk they take on and the cost of the financial products. These initiatives have been developed through the framework of the Financial Regulator's consumer awareness campaign and include publication of a fact sheet entitled, How to Open a Bank or Building Society Account.

Decentralisation Programme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

138 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with other Departments or State agencies which are concerned at the potential loss of expertise and corporate knowledge as a result of the Government’s decentralisation programme; the steps being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7872/06]

When the decentralisation programme was announced by my predecessor he appointed a decentralisation implementation group to drive the process forward. The group's terms of reference include the examination of how decentralisation might enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.

The implementation group asked that all organisations participating in the programme prepare detailed implementation plans, including risk mitigation plans. These plans were prepared and submitted to the group. In its July 2004 report the group noted that the overall quality of the plans was good. In line with a recommendation in the group's November 2004 report, each of the Departments and organisations scheduled as early movers has prepared a revised implementation plan detailing the steps that need to be taken to complete the moves to the new locations successfully. These have been submitted to the group which has been examining them in detail. All other decentralising organisations are preparing revised implementation plans. I understand the implementation group has recently been meeting the Secretaries General of decentralising Departments to discuss the overall planning frameworks and review progress to date.

On a more general note, the Deputy will be interested to note that the Committee for Public Management Research, CPMR, has prepared a discussion paper, CPMR Paper No. 30, entitled, A Review of Knowledge Management in the Irish Civil Service. This study aims to raise awareness of knowledge management issues and approaches among Departments and Offices.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

139 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants who had been decentralised from Dublin to other locations by the original deadline for the completion of the plan of December 2006; his plans to review the scale or scope of the proposal in view of the very poor response to the scheme so far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7874/06]

I have no plans to change the scale or scope of the decentralisation programme. In line with the timeframes set out by the decentralisation implementation group in its June report I expect that up to 1,000 people will have decentralised to 11 locations by end 2006 or early 2007.

I do not accept the Deputy's view that there has been a poor response to the programme. On the contrary, the Government is very pleased with the numbers who have applied to the central applications facility, CAF. There have been approximately 10,600 applications so far and new applications are being received each week. The CAF remains open and continues to accept further new applications. In addition, there has been considerable movement of staff within and between Departments and offices in preparation for decentralisation, with about 1,150 officers already assigned to posts that will decentralise. Departments are continuing their detailed preparations on all aspects of the programme.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 120.

Tax Code.

Willie Penrose

Question:

141 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the amount repaid by the Revenue Commissioners to individual taxpayers in respect of overpayments of tax for each of the years 2002 to 2005; his plans for information campaigns to ensure that taxpayers are made fully aware of all their entitlements and are claiming all credits and allowances provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7878/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of tax either repaid or credited against other tax liabilities of the taxpayer, in respect of the main taxes, for each of the years 2002 to 2005 is as follows:

Year

PAYE Income Tax (employees)

PAYE Income Tax (employers)

Non-PAYE Income Tax

Corporation Tax

VAT

€million

€million

€million

€million

€million

2002

242(approximately)

41

453

279

2,500

2003

265

104

488

382

2,605

2004

278

133

452

372

2,918

2005

332

96

522

500

3,449

The repayments of corporation tax refer to individual claims made by companies from year to year. VAT repayments are part and parcel of the way the VAT system works with traders charging VAT on their output but reclaiming the VAT paid on their inputs. The figures do not include repayments to non-resident claimants of Irish tax deducted from income arising in Ireland. Neither do they include relevant contracts tax where the normal operation of the system involves the routine claiming of repayments or offset against normal tax liabilities.

In the case of PAYE, repayments arise as a general rule in response to claims made by taxpayers containing specific information not previously known to Revenue and the level of repayments shows that very many taxpayers are aware of the tax credits and reliefs to which they are entitled and of the necessity to make the claim. The Revenue Commissioners are conscious of their responsibility as contained in their customer service charter to provide taxpayers with the necessary information and all reasonable assistance to enable them to clearly understand and meet their tax and customs obligations and to claim their entitlements and credits. Revenue has always been very proactive in ensuring that PAYE taxpayers, in particular, are made fully aware of their rights and are facilitated in claiming repayments due. For example, the tax credit certificate sent to each PAYE taxpayer at the start of the tax year is accompanied by a detailed leaflet setting out a wide range of information on the main personal tax credits available for the year in question with comparative figures for the preceding year, tax rates and tax bands for the year in question, exemption limits for single, widowed and married persons and how to claim an adjustment to the tax credit certificate.

Revenue's website also provides easy-to-access customer service information on the full range of reliefs available to taxpayers, together with a range of claim forms in downloadable format. The Revenue home page also contains a What's New section where customers are alerted to timely items of interest.

As the Deputy will be aware, Revenue has procedures in place for PAYE taxpayers in order that many reliefs need not be claimed at all as they are given at source, for example, mortgage interest, pension contributions, permanent health insurance, medical insurance. Others need only be claimed once and are automatically carried forward from year to year, for example, basic tax credits, PAYE credit, age credit for the over 65s and trade union subscriptions. The only reliefs that need to be claimed on an ongoing basis are those that are expenditure-related such as medical expenses, certain dental expenses, third level tuition fees and rent relief. While a wide range of information channels has been used to put details regarding taxpayer entitlements into the public domain, I emphasise that the primary responsibility for ensuring Revenue has the most up-to-date information on a taxpayer lies with the taxpayer himself or herself.

Revenue is planning additional on-line services for PAYE customers later in 2006. This will be accompanied by a campaign to publicise the services and notify taxpayers on the options available to claim their entitlements. With these new interactive, on-line, self-service channels, and the existing comprehensive range of information already available, I am satisfied that taxpayers are being made as fully aware as possible of their entitlements to claim credits and allowances.

Unemployment Levels.

Pat Carey

Question:

142 Mr. Carey asked the Taoiseach the level of registered unemployment in the Dublin 11 and Dublin 9 areas for each year since 2000 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8154/06]

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 27,500 people classified as unemployed in the Dublin region, equating to an unemployment rate of 4.5%, in the September-November quarter of 2005. Sub-regional statistics, of the kind requested by the Deputy, are not available from the quarterly national household survey.

The live register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number claiming unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit, as well as other claimants registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each local social welfare office. A breakdown by postal district is not available. The most recent information available is for January 2006. 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 and it is possible that persons in particular Dublin postal areas would register in different local offices.

The live register figures for all the local or branch offices in County Dublin for 2000 to date are set out in the table below. Also included is a table from the quarterly national household survey displaying ILO economic status data for the Dublin region from 2000 to date.

Persons aged 15 years and over classified by NUTS3 regions1 and ILO Economic Status

Region

In employment

Unemployed

In labour force

Unemployment rate

Participation rate

’000

’000

’000

%

%

Dublin

Dec-Feb 2000

523.0

21.4

544.4

3.9

62.3

Mar-May 2000

528.4

18.9

547.2

3.4

62.5

Jun-Aug 2000

548.7

19.3

568.0

3.4

64.6

Sep-Nov 2000

543.1

16.6

559.7

3.0

63.2

Dec-Feb 2001

545.0

14.4

559.4

2.6

63.1

Mar-May 2001

542.7

16.5

559.2

3.0

62.9

Jun-Aug 2001

556.8

19.6

576.4

3.4

64.5

Sep-Nov 2001

551.9

17.9

569.8

3.1

63.3

Dec-Feb 2002

547.5

20.3

567.8

3.6

62.9

Mar-May 2002

545.9

20.4

566.3

3.6

62.4

Jun-Aug 2002

551.4

24.3

575.8

4.2

63.3

Sep-Nov 2002

549.6

23.7

573.3

4.1

62.7

Dec-Feb 2003

548.4

24.6

573.0

4.3

62.4

Mar-May 2003

548.2

21.9

570.1

3.8

62.1

Jun-Aug 2003

553.9

28.1

582.0

4.8

63.3

Sep-Nov 2003

554.1

24.8

578.8

4.3

62.7

Dec-Feb 2004

548.7

25.1

573.8

4.4

62.0

Mar-May 2004

550.2

24.7

574.9

4.3

62.0

Jun-Aug 2004

560.2

24.7

585.0

4.2

63.0

Sep-Nov 2004

564.0

24.4

588.4

4.1

62.9

Dec-Feb 2005

567.3

23.7

591.1

4.0

62.9

Mar-May 2005

574.3

25.5

599.7

4.2

63.7

Jun-Aug 2005

585.6

28.8

614.5

4.7

65.0

Sep-Nov 2005

586.4

27.5

614.0

4.5

64.4

State

Dec-Feb 2000

1,648.7

81.2

1,729.9

4.7

58.6

Mar-May 2000

1,671.4

74.5

1,745.9

4.3

59.0

Jun-Aug 2000

1,736.1

77.1

1,813.3

4.3

61.0

Sep-Nov 2000

1,712.6

68.4

1,781.0

3.8

59.3

Dec-Feb 2001

1,710.9

65.3

1,776.2

3.7

59.0

Mar-May 2001

1,721.9

65.1

1,787.0

3.6

59.2

Jun-Aug 2001

1,788.9

78.5

1,867.4

4.2

61.5

Sep-Nov 2001

1,759.9

71.8

1,831.6

3.9

59.8

Dec-Feb 2002

1,753.5

79.2

1,832.7

4.3

59.6

Mar-May 2002

1,763.9

77.0

1,840.9

4.2

59.6

Jun-Aug 2002

1,808.4

86.2

1,894.6

4.6

61.0

Sep-Nov 2002

1,782.3

84.1

1,866.3

4.5

59.7

Dec-Feb 2003

1,783.6

85.2

1,868.7

4.6

59.5

Mar-May 2003

1,793.4

82.1

1,875.5

4.4

59.6

Jun-Aug 2003

1,836.4

98.8

1,935.3

5.1

61.3

Sep-Nov 2003

1,828.9

85.9

1,914.8

4.5

60.2

Dec-Feb 2004

1,835.9

83.6

1,919.5

4.4

60.1

Mar-May 2004

1,836.2

84.2

1,920.3

4.4

60.0

Jun-Aug 2004

1,893.6

93.9

1,987.5

4.7

61.8

Sep-Nov 2004

1,894.1

85.6

1,979.7

4.3

61.0

Dec-Feb 2005

1,908.3

82.1

1,990.5

4.1

61.0

Mar-May 2005

1,929.2

85.6

2,014.8

4.2

61.5

Jun-Aug 2005

1,989.8

96.7

2,086.5

4.6

63.2

Sep-Nov 2005

1,980.6

91.3

2,071.9

4.4

62.2

Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.

Number of persons on the Register for County Dublin and Offices from 2003

Live Register/County Dublin/No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

45,088

44,356

42,031

41,895

39,435

40,105

40,973

40,503

36,625

34,276

32,737

33,186

39,268

2001

32,726

32,491

31,281

31,590

31,055

32,801

34,804

35,417

33,499

33,297

34,269

35,596

33,236

2002

38,371

39,291

40,101

38,946

38,559

40,794

43,368

43,803

41,478

40,212

39,951

41,455

40,527

2003

43,270

43,852

43,178

44,372

43,283

46,335

48,526

48,729

45,417

43,207

42,331

43,562

44,672

2004

45,104

44,597

43,677

43,096

42,370

44,043

45,618

44,953

41,585

39,281

37,880

39,361

42,630

2005

39,873

39,708

39,802

38,898

38,910

41,202

43,620

43,911

40,435

39,287

38,959

39,933

40,378

2006

41,103

Live Register/Gardiner Street1/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

3,507

3,492

3,369

3,375

3,274

3,259

3,312

3,315

3,089

2,893

2,813

2,829

3,211

2001

2,771

2,724

2,685

2,679

2,671

2,754

2,905

2,959

2,860

2,779

2,724

2,873

2,782

2002

3,135

3,189

3,253

3,100

3,045

3,183

3,367

3,484

3,366

3,251

3,268

2,808

3,204

2003

2,913

3,002

2,912

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2004

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2005

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2006

0

Live Register/Werburg Street2/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

3,594

3,529

3,333

3,308

3,138

3,087

3,097

3,026

2,660

2,477

2,426

2,424

3,008

2001

2,394

2,312

2,238

2,272

2,229

2,387

2,521

2,508

2,320

2,274

2,335

2,454

2,354

2002

2,608

2,635

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2003

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2004

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2005

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2006

0

Live Register/Victoria Street2/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,383

1,386

1,328

1,301

1,193

1,315

1,338

1,297

1,163

993

941

954

1,216

2001

926

911

839

877

821

934

990

1,040

974

996

998

1,009

943

2002

1,108

1,117

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2003

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2004

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2005

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2006

0

Live Register/Cumberland Street/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

5,298

5,189

4,933

4,899

4,616

4,689

4,779

4,656

4,388

4,136

3,925

3,990

4,625

2001

3,958

4,046

3,926

4,033

3,980

4,131

4,336

4,473

4,364

4,349

4,585

4,797

4,248

2002

5,158

5,302

4,825

4,675

4,598

4,778

5,024

5,137

4,926

4,755

4,725

5,361

4,939

2003

5,621

5,639

5,566

5,671

5,398

5,807

6,093

6,160

5,875

5,664

5,543

4,239

5,606

2004

5,877

5,816

5,726

5,654

5,519

5,710

5,768

5,683

5,422

5,022

4,957

5,097

5,521

2005

3,681

5,135

5,157

5,122

5,127

5,348

5,620

5,673

3,612

5,130

5,126

5,155

4,991

2006

5,237

Live Register/Navan Road/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

6,144

6,140

5,934

5,880

5,647

5,677

5,668

5,696

5,284

4,952

4,681

4,622

5,527

2001

4,605

4,645

4,446

4,528

4,516

4,550

4,914

4,961

4,712

4,733

4,792

4,872

4,690

2002

5,118

5,353

2,730

2,767

2,747

2,835

2,995

2,970

2,816

2,695

2,698

2,663

3,199

2003

2,747

2,781

2,748

2,865

2,764

2,868

2,926

2,874

2,779

2,604

2,589

5,658

3,017

2004

2,697

2,688

2,679

2,773

2,712

2,794

2,850

2,825

2,669

2,509

2,460

2,543

2,683

2005

2,605

2,581

2,595

2,485

2,492

2,672

2,854

2,865

5,222

2,619

2,559

2,616

2,847

2006

2,651

Live Register/Thomas Street/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

2,889

2,848

2,746

2,693

2,554

2,518

2,534

2,636

2,324

2,152

2,021

1,988

2,492

2001

1,974

1,912

1,761

1,786

1,738

1,785

1,872

1,940

1,815

1,841

1,858

1,943

1,852

2002

2,118

2,211

2,204

2,161

2,100

2,214

2,290

2,299

2,220

2,181

2,241

2,324

2,214

2003

2,447

2,470

2,420

2,453

2,472

2,627

2,735

2,744

2,491

2,453

2,449

2,630

2,533

2004

2,478

2,482

2,460

2,434

2,455

2,539

2,514

2,499

2,329

2,216

2,117

2,157

2,390

2005

2,189

2,251

2,270

2,222

2,224

2,318

2,360

2,399

2,656

2,178

2,166

2,141

2,281

2006

2,219

Live Register/Tara Street/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,472

1,418

1,307

1,294

1,211

1,243

1,267

1,249

1,154

1,081

1,049

1,029

1,231

2001

997

978

973

1,030

1,038

1,118

1,172

1,206

1,203

1,203

1,236

1,299

1,121

2002

1,366

1,344

1,388

1,325

1,327

1,442

1,534

1,519

1,462

1,384

1,375

1,449

1,410

2003

1,495

1,529

1,487

1,478

1,447

1,568

1,602

1,627

1,503

1,406

1,404

3,224

1,648

2004

1,443

1,410

1,354

1,352

1,360

1,423

1,437

1,389

1,257

1,172

1,162

1,151

1,326

2005

1,174

1,181

1,168

1,125

1,137

1,194

1,265

1,280

3,510

1,166

1,142

1,157

1,375

2006

1,153

Live Register/Tallaght/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

3,961

3,907

3,670

3,587

3,384

3,377

3,515

3,489

3,130

2,912

2,751

2,783

3,372

2001

2,790

2,698

2,598

2,627

2,524

2,728

2,981

3,011

2,767

2,690

2,785

2,882

2,757

2002

3,156

3,169

3,248

3,148

3,109

3,275

3,486

3,456

3,208

3,062

3,027

3,145

3,207

2003

3,347

3,395

3,332

3,386

3,275

3,599

3,804

3,815

3,534

3,296

3,244

2,445

3,373

2004

3,631

3,502

3,476

3,513

3,438

3,609

3,702

3,608

3,380

3,077

3,021

3,126

3,424

2005

3,214

3,184

3,273

3,279

3,321

3,456

3,649

3,558

2,228

3,146

3,176

3,302

3,232

2006

3,503

Live Register/Ballymun/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,504

1,441

1,385

1,336

1,301

1,327

1,357

1,327

1,265

1,199

1,155

1,149

1,312

2001

1,156

1,150

1,163

1,192

1,163

1,187

1,240

1,279

1,257

1,222

1,255

1,293

1,213

2002

1,414

1,446

1,485

1,450

1,467

1,463

1,505

1,474

1,426

1,418

1,421

1,455

1,452

2003

1,521

1,517

1,539

1,510

1,502

1,548

1,575

1,550

1,505

1,437

1,452

1,467

1,510

2004

1,521

1,513

1,499

1,488

1,483

1,536

1,529

1,465

1,430

1,382

1,354

1,374

1,465

2005

1,473

1,477

1,474

1,423

1,431

1,463

1,569

1,557

1,191

1,481

1,498

1,502

1,462

2006

1,562

Live Register/Clondalkin/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

2,605

2,534

2,438

2,355

2,237

2,267

2,305

2,268

2,107

1,941

1,803

1,841

2,225

2001

1,803

1,749

1,658

1,555

1,471

1,499

1,477

1,522

1,401

1,405

1,495

1,573

1,551

2002

1,675

1,731

2,465

2,434

2,302

2,432

2,564

2,627

2,550

2,560

2,473

2,586

2,367

2003

2,773

2,827

2,823

2,896

2,796

2,970

3,137

3,217

3,066

2,899

2,824

3,401

2,969

2004

3,187

3,153

3,106

3,059

3,012

3,130

3,287

3,237

3,026

2,926

2,791

2,921

3,070

2005

2,987

3,043

3,056

3,062

3,099

3,249

3,519

3,630

3,291

3,368

3,416

3,440

3,263

2006

3,630

Live Register/Rathfarnham/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,886

1,932

1,716

1,836

1,617

1,848

1,978

1,920

1,544

1,469

1,411

1,552

1,726

2001

1,505

1,526

1,393

1,369

1,391

1,579

1,695

1,759

1,557

1,543

1,599

1,727

1,554

2002

1,834

1,862

1,958

1,708

1,739

2,057

2,223

2,275

1,955

1,888

1,890

2,110

1,958

2003

2,024

2,142

2,114

2,235

2,116

2,408

2,634

2,674

2,245

2,146

2,102

1,445

2,190

2004

2,237

2,155

2,086

2,046

2,085

2,321

2,492

2,449

2,035

1,956

1,783

1,980

2,135

2005

1,868

1,835

1,833

1,735

1,743

1,936

2,176

2,219

1,529

1,771

1,704

1,904

1,854

2006

1,813

Live Register/Kilbarrack/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

2,714

2,674

2,586

2,627

2,443

2,573

2,678

2,605

2,297

2,210

2,132

2,241

2,482

2001

2,164

2,153

2,160

2,150

2,144

2,336

2,469

2,528

2,362

2,377

2,429

2,531

2,317

2002

2,667

2,730

2,668

2,600

2,634

2,757

2,974

3,005

2,817

2,780

2,763

2,935

2,778

2003

2,984

3,037

2,937

3,004

2,875

3,101

3,306

3,310

3,051

2,923

2,861

2,955

3,029

2004

3,024

2,944

2,930

2,805

2,691

2,809

2,950

2,927

2,692

2,475

2,399

2,484

2,761

2005

2,479

2,462

2,416

2,337

2,345

2,436

2,593

2,572

3,498

2,259

2,197

2,250

2,487

2006

2,320

Live Register/Dún Laoghaire/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

3,355

3,310

3,035

3,235

2,865

3,072

3,225

3,194

2,735

2,586

2,493

2,641

2,979

2001

2,559

2,577

2,436

2,387

2,357

2,636

2,832

2,808

2,544

2,589

2,700

2,759

2,599

2002

2,956

3,037

3,140

3,014

3,048

3,416

3,684

3,685

3,336

3,232

3,162

3,292

3,250

2003

3,420

3,449

3,345

3,487

3,330

3,651

3,825

3,828

3,425

3,174

3,168

2,260

3,364

2004

3,248

3,292

3,014

2,949

2,907

3,043

3,329

3,305

2,802

2,738

2,539

2,788

2,996

2005

2,611

2,576

2,576

2,501

2,481

2,802

2,932

2,951

1,788

2,391

2,316

2,398

2,527

2006

2,471

Live Register/Balbriggan/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,183

1,144

1,075

1,058

1,021

1,031

1,065

1,049

948

943

925

936

1,032

2001

920

940

913

956

914

930

997

997

977

991

1,025

1,082

970

2002

1,187

1,201

1,225

1,208

1,154

1,180

1,234

1,239

1,220

1,221

1,183

1,261

1,209

2003

1,303

1,315

1,279

1,295

1,243

1,274

1,348

1,339

1,297

1,244

1,238

2,991

1,431

2004

1,341

1,353

1,296

1,249

1,206

1,233

1,306

1,308

1,213

1,193

1,179

1,226

1,259

2005

1,238

1,187

1,204

1,167

1,170

1,229

1,329

1,375

2,278

1,238

1,251

1,324

1,333

2006

1,364

Live Register/Ballyfermot/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,634

1,519

1,367

1,306

1,213

1,151

1,115

1,068

1,013

955

912

912

1,180

2001

866

845

810

805

802

836

879

907

867

830

860

892

850

2002

1,042

1,018

1,022

983

993

1,046

1,075

1,133

1,091

1,033

1,027

1,078

1,045

2003

1,186

1,193

1,211

1,276

1,219

1,289

1,312

1,363

1,287

1,278

1,186

3,287

1,424

2004

1,261

1,289

1,273

1,256

1,206

1,256

1,260

1,253

1,184

1,139

1,135

1,171

1,224

2005

1,256

1,273

1,272

1,239

1,218

1,259

1,351

1,330

2,539

1,268

1,258

1,242

1,375

2006

1,338

Live Register/Finglas/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

1,959

1,893

1,809

1,805

1,721

1,671

1,740

1,708

1,524

1,377

1,299

1,295

1,650

2001

1,338

1,325

1,282

1,344

1,296

1,411

1,524

1,519

1,519

1,475

1,593

1,610

1,436

2002

1,829

1,946

1,924

1,903

1,949

1,954

2,096

2,103

2,059

1,998

1,958

1,966

1,974

2003

2,088

2,116

2,108

2,161

2,178

2,252

2,348

2,439

2,336

2,208

2,162

1,321

2,143

2004

2,349

2,374

2,347

2,299

2,264

2,270

2,346

2,374

2,245

2,125

2,042

2,121

2,263

2005

2,165

2,168

2,174

2,175

2,174

2,256

2,365

2,380

1,278

2,225

2,184

2,255

2,150

2006

2,307

Live Register/Bishop Square3/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2001

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2002

0

0

3913

3860

3734

4054

4358

4379

4101

3891

3869

4051

2003

4,256

4,277

4,224

4,403

4,484

4,900

5,182

5,086

4,700

4,376

4,220

1,187

4,275

2004

4,367

4,262

4,134

4,074

4,062

4,260

4,451

4,355

3,965

3,670

3,537

3,642

4,065

2005

3,681

3,656

3,682

3,550

3,589

3,920

4,021

4,019

1,255

3,398

3,308

3,452

3,461

2006

3,432

Live Register/Coolock4/Exch./No. Total

Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average

2000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2001

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2002

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2003

3,032

3,033

3,136

3,198

3,174

2,952

2,829

2,736

2,834

2004

2,883

2,824

2,807

2,767

2,718

2,753

2,839

2,778

2,650

2,482

2,369

2,439

2,692

2005

2,493

2,432

2,423

2,330

2,277

2,368

2,496

2,505

2,290

2,259

2,239

2,306

2,368

2006

2,424

Source: Live Register Series, Central Statistics Office.

1Gardiner Street office is replaced by Coolock Office with effect from April 2003.

2Werburgh Street and Victoria Street offices are replaced with the new Bishop Square office with effect from March 2002.

3Bishop Square replaces previous offices Werburgh Street and Victoria Street with effect form March 2002.

4Coolock replaces previous office Gardiner Street with effect from April 2003.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

143 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers used and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7688/06]

The value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005 by this Department was €28,025.

The following schedule outlines the value of advertising services undertaken by this Department within the past five years, including details of national newspapers used within each period.

Year

Newspapers used within the year

Cost for Service

2005

Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, The Star, Foinse, Northern Standard, Irish Post, Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, Daily Ireland, Newsletter and The Guardian.

28,025

2004

Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Sunday Independent, Sunday Business Post, The Star and Foinse.

21,608*

2003

Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Sunday Business Post and The Star.

10,869*

2002

Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Sunday Business Post, The Star and the Evening Herald.

51,164*

2001

Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, The Star, Evening Herald, Evening Echo, Northern Standard, Sligo Champion, Anglo Celt, Leitrim Observer, Western People, Drogheda Independent, Roscommon Herald, Longford Leader, Meath Chronicle, Westmeath Independent, Connacht Tribune, Leinster Leader, Midland Tribune, Leinster Express, Wicklow People, Kerryman, Waterford News and Star, Southern Star, Foinse and Belfast Telegraph.

28,104

*Included in the above figures are payments made by this Department for advertising services in national newspapers which were recouped from the change management fund, CMF. The figure recouped for 2002 was €18,203, for 2003 €5,444 and for 2004 €16,685.

Newspaper advertising has mainly been used by this Department in recent years for the national day of commemoration, tours of Government Buildings, the Official Languages Act and the establishment of commissions of investigation. Advertising services are provided on a cross-departmental three year contract, awarded following an open competitive tender process held by the Government Supplies Agency.

Enda Kenny

Question:

144 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the information technology projects costed at over €5 million which are being developed within his Department; if his Department has conducted peer reviews of such projects; the findings of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8025/06]

The e-Cabinet system, in operation across Departments, is in the final phase of development. The total cost of the project will be approximately €5 million, which is comfortably below the initial estimated cost of €6.45 million, at 2001 prices, identified in the feasibility study which was undertaken in advance of the formal decision to commence the project. The peer review process was initiated by the Department of Finance on 20 October 2005. A peer review was not considered necessary for the e-Cabinet project as it was in operation, on schedule and within budget at this time.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

145 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach the matters discussed at the recent meeting between officials of his Department and a person (details supplied) from Northern Ireland whose son was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries, and who has alleged collusion between those involved in the murder and members of the security forces in Northern Ireland; the action that will be taken arising from the meeting; if he will be raising this matter with the British authorities; the other action which is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8056/06]

Officials from my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs met the person in question on 17 February 2006. The meeting discussed the background to the murder and all of the person's concerns, both about the murder and how the matter has been dealt with since. It also discussed the various contacts the person has had with others who might be of assistance to him. Arising from the meeting, I have agreed to meet the person in question. My office has contacted him to make the necessary arrangements.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

146 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another and that the results be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8120/06]

Of the staff on my Department's payroll, 11 are seconded to the following organisations or offices and their salaries recouped to my Department.

Number of Staff

No.

Association of Higher and Public Civil Servants

1

Campus Stadium Ireland Development

2

National Economic and Social Forum

3

Pobal — formerly Area Development Management Limited

2

Royal Irish Academy

1

The Digital Hub

1

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

1

In addition, my Department bears the cost of four secretarial assistants to former taoisigh and two contract staff with the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Care of the Elderly.

Dan Neville

Question:

147 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding work to be completed to a house under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [7832/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the housing aid scheme for the elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Drug Treatment Programme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

148 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have applied for drug addiction treatment in the western and midland regions from 2000 to 2005 inclusive; the cost of such treatment in that period; the locations where such treatment takes place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8272/06]

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.

Dunne Inquiry.

John Gormley

Question:

149 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether to continue the funding for the Parents for Justice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7645/06]

John Gormley

Question:

150 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the 54 boxes from the Dunne inquiry are handed over to Parents for Justice and are not destroyed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7646/06]

John Gormley

Question:

151 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have arisen with the helpline set up by the Health Service Executive to help parents following the Madden report; if she will ensure that those difficulties are sorted out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7647/06]

John Gormley

Question:

152 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she did not attend the EGM of Parents for Justice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7648/06]

John Gormley

Question:

153 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends to introduce human tissue legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7649/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 153, inclusive, together.

The question of funding for Parents for Justice is a matter for the Health Service Executive. 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.

My Department received a freedom of information request on 10 February 2006 for access to the documents to which the Deputy refers. It will be processed in line with provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003. The documents in question are in the secure custody of my Department.

The telephone information and helpline has been in operation since the publication of the Madden report on 18 January and to date has received 72 calls regarding organ retention. Of these, 33 have been referred on to the appropriate hospital for attention. Some callers to the line have complained because they are still dissatisfied with the response from hospitals to their queries. The helpline number is also used as an information line for other HSE services and is, therefore, still in operation.

Because legal proceedings have been initiated on behalf of Parents for Justice, the subject matter of which is the Madden report, the legal advice was that it was not appropriate for me to attend the meeting which was due to discuss the report at the core of those proceedings. Dr. Madden's report stated that communication and authorisation are vital, and must be enshrined in legislation. My officials, in consultation with key agencies, are examining the gaps and have commenced work on drafting legislation to address these gaps as a priority in 2006.

EU Directive 2004/23/EC on standards of quality and safety of tissues and cells for human application must be transposed into Irish law by 7 April 2006. The regulations that will transpose the directive will deal with the donation of tissues and cells to another living person, but not with procurement or donation for research or clinical investigation.

The heads of a Bill for a new coroners Act have been prepared by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is examining the implications, if any, that Dr. Madden's recommendations will have for this legislation.

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Question:

154 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the renewal of medical cards for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7652/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

155 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called for a bypass operation in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7653/06]

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

Health Service Staff.

Liam Twomey

Question:

156 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the ratio of public health nurses to the population in many urban areas is as high as one to 4,000 when it was previously agreed that it should be one to 2,500; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7658/06]

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

Liam Twomey

Question:

157 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive in many regions is failing to provide locum cover for planned absences, for example, annual leave and maternity leave to public health nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7659/06]

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

Accident and Emergency Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

158 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an independent security audit of all accident and emergency departments has been carried out to assess safety issues for staff and patients regarding the risk of violent attack to both staff and patient; if the Health and Safety Authority has made comments on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7668/06]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is financial assistance available for a person (details supplied); and if advice will be given on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7670/06]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Finian McGrath

Question:

160 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) is on a waiting list and cannot be seen by a specialist until May 2006; and if the maximum support will be given to them. [7671/06]

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

Health Service Staff.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

161 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive have issued an instruction to the social workers in James Hospital, Dublin 8 not to deal with queries from Deputies. [7684/06]

The Deputy's question relates in the first instance to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004.

My Department has made inquiries of the HSE and has been advised that a directive has not issued to social workers in St. James's Hospital not to deal with inquiries from Deputies. There is a protocol in place in the hospital whereby all written representations and parliamentary questions are replied to centrally in the chief executive's office, having consulted the appropriate parties.

The Deputy will be aware that arrangements have been put in place by the HSE to facilitate the provision of information for Oireachtas Members. I wrote to Oireachtas Members on 19 January 2006 advising of these arrangements and providing the contact details for that purpose.

Hospital Staff.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

162 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is still a shortage of midwives in the maternity hospitals; and the steps which have been taken to address this shortfall and to encourage qualified midwives back into practising their profession. [7685/06]

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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

163 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the options a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20, has to access a period of adaptation in midwifery followed by a period of adaptation in general nursing. [7686/06]

In response to the Deputy's question the only options available to a person wishing to access a period of adaptation in midwifery followed by a period of adaptation in general nursing are those which must be in compliance with the requirements of An Bord Altranais. An Bord Altranais is the regulatory body for the nursing and midwifery profession in Ireland. In order to work as a registered nurse or midwife in Ireland an individual will need to apply to An Bord Altranais for entry to the register of nurses and midwives maintained by the board. Registration with the board is also needed in order to qualify for a working visa or work authorisation or work permit. In certain cases the board may require a nurse or midwife to undertake a period of adaptation in an approved placement site prior to granting that nurse or midwife full registration with the board. It must be emphasised that unless the nurse or midwife meets this requirement they will not obtain full registration with the board and will not be eligible to work as a nurse or midwife in the health service.

The Nurses Act 1985 together with the European Union directives ensures a fair and transparent processing of applications from candidates holding EU nursing and midwifery qualifications. The assessment of applications for candidates holding non-EU qualifications requires a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the suitability of the applicant to have his or her name registered in a division of the register maintained by An Bord Altranais. An Bord Altranais maintains seven separate divisions of the register as follows: registered general nurse, RGN, registered midwife, RM, registered nurse intellectual disability, RNID, registered nurse tutor, RNT, registered psychiatric nurse, RPN, registered public health nurse, RPHN, and registered children's nurse, RCN.

Applicants wishing to have their names entered on two or more divisions of the register are required to have met the education and training requirements and to have completed a post-registration course that meets the requirements for nurse registration education programmes post-registration as set out in An Bord Altranais's "Requirements and Standards for Nurse Registration Education Programmes". The post-basic programme must have a balance of theoretical and clinical instruction commensurate with the requirements of An Bord Altranais.

If a second registration is dependent on a primary registration, the applicant must apply for primary registration at the same time as applying for the secondary registration. An applicant may wish to apply to register on a division of the register such as the registered general nurse division, but may have received education and training leading to registration in that speciality secondary to a primary qualification such as a registered midwife qualification. In this case the applicant is required to apply for registration in the division in which the primary registration was obtained, in this case the registered midwife division, as well as the division in which he or she obtained secondary registration such as the registered general nurse division.

When An Bord Altranais has received and duly verified all required documents, an officer in the education department of the board undertakes an evaluation of the application for registration. Each application is evaluated on an individual basis.

Following evaluation of an application for registration an applicant may be required to undertake a period of adaptation. A period of adaptation is a period of supervised practice possibly being accompanied by further education and training. An applicant undergoing a period of adaptation will have his or her name entered on a candidate register maintained by An Bord Altranais. A nurse undergoing a period of adaptation is referred to as a candidate nurse or midwife.

A candidate nurse or midwife who has an offer of employment with the Health Service Executive, a voluntary hospital, a private hospital or a private nursing home and is required by An Bord Altranais to undertake a period of adaptation will have his or her placement arranged by the relevant agencies. However, a candidate who is required by the board to undertake a period of adaptation and assessment and who has not been offered a contract of employment in the public, voluntary or private health sector in Ireland, will need to arrange his or her own placement by contacting the directors of nursing or midwifery directly in adaptation placement sites approved by An Bord Altranais. It is important to note that it may be difficult to obtain a placement without an offer of employment as health service providers are obliged in the first instance to provide periods of adaptation to those nurses and midwives they have made offers of employment to and also to other health employers, for example, a private nursing home, in their catchment areas.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

164 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005 for each of the health board areas for the past five years; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7687/06]

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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

165 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7689/06]

The information, going back over five years, is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. I have requested my Department to retrieve the relevant data, to assemble and present it in the format as requested.

Organ Donation.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

166 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the Government’s policy on organ donation; if there is a central register of people wishing to donate their organs; the law in respect of a donor’s next of kin carrying out a donor’s wishes; if she intends to address and highlight the issues surrounding organ donation and transplantation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7706/06]

The annual organ donor awareness campaign, which is organised by the Irish Donor Network and administered by the Irish Kidney Association, highlights the necessity for organ donation generally. The campaign, which is supported by my Department, highlights the need for organ donors by promoting the carrying of an organ donor card. My Department has been providing financial support to the donor awareness campaign for a number of years. The grant in 2005 amounted to €500,000.

Two systems can be used to ascertain an individual's wishes on organ donation, namely, the opt-in and opt-out systems. The former system, which operates in this country, requires that the specific consent to donation of each person or their relatives be obtained before organs or tissues are removed. The opt-out system presumes that all citizens consent to donation unless they have specifically expressed a wish to the contrary.

The practice here is that even when a person has indicated his or her willingness to donate organs by way of carrying an organ donor card or a driving licence marked accordingly, the consent of the next of kin is always sought. Even where opt-out systems are in operation, the relatives of the deceased are approached as part of the donor screening process to seek a medical history of any high risk behaviour. Thus, relatives will always be aware that a donation is being considered and can register an objection to the donation.

The European Commission is considering the question of a directive in respect of organ transplantation, including the issue of consent, and proposes to conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the position. It will present a report on its analysis to the Council of the European Union and it is expected that this report will inform decisions regarding the development of a legislative framework in this area.

In the context of increasing the number of donor organs available for transplant, the Health Service Executive was asked by the Department to undertake a review and analysis of the factors that impact on organ procurement and retrieval rates in hospitals around the country. This review has commenced.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

167 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to begin the process of core funding community employment positions currently supporting personal social services for people with disabilities, as requested by the Irish Wheelchair Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7727/06]

In the Estimates for 2006, significant additional funding totalling €100 million has been included for the improvement of health services for people with disabilities. As part of this provision, funding of €10 million has been made available to address core under-funding and staffing issues in services provided by the non-statutory sector. The Health Service Executive has been asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis, having regard to the needs of people with disabilities. I expect the executive's consideration of these needs will take into account any urgent case for funding of necessary services which may be made by the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

168 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the allocations which have been made by her Department in respect of the promised phase two of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the physical conditions endured by elderly people at Connolly Hospital, including Alzheimer’s patients are extremely old and dilapidated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7728/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.?

Departmental Properties.

Joan Burton

Question:

169 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of units and land at Connolly Hospital, which have apparently been sold or committed to the developer of housing on land formerly owned by the hospital and sold some time ago; if rent is being paid in respect of these units; the amount which has been paid to date; when these units will be vacated; when alternative accommodation will be provided to these units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7729/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products.

Sean Fleming

Question:

170 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if people who are thalidomide victims but have not come forward or notified her Department of their case to date can identify themselves; if it can be accepted that they are thalidomide victims; if financial assistance will be provided similar to the provisions approved by the Government in May 1973 or in any other such matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7737/06]

Thalidomide preparations were marketed in Ireland from May 1959 to January 1962 when they were withdrawn from sale by the manufacturers. In May 1970, following confirmation by the Department of External Affairs that an offer of compensation by the German manufacturers of thalidomide applied to Irish born children with conditions attributed to thalidomide, the Department of Health issued advertisements inviting parents and others involved in the care of such children to furnish particulars which were forwarded to representatives of the manufacturers.

In May 1973, the Government decided in principle that it should provide financial assistance in addition to that paid by the German foundation. The then Minister for Health established the Irish Thalidomide Medical Board to identify the number of Irish children affected and report on each individual case. The board concluded that 34 Irish children were affected by the drug — one of whom was the beneficiary of the British compensation scheme as the mother was prescribed the drug while living in the UK. In December 1974 the Government granted each of the remaining 33 children further financial assistance by way of a lump sum and a monthly allowance for life. To date, my Department has not been made aware of the existence of any case as described by the Deputy.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

171 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if assistance will be given on this matter. [7757/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

172 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) who has been in industrial homes since they were five years of age has not been treated for diabetes in view of numerous representations on their behalf; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7766/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Disabled Drivers.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

173 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to extend the motorised transport grant to people over the age of 66 years to relax the disability requirement for qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7773/06]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

184 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the disability criteria for eligibility for the motorised transport grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7825/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 184 together.

The motorised transport grant was introduced in 1968 by way of circular 7/68. It is a grant which may be made payable by the Health Service Executive towards the purchase of a car and/or adaptations to a car being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older and up to 65 years of age, where such a car is essential for him or her to obtain or retain employment. Self-employed persons who satisfy the criteria for eligibility may also be considered, subject to the above age limits. The grant may also be considered in exceptional circumstances for a person with a severe disability, subject to the above age limits, who lives in a very remote location and whose disability impedes him or her from using public transport. My Department is currently examining the issues that the Deputy is referring to in the context of my Department's strategic review of services for people with disabilities.

Vaccination Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

174 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to add pneumococcal meningitis to the list of diseases children are routinely immunised against (details supplied). [7781/06]

The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the primary childhood immunisation programme is currently under consideration by the national immunisation advisory committee as part of the review of the immunisation guidelines for Ireland. To date, no decision has been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the national immunisation advisory committee in this regard.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Dan Neville

Question:

175 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding inter-country adoptions between Ireland and Belarus. [7787/06]

Representatives of the Adoption Board travelled to Belarus in October 2005. They met with officials of the National Adoption Centre and the Ministry of Justice. During the visit the Belarussian officials presented the Adoption Board with a draft protocol on inter-country adoption between Ireland and Belarus. Following examination of the protocol by the Adoption Board and the Attorney General a number of constitutional and legislative concerns were raised. The board has taken account of these concerns and issued a revised protocol to the Belarussian authorities for their consideration.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

176 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the subvention for people in private nursing homes will increase; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many nursing homes have already raised their prices following the pension increase. [7790/06]

The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations 1993 are administered by the Health Service Executive. Three rates of subvention are currently payable —€114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 — for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum. There are no plans to increase the subvention rates. The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention, subject to the provisions of the Health Act 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates.

The cost of care in a private nursing home is a private matter between the nursing home operators and the patient involved. The nursing home subvention scheme was introduced in 1993 to give some financial assistance towards the cost of private nursing home care. It was never intended that the scheme would subsidise the full costs of private nursing home care.

Patient Statistics.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

177 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children here diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in each of the past ten years. [7791/06]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table, which sets out all hospital discharges, including inpatients and day cases, for children under the age of 15 years with a principal diagnosis of Crohn's disease-regional enteritis for each of the years from 1995 to 2004. Data are derived from the hospital inpatient enquiry, HIPE, system which records information on each episode of hospitalisation in publicly funded acute hospitals. It should be noted that persons hospitalised more than once in a given year for the same condition are counted separately in the statistics for each hospital stay.

Number of Children Hospitalised with Crohn's Disease, 1995-2004

Year

Cases

1995

35

1996

42

1997

59

1998

33

1999

44

2000

42

2001

53

2002

77

2003

105

2004

61

Source: The data supplied is taken from the hospital inpatient enquiry, HIPE, system. The data refer to children aged 0 to 14 years with a principal diagnosis of ICD-9-CM 555 [Crohn’s Disease — Regional Enteritis].

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

178 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the provisions or reliefs for the parents or guardians of children with cerebral palsy or other special needs to lessen the financial burden when they are purchasing houses with the needs of their charges in mind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7794/06]

The issue to which the Deputy refers is not a matter for my Department. Accordingly the Deputy may wish to contact my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Adoption Services.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

179 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a countrywide scheme for adoption will be introduced in order that prospective adoptive parents have the same waiting time throughout the country (details supplied). [7796/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

180 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath admitted to St. James’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7798/06]

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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

181 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has received the report of a person (details supplied) into deaths at Leas Cross nursing home; the date such report was received by the Health Service Executive; the reason for the delay in publishing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7810/06]

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that a draft copy of the report was received by the HSE Dublin north area on the evening of Thursday, 9 February 2006. It is understood from the HSE that this draft is currently being checked for factual accuracy. The final report cannot be prepared until this process is completed. It is hoped that this process will be finalised by mid-April 2006.

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

182 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no relief workers for home help workers available in the south-west inner city, which would ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8, would receive a weekly bath while their present home help is on leave. [7818/06]

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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

183 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the national treatment purchase scheme office has decided not to deal with queries directed at it by Deputies on behalf of constituents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7819/06]

My Department has been informed by the chief executive of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, that the fund continues to deal with queries and representations from Deputies on behalf of constituents. If the Deputy has a particular instance in mind, he should contact the chief executive of the fund directly in order to resolve the matter.

Question No. 184 answered with QuestionNo. 173.

Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

185 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [7834/06]

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.

Suicide Incidence.

Dan Neville

Question:

186 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide international suicide figures displaying the position of Ireland in such a large league of countries. [7835/06]

Suicide rates for the European region are provided by the World Health Organisation. The rates are age-standardised which allows comparison taking into account differences in population age structure between countries. The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table and indicate the latest available reporting year for each country.

Standardised Death Rates per 100,000 for Suicide and Self Inflicted Injury, WHO European Region.

Country

Standardised Death Rate per 100,000 population

Year data relates to

Lithuania

38.92

2004

Russian Federation

31.74

2004

Belarus

31.56

2004

Kazakhstan

31.49

2003

Slovenia

25.00

2003

Hungary

24.81

2003

CIS

24.55

2004

Estonia

23.66

2003

Latvia

22.34

2004

Ukraine

22.03

2004

Belgium

19.60

1997

Finland

19.32

2004

Switzerland

17.35

2002

Republic of Moldova

17.03

2004

Croatia

16.89

2004

Serbia and Montenegro

16.64

2002

France

16.32

2002

Austria

15.22

2004

European Region

15.09

2004

Poland

14.67

2003

CARK

14.16

2002

Czech Republic

14.02

2004

Luxembourg

13.24

2004

Slovakia

12.96

2002

Denmark

12.18

2001

Sweden

12.15

2002

Romania

11.96

2004

Kyrgyzstan

11.43

2004

Ireland

11.23

2002

Bulgaria

11.02

2004

Germany

10.97

2004

Turkmenistan

10.90

1998

Norway

10.84

2003

Bosnia and Herzegovina

9.94

1991

Iceland

9.67

2003

Portugal

9.36

2003

Netherlands

8.65

2004

Uzbekistan

7.33

2002

Spain

7.06

2003

Israel

7.05

2003

TFYR Macedonia

7.01

2003

United Kingdom

6.38

2003

Italy

5.92

2001

Malta

5.38

2004

Albania

4.38

2003

San Marino

3.62

2000

Tajikistan

3.40

2001

Greece

3.07

2003

Armenia

2.13

2003

Georgia

2.05

2001

Azerbaijan

1.41

2002

There are no data available for Azerbaijan, Andorra, Cyprus, Monaco and Turkey.

Hospital Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

187 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with a specialised bed from the Health Service Executive; the number of people currently on the waiting list for such beds; and when this person’s request will be dealt with. [7847/06]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael Ring

Question:

188 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the blind welfare allowance. [7848/06]

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

Mental Health Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

189 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional resources and services which will be provided for mental health in north Tipperary in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7849/06]

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

Hospital Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Question:

190 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when and where beds for the young chronic sick will be provided in north Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7850/06]

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

Nursing Home Charges.

Enda Kenny

Question:

191 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when her attention was drawn to the failed tender process for awarding a contract to private companies to administer the repayment of long stay charges to persons who were illegally charged for public long stay care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7906/06]

The Health Service Executive, HSE, has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme for publicly funded, long stay residential care, including the recruitment of an outside company to administer the scheme. A procurement team was established by the HSE to undertake this process. Officials in my Department received correspondence from the HSE on 20 December 2005 which indicated that following consideration of the tenders received, and following discussions with the HSE management team of the wider issues involved, it was decided to terminate the procurement process.

I received a verbal briefing on this issue on the evening of the 20 December 2005 and the correspondence from the HSE was brought to my attention on the 22 December 2005 together with a covering note from Department officials, which indicated that an urgent meeting had been requested with the HSE seeking clarification on why the tendering process had been terminated.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

192 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 25 January 2006. [7919/06]

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive, HSE, issued a reply to the Deputy on Question No. 367 of 25 January 2006.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

193 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 366 of 25 January 2006. [7920/06]

I have been advised that the Health Service Executive, HSE, issued a reply today to the Deputy on Question No. 366 of 25 January 2006.

Health Service Allowances.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

194 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Galway regarding the fact that they have been told that her Department will not reimburse the cost of their medication and that to be reimbursed they must take an alternate medication instead, which is uncoated and would require them purchasing an additional medication to soothe their stomach; if she will instruct her Department to reimburse this person for the original, coated medication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7999/06]

An agreement is in place between the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland, which sets out the supply terms and prices of medicines supplied to the health services. The agreement covers all reimbursable prescription medicines in the general medical services and community drug schemes, and all medicines supplied to hospitals and the Health Service Executive. A price freeze is in place for products supplied under the terms of the agreement.

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the general medical services and drug payment schemes. This list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified. The product referred to by the Deputy has not been deleted from the list. The original manufacturers of the product divested ownership to another company. The new owner subsequently increased the price of the product, without prior consultation with my Department and in breach of the pricing agreement. Following negotiations with the company concerned, agreement has been reached on a revised price, which will come into effect in March.

I am in receipt of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. Alternatives to the product concerned are available according to an individual's eligibility. In particular, people with a medical card who are experiencing financial difficulty in obtaining the product concerned should contact the local office of the Health Service Executive.

Health Reports.

Billy Timmins

Question:

195 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the report on sudden cardiac death will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8000/06]

In September 2004 a national task force on sudden cardiac death was established in order to address the problem of sudden cardiac death in Ireland. The task force, chaired by Dr. Brian Maurer, will make recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk. The task force will also advise on equipment and training programmes to improve the outcome in those suffering from sudden cardiac collapse and on the establishment of appropriate surveillance systems. The report will be launched on 2 March 2006.

Health Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

196 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation in regard to the availability of an electronic health record for all people accessing health services; if such a record is in use nationally; its effect on waiting lists and clinical decision making; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8006/06]

The national health information strategy published in July 2004 sets out the strategic direction for the electronic health record, EHR, and the high-level tasks required to implement it. My Department is giving consideration to the area of unique client and patient identification, which is a key requirement for the implementation of the EHR. This is a complex matter involving not only technical IT but major issues regarding confidentiality of patient information and it is likely to take some considerable time to implement.

Rape Crisis Centres.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

197 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on an increase in funding for the rape crisis centres here; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that since the publishing of the Ferns Report on 25 October 2005, rape crisis centres have seen a dramatic increase in demand on their services, with an average of 50% increases in most centres; the rape crisis centres currently operating under budgets capped since 2002; if this type of increased service delivery is unsustainable without additional funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8037/06]

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.

Vaccination Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

198 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the take-up by persons involved directly or indirectly in the poultry industry of the free flu vaccine promotion aimed at their sector; the methods employed to promote awareness and take-up; the co-operation and resistance encountered; and if she will make a statement on the matter in view of increasing concerns of the prospect of avian flu arriving here. [8055/06]

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

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

199 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding for additional hours of home help will issue to Health Service Executive areas; the number of additional hours which will be covered by extra funding; when contracts for home help personnel will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8057/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, additional funding of €150 million was allocated to services for older people or palliative care in the 2006 budget. Of this, an extra €33 million was allocated to the home help service. Of this total a sum of €30 million is provided for 2006 and will deliver 1.75 million home help hours.

The Deputy's specific questions relate to the management and delivery of home help service, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Infectious Diseases.

Joan Burton

Question:

200 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has issued policy instructions on MRSA; the number of incidences of MRSA infections in hospitals here; the ratio of infections to patient numbers; the way this compares with other EU states; the procedure for informing a patient and relative when an MRSA has been detected by hospital staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8063/06]

In the context of the Estimates for 2006 and the 2006 service plan for the Health Service Executive, HSE, I wrote to the chairman of the board of the HSE setting out our priorities for 2006. In this regard I highlighted the need to identify the necessary structures and processes that are required to control the emergence and spread of health care associated infections, including MRSA. In a subsequent letter to Professor Drumm, chief executive of the HSE, I raised the issue about the communication of information to patients infected with MRSA. Hospital staff need to clearly discharge their existing legal and ethical responsibilities in this regard.

For the purposes of the surveillance, prevention and control of MRSA the health protection surveillance centre, HPSC, collects data on MRSA bacteria, also known as bloodstream infection or blood poisoning, as part of the European antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, or EARSS. EARSS collects data on the first episode of blood stream infection per patient per quarter. EARSS was designed to allow comparison of antimicrobial resistance data between countries and possibly regions but not between hospitals. The EARSS data, which is published on a quarterly basis by the HPSC, showed that there were 553 cases of MRSA reported in 2004. The figure for the first nine months of 2005 is 454. According to the HPSC the rate of MRSA observed in Ireland is high and compares with the United Kingdom, France and southern European countries. The lowest rates are seen in the Netherlands and in Scandinavian countries.

This year Ireland will participate in the Hospital Infection Society's Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections to be carried out in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The survey will provide the Department and the Health Service Executive, HSE, with accurate and comparable data on the prevalence of health care associated infections, including MRSA, in acute hospitals in Ireland. The data gathered from hospitals can also be used to compare with similar data being obtained in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Departmental Funding.

Liam Twomey

Question:

201 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount and the voluntary organisations to which her Department or the Health Service Executive provided funding to during 2004 and 2005; the amount given to each organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8069/06]

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive, HSE, has the responsibility, with effect from 1 January 2005, to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Voluntary organisations providing health and personal social services are funded by the executive and it is a matter for the executive to agree the levels of service and the appropriate funding in respect of each such organisation. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the amount of funding it provided to each voluntary organisation in 2005.

Prior to 2005, while the majority of these organisations were funded by the health boards or an authority, certain voluntary agencies were funded directly by my Department and details of the agencies funded and the grants paid in 2004 are set out in the following tables.

Capital grants paid in 2004

Organisation

Paid in 2004

Mercy Hospital, Cork

16,684,937

South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork

3,210,600

St. John’s Hospital, Limerick

1,224,525

Caring for Carers, Ennis, Co. Clare

50,000

Irish Heart Foundation, Clyde Road, Dublin 4

127,476

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

160,000

The Jack and Jill Foundation

235,000

Non-capital grants paid in 2004

Organisation

Paid in 2004

St. John’s Hospital, Limerick

19,093,000

National Association of the Mentally Handicapped in Ireland

341,000

Disability Federation of Ireland

641,000

My Department also provides funding to voluntary organisations under a national lottery funded grant scheme. Details of the organisations funded in 2004 and 2005 are set out in the following tables.

Organisation

Paid 2004

Project

Age Action Ireland Ltd, Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2

43,971

Towards the cost of Positive Ageing Week

Aisling Group/Bradan Day Programme, Navan, Co. Meath

50,000

Towards the cost of sustaining the services provided at Bradan House by two full-time staff

Alpha One Foundation, RCSI Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9

20,000

Towards the cost of the Second International Congress for Patients, Dublin, 8-10 October 2004

Alzheimer Day and Home Care, Adare, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of a conservatory extension; development of the garden and a new office for the home care supervisor

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Mid-West Region), Limerick

40,000

Towards the cost of replacement of the minibus/ambulance

Askea Day Care Centre, Askea, Carlow

150,000

Towards the cost of providing a day care centre for elderly and providing support facilities for people with multiple sclerosis

The Association for Severely and Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

62,002

Towards the cost of the summer scheme in August 2004 for 25 special class pupils of St. Paul’s Special Class, Montenotte, Cork

Asthma Society of Ireland, Eden Quay, Dublin 1

9,306

Towards the cost of a nationwide survey of second level schools to gauge the incidence and awareness of asthma

Aware, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the helpline service to include an e-mail response facility for those in need of help and support

Ballincollig Senior Citizens Club Ltd. t/a Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of various programmes and projects

Ballinlough Community Association, Cork

30,000

Towards the cost of the refurbishment of the meals on wheels kitchen to meet the current health and safety standards; the fitting of a smoke system; and painting of the hall

Ballybane Active Retirement Association, Galway

5,000

Towards various costs

The Bereaved by Suicide Foundation, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of ongoing operational costs for the national suicide helpline and counselling service

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of the transport of service users

Cahir Day Care Centre Ltd, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

50,000

Towards the cost of the completion of the day care centre building

Cappoquin & District Community Day Care Association, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

8,248

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the centre

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the 13th annual conference

Carnew Community Centre, Carnew, Co. Wicklow

100,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day centre

Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare

60,000

Towards the cost of an 18-20 seater, wheelchair accessible bus

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

60,000

Towards the cost of the construction of a lift shaft and stairs at the north side of the building to provide access to the first floor in order to refurbish same

Castlelyons Community Centre Management Committee, Fermoy, Co. Cork

6,000

Towards the cost of the conversion of an old sweet shop and office into a family room/sitting room

Centre for Disability Studies, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4

5,000

Towards the cost of a multidisciplinary entry-level text aimed at professionals, students and advocates involved in intellectual disabilities

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Charleville, Co. Cork

63,000

Towards the cost of the provision of a new catering kitchen, a general meeting/activity room and a dining room

Clarecare, Ennis, Co. Clare

35,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day care centre building in Miltown Malbay

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of printing 4,000 copies each of 10 information leaflets

Clifton Convalescent Home, Montenotte, Cork

140,000

Towards the cost of updating the existing facilities and infrastructure to facilitate male patients

Club 91, Cloncallow Ballymahon, Co. Longford

4,000

Towards the cost of the weekly running of the club, payment of rent, insurance, bus fares, outings and the purchase of equipment

Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd., Co. Cork

54,024

Towards the cost of the purchase of a bus that includes a lift which is suitable to transport the elderly to and from the social satellite

The Counselling Centre, Fr Matthew Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of services for clients who are on prescribed medication because of difficulties in dealing with depression or anxiety

Cystinosis Foundation Ireland (CFI), Blackrock, Co. Dublin

30,000

Towards the cost of the research project to be undertaken at the University of Aberdeen to synthesise, characterise and biologically evaluate novel pro drugs for the treatment of cystinosis

Department of Medical Gerontology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of the William Stokes Summer School in Medical Gerontology

Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Tralee, Co. Kerry

13,000

Towards the set-up costs of the Southwest Regional Resource and Information Centre

Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxboro Senior Citizens Club, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick

4,000

Towards various costs

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

50,000

Towards the cost of a separate sitting room for the gentlemen

Drumcor and Community Active Age Group, Cavan, Co. Cavan

50,000

Towards the cost of the provision and installation of full kitchen facilities

Dublin Aids Alliance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1

6,500

Towards the cost of production and distribution of information cards and a 2004 calendar/date book

Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

1,880

Towards the cost of bowling mats

Dún Laoghaire Lions Club, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

5,500

Towards the purchase of ECG machines in aid of St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire

Elphin Social Services Ltd, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

20,000

Towards the purchase of a 15 seater mini-bus

Enniscorthy Branch of the Irish Red Cross, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the purchase of a new ambulance

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), MacCurtain Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of providing workshops for children to allow them to focus on alternatives to video games and TV

Family Life Centre, St. Brigid’s, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

20,000

Towards the cost of financing and subsiding the various programmes on an ongoing basis

Finglas Old Folks Group, Cappagh Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11

2,000

Towards the cost of a large TV and DVD for the centre

Friends of Ennistymon Hospital, Lahinch, Co. Clare

50,000

Towards the cost of rebuilding toilet/bathroom block; develop new units to health and safety standards in female wards; installation of invalid assisted equipment

Friends of St. Anthony’s Hospital, c/o Dunmanway Community Hospital, Co. Cork

68,500

Towards the cost of an Alzheimer’s garden unit

Friends of St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of (a) the structure of an additional support unit to the hospital and (b) the provision of a designated dayroom in unit 6

Friends of St. Patrick’s Hospital, St. Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, Waterford

100,000

Towards the cost of the erection of day ward facilities in 30 bed extended care unit

Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association, Togher, Cork, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of the quarterly journal and maintenance of the website

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the specialist conference on 24th — 26th November 2004, “Schools Based Interventions in Crisis Management and Suicide Prevention”

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

10,000

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Cancer Society, Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

150,000

Towards the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organisations to be hosted in Dublin from 17th to 19th November 2004

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Model Farm Road, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of a strategic review of the organisations activities and a process of investigation and study into tailoring services to encompass other disabilities

Irish Kidney Association, Park West, Dublin 12

175,000

Towards the cost of a donor public awareness campaign including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

120,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

5,000

Towards the cost of the Irish co-ordination of the transnational EU project

Kilteely-Dromkeen Housing Association, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick

9,500

Towards the cost of the installation of automatic entrance doors in the day care centre

Kolbe Pre-school, Portarlington, Co. Laois

27,913

Towards the cost of a playground

League of Friends of St. Camillus Hospital, Ennis Road, Limerick

30,000

Towards the cost of adaption of reception area — canopy — or extension of reception area

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Ballinacurra, Co. Limerick

22,000

Towards outgoing costs

Longford Active Retirement Association, Longford, Co. Longford

2,000

Towards the ongoing development of cultural, educational and sporting activities

Lusk Community Unit for Older People, Station Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin

10,000

Towards the cost of (a) art therapy and (b) restaurant/social evening venue

Marino and District Community Centre Ltd, Marino, Dublin 3

20,000

Towards the cost of equipping and furnishing the new community centre/Carleton Hall

Mayo Cancer Support Association, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

50,000

Towards the cost of building a two storey extension

Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

80,000

Towards the cost of (a) information resources (b) research (c) education and (d) policy development

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Artane, Dublin 5

50,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and associated facilities as required by ECAHB and HACCP

Mitchelstown Senior Citizens Project Ltd, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

46,000

Towards the cost of replacing the existing bus

Moore Community Council Ltd, Balldangan, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

10,000

Towards the cost of a general upgrade of facilities associated with the elderly

Mother McAuley Centre, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

120,000

Towards the cost of extending the existing facility in order to cater for the long waiting list

National Leisure Council of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

20,000

Towards the cost of educating young people on alcohol and drug abuse

North Eastern Health Board-ERHA-Aspire-IAA-Social Communication Research Programme, Drogheda, Co. Louth

80,000

Towards the cost of Part II of the 2 year project to develop a computerised social skills programme

Networking Dublin 15 Ltd, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

2,000

Towards the cost of a parenting course for eight participants who are in recovery from addiction and are single parents

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

10,000

Towards the cost of the wellness programme

Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

21,000

Towards the purchase of an eight-seater minibus to enable teachers to take children out of school to pursue educational opportunities

Parke Community Centre Committee, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

19,000

Towards the cost of providing a heating system for the centre

Portumna Social Services, Portumna, Co. Galway

48,000

Towards the cost of the replacement of mini-bus

Raheen Hospital Support Group, Raheen, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the construction of an extension to the day centre

Raphoe Friday Club, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

5,000

Towards the cost of continuing the service

Resource Centre of St. Vincent de Paul, Marino, Dublin 3

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide regular meetings

Roscrea Active Retirement Association, Ballystanley, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

2,000

Towards defraying the cost of hiring buses for monthly outings

The Rosses Neighbourhood Youth Project (Donegal), Dungloe, Co. Donegal

4,800

Towards the cost of an intensive support programme for young people who have been referred by the Gardai

Serenity Active Retirement Association, Moville, Co. Donegal

6,000

Towards the cost of tutor fees

Soroptimist International Club, Rochestown, Cork

6,750

Towards the cost of completing the publication, outlining the voluntary work accomplished by Soroptimists over the last 50 years in Cork City in the areas of culture, public speaking, literacy, the elderly and those with special needs

South Meath Alcohol and Substance Misuse Response, Trim, Co. Meath

1,000

Towards the cost of a public information/education night on 31st March 2004 for parents in the Trim and South Meath communities

South Westmeath Rural Transport Association, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

15,600

Towards the cost of transport for citizens in the area of South Roscommon on a minimum of two routes on a weekly basis

Special Olympics Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

80,000

Towards the cost of the Healthy Athlete Programme

St. Christopher’s Services Ltd, Battery Road, Longford

34,500

Towards the cost of providing 1 multi-purpose vehicle for seven day community residence at Parkside Community Residence, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

St. Gabriel’s Parish Resource Centre, Dollymount, Dublin 3

25,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of assembly hall and stage area; essential rewiring and the provision of furniture

St. John Ambulance Brigade, Southern Command, Richmond Hill, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of replacing an ambulance

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

10,663

Towards the purchase of snoezelen equipment

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Carthage’s Conference, Lismore, Co. Waterford

5,000

Towards the cost of purchasing wheelchairs and walking aids

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

30,000

Towards the cost of assisting with the ongoing running costs/services, activities and programmes delivered by the Third Age Centre

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Towards the cost of retaining a driver for the Millennium Bus

Tang Golden Years Club, Tang, Ballymahon, Co. Westmeath

3,000

Towards the cost of providing a social outlet for the elderly in the form of training courses

Templemore Active Retirement Association, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

4,000

Towards alleviating the costs associated with the running of the organisation

Templemore Community Social Service, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

50,843

Towards the cost of work to be undertaken to bring the day care centre within the fire and safety regulations

Tolka River Project, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

3,000

Towards the cost of the parenting skills course

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, Ballindine, Co. Mayo

120,000

Towards the cost of updating equipment in the new respite home in Athenry; and developing and securing the garden

Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

30,000

Towards the cost of running the annual music/activity camp

TOTAL

3,631,000

Organisation

Paid 2005

Project

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Coolock, Dublin 17

8,225

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and towards equipment

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dún Laoghaire)

50,000

Towards the cost of financial support for carers, volunteers and staff to attend the Alzheimer Europe Conference in June 2005

Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge, Coolock

2,000

Towards the cost of the new pamphlet printing expenses

The Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland Ltd, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of hosting the Joyce-Lacan symposium in Dublin Castle in June 2005

Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists (ICE), Ranelagh, Dublin 6

20,000

To fund a joint academic meeting in January 2006 with the UK Association of Clinical Embryologists and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

Association of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of outreach health promotion to refugee youths

Autism West Limited, Galway

50,000

Towards the cost of renovating and upgrading existing properties for provision of service to persons with autism, both day and residential

Best Buddies Ireland, KARE Industrial Estate, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of developing a national outreach programme

Bodywhys, Blackrock, Co Dublin

15,600

Towards the cost of the design and printing of 2 booklets: “Families coping with Eating Disorders” and “Binge Eating Disorders”.

Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

2,500

Towards the cost of distributing the Teachers Information Pack to all primary school teachers in Ireland

Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of the “Wednesday” Club

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

40,000

Towards the cost of the 14th National Respite Weekend and Conference from Family Carers

Caring for Carers Limerick Branch, John Street, Limerick

60,000

Towards the cost of increasing the nurse-led clinic from two half-days per week to five half-days per week

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

42,000

Towards the cost of 20 extra low beds as part of the Fall Prevention Strategy

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

47,670

Towards the cost of upgrading the facilities to meet fire safety standards

Castlebridge Community Centre, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the cost of maintaining the centre

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary

6,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide the weekly programme

Cobh Youth Services Ltd, Cobh, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide current activities and towards employing a tutor for music lessons

The Coeliac Society of Ireland, Nth Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

30,000

Towards the cost of compiling, printing and mailing a book of gluten free manufactured products for members

Coiste Aosach na nOileán, Lettermore, Co. Galway

40,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair friendly minibus

Common Purpose, 31-35 Bow Street, Dublin 7

2,100

Towards the cost of enabling interpreters for 4 pupils from Transition Year at St. Mary’s School for Deaf Girls in Cabra to take part in a conference on Young People and Citizenship on 30 November 2005 in the Axis Theatre, Ballymun.

Community Awareness of Drugs, Dame Court, Dublin 2

4,000

Towards the cost of delivering educational programmes on drugs

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation)

100,000

Towards the National Suicide Crisis and Counselling Service

Cork Counselling Services Ltd, Fr Matthew Street, Cork

80,000

Towards the cost of counselling services

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, Bruree, Co. Limerick

55,000

Towards the cost of (a) the construction of a multi-disciplinary jobskills/training facility (b) the construction of a horticulture job skills/training facility incorporating polytunnels, potting shed, storage and seeding beds (c) the construction of a potato storage facility and (d) the installation and laying of new mains foul sewerage from Cuan Mhuire, Treatment Centre to the village of Bruree, to connect to the main sewerage system

Cuidiú— Irish Childbirth Trust, Ashford, Co. Wicklow

6,000

Towards cost of training for ante-natal teacher in North Wicklow branch

Dóchas Family Centre, Clondalkin

36,000

Towards the cost of transport — a 9 seater VW Shuttle

Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre, Dublin 5

2,500

Towards a course on healthy eating, basic food preparation skills, cooking on a low budget and promoting a balanced diet

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,000

Towards the cost of providing information on Downs Syndrome to new parents, students, medical/teaching professionals and the general public

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,300

Towards the cost of a survey on services provided to young adults with Downs Syndrome

Drogheda Community Services, Co. Louth

100,000

Towards the cost of building a purpose built non-medical day care centre for older people, adjacent to a geriatric hospital and a medical day centre for older people

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

12,000

Towards the cost of a conference to be held in the National College of Ireland on 10th October 2005

Dún Laoghaire Lions Club

9,000

Towards matching the contribution from the annual golf classic in aid of the purchase of essential equipment for the intensive care unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire.

Embrace, The Lough, Cork

70,000

Towards the cost of a summer scheme for children with a severe or profound learning disability, who are pupils of the special classes in St. Paul’s School, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

The Endometriosis Association of Ireland, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

6,624

Towards the cost of a salary for a part-time employee to deal with requests and queries on a day-to-day basis

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of “Healthy City Topics” workshops

Family Ministry, Paul Street, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of “The Seedling Project 05/06” which is a peer group grief support programme for 12-18 year olds who have been bereaved by the loss of a parent

Finglas Senior Help Line, Finglas West, Dublin 11

5,000

Towards the cost of the Help Line

Foynes & District Community Council Ltd, Foynes, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of providing a lift in the community centre to allow wheelchair access to 2nd floor amenities for senior citizens and wheelchair users

Frenchpark Community Playgroup, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of a 17 seater minibus

The Friends of St Patrick’s Association, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

20,935

Towards the cost of 7/9 seater vehicle adapted to carry wheelchair dependent residents

Galway Travellers Support Group, Prospect Hill, Galway

25,000

Towards the cost of fitting out the premises already accessed in Galway City to meet the growing needs of the project.

Glin Homes for the Elderly Ltd, Tullyglass, Glin, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of the purchase of a mini-bus

Grow in Ireland, Swords, Co. Dublin

15,000

Towards office set-up costs and expansion of services in the region

Hooked, Salthill, Galway

1,000

Towards the cost of audio-visual equipment for use in information campaign

Irish Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association, Cork City

3,000

Towards the continued on-going development of the Association; maintenance of the website; continued communication to a wider audience through the journal; and providing courses for practitioners.

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the “Suicide and Masculinity” conference in Dec 2005

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

7,500

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Chronic Pain Association, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

4,500

Towards the cost of the upgrade of computer equipment and ancillaries

Irish Family Planning Association Limited, Amiens St, Dublin 1

7,500

Towards the cost of purchasing an ultrasound machine

Irish Gerontological Society, c/o Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of an academic policy seminar in the Royal Irish Academy

Irish Haemochromatosis Association, Rathgar, Dublin 6

25,000

Towards the cost of designing and printing information booklets, posters and stationery

Irish Kidney Association

500,000

Towards the cost of the donor public awareness campaign, including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file.

Irish Kidney Association

50,000

Towards the cost of training, accommodation and travel for 40 organ transplant patients to Ontario, Canada for 9 days to represent Ireland at the World Transplant Games 2005.

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

140,000

Towards the cost of improving, maintaining and expanding the equipment bank

Irish Progressive Association for Autism, Bessborrough, Cork

23,000

Towards the cost of summer camps, seminars, an awareness campaign for an assistance dog programme for autistic children, an expanded library service, office equipment and an alternative therapies programme.

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society, Foxrock, Dublin 18

13,500

Towards the cost of a diagnostic nailbed capillaroscopy system for diagnosis of scleroderma

Irish Red Cross (Leenane/Haam Branch), Co. Galway

6,000

Towards the cost of purchasing and equipping an ambulance

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

140,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament and to provide for an improvement in its ability to respond to policy initiatives

Irish Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases, Ballyneety, Co. Limerick

28,000

Towards the cost of a national medical conference bringing together affected people, their families and experts to offer advice and support

Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

30,000

Towards the Society’s running costs

JADD Projects Ltd, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of paying for a qualified childcare supervisor to supervise children of clients who are attending JADD for treatment and/or personal development courses

Johnny — Gay Peer Action Group, Outhouse, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1

3,000

Towards the cost of producing new publications and further developing the website

Kerry Hospice Foundation, c/o Tralee General Hospital, Tralee, Co. Kerry

100,000

Towards the cost of the palliative care day unit

Kerry Mental Health Association, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of setting up a day care centre for people with mental health needs

Killahan School, Pre-School Autism Unit, Tralee, Co. Kerry

15,000

Towards the cost of equipping the Snoozelen Room

Knockanure Development Association, Listowel, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of restoring the old school house and converting it to a centre for the community

Laharn Community Action Group Ltd, Mallow, Co. Cork

4,500

Towards the cost of converting the old school house at Laharn into a Community, Cultural and Heritage Centre for the use of community and other local organisations.

Leitrim Lifestart, Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim

15,000

Towards the cost of establishing a Lifestart initiative in North Leitrim

Lifestart National Office, Church Street, Sligo

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the service nationally and to train staff in quality assurance in order to deliver a quality service to parents and children

Longford Community Resources, Longford

40,000

Towards the cost of establishing a county based youth service for Longford.

Mallow Social Services Council

45,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Centre’s roof

Mead Day Care Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13

20,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Centre’s roof

Meningitis Trust, Bray, Co. Wicklow

16,750

Towards the cost of publishing the Early Years Guide

Mental Health Association, Loughrea, Co. Galway

28,000

Towards the purchase of a mini-bus

Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

57,000

Towards the cost of developing mental health education resources for use with primary school children

Mná Feasa, Women’s Domestic Violence Project, Knocknaheeny, Cork

15,600

Towards the cost of providing 2 hours of group counselling per week for 12 women at a subsidised rate

Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

12,000

Towards the cost of evaluating the “Music in Healthcare” programme

National Infertility Support and Information Group, Togher, Cork

20,000

Towards the 10th Anniversary conference in 2006

Newtown/ Donadea Senior Citizens Group, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

6,000

Towards the cost of providing transport to and from the community centre

Oak House Resource Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois

4,000

Towards the cost of a computer project for adult service users with an intellectual disability

One in Four, Holles Street, Dublin 2

100,000

Towards the cost of funding the existing psychotherapy and advocacy programme.

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of the Therapies Programme

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballsbridge Unit)

140,000

Towards the cost of replacement ambulances

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballinrobe Unit)

60,000

Towards the cost of building a headquarters

Outhouse Ltd, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1

70,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the premises

Pre-School for Travellers, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

6,799

Towards the cost of developing an outdoor play area

Samaritans (Limerick/Tipperary Branch)

8,020

Towards the cost of a new telephone system and new computer for e-mail support

Schizophrenia Ireland, 38 Blessington Street, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of Relatives Weekend with a mixture of educational, respite and leisure activities for relatives who are carers of people with severe mental illness.

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St Mary’s, South Hill, Delvin, Co. Westmeath

15,000

Towards the cost of developing an IT and multi-media room

Social Communications Research Programme Ltd, Trim, Co. Meath

80,000

Towards the cost of development of a manual, DVD and computerised social skills programme and to provide training to mental health and educational professionals for adolescents with Asperger Syndrome.

Southill Family Resource Centre, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

7,000

Towards the cost of bioresonance-testing and appropriate remedies, psychology, based on guided introspection, meditation and relaxation classes and Indian head massage.

St. Andrew’s Centre, Greenhills Road, Dublin 12

15,000

Towards the running costs of the centre

St. Helena’s Women’s Awareness Group, St Helena’s Family Resource Centre, St. Helena’s Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

11,577

Towards the cost of installing a chairlift for individuals with mobility issues in order to allow access to the four training rooms on the upper levels.

St. John’s House of Rest, Merrion Road, Dublin 4

55,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the building and facilities

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane, Co. Dublin

11,000

Towards the cost of a treadmill and stationary bicycle for the gymnasium

St. Mary’s Community Benefit Fund, Richmond Hill, Rathmines, Dublin 6

35,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair accessible ambulance

St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group, Wheaton Hall, Drogheda

2,000

Towards the cost of maintaining and improving the programme

St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Club, Corbally, Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of acquiring new equipment

Summer Fun 2005 — Camp, c/o St Brigid’s School, Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

2,000

Towards the cost of a week-long summer camp

Tallaght Community Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24

5,000

Towards the puppetry and play project which focuses on the issue of obesity.

Thursday Club Clarina, Clarina, Co. Limerick

10,000

Towards the cost of running bingo and other activities, and health talks and demonstrations by health professionals

Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler Group, Westport, Co. Mayo

2,000

Towards the cost of purchasing equipment and toys

Tralee Refugee Support Services, Tralee, Co. Kerry

10,000

Towards the cost of providing a family support service for locally resident asylum seekers and refugees

Volunteer Stroke Scheme, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

4,000

Towards the cost of an annual holiday

Westgate Foundation, Westgate West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

60,000

Towards the cost of services and projects

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

100,000

Towards the cost of clearing the outstanding balance on the capital cost of the loan for Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry, Co. Galway

TOTAL

3,727,200

Liam Twomey

Question:

202 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount granted in 2004 and 2005 to each organisation and voluntary organisation from the health and children allocation of national lottery funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8070/06]

The health and children allocation of national lottery funds for 2004 was €13.017 million. This included €2.539 million, which formed part of the funding for the capital programme. The remaining €10.478 million included funding of €6.847 million, which was allocated to health agencies to fund the respite care grants scheme, the disadvantaged youth scheme and the schemes of grants to voluntary organisations. Details of the amounts paid by my Department to each organisation from the remaining €3.631million is set out in the following table.

Organisation

Paid 2004

Project

Age Action Ireland Ltd, Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2

43,971

Towards the cost of Positive Ageing Week

Aisling Group/Bradán Day Programme, Navan, Co. Meath

50,000

Towards the cost of sustaining the services provided at Bradan House by two full-time staff

Alpha One Foundation, RCSI Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9

20,000

Towards the cost of the Second International Congress for Patients, Dublin, 8-10 October 2004

Alzheimer Day and Home Care, Adare, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of a conservatory extension; development of the garden and a new office for the home care supervisor

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Mid West Region), Limerick

40,000

Towards the cost of replacement of the minibus/ambulance

Askea Day Care Centre, Askea, Carlow

150,000

Towards the cost of providing a day care centre for elderly and providing support facilities for people with multiple sclerosis

The Association for Severely and Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

62,002

Towards the cost of the summer scheme in August 2004 for 25 special class pupils of St. Paul’s Special Class, Montenotte, Cork

Asthma Society of Ireland, Eden Quay, Dublin 1

9,306

Towards the cost of a nationwide survey of second level schools to gauge the incidence and awareness of asthma

Aware, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the helpline service to include an e-mail response facility for those in need of help and support

Ballincollig Senior Citizens Club Ltd. t/a Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of various programmes and projects

Ballinlough Community Association, Cork

30,000

Towards the cost of the refurbishment of the meals on wheels kitchen to meet the current health and safety standards; the fitting of a smoke system; and painting of the hall

Ballybane Active Retirement Association, Galway

5,000

Towards various costs

The Bereaved by Suicide Foundation, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of ongoing operational costs for the national suicide helpline and counselling service

Brothers of Charity Services, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of the transport of service users

Cahir Day Care Centre Ltd, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

50,000

Towards the cost of the completion of the day care centre building

Cappoquin & District Community Day Care Association, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

8,248

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the centre

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the 13th annual conference

Carnew Community Centre, Carnew, Co. Wicklow

100,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day centre

Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare

60,000

Towards the cost of an 18-20 seater, wheelchair accessible bus

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

60,000

Towards the cost of the construction of a lift shaft and stairs at the north side of the building to provide access to the first floor in order to refurbish same

Castlelyons Community Centre Management Committee, Fermoy, Co. Cork

6,000

Towards the cost of the conversion of an old sweet shop and office into a family room/sitting room

Centre for Disability Studies, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4

5,000

Towards the cost of a multidisciplinary entry-level text aimed at professionals, students and advocates involved in intellectual disabilities

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Charleville, Co. Cork

63,000

Towards the cost of the provision of a new catering kitchen, a general meeting/activity room and a dining room

Clarecare, Ennis, Co. Clare

35,000

Towards the cost of an extension to the day care centre building in Miltown Malbay

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of printing 4,000 copies each of 10 information leaflets

Clifton Convalescent Home, Montenotte, Cork

140,000

Towards the cost of updating the existing facilities and infrastructure to facilitate male patients

Club 91, Cloncallow Ballymahon, Co. Longford

4,000

Towards the cost of the weekly running of the club, payment of rent, insurance, bus fares, outings and the purchase of equipment

Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd., Co. Cork

54,024

Towards the cost of the purchase of a bus that includes a lift which is suitable to transport the elderly to and from the social satellite

The Counselling Centre, Fr Matthew Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of services for clients who are on prescribed medication because of difficulties in dealing with depression or anxiety

Cystinosis Foundation Ireland (CFI), Blackrock, Co. Dublin

30,000

Towards the cost of the research project to be undertaken at the University of Aberdeen to synthesise, characterise and biologically evaluate novel pro drugs for the treatment of cystinosis

Department of Medical Gerontology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of the William Stokes Summer School in Medical Gerontology

Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Tralee, Co. Kerry

13,000

Towards the set-up costs of the Southwest Regional Resource and Information Centre

Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxboro Senior Citizens Club, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick

4,000

Towards various costs

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

50,000

Towards the cost of a separate sitting room for the gentlemen

Drumcor and Community Active Age Group, Cavan, Co. Cavan

50,000

Towards the cost of the provision and installation of full kitchen facilities

Dublin Aids Alliance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1

6,500

Towards the cost of production and distribution of information cards and a 2004 calendar/date book

Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

1,880

Towards the cost of bowling mats

Dún Laoghaire Lions Club, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

5,500

Towards the purchase of ECG machines in aid of St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire

Elphin Social Services Ltd, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

20,000

Towards the purchase of a 15 seater mini-bus

Enniscorthy Branch of the Irish Red Cross, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the purchase of a new ambulance

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), MacCurtain Street, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of providing workshops for children to allow them to focus on alternatives to video games and TV

Family Life Centre, St. Brigid’s, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

20,000

Towards the cost of financing and subsiding the various programmes on an ongoing basis

Finglas Old Folks Group, Cappagh Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11

2,000

Towards the cost of a large TV and DVD for the centre

Friends of Ennistymon Hospital, Lahinch, Co. Clare

50,000

Towards the cost of rebuilding toilet/bathroom block; develop new units to health and safety standards in female wards; installation of invalid assisted equipment

Friends of St. Anthony’s Hospital, c/o Dunmanway Community Hospital, Co. Cork

68,500

Towards the cost of an Alzheimer’s garden unit

Friends of St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of (a) the structure of an additional support unit to the hospital and (b) the provision of a designated dayroom in unit 6

Friends of St. Patrick’s Hospital, St. Patrick’s Hospital, John’s Hill, Waterford

100,000

Towards the cost of the erection of day ward facilities in 30 bed extended care unit

Irish Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association, Togher, Cork, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of the quarterly journal and maintenance of the website

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the specialist conference on 24th — 26th November 2004, “Schools Based Interventions in Crisis Management and Suicide Prevention”

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

10,000

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Cancer Society, Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

150,000

Towards the 4th World Conference for Cancer Organisations to be hosted in Dublin from 17th to 19th November 2004

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Model Farm Road, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of a strategic review of the organisations activities and a process of investigation and study into tailoring services to encompass other disabilities

Irish Kidney Association, Park West, Dublin 12

175,000

Towards the cost of a donor public awareness campaign including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

120,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

5,000

Towards the cost of the Irish co-ordination of the transnational EU project

Kilteely-Dromkeen Housing Association, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick

9,500

Towards the cost of the installation of automatic entrance doors in the day care centre

Kolbe Pre-school, Portarlington, Co. Laois

27,913

Towards the cost of a playground

League of Friends of St. Camillus Hospital, Ennis Road, Limerick

30,000

Towards the cost of adaption of reception area — canopy — or extension of reception area

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Ballinacurra, Co. Limerick

22,000

Towards outgoing costs

Longford Active Retirement Association, Longford, Co. Longford

2,000

Towards the ongoing development of cultural, educational and sporting activities

Lusk Community Unit for Older People, Station Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin

10,000

Towards the cost of (a) art therapy and (b) restaurant/social evening venue

Marino and District Community Centre Ltd, Marino, Dublin 3

20,000

Towards the cost of equipping and furnishing the new community centre/Carleton Hall

Mayo Cancer Support Association, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

50,000

Towards the cost of building a two storey extension

Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

80,000

Towards the cost of (a) information resources (b) research (c) education and (d) policy development

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Artane, Dublin 5

50,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and associated facilities as required by ECAHB and HACCP

Mitchelstown Senior Citizens Project Ltd, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

46,000

Towards the cost of replacing the existing bus

Moore Community Council Ltd, Balldangan, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

10,000

Towards the cost of a general upgrade of facilities associated with the elderly

Mother McAuley Centre, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

120,000

Towards the cost of extending the existing facility in order to cater for the long waiting list

National Leisure Council of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

20,000

Towards the cost of educating young people on alcohol and drug abuse

North Eastern Health Board-ERHA-Aspire-IAA-Social Communication Research Programme, Drogheda, Co. Louth

80,000

Towards the cost of Part II of the 2 year project to develop a computerised social skills programme

Networking Dublin 15 Ltd, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

2,000

Towards the cost of a parenting course for eight participants who are in recovery from addiction and are single parents

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

10,000

Towards the cost of the wellness programme

Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

21,000

Towards the purchase of an eight-seater minibus to enable teachers to take children out of school to pursue educational opportunities

Parke Community Centre Committee, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

19,000

Towards the cost of providing a heating system for the centre

Portumna Social Services, Portumna, Co. Galway

48,000

Towards the cost of the replacement of mini-bus

Raheen Hospital Support Group, Raheen, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare

30,000

Towards the cost of the construction of an extension to the day centre

Raphoe Friday Club, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

5,000

Towards the cost of continuing the service

Resource Centre of St. Vincent de Paul, Marino, Dublin 3

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide regular meetings

Roscrea Active Retirement Association, Ballystanley, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

2,000

Towards defraying the cost of hiring buses for monthly outings

The Rosses Neighbourhood Youth Project (Donegal), Dungloe, Co. Donegal

4,800

Towards the cost of an intensive support programme for young people who have been referred by the Gardai

Serenity Active Retirement Association, Moville, Co. Donegal

6,000

Towards the cost of tutor fees

Soroptimist International Club, Rochestown, Cork

6,750

Towards the cost of completing the publication, outlining the voluntary work accomplished by Soroptimists over the last 50 years in Cork City in the areas of culture, public speaking, literacy, the elderly and those with special needs

South Meath Alcohol and Substance Misuse Response, Trim, Co. Meath

1,000

Towards the cost of a public information/education night on 31st March 2004 for parents in the Trim and South Meath communities

South Westmeath Rural Transport Association, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

15,600

Towards the cost of transport for citizens in the area of South Roscommon on a minimum of two routes on a weekly basis

Special Olympics Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

80,000

Towards the cost of the Healthy Athlete Programme

St. Christopher’s Services Ltd, Battery Road, Longford

34,500

Towards the cost of providing 1 multi-purpose vehicle for seven day community residence at Parkside Community Residence, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

St. Gabriel’s Parish Resource Centre, Dollymount, Dublin 3

25,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of assembly hall and stage area; essential rewiring and the provision of furniture

St. John Ambulance Brigade, Southern Command, Richmond Hill, Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of replacing an ambulance

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, c/o Blackrock, Co. Dublin

10,663

Towards the purchase of snoezelen equipment

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Carthage’s Conference, Lismore, Co. Waterford

5,000

Towards the cost of purchasing wheelchairs and walking aids

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

30,000

Towards the cost of assisting with the ongoing running costs/services, activities and programmes delivered by the Third Age Centre

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Towards the cost of retaining a driver for the Millennium Bus

Tang Golden Years Club, Tang, Ballymahon, Co. Westmeath

3,000

Towards the cost of providing a social outlet for the elderly in the form of training courses

Templemore Active Retirement Association, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

4,000

Towards alleviating the costs associated with the running of the organisation

Templemore Community Social Service, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

50,843

Towards the cost of work to be undertaken to bring the day care centre within the fire and safety regulations

Tolka River Project, Buzzardstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

3,000

Towards the cost of the parenting skills course

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, Ballindine, Co. Mayo

120,000

Towards the cost of updating equipment in the new respite home in Athenry; and developing and securing the garden

Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

30,000

Towards the cost of running the annual music/activity camp

TOTAL

3,631,000

The national lottery funding allocated to the Health Service Executive for 2005 was 9.557 million, including 2.539 million for the capital programme. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have details of the grants paid to each organisation issued directly to the Deputy. Details of the amounts paid by my Department under the national lottery discretionary grant scheme in 2005 are set out in the following table.

Organisation

Paid 2005

Project

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Coolock, Dublin 17

8,225

Towards the cost of upgrading the kitchen and towards equipment

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dún Laoghaire)

50,000

Towards the cost of financial support for carers, volunteers and staff to attend the Alzheimer Europe Conference in June 2005

Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge, Coolock

2,000

Towards the cost of the new pamphlet printing expenses

The Association of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland Ltd, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

4,500

Towards the cost of hosting the Joyce-Lacan symposium in Dublin Castle in June 2005

Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists (ICE), Ranelagh, Dublin 6

20,000

To fund a joint academic meeting in January 2006 with the UK Association of Clinical Embryologists and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

Association of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of outreach health promotion to refugee youths

Autism West Limited, Galway

50,000

Towards the cost of renovating and upgrading existing properties for provision of service to persons with autism, both day and residential

Best Buddies Ireland, KARE Industrial Estate, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

50,000

Towards the cost of developing a national outreach programme

Bodywhys, Blackrock, Co Dublin

15,600

Towards the cost of the design and printing of 2 booklets: “Families coping with Eating Disorders” and “Binge Eating Disorders”.

Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

2,500

Towards the cost of distributing the Teachers Information Pack to all primary school teachers in Ireland

Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of the “Wednesday” Club

Caring for Carers Ireland, Ennis, Co. Clare

40,000

Towards the cost of the 14th National Respite Weekend and Conference from Family Carers

Caring for Carers Limerick Branch, John Street, Limerick

60,000

Towards the cost of increasing the nurse-led clinic from two half-days per week to five half-days per week

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

42,000

Towards the cost of 20 extra low beds as part of the Fall Prevention Strategy

Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

47,670

Towards the cost of upgrading the facilities to meet fire safety standards

Castlebridge Community Centre, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

20,000

Towards the cost of maintaining the centre

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary

6,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide the weekly programme

Cobh Youth Services Ltd, Cobh, Co. Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of continuing to provide current activities and towards employing a tutor for music lessons

The Coeliac Society of Ireland, Nth Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

30,000

Towards the cost of compiling, printing and mailing a book of gluten free manufactured products for members

Coiste Aosach na nOileán, Lettermore, Co. Galway

40,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair friendly minibus

Common Purpose, 31-35 Bow Street, Dublin 7

2,100

Towards the cost of enabling interpreters for 4 pupils from Transition Year at St. Mary’s School for Deaf Girls in Cabra to take part in a conference on Young People and Citizenship on 30 November 2005 in the Axis Theatre, Ballymun.

Community Awareness of Drugs, Dame Court, Dublin 2

4,000

Towards the cost of delivering educational programmes on drugs

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation)

100,000

Towards the National Suicide Crisis and Counselling Service

Cork Counselling Services Ltd, Fr Matthew Street, Cork

80,000

Towards the cost of counselling services

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, Bruree, Co. Limerick

55,000

Towards the cost of (a) the construction of a multi-disciplinary jobskills/training facility (b) the construction of a horticulture job skills/training facility incorporating polytunnels, potting shed, storage and seeding beds (c) the construction of a potato storage facility and (d) the installation and laying of new mains foul sewerage from Cuan Mhuire, Treatment Centre to the village of Bruree, to connect to the main sewerage system

Cuidiú-Irish Childbirth Trust, Ashford, Co Wicklow

6,000

Towards cost of training for ante-natal teacher in North Wicklow branch

Dóchas Family Centre, Clondalkin

36,000

Towards the cost of transport — a 9 seater VW Shuttle

Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre, Dublin 5

2,500

Towards a course on healthy eating, basic food preparation skills, cooking on a low budget and promoting a balanced diet

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,000

Towards the cost of providing information on Downs Syndrome to new parents, students, medical/teaching professionals and the general public

Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,300

Towards the cost of a survey on services provided to young adults with Downs Syndrome

Drogheda Community Services, Co. Louth

100,000

Towards the cost of building a purpose built non-medical day care centre for older people, adjacent to a geriatric hospital and a medical day centre for older people

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

12,000

Towards the cost of a conference to be held in the National College of Ireland on 10th October 2005

Dún Laoghaire Lions Club

9,000

Towards matching the contribution from the annual golf classic in aid of the purchase of essential equipment for the intensive care unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire.

Embrace, The Lough, Cork

70,000

Towards the cost of a summer scheme for children with a severe or profound learning disability, who are pupils of the special classes in St. Paul’s School, COPE Foundation, Montenotte, Cork

The Endometriosis Association of Ireland, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

6,624

Towards the cost of a salary for a part-time employee to deal with requests and queries on a day-to-day basis

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), Cork

50,000

Towards the cost of “Healthy City Topics” workshops

Family Ministry, Paul Street, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of “The Seedling Project 05/06” which is a peer group grief support programme for 12-18 year olds who have been bereaved by the loss of a parent

Finglas Senior Help Line, Finglas West, Dublin 11

5,000

Towards the cost of the Help Line

Foynes & District Community Council Ltd, Foynes, Co. Limerick

20,000

Towards the cost of providing a lift in the community centre to allow wheelchair access to 2nd floor amenities for senior citizens and wheelchair users

Frenchpark Community Playgroup, Co. Roscommon

40,000

Towards the cost of a 17 seater minibus

The Friends of St Patrick’s Association, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

20,935

Towards the cost of 7/9 seater vehicle adapted to carry wheelchair dependent residents

Galway Travellers Support Group, Prospect Hill, Galway

25,000

Towards the cost of fitting out the premises already accessed in Galway City to meet the growing needs of the project.

Glin Homes for the Elderly Ltd, Tullyglass, Glin, Co. Limerick

100,000

Towards the cost of the purchase of a mini-bus

Grow in Ireland, Swords, Co. Dublin

15,000

Towards office set-up costs and expansion of services in the region

Hooked, Salthill, Galway

1,000

Towards the cost of audio-visual equipment for use in information campaign

Irish Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association, Cork City

3,000

Towards the continued on-going development of the Association; maintenance of the website; continued communication to a wider audience through the journal; and providing courses for practitioners.

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

20,000

Towards the cost of the “Suicide and Masculinity” conference in Dec 2005

Irish Association of Suicidology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

7,500

Towards the cost of producing a quarterly newsletter

Irish Chronic Pain Association, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

4,500

Towards the cost of the upgrade of computer equipment and ancillaries

Irish Family Planning Association Limited, Amiens St, Dublin 1

7,500

Towards the cost of purchasing an ultrasound machine

Irish Gerontological Society, c/o Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork

10,000

Towards the cost of an academic policy seminar in the Royal Irish Academy

Irish Haemochromatosis Association, Rathgar, Dublin 6

25,000

Towards the cost of designing and printing information booklets, posters and stationery

Irish Kidney Association

500,000

Towards the cost of the donor public awareness campaign, including printing and distribution of organ donor cards with fact file.

Irish Kidney Association

50,000

Towards the cost of training, accommodation and travel for 40 organ transplant patients to Ontario, Canada for 9 days to represent Ireland at the World Transplant Games 2005.

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

140,000

Towards the cost of improving, maintaining and expanding the equipment bank

Irish Progressive Association for Autism, Bessborrough, Cork

23,000

Towards the cost of summer camps, seminars, an awareness campaign for an assistance dog programme for autistic children, an expanded library service, office equipment and an alternative therapies programme.

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society, Foxrock, Dublin 18

13,500

Towards the cost of a diagnostic nailbed capillaroscopy system for diagnosis of scleroderma

Irish Red Cross (Leenane/Haam Branch), Co. Galway

6,000

Towards the cost of purchasing and equipping an ambulance

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Fairview Strand, Dublin 3

140,000

Towards the cost of providing resources to administer the work of the Parliament and to provide for an improvement in its ability to respond to policy initiatives

Irish Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases, Ballyneety, Co. Limerick

28,000

Towards the cost of a national medical conference bringing together affected people, their families and experts to offer advice and support

Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

30,000

Towards the Society’s running costs

JADD Projects Ltd, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

15,000

Towards the cost of paying for a qualified childcare supervisor to supervise children of clients who are attending JADD for treatment and/or personal development courses

Johnny — Gay Peer Action Group, Outhouse, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1

3,000

Towards the cost of producing new publications and further developing the website

Kerry Hospice Foundation, c/o Tralee General Hospital, Tralee, Co. Kerry

100,000

Towards the cost of the palliative care day unit

Kerry Mental Health Association, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of setting up a day care centre for people with mental health needs

Killahan School, Pre-School Autism Unit, Tralee, Co. Kerry

15,000

Towards the cost of equipping the Snoozelen Room

Knockanure Development Association, Listowel, Co. Kerry

50,000

Towards the cost of restoring the old school house and converting it to a centre for the community

Laharn Community Action Group Ltd, Mallow, Co. Cork

4,500

Towards the cost of converting the old school house at Laharn into a Community, Cultural and Heritage Centre for the use of community and other local organisations.

Leitrim Lifestart, Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim

15,000

Towards the cost of establishing a Lifestart initiative in North Leitrim

Lifestart National Office, Church Street, Sligo

30,000

Towards the cost of developing the service nationally and to train staff in quality assurance in order to deliver a quality service to parents and children

Longford Community Resources, Longford

40,000

Towards the cost of establishing a county based youth service for Longford.

Mallow Social Services Council

45,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Centre’s roof

Mead Day Care Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13

20,000

Towards the cost of replacing the Centre’s roof

Meningitis Trust, Bray, Co. Wicklow

16,750

Towards the cost of publishing the Early Years Guide

Mental Health Association, Loughrea, Co. Galway

28,000

Towards the purchase of a mini-bus

Mental Health Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

57,000

Towards the cost of developing mental health education resources for use with primary school children

Mna Feasa, Women’s Domestic Violence Project, Knocknaheeny, Cork

15,600

Towards the cost of providing 2 hours of group counselling per week for 12 women at a subsidised rate

Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

12,000

Towards the cost of evaluating the “Music in Healthcare” programme

National Infertility Support and Information Group, Togher, Cork

20,000

Towards the 10th Anniversary conference in 2006

Newtown/ Donadea Senior Citizens Group, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

6,000

Towards the cost of providing transport to and from the community centre

Oak House Resource Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois

4,000

Towards the cost of a computer project for adult service users with an intellectual disability

One in Four, Holles Street, Dublin 2

100,000

Towards the cost of funding the existing psychotherapy and advocacy programme.

Open Heart House, St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of the Therapies Programme

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballsbridge Unit)

140,000

Towards the cost of replacement ambulances

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballinrobe Unit)

60,000

Towards the cost of building a headquarters

Outhouse Ltd, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1

70,000

Towards the cost of refurbishment of the premises

Pre-School for Travellers, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

6,799

Towards the cost of developing an outdoor play area

Samaritans (Limerick/Tipperary Branch)

8,020

Towards the cost of a new telephone system and new computer for e-mail support

Schizophrenia Ireland, 38 Blessington Street, Dublin 7

20,000

Towards the cost of Relatives Weekend with a mixture of educational, respite and leisure activities for relatives who are carers of people with severe mental illness.

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St Mary’s, South Hill, Delvin, Co. Westmeath

15,000

Towards the cost of developing an IT and multi-media room

Social Communications Research Programme Ltd, Trim, Co. Meath

80,000

Towards the cost of development of a manual, DVD and computerised social skills programme and to provide training to mental health and educational professionals for adolescents with Asperger Syndrome.

Southill Family Resource Centre, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

7,000

Towards the cost of bioresonance-testing and appropriate remedies, psychology, based on guided introspection, meditation and relaxation classes and Indian head massage.

St. Andrew’s Centre, Greenhills Road, Dublin 12

15,000

Towards the running costs of the centre

St. Helena’s Women’s Awareness Group, St Helena’s Family Resource Centre, St. Helena’s Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

11,577

Towards the cost of installing a chairlift for individuals with mobility issues in order to allow access to the four training rooms on the upper levels.

St. John’s House of Rest, Merrion Road, Dublin 4

55,000

Towards the cost of upgrading the building and facilities

St Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane, Co. Dublin

11,000

Towards the cost of a treadmill and stationary bicycle for the gymnasium

St. Mary’s Community Benefit Fund, Richmond Hill, Rathmines, Dublin 6

35,000

Towards the cost of a wheelchair accessible ambulance

St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group, Wheaton Hall, Drogheda

2,000

Towards the cost of maintaining and improving the programme

St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Club, Corbally, Limerick

2,000

Towards the cost of acquiring new equipment

Summer Fun 2005 — Camp, c/o St Brigid’s School, Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

2,000

Towards the cost of a week-long summer camp

Tallaght Community Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24

5,000

Towards the puppetry and play project which focuses on the issue of obesity.

Thursday Club Clarina, Clarina, Co. Limerick

10,000

Towards the cost of running bingo and other activities, and health talks and demonstrations by health professionals

Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler Group, Westport, Co. Mayo

2,000

Towards the cost of purchasing equipment and toys

Tralee Refugee Support Services, Tralee, Co. Kerry

10,000

Towards the cost of providing a family support service for locally resident asylum seekers and refugees

Volunteer Stroke Scheme, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12

4,000

Towards the cost of an annual holiday

Westgate Foundation, Westgate West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

60,000

Towards the cost of services and projects

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

100,000

Towards the cost of clearing the outstanding balance on the capital cost of the loan for Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry, Co. Galway

TOTAL

3,727,200

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

203 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive’s intention to amalgamate the catering section of Ennis General Hospital with that in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ennis, resulting in the closure of the catering kitchen in Ennis General Hospital, is a precursor to the hospital being relegated to the status of a local hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8083/06]

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

Health Reports.

Dan Neville

Question:

204 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an independent inquiry as requested by the family into the suicide of a person (details supplied) in County Cork on 17 October 2004 at unit CF Cork University Hospital. [8087/06]

As the Deputy is aware, I requested the Mental Health Commission to prepare a report on the circumstances of the death of the named person and to advise on what action, if any, would be appropriate.

The Mental Health Commission has informed my Department that it is finalising its report and expects to be in a position to submit it to me in the near future. I will await the findings of the Mental Health Commission's report before making any further decisions in the matter.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

205 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements to have a person (details supplied) in County Cork called for dental treatment at the earliest date possible. [8093/06]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

206 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an occupational therapist’s report is available regarding the need for home aids and a shower unit in the home of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a response will be expedited from the Health Service Executive on this matter. [8104/06]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

207 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the home help which will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the matter will be investigated with a view to providing some support to the person concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8105/06]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

208 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application for subvention for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8112/06]

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.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

209 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the payroll of her Department who are not working in her Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8121/06]

Set out in tabular form are details of the number of people on my Department's payroll who are seconded to various agencies outside my Department.

Grade

Number of Staff

Name of Agency

Secretary General

1

Higher Education Authority

Judge

1

Hepatitis C & HIV Tribunal

Chief Education Officer

1

Institute of Public Health

Ombudsman

1

Office of the Ombudsman for Children

Principal Officer

2

(1) Health Insurance Authority(2) Office of Ombudsman for Children

Assistant Principal Officer

9

(1) Mental Health Commission (2) National Treatment Purchase Fund (3) Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (4) Public Service & Executive Union (5) HIQA (6) HSE (7) Department of Justice Equality & Law Reform (8) Office of Ombudsman for Children (9) Office of Ombudsman for Children

Higher Executive Officer

4

(1) Special Residential Services Board (2) Department of the Taoiseach (3) HIQA (4) Office of Ombudsman for Children

Executive Officer

2

(1) Lourdes Inquiry (2) Office of Ombudsman for Children

Clerical Officer

4.6

(1) Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment (2) Office of Tobacco Control (3) Office of Ombudsman for Children (4) Office of Ombudsman for Children (5) National Treatment Purchase Fund (0.6)

All salaries in respect of the above officers are recouped from the various agencies except in the case of the assistant principal officer, who is seconded to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Mental Health Services.

Seamus Healy

Question:

210 Mr. Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funds arising from the sale of lands under the management of the mental health services will be ring-fenced for the development of health services within that service area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8135/06]

The report of the expert group on mental health policy, A Vision for Change, was launched on 24 January 2006. The report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It proposes a person-centred treatment approach that addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan reflecting best practice and evolved and agreed with service users and their carers. Special emphasis is given to the need to involve service users and their families and carers at every level of service provision.

This policy envisions an active, flexible and community based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. It will require substantial funding but there is considerable equity in buildings and lands within the current mental health system that could be realised to fund this plan. Therefore, this report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and to reinvest the resources released by these closures in the mental health service. The closure of large mental hospitals and the move to modern units attached to general hospitals, together with the expansion of community services, has been Government policy since the publication of Planning for the Future in 1984.

The Health Service Executive, which has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the expert report, has stated the national mental health directorate within the HSE will immediately establish an implementation group to ensure the recommendations are realised in a timely and co-ordinated manner.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Seamus Healy

Question:

211 Mr. Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on core funding community employment positions currently supporting personal social services for people with disabilities on the basis of the costings of the Irish Wheelchair Association community employment project, that is, 369 posts at 19.5 hours, 30 community employment supervisors at 39 hours and an additional 25% allocation as committed in the HEBE report in 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8136/06]

In the Estimates for 2006, significant additional funding totalling €100 million has been included for the improvement of health funded support services for people with disabilities.

As part of this provision funding of €10 million has been made available to address core underfunding and staffing issues in services provided by the voluntary sector. The Health Service Executive has been asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis having regard for the needs of people with disabilities. I expect that the executive's consideration of these needs will take into account any urgent case for funding of necessary services which may be made by the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Care of the Elderly.

Pat Carey

Question:

212 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the home care and nursing home needs of the elderly; when she expects to be able to take measures necessary to address the needs of an aging population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8149/06]

This Government is committed to developing the various community and home support schemes that are vital to maintain older people in their own homes for as long as possible. As the Deputy will be aware, an investment package of an additional €150 million has been put in place for services for older people and palliative care for 2006 and 2007. Reflecting the new emphasis on home and day care, almost three quarters, or €109 million, of the full year costs are being committed to community care supports.

Home care packages deliver a wide range of services and have been piloted successfully in several regions in recent years. They include various disciplines and will vary according to the care needs of the person so that, for example, there might be a greater emphasis in some packages on home care assistants while other packages may require a greater level of therapy and nursing. Approximately 1,100 home care packages are provided to people at present. Of the budget investment package an additional €55 million has been allocated to this initiative, €30 million of which relates to 2006, so that by the end of 2006 a total of 2,000 additional home care packages will have been provided.

As the Deputy will be aware, home helps are also an essential part of supporting older people at home and thereby delaying or preventing admission to long-stay residential care. They also help the early discharge of older people from hospitals and can form part of home care packages. There is a continuing demand for home helps due to the increased number of older people. An additional €33 million full year cost is now being allocated for this programme, €30 million in 2006 and €3 million in 2007. The additional funding of €30 million will provide 1.75 million additional home help hours. I wish to advise the Deputy that additional funding of €20 million was provided for the administration of the nursing home subvention scheme in 2006, bringing the total available budget to €160 million.

In relation to the standard and quality of services and facilities in nursing homes, the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations 1993, made under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, set out the standards to which private nursing homes must adhere. The Health Service Executive currently carries out inspections in private nursing homes. In the context of the Health Bill 2006, the process has begun to review the current system with a view to strengthening the powers available to those involved in inspecting facilities and to extend a strengthened inspection system to public facilities.

It is also intended that the Bill will provide for the setting and monitoring of standards for residential facilities for older people. In addition, the Department has commenced a review of the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations 1993 and is working in conjunction with the HSE, the SSI and the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board with the intention of developing standards that will apply to all residential services for older people. The National Economic and Social Forum report on care for older people was launched on 29 January 2006. I and officials in my Department will study this report and discuss it with the HSE in due course.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, established a working group to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, including improvements in community care and home care packages. The report of the working group on the future financing of long-term care has been presented to Government and is currently being considered by Cabinet.

Food Safety Authority.

Denis Naughten

Question:

213 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 21 February 2006, the action taken by the Health Service Executive to date; the responses the FSAI have received from the official agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8161/06]

Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 21 February 2006 relates to an audit conducted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, and the action taken on foot of this audit.

The FSAI has confirmed that the Health Service Executive, HSE, brought the audit findings to the attention of relevant food business proprietors either verbally or in writing and follow-up inspections have taken place to monitor progress with a view to ensuring compliance. In addition, labelling and traceability inspections were later incorporated into routine programmed and surveillance inspections of premises as part of the HSE food monitoring programme.

With regard to the responses received by the FSAI from the other official agencies, the following is the position. The Department of Agriculture and Food has advised that the issues identified in relation to the plants within its remit have been rectified. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has confirmed that all non-compliance issues have been addressed through a combination of follow-up audits, inspections and voluntary closure of premises. The local authorities conducted subsequent audits on the premises in question to ensure that the issues raised had been addressed.

The Deputy may also wish to note that since the audit, traceability and labelling matters have, where appropriate, been included in improvements notices, prohibition or closure orders issued under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 and served on the proprietors of food businesses by the official agencies.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Seán Ryan

Question:

214 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the situation whereby some services provided to people with disabilities are being processed through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment by means of community employment schemes; and if, due to the views being expressed by groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, her views on the transfer of the funding to her Department to process. [8170/06]

In the Estimates for 2006 significant additional funding totalling €100 million has been included for the improvement of health funded support services for people with disabilities.

As part of this provision, funding of €10 million has been made available to address core underfunding and staffing issues in services provided by the voluntary sector. The Health Service Executive has been asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis having regard to the needs of people with disabilities. I expect that the executive's consideration of these needs will take into account any urgent case for funding of necessary services which may be made by the Irish Wheelchair Association. It is not proposed to transfer funding to my Department in relation to this scheme.

Hospital Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

215 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects to approve the funding required for the next and final phase of the Naas Hospital development plan; if sanction for the project is her responsibility or if she has devolved responsibility and deferred the political decision to the Health Service Executive; the likely sequence of events in this case; if the initiative in respect of such matters rests with her or the Health Service Executive; if she is directly responsible to Dáil Éireann for moneys voted by the Dáil for her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8204/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Health Act 2004. Under this Act, the chief executive officer of the HSE is appointed the Accounting Officer for the Vote of the executive and is accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts through the Comptroller and Auditor General for the Appropriation Accounts of the executive.

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

Industrial Relations.

Dan Boyle

Question:

216 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the complaints there have been in relation to employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8804/06]

The Department of Health and Children has responsibility for one North-South implementation body established under the Good Friday Agreement, namely, the Food Safety Promotion Board, or Safefood. Safefood's remit is to promote awareness and knowledge of food safety issues on an all-island basis.

I am not aware of complaints in relation to recruitment procedures. However, I am advised that Safefood has received two complaints regarding the appointment of a co-ordinator for a research network on cryptosporidium. The co-ordinator's role attracts a grant of €10,000 per annum for a period of five years to facilitate the setting up and maintenance of the research network but it is not considered by Safefood to be a contract of employment. Both complaints are currently being processed by the appropriate employment equality machinery, one within this jurisdiction and one within Northern Ireland.

Civil Service Code of Standards.

Pat Breen

Question:

217 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 14 February 2006, if any code of standards and behaviour applied to the Civil Service prior to the code that was promulgated in September 2004; if the latter code applies also to semi-State; if an alternative code applies to such employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7901/06]

The Civil Service code of standards and behaviour was drawn up and promulgated in September 2004 pursuant to section 10(11) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. It applies only to civil servants and forms part of their terms of employment.

Before the promulgation of this code the Civil Service was governed by a set of principles and standards known as the personnel code. The personnel code consists of a corpus of Civil Service circulars that together set out the standards governing the conduct and behaviour of all civil servants. While not superseding the personnel code, the Civil Service code of standards and behaviour sets out in a single, consolidated document the main principles that must govern the behaviour of civil servants. The code restates and promotes the core public service values and provides a clear framework within which civil servants must work.

The Civil Service code of standards and behaviour does not apply in the commercial semi-State sector. However, the code of practice for the governance of State bodies, which was endorsed by Government in October 2001, requires that all State bodies, including the subsidiaries of such bodies, should have written codes of business conduct for directors and employees.

Tax Collection.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

218 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if the income from the compensation payments being awarded to farmers in respect of them being unable to grow beet will be taxed in the year it is received or spread over a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/06]

As the details of any compensation package have not yet been finalised for those farmers who have grown beet in the past, in respect of the cessation of this activity it is not possible at this stage to give a definitive view of the matter. This position is being kept under ongoing review and, as soon as the matter is finalised, Revenue will issue a statement about the tax treatment of any compensation payments.

Question No. 219 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Question No. 220 answered with QuestionNo. 59.

Tax Yield.

John Gormley

Question:

221 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who earn over €200,000 per annum here; the tax generated at a rate of 45% from those who earn above €200,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7644/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners the number of income earners expected to be on the income tax records in 2006 with gross incomes in excess of €200,000 is projected at 17,800.

It is assumed the Deputy wishes to ascertain the amount of income tax directly attributable to the top rate of income tax, which is currently set at 42%. As the application of the tax rates in a tax computation occurs before tax credits are applied, the credits are not apportioned between the tax charged at the different tax rates and it is not possible to quantify the tax charged at the different rates on a post-tax credit basis.

However, I would refer the Deputy to page B.23 of the budget 2006 booklet, which contains a table detailing where all tax reliefs go. He will see that, of the €10.8 billion in relief for the tax year 2002, €5.6 billion or 52% went on personal tax credits and reliefs, €3.4 billion or 31% to help fund pensions and savings and over €1 billion or 10% on capital allowances for traders, including farmers, to ensure their viability and job creation capacity. The vast bulk of tax relief each year thus goes to ordinary taxpayers at all income levels and to sustain business investment and jobs. In addition, the 17,800 income earners earning over €200,000 in 2006 represent approximately 0.9% of all income earners. It is estimated that the top 0.9% of income earners will account for approximately 20% of total income tax receipts in 2006.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

222 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7690/06]

The amount spent on advertising by my Department in national newspapers in each of the last five years is shown in tabular form.

Year

Cost of Advertising in National Newspapers

2001

1,904,500

2002

1,070,500

2003

82,200

2004

301,900

2005

93,700

The national newspapers in which this advertising was placed include the Evening Herald, the Irish Examiner, the Irish Independent, The Irish Times, the Irish Daily Star, The Sunday Business Post, the Sunday Independent, The Sunday Times, the Sunday Tribune, the Sunday World, Foinse, and the Belfast Telegraph.

Of the amounts shown for 2001 and 2002, €1,621,600 and €839,100 respectively was in respect of advertising placed on behalf of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland. These amounts also included advertising placed in the provincial newspapers. Advertising is normally placed through an advertising agency. The services of an advertising agency are procured in accordance with Government procurement procedures.

Departmental Offices.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

223 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the details of office accommodation leased or rented by his Department here; the terms of the various leases; the cumulative cost since 2000; the person from whom the premises are leased; his views on whether this represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7712/06]

The cumulative cost of rental and service charge costs for leased accommodation for the period 2000-05 is approximately €551,000,000. Details of these leases and landlords are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly. The rental terms agreed are not out of line with market rates and as such are considered to be value for money.

Tax Code.

Sean Fleming

Question:

224 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if VAT is chargeable on domestic refuse disposal charges; and if this charge applies to the service being provided by local authorities and private operators alike; when same came into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7736/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners they became aware in 2005 that VAT was being inconsistently applied in the private waste management sector. Indeed, compliant members of the trade wanted the Revenue Commissioners to ensure consistency of treatment across the industry. There was a lack of clarity on the part of some private operators about the application of VAT to the landfill levy. The legal position in relation to the VAT treatment is clear. In the case of privately operated landfill facilities, VAT is chargeable at 13.5% on the total consideration that the operator is entitled to receive, inclusive of the levy.

In June 2005, the Revenue Commissioners issued instructions to their staff confirming the legal position on the application of VAT in the private waste management sector and the necessity for consistency of treatment across the sector. The Commissioners subsequently published an article in their Tax Briefing publication, which explained the correct VAT treatment. Revenue officials also recently met with representatives from the Irish Waste Management Association to confirm the correct VAT treatment.

In so far as the application of VAT to local authorities engaged in the collection and disposal of waste is concerned, the legal position is that such authorities are exempt from VAT. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide nor can they claim VAT back on any of the inputs that go towards providing a service. Essentially, only VAT registered businesses that charge VAT can recover VAT. It is not possible for me to change the VAT treatment of waste disposal as this is dictated by EU law.

Decentralisation Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

225 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the Department that will be located on the north side of Dublin following decentralisation; if staff who work in the three Departments currently based on Dublin’s north side will be given first refusal on all posts therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7759/06]

The Office of Public Works is responsible for both property procurement and disposal. The overall objective is to ensure property being acquired at a regional level is matched as closely as possible both in time and in cost terms by the disposal of property currently held in the Dublin region, whether held on lease or otherwise.

No decisions have been made yet on the disposal, retention or reallocation of office buildings in Dublin post decentralisation. The Office of Public Works will bear in mind the particular requirements of Departments remaining in Dublin and the need to ensure that all office space remaining in Dublin is utilised in the most cost effective manner possible. Civil and public servants who do not wish to transfer to a decentralised location will be assigned to an alternative public service post in Dublin. Each individual will be able to indicate via his or her personnel section the organisations remaining in Dublin which would interest them.

As information becomes available from the central applications facility, CAF, it will be possible to identify vacancies that will arise in organisations remaining in Dublin as a result of individuals in those organisations applying to transfer to decentralised posts. Consultations will be held with the public service unions on an ongoing basis to address the concerns of all staff affected by the programme.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

226 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for P21s to be issued to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/06]

The Revenue Commissioners have advised that forms P21 will issue shortly in respect of the years 2003 and 2004 on the basis of income and tax credit details on their computer record. In relation to 2005, as Revenue's computer record does not yet have details for this year it is necessary for the persons concerned to submit their forms P60 to the Revenue Commissioners in order to facilitate the issue of P21s.

INTERREG Funding.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

227 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the money under PEACE I, PEACE II and INTERREG III programmes was allocated in the past three years; the percentage of available moneys that was spent on consultants and agencies advising the way in which the money would be allocated. [7816/06]

There have been two PEACE programmes, PEACE I from 1994-99 and PEACE II from 2000-06. The value of the PEACE I programme to the Border region was €100 million. Of this, 3% or €3 million, was spent on technical assistance — monitoring and evaluation — of the programme. A total of 75% of funds allocated to technical assistance came from the EU while the remaining 25% was funded from the Exchequer. None of this was spent in the past three years.

The value of the PEACE II programme is €868 million. Of this, 9.5% or €83 million is provided as technical assistance to monitor and evaluate projects since 2000. This is an EU requirement and is necessary to ensure that projects are of a high standard and provide value for money. To ensure equity and transparency in both the PEACE and INTERREG Ireland-Northern Ireland programmes, projects valued over €367,000 must be assessed by independent economic consultants. Between 2003 and 2006 approximately €40 million or 4% of the total value of the programme has been spent on monitoring and evaluation North and South.

The INTERREG IIIA Ireland-Northern Ireland programme aims to address the economic and social disadvantage that can result from the existence of a border. The total value of the programme is €182 million in the 2000-06 period. A sum of €11 million or 6% of this is provided in technical assistance in the 2000-06 period. The EU requires that this proportion of funds is used to assess and monitor the standard of projects. Approximately €4.2 million has been spent in the past three years, which is 2.3% of the total programme.

Ireland also participates in four other INTERREG III programmes. The INTERREG IIIA Ireland-Wales cross-Border programme is worth €70 million. The share of total payments for the programme that was spent on technical assistance during this period was 1.6%. The INTERREG IIIB north-west Europe transnational programme includes Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, northern France, parts of Germany and the Netherlands and some Swiss cantons. The programme is worth €656 million in total. Details relating to payments to Irish projects are currently being compiled and will be passed on to the Deputy as soon as this work has been completed.

The INTERREG IIIB Atlantic area transnational programme comprises Ireland, Portugal, the western half of the UK and France and large areas of Spain. The programme is worth €204 million. The share of total payments for the programme that was spent on technical assistance during this period was 4.8%. The INTERREG IIIC inter-regional programme covers the whole EU territory over four geographic zones, namely, north, south, east and west. The share of total payments for the programme that was spent on technical assistance during this period was 18%.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

228 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 21 February 2005, if he will state the locations involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7923/06]

The locations and Civil Service organisations that are oversubscribed are:

Location

Killarney

Department of Arts Sport and Tourism

Clonakilty

Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources

Knock

Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Newbridge

Department of Defence

Kilkenny

Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government

Drogheda

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Carrick-On-Shannon

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Carrickmacross

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Loughrea

Department of Transport

Claremorris

OPW

Trim

OPW

Navan

Probation and Welfare Service

Kilrush

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Newcastle West

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Kanturk

OPW

Macroom

Department of Agriculture and Food

Na Furbacha

Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Longford

Irish Prison Service

Tullamore

Department of Finance

Sligo

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Athlone

Department of Education

Enniscorthy

Bord Bia and Bord Glas since amalgamated

I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that applicants may opt to change preferences at any stage during the transition phase and there may not be a precise grade match in each case between advertised posts and CAF applicants. These issues are being worked through as the programme is rolled out. The Deputy may wish to note that one public service body, the Combat Poverty Agency decentralising to County Monaghan, is also over-subscribed.

Bookmakers’ Licences.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

229 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the measures he intends to take to ensure the industry is properly regulated in view of the recent growth in spread-betting here. [7996/06]

Firms that offer spread-betting services, whether in respect of sports events or financial services, are required to possess a bookmaker's licence, which is issued by the Revenue Commissioners.

To obtain a bookmaker's licence a person must publish a notice in the press of his or her intention to carry on the business of bookmaking at a particular premises and apply to the local superintendent of the Garda Síochána for a certificate of personal fitness. The application must be signed by two Peace Commissioners. The superintendent either issues a certificate or refuses the application, in which latter case the applicant can appeal to the District Court. Having obtained a certificate of personal fitness, the person then applies to the Revenue Commissioners for a licence. From then on the primary focus of Revenue Commissioners' enforcement action in relation to bookmaking is to counteract evasion of betting duty.

As regards spread betting on financial markets, the markets in financial instruments directive, Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, is due to be transposed into the national laws of each member state by 31 January 2007. Essentially, the directive relates to how financial instruments are traded and sets out what constitutes a financial instrument. Among the items listed as financial instruments are financial contracts for differences, which relate to spread-betting on financial markets only, for example, stock or indices movements, but does not include spread betting on sporting events. Trading in financial contracts for differences will be a regulated activity once the new directive takes effect and the Financial Regulator will be the competent authority.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Dan Boyle

Question:

230 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the promise in the Finance Bill 2006 in relation to low earning SSIA holders reinvesting their funds will also apply to social welfare recipients. [7997/06]

In order to be eligible to avail of the incentive, an SSIA holder must satisfy the following income conditions. The SSIA holder's gross income before all deductions in the year preceding the year of maturity of the SSIA cannot exceed €50,000 and none of that income can be chargeable to tax at the higher rate of 42%. A social welfare recipient, therefore, may qualify assuming that his or her social welfare income is his or her main income source.

Departmental Appointments.

Dan Boyle

Question:

231 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of the State boards under which his Department made 303 appointments and reappointments since 1997 as indicated in Parliamentary Question No. 517 of 25 January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8010/06]

In my response to the Deputy's Question No. 517 of 25 January 2006 I stated that 303 appointments and reappointments had been made to State boards by my Department since 1997. Details of the boards and number of appointments made, including reappointments but excluding ex officio appointments, are outlined in the tabular statement.

Name of Body

No. of appointments / reappointments

Expenditure Review Steering Committee

12

Central Bank of Ireland (Replaced by CBFSAI on 1 May 2003)

6

Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI)

8

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority

8

Financial Services Consultative Industry Panel

22

Financial Services Consultative Consumer Panel

21

Financial Services Ombudsman Council

10

Credit Union Advisory Committee

7

Sealúchais Árachais Teoranta

2

National Treasury Management Agency

5

National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

11

National Development Finance Agency

7

Public Appointments Service

9

State Claims Agency

7

Ordnance Survey Ireland

10

An Post National Lottery Company

22

Valuation Tribunal

24

Interim Board of the Civil Service Childcare Agency

8

Public Service Benchmarking Body

14

Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector

4

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal

22

Civil Service Arbitration Board

24

Teachers Arbitration Board

24

Permanent Defence Forces Arbitration Board

6

Committee for Performance Awards

3

Revenue Powers Group

7

National Development Finance Agency.

Dan Boyle

Question:

232 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance when in 2006 he intends to introduce legislation to allocate procurement functions to the National Development Finance Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/06]

The Government decided in July 2005 to establish a centre of expertise in the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, to undertake the procurement of public private partnership, PPP, projects initially in the education, justice and health areas. The NDFA has commenced the new functions on an interim non-statutory basis in accordance with the Government decision pending the making of the necessary legislative amendments. In tandem with this, my Department has been working with our legal advisers and in consultation with the NDFA to bring forward the necessary legislative amendments. The preparation of the legislation is being advanced with a view to bringing it forward in the autumn session.

Tax Code.

Dan Boyle

Question:

233 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if he is committed to bringing accountability with regard to gathering, assessing and publishing data concerning the costs and benefits of each individual tax expenditure up to the same standard as that which applied to direct expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8013/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the external and internal reviews of tax schemes undertaken at my initiative in 2005. These reviews of two dozen separate schemes were aimed at providing evidence on which to base policies going forward.

The Deputy will also be aware that my predecessor as Minister for Finance introduced a number of legislative changes in the Finance Acts 2003 and 2004 that underpinned the Revenue Commissioners' drive to improve the quality of data on tax reliefs through the redesign of tax return forms. This information is gradually coming on stream and will over time provide better data in this area and enable fuller estimates of tax foregone.

In my recent Budget Statement I explained the consultancy reviews of the various tax incentive schemes included a recommendation that any new reliefs should be time limited and should, where relevant, be subject to an assessment of costs and benefits prior to their introduction. They also proposed that recipients of these kinds of tax reliefs be required to supply full data to Revenue to assist in the costing and assessment of reliefs. I will be following this advice as appropriate.

Consumer Price Index.

John Gormley

Question:

234 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the methodology used to calculate the consumer price index; if there is widespread acceptance of this tool as an economic indicator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8014/06]

The director general of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI. I have no functions in this matter.

The EU harmonised index of consumer prices is compiled by EUROSTAT, the EU statistical office. Both the CPI and the HICP show inflation has fallen substantially here and is no more than the EU average. This Government has contributed to this low rate of inflation by correct fiscal policies including no changes in excise rates for the past two budgets.

Tax Collection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

235 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of medical relief claims recorded in respect of the tax years 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the cost of relief granted. [8015/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which complete information on cost to the Exchequer and numbers of claimants for tax relief regarding medical expenses is for the income tax year 2002.

In that year, an estimated 143,850 claimants availed of the tax relief for medical expenses, at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of €63 million.

Richard Bruton

Question:

236 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of private rent relief claims, distinguishing whether over 55 or under 55, recorded in respect of the tax years 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the value of relief granted. [8016/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which complete information on cost to the Exchequer and numbers of claimants for tax relief regarding claims for rent paid in private tenancies is for the income tax year 2002.

In 2002, an estimated 2,000 claimants aged over 55 and 95,400 claimants aged 55 and under availed of the tax relief for rent paid in private tenancies, at an estimated total cost to the Exchequer of €26.4 million.

Preliminary figures for 2003 indicate that the numbers of claimants for the tax relief in that year are of a similar order.

Richard Bruton

Question:

237 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of bin charge relief claims recorded in respect of 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the value of relief granted. [8017/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which complete information on cost to the Exchequer and numbers of claimants for tax relief regarding local authority service charges is for the income tax year 2002.

In that year, an estimated 124,900 claimants availed of the tax relief for the service charges, at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of €5.2 million.

Preliminary figures for 2003 indicate that the numbers of claimants for the tax relief in that year are of the order of 165,000.

Richard Bruton

Question:

238 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of P45s recorded to date in respect of 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the tax repayment which arose in respect of people moving jobs in each year. [8018/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of P45 forms, part 1, recorded to date in respect of the years specified are as follows:

Year

Number

2003

637,240

2004

592,795

2005

565,386

In addition to those centrally processed P45 forms, Revenue staff may also process a small number of P45s locally, for which no statistics are available. However, those would be insignificant in the context of the overall numbers of P45s received.

If a person is unemployed for a period between jobs, he or she may be entitled to an unemployment repayment. I am advised that, for the years specified, the Revenue has only aggregate statistics regarding PAYE repayments made without the issue of a balancing statement. Those would relate not just to unemployment repayments but also, for example, to claims for medical expenses or other reliefs that do not necessarily require a full review and balancing statement.

I am advised, however, that a new PAYE computer system, introduced recently, will be able to provide statistics on unemployment repayments.

Credit Union Legislation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

239 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there are unnecessary legislative or other restrictions on the development of the credit union movement; and the steps he will take to remove same to encourage its further development. [8026/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

240 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to amend and update the Credit Union Act 1997, bearing in mind the huge development of the credit union movement over the past ten years and the benefits that it brings to its 3 million members in the Republic and Northern Ireland. [8027/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.

The Credit Union Act 1997 provides the legal framework for the regulation of credit unions. The Act was designed to provide the credit union movement with a regulatory structure that reflected and promoted the particular ethos and philosophy of the credit union movement, its strong tradition of volunteer service and the core objective of providing opportunities for saving and lending for members of credit unions. In the context of that legislative framework, the Registrar of Credit Unions, in the Financial Regulator's office, is responsible for the operation of the regulatory and supervisory regime for credit unions.

The Credit Union Act has provided the legal and regulatory framework within which the credit union movement in Ireland has continued to grow and develop over recent years. The assets of credit unions, largely comprising members' savings, have increased to €11.5 billion. That highlights the continued success of credit unions in meeting the financial needs of local communities and occupational groups falling within the common bond.

The rules-based approach to the regulation embodied in the Credit Union Act has served the credit union movement well by providing clarity and certainty to individual credit unions, their directors and members. It has helped support the continued stability of the credit union movement and safeguard members' savings during a period of rapid growth. The Act does provide a significant amount of discretion to the Registrar of Credit Unions regarding specific regulatory requirements, acting either on his own initiative or in the context of regulations made under the Act.

As Minister of Finance, my role is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions in light of the current state of development, capacity and capabilities of credit unions as a whole. A range of issues now arising in that context, including savings protection, investment rules and proposed legislative and regulatory changes, is currently under examination by my Department with the assistance of the Registrar of Credit Unions and the subject of consultations with the representative bodies for credit unions.

I can assure the Deputy that these issues will be assessed on their own merits with a view to establishing an appropriate balance in the regulation of credit unions between the need to facilitate credit unions in adapting to the changes taking place in Irish society and ensuring the stability and financial sustainability of credit unions and the safeguarding of the very significant savings entrusted to them by their members.

My decisions in these matters will be based on the advice and information provided by the Registrar of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Advisory Committee, CUAC — the statutory advisory body on credit union matters — and, of course, the credit union movement itself.

Architectural Heritage.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

241 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will provide permission and full funding of €6,000 to resurface the area in front of Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/06]

The area in front of Carrigafoyle Castle is not in the care of the Office of Public Works, and as such the question of OPW providing permission for its resurfacing does not arise.

In the context of the castle's presentation, officials from OPW are in contact with Kerry County Council to determine if a mutually acceptable arrangement can be agreed.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

242 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if a site has been acquired for a new Garda divisional headquarters in Wexford town for the Wexford-Wicklow Garda division; when it is expected construction work will commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8060/06]

The Commissioners for Public Works are currently in the process of negotiating for the purchase of a site for a divisional headquarters Garda station in Wexford town. When a site is purchased and following completion of legal formalities it is expected that construction will commence.

Tax Clearance Certificates.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

243 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite the issue of a C2 certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8089/06]

Revenue has no record of a C2 application ever being received in respect of this case. However, a tax clearance application was received and was dealt with by Revenue on 20 February 2006. It should either be with the taxpayer now or in the post.

Disabled Drivers.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

244 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has qualified for tax concessions under the disabled driver or passenger scheme is entitled to a rebate of VAT on petrol; and the other concessions the qualified person is entitled to under this scheme. [8090/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the authorisation under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concession scheme was issued for the first time to the person concerned on 17 February 2006.

A person admitted to the disabled passenger element of the scheme may apply for a repayment of excise duty on fuel used in the vehicle, for the actual transport of the person with the disability, up to a maximum of 600 gallons or 2,728 litres per year, for the fuel types petrol, diesel and LPG. The relief from excise duty on fuel is granted once the individual has been authorised under the scheme. In this regard claims for repayment should be made every four months; claim form DD3 is automatically forwarded by the central repayments office in Monaghan to the authorised individual; receipts for fuel purchased must be submitted; and the percentage of fuel used in the transport of the person with the disability should be estimated.

Relief is also available in respect of VRT and VAT, subject to a maximum of €15,875 under the passenger element of the scheme, on the purchase of a motor vehicle which has been specially constructed or adapted for the person with the disability. The engine size of the vehicle must be less than 4000 cu. cm. and the cost of adaptation must amount to at least 10% of the cost of the vehicle, exclusive of VRT. A vehicle, which has been subject to this relief, may not be disposed of for at least two years. Vehicles approved under the scheme are also exempt from road tax. There is no entitlement to a rebate of VAT on petrol or other fuel under the above scheme.

Flood Relief.

Joe Costello

Question:

245 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to construct the wall downstream of Distillery Road Bridge behind number 22 Distillery Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8101/06]

Dublin City Council has confirmed to the Office of Public Works that it has agreed with the property developers of the old industrial estate behind Distillery Road Bridge, that the developers will construct a wall connecting the new bridge with the existing wall downstream of the bridge on the right bank. My officials have been informed by the city council that this work will be completed in the next few weeks. The OPW and the city council are satisfied that the existing wall downstream of this point is of adequate height to protect against the extreme flood event the works were designed to cater for, following the raising of the wall in that stretch in 2005.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

246 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8122/06]

There are 13 officers on the payroll of my Department who are serving outside the Department at presents as follows:

Grade of officer

Where serving

Assistant Principal

European Institute of Public Administration, Maastricht

Assistant Principal*

Ordnance Survey Ireland

Assistant Principal*

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Assistant Principal*

Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly

Assistant Principal (2)*

Department of the Taoiseach

Assistant Principal (2)*

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse

Assistant Principal*

Civil and Public Service Union

Assistant Principal (2)

Masters Programme in Public Policy Analysis

Higher Executive Officer*

Office of Tobacco Control

Executive Officer*

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse

The asterisk indicates that the salary costs of these ten officers are recouped to my Department on a regular basis.

Tax Code.

Pat Carey

Question:

247 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to the introduction of a carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8157/06]

The climate change strategy says that from 2002 onwards, taxes will begin to take into account the amounts of greenhouse gases produced in any activity. It is indeed Government policy to take greenhouse gas emission into account when formulating or developing tax policy in any particular area.

In September 2004, the Government decided not to introduce a specific carbon tax, following a thorough examination of the issues involved, including how a carbon tax would be implemented and the associated environmental, economic and social impacts. In addition, my Department carried out an extensive consultation process in which 117 written submissions were received. Following this examination, the Government decided that a carbon tax was not an appropriate policy option and that, instead, it would intensify action on the other measures under the national climate change strategy.

The Government concluded that the environmental benefits of a carbon tax would not justify the difficulties that would arise, particularly for households, from the introduction of such a tax. In this respect, the carbon energy tax would have imposed price increases on many products already suffering sharp increases, particularly as a result of increases in international oil prices. While a carbon tax would have involved a range of compensatory measures, these would not fully address the adverse economic and social effects arising. Moreover a carbon tax would apply to products which are in the main already subject to excise duties and where a new tax is not specifically necessary to increase tax rates.

The carbon energy tax was just one possible element of the Government's approach to meeting Ireland's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol to which the Government remains fully committed. Taxation can play a part in attaining environment objectives. However, as Minister for Finance, I am concerned to ensure that in developing policy on tax measures we take into account any effects on Ireland's international competitiveness, particularly in relation to non-EU countries which compete with us and which may have low taxes on energy. I am also concerned in framing policy about the effect that the imposition of such taxes may have on the consumer price index and how they could impact on the less well off members of our community.

Apart from the carbon tax, the national climate change strategy does envisage other initiatives in the tax area with one such example being tax reliefs for "green initiatives". Essentially this approach uses the tax system to provide incentives for certain behaviour. Such incentives include capital allowances for corporate investment in renewable energy projects which have been available since 1998, and the significant biofuels excise relief scheme which I announced in the budget and for which provision has been made in the Finance Bill 2006.

Decentralisation Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

248 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the Department which will be located on the north side of Dublin following decentralisation; and if staff who currently work in the three Departments currently based on Dublin’s north side will be given first refusal on all posts therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8168/06]

The Office of Public Works is responsible for both property procurement and disposal. The overall objective is to ensure that property being acquired at a regional level be matched as closely as possible, both in time and in cost terms, by the disposal of property currently held in the Dublin region, whether held on lease or otherwise.

No final decisions have been made yet on the disposal, retention or reallocation of office buildings in Dublin, after decentralisation. The Office of Public Works will bear in mind the particular requirements of Departments remaining in Dublin and the need to ensure that all office space remaining in Dublin is utilised in the most cost effective manner possible.

Civil and public servants who do not wish to transfer to a decentralised location will be assigned to an alternative public service post in Dublin. Each individual will be able to indicate via his or her personnel section the organisations remaining in Dublin which would interest them.

As information becomes available from the central applications facility, CAF, it will be possible to identify vacancies which will arise in organisations remaining in Dublin as a result of individuals in those organisations applying to transfer to decentralised posts. Consultations will be held with the public service unions on an ongoing basis to address the concerns of all staff affected by the programme.

Departmental Correspondence.

Billy Timmins

Question:

249 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8172/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer was telephoned by his local tax office directly on Friday 24 September 2006. All his inquiries have been addressed and revised tax credit certificates for him, his employer and his pension provider are being issued.

Decentralisation Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

250 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of offices for decentralisation of the Revenue Commissioners to Newcastle West, County Limerick. [8173/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently considering tenders received for the provision of offices, on a design-build basis, for the Revenue Commissioners at Newcastle West, County Limerick under Phase 1 of the decentralisation programme. The commissioners expect to have reached a decision in respect of the tenders early next month.

Flood Relief.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of discussions and agreements reached with Kildare County Council on the completion of cleaning and drainage works at the River Slate, Allenwood, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8206/06]

Responsibility for maintenance of the River Slate lies with Kildare County Council. The Office of Public Works carried out drainage works at Allenwood in 2003 as agents for the local authority. The Office of Public Works is not in discussion with Kildare County Council on this matter and has no proposals to carry out further works.

Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance further to Question No. 314 of 21 February 2006, if the reference to the €670,574 includes the cost of this or other sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8208/06]

The figure of €670,574 referred to in Question No. 314 of 21 February 2006 includes the acquisition cost of the site at 19 Station Road, Leixlip for the proposed Garda Station. This was the only site purchased. No financial cost was involved in the acquisition of an additional piece of land adjacent to the site at 19 Station Road from Kildare County Council by the Office of Public Works.

Financial Services Regulation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that financial institutions here have sufficient protection to guard against their being used as a means of laundering the proceeds of bank robberies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8209/06]

Irish legislation on money laundering is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended. Primary responsibility for legislation in this area rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This legislation and relevant regulations made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform implemented the EU money laundering directives of 1991 and 2001 in Ireland. The procedures for the prevention of money laundering in the financial system primarily involve the requirement on financial institutions — and other designated bodies — to identify their customers, to have adequate anti-money laundering procedures in place, including staff training, to keep records and to report suspicions of a money laundering offence to the Garda Síochána and to the Revenue Commissioners.

The Financial Regulator requires all institutions which it supervises to comply with the anti-money laundering legislation and relevant sectoral guidance notes, and to have in place the necessary procedures and controls to ensure such compliance. The adequacy of such systems is reviewed by the Financial Regulator in the course of its ongoing supervision of institutions and requirements for improvement are advised to institutions as necessary. Furthermore, in accordance with its legal obligation under section 57(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, the Financial Regulator is obliged to make reports to the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners where in the course of its supervision it suspects that an institution has breached the relevant money laundering provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

The Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners regularly receive reports from financial institutions and other designated bodies where they suspect that a money laundering offence is being or has been committed. All such reports are investigated and progressed as appropriate by the relevant authorities.

The Deputy will also be aware that a third Money Laundering Directive has recently been adopted within the EU. This directive and other international anti-money laundering instruments are being examined to assess what legislative measures are required to give effect to them in Ireland.

Ireland's systems to combat money laundering and terrorist funding were reviewed by an evaluation team from the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, FATF, the international standard setting body in this area, last June and July. The outcome of this evaluation will also be taken into account in the transposition into Irish law of the third directive.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has identified the issues currently contributing to the loss of price and cost competitiveness and consequent job relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8210/06]

Inflation here is running at close to historically low levels. The level of employment is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate is the lowest in the EU. The Deputy's concerns therefore are misplaced. Nonetheless, it is vital to retain competitiveness and this Government's policies are aimed at this, via correct fiscal policies, no excise increases and the progressive removal of barriers to competition in the economy which will be reflected, in due course, in prices at retail level.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his efforts to date in determining the cause or causes of inflation not reflected in the CPI but deemed to be a contributory factor in the growing lack of competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8212/06]

The Director General of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI.

The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It measures in index form the monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services.

Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.

Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil or public servants redeployed under the Government’s programme of decentralisation; if he will express this as a percentage of the total original estimate of personnel to be relocated; the costs associated to date with the decentralisation programme; the original deadline for the completion of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8213/06]

To date, more than 1,150 civil servants have been assigned to decentralising posts. This represents 16% of the overall number of approximately 7,200 Civil Service posts earmarked for decentralisation. Many of them are located in Dublin for a transition period to enable effective transfer of skills and knowledge and to ensure quality customer service continues to be delivered as decentralisation is rolled out. A small number of advance moves have taken place to decentralised locations, including Sligo, Portlaoise, Athlone, Thurles, Tipperary town and na Forbacha in Galway.

The target timescales set for the programme when it was first announced were very ambitious. That approach has been very helpful as a catalyst for progress and has been instrumental in delivering the progress evident to date. I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July 2005 report, which identified progress relating to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and they are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. The OPW is updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

When details of the Government's decentralisation programme were first announced in budget 2004, it was stated the overall objective would be to ensure property acquired at regional level would be matched as closely as possible, both in time and in cost terms, by the disposal of property held in the Dublin region, whether on lease or otherwise. In November 2004, the implementation group submitted a report on the procurement methodology and financial assessment of the property aspects of the programme, including a financial model, based on a property finance study carried out by the OPW. While the prevailing property market conditions in each area will have a bearing on cost, this model indicates that the break even position on property will be reached in approximately 20 years. The latest information available from the OPW suggests that the total amount committed in principle to date by the OPW on site acquisition costs, excluding VAT, is approximately €36.3 million.

With regard to other non-property aspects of the programme, a report was prepared by Deloitte & Touche at the request of the implementation group. This report provided a model for identifying non-property costs and savings that might arise both during the relocation phase and in the context of a post-decentralised civil service. Decentralising organisations have been asked to use this model to make periodic reports identifying costs incurred and savings made since the programme was announced and going forward. I do not anticipate, however, at this stage that these costs will be significant.

Disabled Drivers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected to publish the report of the interdepartmental group studying the Disabled Drivers Disabled Passengers Tax Concession 1994 Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8214/06]

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, 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 current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the possible future development of the scheme. The short-term recommendations in respect of the appeals process have been implemented. In respect of the long-term recommendations, including the qualifying disability criteria, 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 should consider the recommendations contained in the report in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme.

The best way of addressing the transport needs of people with disabilities of whatever kind, and the effectiveness, suitability or otherwise of the disabled drivers scheme in that regard will be considered and progressed in consultation with the other Departments that have responsibility in this area. A car tax concession scheme can only play a partial role in dealing with this serious issue and examination of the scheme is taking place in that context. Changes to this scheme will be considered in the context of the overall development of policy in this area.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to carry out an evaluation of the underlying cause or causes of the invisible inflation, which threatens the competitiveness of the economy and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8215/06]

The director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index. Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in that budget and this will help to ensure relatively modest inflation in 2006.

Drainage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if conclusion has been reached in discussions with Kildare County Council in regard to the drainage works required at Mill Lane, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/06]

The Office of Public Works has written to Kildare County Council advising it of the situation regarding the Leixlip flood study, and my officials are in the process of arranging a meeting to discuss this matter.

Tax Code.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

260 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on the concerns of a person (details supplied) on the effect of capping the amount of tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/06]

I am aware of the concerns of the person referred to by the Deputy and have received representations from others regarding the inclusion of the donations scheme in the list of specified reliefs to be covered by the new restriction on the use of tax reliefs, which is due to come into effect on 1 January 2007. The issue was also raised during Committee Stage of the Finance Bill last week and there were differing views within the committee on the question. The most recent Revenue Commissioners report on the effective tax rates for those on high incomes for the tax year 2001 revealed that the donations scheme is one of the schemes being availed of by such taxpayers to reduce their effective tax rates to very low levels. Omitting the scheme from the specified reliefs list, as has been suggested, would reduce the effectiveness of the restriction, the aim of which is to increase the effective tax rate of those on high incomes towards 20%. Given the concerns that have been raised, I have undertaken to consider the matter further between now and Report Stage of the Finance Bill. Given the proportion, even of high earners, who will be affected by the relief restriction is relatively small, the effectiveness of the tax relief incentive for charitable donations will be unaffected in most cases.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Dan Boyle

Question:

261 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the complaints there have been regarding employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8805/06]

Each Department is replying individually regarding to the North-South Implementation Bodies under its aegis. This Department has responsibility for the special EU programmes body. Employment procedures are a matter for the body but I understood that there have been no complaints in this regard.

Energy Consumption.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

262 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will respond to the question of the landlord setting the meter for ESB and gas as outlined in correspondence (details supplied). [7797/06]

On foot of recent representations I received on this issue, my Department has referred the matter for investigation to the Commission for Energy Regulation, as the statutory body responsible for regulation of the electricity and gas market. I am advised that an investigation is under way and the commission will report back to me as soon as possible.

Fisheries Protection.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

263 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the recorded landings of mackerel, horse mackerel, blue whiting and herring for each of the refrigerated sea water vessels in the pelagic fleet over 40 metres in length for each of the past three years. [7677/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is contained in EU logbook returns by the vessels concerned, which is submitted to the Department under EU legislation. I am advised by the Attorney General's office that logbook data is personal information and that the relevant legislative provisions on data protection apply. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide information on a vessel specific basis.

I am, however, arranging for the completion of an aggregate landings analysis for the four species in question for the years 2003 to 2005. I will forward this directly to the Deputy as soon as it is completed.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

264 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the official recorded landings of mackerel in Norwegian and UK ports in 2004 and 2005 from Irish registered fishing vessels. [7678/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be transmitted directly to him at an early date.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

265 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7691/06]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. I will revert to the Deputy when I am in a position to issue a final reply.

Fish Quotas.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

266 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the quota allocation for herring that was made to each sea fishery boat in the north west fishing fleet in 2005, under the European Union Common Fisheries Policy rules. [7733/06]

The allocation of north-west herring quota, ICES areas VIaN and VIaS, is distributed to eligible vessels with the required licensing entitlements in accordance with long-established ratios that are related to both vessel length and fleet category. This fishery takes place in both the spring and the autumn and a portion of the available national quota is allocated, normally on a fortnightly basis, to each season.

During 2005, there were a number of separate allocations for each season, which were made on the basis of vessel owners indicating in advance an intention to participate in the fishery for a given period. The applicable procedure is that at the end of each allocation period, quota uptake is assessed for that period and further allocations are then made in respect of the updated quota availability in accordance with the established ratios. The aggregate allocations made in 2005 to the various participant vessels in the north-west herring fishery are outlined in the following table.

2005 North-West Herring Fishery

Pelagic Segment

Allocated Quota (MT)

Pelagic Segment

Aine

1,263

Antarctic

1,802

Atlantean

1,802

Atlantic Challenge

1,802

Atlantic Dawn

1,802

Brendelen

1,263

Carmarose

705

Colmcille

705

Felucca

1,156

Fr. McKee

1,263

Girl Stephanie

773

Menhaden

705

Neptune

1,263

Olgarry

1,263

Pacelli

1,263

Paula

345

Sea Spray

705

Sheanne

1,802

Vigilant

1,156

Western Chieftain

1,263

Western Endeavour

1,802

Western Viking

1,802

Westward Isle

705

Polyvalent Segment

Annadale

80

Buddy M

37

Carmona

268

Carrigeen Bay

63

Celtic/Atlantic Quest

342

Connacht Ranger

137

Cú Na Mara

128

De Linn

250

Eilean Croine

220

Eternal Dawn

342

Fiona K II

128

Fort Aenghus

372

Glor na dTonn

42

Green Isle

100

Guiding Star

268

Holly B

211

Incentive

63

Iolair

80

Iuda Naofa

384

Lovon

268

Ocean Breeze

63

Ocean Venture

128

Roisin Bairbre

310

Ronan Ross

327

Sarah David

327

Sparkling Star

220

Westbound

307

Telecommunications Services.

Liam Aylward

Question:

267 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when exchanges will be enabled in south Kilkenny to meet the demand for broadband coverage in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7907/06]

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

The upgrading of telephone exchanges for the provision of broadband is an operational matter for Eircom, and I do not have any function in the matter.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Billy Timmins

Question:

268 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received an application for a licence following a change of ownership for a vessel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7995/06]

Under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing and registration were transferred from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are considered by the licensing authority for sea-fishing boats. The head of the licensing authority is the registrar general of fishing boats, a senior official in the Department.

The licensing authority has informed me that the individual concerned applied for a sea-fishing boat licence for the vessel on 19 December 2005. A letter of licence offer, subject to a number of conditions, was issued to him on 11 January 2006. One of the conditions concerning replacement capacity remains to be complied with. The individual concerned must provide the required replacement capacity in terms of gross tonnage and engine power. I understand that the individual concerned is in the process of purchasing the required replacement capacity from a vessel that is currently on the fishing boat register. This vessel must first be deregistered before its capacity can be assigned to another vessel. I understand that the relevant paperwork to deregister the vessel and reassign the capacity has been submitted to the licensing authority and is currently being processed.

When the required replacement capacity has been assigned to the applicant's vessel, the licensing authority will issue a non-operative licence. The non-operative licence will allow the vessel owner to have the boat registered, following which the licensing authority can issue an operative sea-fishing boat licence.

Electricity Generation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

269 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of electricity produced by Irish wind turbines which is being sent to Scotland and other places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8097/06]

There is no direct interconnection of electricity networks between Ireland and Scotland. Information supplied to my Department by the Commission for Energy Regulation indicates that in 2005, 75 gigawatt hours approximately of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in Ireland was exported to Northern Ireland via the interconnector.

There is no additional breakdown of this figure available by renewable energy technology nor is any additional information available on the ultimate destination of the electricity after it crossed the interconnector into Northern Ireland.

Communications Masts.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

270 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is a review of the safety issues associated with mobile phone masts being conducted by or for his Department; when any such review will be completed; if he will publish the results; and the actions he intends to take to restrict the ill-effects of these masts on communities generally and young people in particular. [8113/06]

Seamus Healy

Question:

272 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources pertaining to the location of phone masts, particularly taking into account the health protection requirements contained in the committee’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8140/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 272 together.

My Department chairs an interdepartmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. This committee will provide advice to Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the joint committee report on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts, published in June 2005. This committee established and is overseeing the work of an expert group that will produce a scientific report on the health effects of electromagnetic fields.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

271 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8123/06]

A total of 25 people on my Department's payroll are not working for the Department. Of these, 16 are former departmental staff who are seconded to the Marine Institute, two are seconded to the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board, two are seconded to the Office of the Communications Regulator, one is seconded to the Central Fisheries Board, one is seconded to the Marine Casualty Investigations Board, one is seconded to the Residential Institutions Redress Board, one is seconded to the Office of the Taoiseach and the Harbour Master in Dingle is also on the Department's payroll.

The salaries of all of these staff are recouped from the respective bodies.

Question No. 272 was answered with QuestionNo. 270.

Food Safety Standards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

273 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 21 February 2006, the action taken by his Department to date on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8163/06]

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, being the official agency for the regulation of the food safety of live bivalve shellfish and fishery products, carries out regular inspections on all approved production establishments.

A total of 12 premises were audited by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland for compliance with recall and traceability standards. Following the authority's report on this audit, inspections and follow-up actions were taken at a number of premises. Inspections to address a number of non-compliance issues were carried out at four premises. All non-compliance issues have now been addressed through a combination of follow-up audits, inspections, voluntary closure of premises, conduct of mock recall exercises and the withdrawal of product from the market.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources continues to conduct inspections at all approved premises to ensure compliance with the relevant recall and traceability requirements.

Inland Fisheries.

Denis Naughten

Question:

274 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the budget in the national development plan within the Border, midland and western region for the development of the angling sector; the amount spent up to 31 December 2005; the projected spend for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/06]

Originally, an indicative budget of €30.476 million was identified for the tourism and angling recreational measure under both the Border, midland and western and the southern and eastern regional operational programmes of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The launch of the measure was delayed pending State aids clearance from the EU Commission, which was received in March 2002. A decision was made, in the context of other budgetary priorities, to curtail the actual allocation to the measure. The expenditure incurred to the end of 2002 was €504,025 for the Border, midland and western region and €715,154 for the southern and eastern region. There was no expenditure in 2003, 2004 or 2005 and no expenditure has been provided for the measure in the Department's budget for 2006.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Dan Boyle

Question:

275 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the complaints there have been regarding employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8806/06]

The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission is a North-South Implementation Body established under the Good Friday Agreement and through the British Irish Agreement Act 1999. Its remit is, inter alia, to conserve, protect, manage and develop the inland fisheries resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. It also has responsibility for the promotion of development of the two loughs.

The management of employment procedures is a day-to-day operational matter for the body. However, I am not aware of any complaints regarding employment procedures in the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission.

Illegal Immigrants.

Michael Ring

Question:

276 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet a delegation of undocumented Irish when he is in America on 17 March 2006. [7758/06]

I am acutely aware of the stressful burden which their undocumented status places on many of our citizens in the United States and on their families at home. On all my visits to the United States I have met a wide range of Irish community groups and interests and have heard first-hand of the difficulties being faced by the undocumented. In this regard officials of our embassy in Washington and of the consulates in Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco are in ongoing contact with a wide cross-section of our citizens, including the undocumented, and regularly report back to the Department, including on meetings of the newly-formed Irish lobby for immigration reform.

A particular focus of the visit of the Taoiseach and myself to Washington over the St. Patrick's Day period will be to convey directly to the President, Mr. Bush, his administration and key players on Capitol Hill the Government's strong support for measures to regularise the position of our undocumented citizens. There will also be opportunities for the Taoiseach and myself to discuss the strategy in pursuit of the above with members of the community and to have the updated assessment of the Ambassador and his team on the prospects ahead for immigration reform. In the circumstances, the particular question raised by the Deputy is fully catered for by my Department.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

277 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if one of the persons involved in the Greysteel massacre in 1993 was a British special branch agent; if they received €50,000 per annum of British taxpayers' money; and if the matter will be raised with the British Government. [7674/06]

The allegations referred to by the Deputy, concerning one of the individuals who carried out the Greysteel murders, are a serious matter. The Government has raised this issue with the British Government through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast, and my officials will continue to monitor developments closely.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

278 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7692/06]

The total expenditure on print advertising at the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2005, including Vote 28, Foreign Affairs, and Vote 29, International Cooperation, was €242,675. This amount includes advertising in national newspapers, as well as in other print media.

In the timeframe available, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of the amounts paid to particular newspapers over a five year period. The Department uses a wide range of national newspapers, both daily and Sunday publications. The choice of particular newspapers to be selected on each occasion is dependent on a number of factors, including the specific context and subject matter, the target audience and, of course, value for money considerations.

Advertising undertaken by the Department typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, employment opportunities that arise in the Department from time to time, as well as public information notices relating to developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's official development aid programme.

The placing of official notices and departmental advertisements is the subject of tender arrangements organised for all Departments by the Government Supplies Agency. The firm which holds the current contract is Brindley Advertising Limited.

Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

Phil Hogan

Question:

279 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent findings of the Royal Commission of Justice and Reconciliation established by King Mohammed of the Kingdom of Morocco; if assistance will be given to that country in respect of the implementation of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7732/06]

The establishment by King Mohammed VI in January 2004 of the Commission of Justice and Reconciliation was a courageous initiative, unprecedented in the region, to investigate human rights abuses in the period from 1956 to 1999. The commission successfully initiated a vigorous public debate in Morocco on the difficult legacy of that era. It presented a very substantial report to the King in December 2005, detailing extensive human rights abuses and making specific recommendations to the Government on compensation for victims and their families, and on further legal steps to strengthen the rule of law.

The determination with which the Commission of Justice and Reconciliation undertook its difficult task has been impressive. I am particularly encouraged by the positive reaction of the King and of the Government of Morocco to its report and recommendations. The process of reconciliation following decades of human rights abuses is a difficult and a painful one for any country. The Government and our partners in the EU will support the Moroccan authorities as they work to follow up and implement the recommendations of the commission.

More broadly, the Government and our EU partners are strongly committed to the strengthening of relations with Morocco, which plays an important and constructive role in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. Under the European neighbourhood policy, the relationship between the EU and Morocco is firmly based on respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Considerable progress has been made in the political reform process in recent years. I warmly welcome the important steps which have been taken by the Government of Morocco to put in place the legislative structure for the protection and the promotion of human rights, including the adoption of an updated law against the use of torture, in compliance with UN definitions. The EU has welcomed the review undertaken by the Government of reservations to several human rights conventions, and has encouraged it to pursue this work as a matter of priority. The EU has also welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty, and the important national debate launched by the Moroccan authorities on its abolition.

Irish Overseas.

Bernard Allen

Question:

280 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date on which his Department paid a court imposed bond on behalf of a number of Irish citizens abroad (details supplied); the date on which the moneys involved were repaid to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/06]

In the consular case referred to by the Deputy, the court judgment permitted the Irish citizens to be released from prison under "conditional freedom", on payment of a bond. My Department, at the request of the defence team and given the ongoing consular concerns of the Department about the safety of the persons concerned, advanced the funds to facilitate the payment of this bond, on the basis of a firm undertaking to repay the sum involved. The decision was taken exclusively on consular grounds, and was neither discussed nor taken at political level. The funds were advanced on 25 June 2004 and were repaid on 20 August 2004.

Illegal Immigrants.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

281 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the US Government has or will give preferential treatment to undocumented Australian citizens currently living in America; if a similar concession is available to undocumented Irish in the USA; if other nationalities get concessions not available to undocumented Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8020/06]

There is a range of non-immigrant visa categories under which eligible foreign nationals can apply for permission to work in the United States. In 2004, for example, over 18,000 Irish citizens obtained temporary working visas. Many of these were sponsored by their employers. Young people availing of the J1 visa programme are also included in this number. In addition to these general visa categories, there are a very limited number of bilateral visa arrangements between the US and other countries. These tend to be restrictive in their scope and applicability.

The US has bilateral visa arrangements with Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico and Singapore which were negotiated as part of trade agreements with those countries. Undocumented citizens of these countries are not eligible to participate in these programmes.

The US also has a bilateral visa arrangement with Ireland, that is, the Walsh visa programme. This programme, also known as the Irish peace process visa, permits young people from the North and Border counties to work in the US for two years.

US immigration law contains a provision that authorises the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant what is known as temporary protected status, TPS, to foreign nationals in the US, including undocumented persons, who are nationals of countries that are suffering the effects of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. There is also a specific arrangement in place regarding Cuban nationals.

The Government's primary focus at present is on the current legislative proposals before Congress, and in particular on trying to ensure that the core elements of the Kennedy-McCain Bill are contained in any final compromise text that emerges. At the same time, we do, of course, keep under ongoing review the possibility of other options that might possibly improve the situation of our undocumented.

Passport Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

282 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he intends to take in order that passport applicants in their earlysixties, particularly those aged 64, would not have to pay €75 for a ten-year passport when, at the age of 65, they are entitled to a passport for free; his views on extending the five year or reactivating the one year passport schemes for such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8064/06]

I refer the Deputy to the answer which I provided to Deputy Gilmore on 21 February last.

The waiving of the passport fee for senior citizens, which I introduced with effect from 1 August last, was to further recognise the life-long contribution to society of our senior citizens. It builds upon the existing free public transport, TV licence, phone and electricity schemes for older people. All these schemes operate on the basis that they are available to those who have reached the required age.

In addition to the above, infants up to age three are issued with a three-year passport, and minors aged between three and 17 years are issued with a five-year passport. All these arrangements are fair and innovative and, given the huge administrative burden on the Passport Office — some 750,000 passports are likely to be issued in 2006 — I do not consider it reasonable or desirable to consider introducing further categories of fees at this time.

PAN African Parliament.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

283 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government is taking to support the Pan-African Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8108/06]

The Pan-African Parliament, PAP, was established under Article 5 of the Constitutive Act of the African Union as one of the key organs of the union. It was inaugurated in Addis Ababa on 18 March 2004. It will initially function as a consultative and advisory body with the eventual aim of exercising full legislative powers. Promotion of good governance and the principles of human rights and democracy in member states are specified functions of the PAP. Furthermore, the PAP is charged with the publicity function of familiarising the peoples of Africa with the policies and objectives of the African Union.

The PAP is composed of 230 members from 46 of the 53 member states of the African Union. It is stipulated that at least one woman should be included in each delegation and that appointments should reflect national diversity. The President of the Parliament, Mrs. Gertrude Mongela MP of Tanzania, is assisted by four Vice-Presidents who represent south, north, central and west Africa. In July 2004, it was agreed that South Africa would host the PAP on a permanent basis.

In November 2005, the PAP agreed a strategic plan for 2006-10. This project was supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA, and a member of the European Parliament participated in the drafting. The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for the PAP's work in the coming period. Strengthening the funding of PAP is identified in this document as a key institutional objective.

The PAP has established working relationships with organisations of parliamentarians in Europe — Association of Western European Parliamentarians for Africa and the Council of the European Parliament — Canada and India. A number of other such organisations as well as specialised agencies have been identified by the PAP as potential future partners.

The PAP is funded by the AU Commission and by South Africa as host country. It has also been agreed that member states will bear the costs of preparation and attendance at the PAP by national delegates for the first five years of its existence. In April 2005, during its third ordinary session, the PAP established a trust fund as an alternative source of funding. The trust fund concept includes financial resources but also provision of expertise, technology and outsourcing facilities as well as the transfer of knowledge and skills from other parliamentary institutions. Development of the trust fund is still, I understand, at an early stage. However, provision is being made by the European Commission for funding under the EU-Africa strategy with discussions on modalities due to begin in the next weeks. Ireland has not to date been approached in regard to the trust fund. If the issue arises, we will consider it carefully.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

284 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8124/06]

There is a total of three officers on the payroll of the Department of Foreign Affairs who are currently working with outside bodies. Details are set out in the following table. However, the information does not include officers on sick leave, for instance.

Grade

Location

Assignment

First Secretary

Vienna

Temporary secondment to the Austrian Foreign Ministry in connection with the Austrian Presidency of the European Union

Third Secretary

Brussels

Temporary secondment to a seconded national expert post in the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Commission

First Secretary (unestablished)

Brussels

Temporary assignment to the Stability Pact for South-East Europe, a body set up to co-ordinate the work of international organisations in the western Balkans

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

285 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements is subject to a tendering process. [7693/06]

The cost incurred in 2005 by my Department, including the national cultural institutions, for advertising in national newspapers was €108,000.

The total costs of newspaper advertising since the establishment of my Department in June 2002 are as follows: June to December 2002, €130,000; 2003, €205,500; and 2004, €107,500. These totals also include a small amount of advertising by the national cultural institutions in some local newspapers, which is not possible to identify separately.

My Department's statistics on newspaper advertising are not retained on a basis that would allow me to provide the breakdown requested by the Deputy.

Advertisements for both the Department and cultural institutions were placed through Brindley Advertising Limited, which holds the central government advertising contract.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

286 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if grant aid will be awarded to Forthill Recreation Park under the 2006 sports council programme; when a decision on this process will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8085/06]

The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sports and community organisations at local, regional and national levels throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The project in question received a grant of €250,000 under the 2003 programme, all of which has been drawn down.

Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 20 January 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the project in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

287 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8125/06]

There are currently four persons on the payroll of my Department who are not working therein. One officer is on long-term sick leave. One is on secondment to another State organisation and the salary paid in respect of this officer is recouped from that organisation. A further officer is employed by the Council of National Cultural Institutions and the fourth officer is paid by this Department but carries out work for the Irish Manuscripts Commission.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

288 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is an application in his Department for a new swimming pool in Ballybofey, County Donegal; the position regarding planning for same; and when it is expected that an allocation can be made in order that work can proceed. [8283/06]

The position on the Ballybofey-Stranorlar swimming pool project is that a feasibility study submitted by Donegal County Council under the local authority swimming pool programme was approved in 2001 and a preliminary report is in preparation by the local authority. The project will be considered further on receipt of this report. The question of planning permission is a matter for the local authority. There are four principal stages in a swimming pool project under the local authority swimming pool programme, namely feasibility study/preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction. My Department's technical adviser, the Office of Public Works, OPW, evaluates each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project without prior approval.

Departmental Agencies.

Dan Boyle

Question:

289 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the complaints there have been regarding employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8807/06]

Tourism Ireland's employment procedures are a day-to-day matter for the agency. Accordingly, I have asked Tourism Ireland to communicate directly with the Deputy in this matter.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

290 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7694/06]

From 2001 to 2005, my Department incurred expenditure totalling €836,364 on advertisements in national newspapers, broken down as follows: 2001, €219,692; 2002, €154,478; 2003, €103,096; 2004, €122,409; and 2005, €236,689.

My Department advertises in the national newspapers, namely, The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Sunday Independent, The Sunday Business Post, The Sunday Tribune, Foinse and . In the time available, it would not be possible to provide a breakdown of the expenditure figures for the past five years for each of the newspapers involved. The Office of Public Works negotiates a central contract with an advertising agency on behalf of my Department by means of a tendering process for the placement of my Department’s notices and advertisements in the national newspapers.

Job Losses.

John Perry

Question:

291 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, further to the announcement of job losses with the closures of companies (details supplied) in County Sligo, he will agree to meet a delegation from IDA, Enterprise Ireland and public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/06]

I was concerned to learn of the job losses at some companies in County Sligo. The priority of the State agencies, which will provide every support they can, will be to find alternative employment for those involved. The full range of services provided by FÁS, particularly retraining and upskilling, is available to the workers. I have been asked by a number of public representatives to meet a delegation to discuss this issue and I have agreed to do so. There was good news for Sligo last year when it was announced that a 300-person customer contact centre was to be located in the town. The company is recruiting staff for its operation. Recruitment is also ongoing at a €45 million expansion of a company's diagnostics facility in Sligo, which will create 350 jobs.

Job Creation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

292 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a potential tenant for a factory (details supplied) in County Wexford through the work of IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland; when a definitive decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7774/06]

I understand negotiations with a potential tenant about the advanced technology building in Enniscorthy are ongoing. I will inform the Deputy of the outcome of the negotiations in due course.

European Social Charter.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

293 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Ireland has not fulfilled its reporting obligations under the European Social Charter since 2004, as charged in recent public statements by the charter’s supervisory committee, the European Committee on Social Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/06]

The Council of Europe's standard reporting procedures in respect of the revised Social Charter apply to all the contracting parties, which are the member states which have signed and ratified the charter. Ireland signed and ratified the revised Social Charter, which has 31 articles, on 4 November 2000. In preparing its reports, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has to consult internally and with most other Departments before it updates material on relevant legislative or administrative changes which impact on Ireland's implementation of the revised charter. Given the range of issues to be covered and the number of Departments to be consulted, it can be quite demanding to gather and clarify up-to-date responses on a wide range of topics with regard to the steady growth in other reporting obligations on all Departments. In light of the substantially increased reporting requirements under the revised Social Charter — 31 articles compared with 19 in the original 1961 charter — the Department undertook to review criticisms of the Irish response made by the European Committee of Social Rights, which examines in detail individual member states' reports on the implementation of the revised charter, and to consider how implementation might be made more effective.

As part of this process, officials from the Department met a delegation from the Council of Europe, including its secretariat and members of the European Committee of Social Rights, in Dublin on 4 October 2005. The delays in the submission of Ireland's second and third reports on its implementation of the revised Social Charter were discussed at the meeting. The Council of Europe delegation acknowledged that three of the articles in Ireland's second report had already been submitted to Strasbourg. As it had done some work on its third report, which updates Ireland's reporting on the nine core articles for the period ending 31 December 2004, the Department agreed with the representatives of the European Council to prioritise the completion of the third report before reverting to the completion of the second report. The reason for this approach is that the third report can be completed quickly because it is, in effect, an update of the first report on the nine core articles, which was submitted in May 2004. The Department expects to submit the third report within the next few weeks. It will complete the second report on the outstanding 21 articles as the relevant material is received from Departments and agencies and edited by the Department. Having due regard to other pressing demands, I expect that this process should be completed by the beginning of June. Accordingly, there is no question of information being withheld from the Council of Europe. The Department is determined to eliminate backlogs in reporting developments as soon as possible.

I consider that the revised Social Charter is being properly implemented by Ireland, having regard to its national legislation and administrative practices. Queries raised by the European Committee of Social Rights are being and will continue to be addressed as part of the reporting procedures laid down by the Council of Europe.

Job Losses.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

294 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement regarding the loss of 350 jobs following the closure of the NEC plant in Ballivor, County Meath; and the actions the Government intends to take to create alternative employment for those affected. [8058/06]

I am concerned that the company in question is closing with the loss of 350 jobs. The decision to cease production at Ballivor, which was taken by the parent company, was announced on 21 February 2006. I met representatives of Meath County Council and the State development agencies the following day to discuss the follow-up to the closure announcement. The priority of the State development agencies is to find alternative employment for the workers. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward for the workers. The role of the State training agency, FÁS, will be particularly important in assisting those who are to lose their jobs. The agency has contacted the company. An action plan will be generated following a period of consultation and planning with the company and employee representatives. The agency will make its full range of services available to the workers if they wish to avail of them. The workforce in Ballivor is highly skilled. The loss of the 350 jobs will be a severe blow to the area. The industrial development agencies will strengthen their marketing efforts in County Meath, in partnership with the county council and other key players, to increase the flow of potential investors to the county. The bodies in question will try to convert those efforts into investment and job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

295 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8126/06]

Eight members of staff who are on the payroll of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are not currently working in the Department. A principal officer, a higher executive officer and a clerical officer are on secondment to the Ireland's permanent mission in Geneva, an assistant principal is on secondment to Forfás, an administrative officer is on a year-out work experience in another Department, an administrative officer is undertaking a masters programme in policy analysis, a higher executive officer is on secondment to the European Commission in Brussels and a clerical officer is on loan to Department of the Taoiseach.

Job Creation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

296 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs that were created in the Waterford constituency in 2002 to 2005, inclusive, with assistance of and by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. [8145/06]

The issue of job creation is a matter for the development agencies in question. I have been informed that data on job creation are compiled from the annual employment survey that is carried out by Forfás. I will give figures which indicate the number of jobs created by the client companies of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland between 2002 and 2005. It should be noted that as the Forfás 2005 employment survey is being completed and is in the process of being analysed, the figures are provisional and could be subject to change. The number of jobs created in Waterford by Enterprise Ireland client companies was 427 in 2002, 423 in 2003, 346 in 2004 and 150 in 2005. The number of jobs created in Waterford by IDA Ireland client companies was 575 in 2002, 554 in 2003, 248 in 2004 and 309 in 2005.

Employment Procedures.

Dan Boyle

Question:

297 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the complaints there have been in relation to employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8808/06]

InterTradeIreland is an all-island trade and business development body that is jointly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The management of employment procedures at InterTradeIreland is a day-to-day operational matter for the body. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has not received any complaints about employment procedures at InterTradeIreland.

Social Insurance.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

298 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on allowing childminders to make social insurance contributions under class S, self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7998/06]

The child-minding relief, announced by the Minister for Finance in the budget, is provided for in the Finance Bill 2006. The scheme allows an individual to supervise up to three children in his or her own home with all related child-minding earnings, up to a maximum ceiling of €10,000 per annum, exempted from taxation. To ensure that all those who participate in this scheme are afforded the opportunity to build up a social insurance record which can have important advantages for benefits such as pensions and maternity benefit, provisions in the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006 will require that an annual PRSI contribution, at a rate of €253, is made in respect of this child minding income. This is in keeping with the Government's recognised policies of making every effort to encourage the extension of pension coverage.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Crowe

Question:

299 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason, for the first time in nine years, the training allowances of young women in the “moving on” programme for young mothers in Carlow are being assessed for rent supplement. [7680/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.

Rent supplements are paid subject to a means test. Rent supplements are ordinarily calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €13 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. However, people who take up opportunities, such as a place in the "moving on" programme, are treated more favourably and may retain up to €75 per week of any additional income they receive. A lone parent with one child living in Carlow with a rent of €150 per week, whose sole income is a one-parent family payment of €185.10 per week, would ordinarily receive rent supplement of €134.50 per week, resulting in a net income after paying rent of €169.60 week. If she takes up a place in the "moving on" programme, her total income before rent supplement and before paying rent would rise to €280.10 per week. In these circumstances, she would be entitled to €114.50 in rent supplement and her income after paying rent would total €244.60 per week. She would be €75 better off for having participated in the "moving on" programme.

Until September 2005, the Health Service Executive was not applying the rules of the scheme correctly in some instances and this was the case with previous "moving on" programmes in Carlow. However, participants in the "moving on" programme now have their income assessed correctly under the rules that apply to rent supplement in the same manner as any other participant on a FÁS training course. Improvements in the means assessment from January 2006 now mean that a weekly disregard of up to €60 per week is allowed and half of any additional income between €60 and €90 is also disregarded. This type of additional income disregard was first introduced in the budget in 2000 and has been increased over the years to its current level.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

300 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7695/06]

The use of advertising is a vital medium in the effective delivery of social welfare services to ensure all citizens are kept informed of the broad range of social insurance, social assistance schemes and other supports available to them and of changes and improvements to the schemes and services as they occur. My Department spent €176,228 on advertising in the national newspapers in 2005. Advertisements were placed in the following national newspapers at different times during the past five years: the Irish Independent, The Irish Times, the Irish Examiner, The Star, The Sun, The Mirror, , The Sunday Tribune, the Sunday World, the Sunday Independent and Ireland on Sunday.

The total cost of advertising, in the national newspapers, in each of the years 2001 to 2004 was as follows: 2001: €682,779; 2002: €524,389; 2003: €120,114; 2004: €71,779. When placing advertisements in the national newspapers, my Department uses the services of an advertising agency that currently holds a contract for the placement of State advertising in the print media. The contract was awarded following a tendering process undertaken by the OPW and is for three years duration from 1 September 2004.

Pension Provisions.

Pat Carey

Question:

301 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the amount of ESB units available to old age pensioners for the period September to April of each year to take into account the increase in electricity charges and the usage during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/06]

The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. The electricity allowance covers normal standing charges and up to 1,800 units of electricity each year. In February 2002, the number of units covered by the allowance increased by 20%, from 1,500 units to 1,800 units. VAT due on this standard allowance is also covered. An advantage of the allowance is that it is based on a unit allowance and therefore keeps pace with electricity price increases. Proposals to increase the value of the electricity allowance would be a matter for consideration in a budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

302 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the social welfare entitlements of returned development workers, including missionaries, and in particular, in relation to the definition of habitual residence in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7785/06]

Special arrangements for volunteer development workers have provided since 1983 for the award of credited social insurance contributions up to an aggregate of five years while they are outside the country on development activities. These credited contributions enable the workers to qualify for short-term benefits on their return from their overseas development work and it supports their accrued entitlement towards long-term benefits. In order to qualify for the credited contributions, a volunteer development worker must satisfy the following general and social insurance contribution criteria. He or she must be over 16 years of age. He or she must be resident in the State immediately prior to taking up the employment overseas, and must be employed under conditions of remuneration similar to those applied in the developing country.

In cases where the development worker has no previous PRSI contributions or no contributions paid or credited in the previous two years, arrangements have been put in place whereby Development Cooperation Ireland pay PRSI for the required number of contributions, up to a maximum of 52, to establish entitlement to short-term benefits for the volunteer workers. The credited contributions awarded to volunteer development workers are reckonable towards establishing entitlement to unemployment benefit, maternity benefit, disability benefit, health and safety benefit and treatment benefit. With regard to entitlement to old age pension, the credited contributions are counted towards calculating the yearly average that determines the rate at which the pension is paid. Given the nature of overseas work, provisions are in place to relax certain qualifying conditions normally required for entitlement to these benefits. This includes entitlement to the maximum full rate of unemployment or disability benefit where otherwise a reduced rate would apply for a period and special arrangements in relation to certification normally required of maternity benefit.

These arrangements can apply to the missionaries who are engaged in development work abroad, but in line with social insurance provisions, generally does not extend to their pastoral work. The habitual residence condition applies to means tested assistance payments and child benefit only. The condition tests the centre of interest of a person, the extent to which that person can be considered to be permanently resident in this State and his or her intention into the foreseeable future. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status, occupation, or any other factor. In the absence of entitlement to a social insurance based payment, people may qualify for an assistance based payment once they meet the standard habitual residence criteria. The habitual residence condition would not normally be expected to affect missionaries or volunteer development workers who are returning to Ireland on a permanent basis.

Officials of my Department made a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2005 on the issue of pensions for missionaries. Following the presentation, a working group, which includes my Department, was established to examine issues relating to social protection coverage for missionaries, notably in regard to pension coverage.

Pension Provisions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

303 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with effect from the 1 January 2004 that PRSI and tax relief apply to all pension contributions as raised by a person (details supplied). [8033/06]

In regard to self-employed contributors who are outside the PAYE system, there is no provision for payments made towards future personal pension provision to be exempted from liability for PRSI contributions. However, self-employed contributors on the PAYE schedule E system may avail of PRSI refunds on these payments. The relevant provisions are contained in section 38 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 and the Social Welfare (Consolidated Contributions and Insurability (Amendment) (No. 1) (Refunds) Regulations, SI 698 of 2003.

There is no provision for refunds to be made to self-employed contributors who are liable to income tax on schedule D and no proposals to provide otherwise. To narrow the base for social insurance by introducing such a provision for all other self-employed contributors would give rise to a significant loss of contribution income for the social insurance fund, while still maintaining responsibility for the cost of benefits and pensions for which the generality of self-employed workers are eligible.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

304 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to extend the carer’s benefit to the parents of premature babies when the mothers' entitlement to maternity benefit has been exhausted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8042/06]

The carer's benefit scheme is a weekly income support payment operated and paid by this Department. It is specifically intended to support people who must leave the workforce temporarily to care for someone who is in need of full-time care and attention. It is based on PRSI contributions paid by the carer. As provided for in the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006, the benefit is payable for a period of two years for each care recipient and may be claimed over separate time periods. A carer may qualify for carer's benefit after the maternity benefit expires in respect of the baby, so long as the baby satisfies the medical criteria and the carer satisfies the other qualifying conditions for entitlement.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I can have it examined by my Department.

Social Welfare Code.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

305 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the new regulations allowing €100 earnings to be disregarded when assessing entitlement to an old age pension will be available to the self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8073/06]

On budget day, I was pleased to announce that I proposed to establish, in September 2006, a standardised State non-contributory pension, replacing the old age pension and, for recipients aged 66 years and over, blind pension, widow/widower's pension, one-parent family payment, deserted wife's allowance and prisoner's wife's allowance.

In addition to the simplification and rationalisation of pension provision for non-contributory pensioners, the State pension, non-contributory, will contain two key features. The general means disregard will be €20 per week, an increase of €12.40 per week over and above that currently applying to the schemes the new pension will replace. This disregard will apply to means from whatever source, including income from self-employment. Over 30,000 pensioners who are currently in receipt of a reduced rate of payment will gain from this change. The increase in the personal rate of payment will be up by €12.50 per week while the qualified adult rate, where applicable, will increase by up to €8.30 per week.

A specific additional disregard of €100 per week will apply where the pensioner is in employment. This new disregard relating to earnings from employment is intended as an initial incentive to facilitate non-contributory pensioners who wish to continue working or to re-enter the workforce.

The budget did not provide for the proposed disregard to apply to income from self-employment or to any other forms of income other than earnings. In general, income disregards normally apply to income from employment only. Apart from providing an incentive to take up employment, this approach recognises that persons in employment incur additional expenses such as travelling expenses, clothing and so forth consequent on the employment. In contrast, all expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out any form of self-employment are always disregarded when calculating means from self-employment. This means that such earnings are assessed net of expenses incurred by the person in the course of their work, for example, on petrol/diesel, purchase of equipment and raw materials and so forth.

By any standards, the levels of increases announced in the budget are exceptional. The proposed modernisation of the current arrangements is also a further demonstration of our commitment to all those who are elderly.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

306 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8127/06]

My Department employs over 4,500 people. There are 12 people on the payroll in my Department who are currently deployed outside of the Department. The following is a breakdown of the numbers and details involved. One assistant principal and four assistant principals, acting, are completing a two year masters programme in public policy analysis; one assistant principal is on secondment to the Public Service Friendly Society; one assistant principal is on secondment as national expert to the EU Commission; three administrative officers are on secondment to the Department of Finance for one year as part of the Civil Service AO development programme; one executive officer is on secondment to the communications unit in the Department of the Taoiseach; one staff officer is on secondment to the Civil and Public Service Union as a partnership official.

In addition, a number of staff on secondment to other Departments and agencies, whose salaries are recouped to my Department, are paid in the first instance from the Department's payroll for reasons of administrative efficiency.

Social Welfare Code.

Seamus Healy

Question:

307 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will allow carers who are already in receipt of a social welfare payment or a social welfare pension to also qualify for the carer’s allowance or alternatively to hold onto 50% of their social welfare payment or social welfare pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8138/06]

The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit. The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support and, as a general rule, only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. Persons qualifying for two social welfare payments always receive the higher payment to which they are entitled.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full-time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding unemployment assistance and benefit, are entitled to this payment subject to meeting the full-time care condition. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers especially for respite. In budget 2006, provision was made to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200 from June 2006.

In addition to the increase in the level of the respite care grant, I also announced a significant increase in the rate of carer's allowance. From January, the rate of carer's allowance increased to €200 per week for carers age 66 years and over. This rate of payment may be higher in many instances than the rate of old age pension or widow/er's pension payable to a person. Such a person who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who requires such care may be entitled to receive this higher rate of carer's allowance.

I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me.

Seamus Healy

Question:

308 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes he proposes to make to the conditions and requirements for the one-parent family payments referred to by him in the media recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8139/06]

The risk of poverty, especially child poverty, tends to be higher among one-parent families, larger families and those faced by long-term unemployment, due mainly to the direct costs of rearing children, including child care costs, and the opportunity costs related to the reduced earning capacity of parents arising from their care responsibilities. This applies particularly to one-parent families as the lone parent has to be the main breadwinner and carer at the same time.

However, it is generally accepted that for all people in working age households, the main route out of poverty is through employment. Employment participation among lone parents in this country is among the lowest in the OECD. This is despite the huge employment growth in recent years, increased female participation in the workforce and the income disregards afforded to lone parents who take up employment under my Department's one-parent family payment.

I believe that every support should be given to lone parents to give them an opportunity to continue to increase their earnings in their efforts to improve their own lives and those of their children. In recognition of this, I was pleased to significantly increase the upper income limit for the one-parent family payment by €82 per week to €375 per week in the recent budget. This measure will come into effect in July of this year. In addition, as a result of taxation measures introduced in the budget, lone parents will not now become eligible for tax until they earn in excess of €23,000 per annum.

One of the key tasks in the "Ending Child Poverty" initiative under Sustaining Progress is to address obstacles to employment for lone parents. The senior officials group on social inclusion was mandated late in 2004 to examine this issue and report back to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion with specific proposals. A sub-group of the senior officials group has been examining obstacles to employment for lone parent families, with particular emphasis on income supports, employment, education, child care and support programmes and information. We must also look closely at income supports and at how we can adjust those supports to better address the social problems that can arise for those who receive these payments.

In this regard, a working group established in my Department to review the income support arrangements for lone parents has looked at issues, including the contingency basis of the one parent family payment, cohabitation and the fact that the payment can act as a disincentive to the formation of partnerships and discourage joint parenting, maintenance and secondary benefits. A consultation process with social partners and other interested parties was also undertaken to inform the work of the group. I intend to make the findings of both working groups public in the near future and to engage in a consultation process with interested parties.

It is my intention that the outcome of these reviews, together with initiatives already in place in my Department, will contribute to the ongoing development of proposals designed to better support and encourage both lone parents and those seeking work in achieving a better standard of living, employment and education opportunities, a better future for themselves and their children and a more appropriate social policy in the future.

David Stanton

Question:

309 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which both used land, in view of the change in income levels for the farming sector recently, and land that is not being farmed and therefore producing no income, are calculated as means for the purpose of non-contributory payments from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8223/06]

I understand that the Deputy is concerned, in particular, about the current arrangements applying in the case of old age pensions and other social assistance pensions where the claimant is in possession of a farm. In assessing means for social assistance purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person may have, including income from farming, together with the value of capital and property, except the home.

When assessing means derived from farming, a person is assessed with the prospective income from the farm in the next 12 months. In most cases, the figures for the last 12 months are used for this purpose. However, regard will be taken of any major changes in stock levels or in method of farming or in the prices of farm products. The yearly value or net profit is calculated by deducting all necessary expenses from the gross income. Where land is let on short-term lettings, such as the 11 month system, the income from such lettings is calculated as cash income for the purpose of the means assessment. Again, all necessary expenses incurred by the owner, such as auctioneer fees, fencing or fertilising between lettings are deducted from the gross letting income.

Where land is lying fallow or idle, there are two methods, depending on the circumstances of the individual case, for the assessment of means. If the Department is satisfied that the pension claimant is depriving himself or herself of an income in order to qualify for a pension or a pension at a higher rate than would otherwise be the case, the relevant assessment is the income which would be received, if the land were let. Where the Department is satisfied that this is not the case, the value of the land is obtained from the Valuation Office and is assessed as capital for means purposes.

The recent budget contained a number of important measures which are designed to target resources at particular groups of older people, including the farmers in question. In considering these measures I was anxious to target resources at those who are at the greatest risk of poverty, to encourage saving, and to simplify the system of income support for older people who do not receive contributory pensions, including farmers. Budget 2006 provides for an increase of €16 per week or 9.6% for all non-contributory pensioners, bringing the weekly rate of pension to €182 per week with effect from January. This means that significant progress has been made towards the achievement of the Government's commitment to bring the basic State pension to over €200 per week by 2007. In addition, I increased the fuel allowance by €5 per week, from €9 to €14, and the over 80 allowance by €3.60 to €10. These measures will be of considerable benefit to many thousands of non-contributory pensioners, including many farmers.

On budget day, I was also pleased to announce that I proposed to establish, in September 2006, a standardised State non-contributory pension, replacing the old age pension and, for recipients aged 66 years and over, blind pension, widow/er's pension, one-parent family payment, deserted wife's allowance and prisoner's wife's allowance. All the schemes in question feature a common means disregard of €7.60 per week, which has not increased since the 1970s. The means disregard for the new non-contributory pension will be €20 per week, an increase of €12.40 per week. Over 30,000 pensioners who are currently in receipt of a reduced rate of payment will gain from this change. The increase in the personal rate of payment will be up to €12.50 per week while the qualified adult rate, where applicable, will increase by up to €8.30 per week. This measure, in particular, will benefit all those farmers who are in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension at present.

Furthermore, consequent on the increase in the means disregard to €20 per week, a single person with no other means will be able to have up to €35,000 in capital and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate. This figure is doubled in the case of a pensioner couple.

By any standards, the levels of increases and revised means test arrangements announced in the budget are exceptional. The proposed modernisation of the current arrangements is also a further demonstration of our commitment to all those who are elderly, including those who continue to farm or lease land.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

310 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number who have moved directly with their job in respect of assignments made within his Department to decentralised posts; the number who are new recruits recruited within the past 24 months; the number who have been appointed on promotion; and the additional personal costs to be associated with the move. [8233/06]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, the Department's headquarter sections and the social welfare appeals office are scheduled to relocate to six locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda. In addition, the Combat Poverty Agency and Comhairle, which operate under the aegis of the Department, are scheduled to relocate to Monaghan and Drogheda, respectively, under the programme.

The Public Appointments Service established the central applications facility, CAF, through which all applications for decentralising locations must be submitted. According to the data received in the Department from the CAF, the number of applicants that will move directly with their job to decentralised locations is 190 employees. To date, 16 posts have been relocated to Sligo under the decentralisation programme, with two employees of the Department moving directly with their jobs. The remaining posts, with the exception of two employees who transferred from other Departments, were filled by the lateral transfer of employees in the Department who had this location as their first preference on the CAF.

To date, four employees have been recruited as new recruits to this Department specifically for decentralised posts. Removal expenses are not payable for relocations associated with decentralisation. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Finance and Civil Service unions and staff associations about the payment of a training allowance for staff who will have torelocate to a location other than a decentralising one for training purposes. Discussions are also ongoing about promotion arrangements in the context of decentralisation. The CAF will remain open for new applications until the full decentralisation programme is complete.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

311 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7696/06]

The amount of money spent by my Department on advertising, which includes public information notices and official notices in national newspapers each year since June 2002 when this Department was established, is outlined in the table. Official notices and advertisements are placed through Brindley Advertising, which has the Government contract.

Year

Amount paid

Newspaper

2002

€78,192.03 — Ads€4,723.07 — Government notices

The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Financial Times

2003

€36,410.65 — Ads€24,038.31 — Government notices

The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Star, Evening Herald, Foinse

2004

€68,209.60 — Ads€20,441.04 — Government notices

The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Sunday Independent, Foinse, Sunday Tribune

2005

€45,022.06 — Ads€9,086.17 — Government notices

The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Star, Foinse, Evening Herald, Sunday Business Post, Sunday Tribune

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

312 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he will establish a road accident investigation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/06]

The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in such an investigation must be given to the determination of the causes of road accidents including, where appropriate, road construction or surface standards, and in particular whether a breach of the road traffic laws contributed to the occurrence. The Garda Síochána is the body empowered to make such a determination and to launch criminal proceedings against any person who the Garda consider should be accused of the commission of an offence.

Garda reports on these investigations are forwarded to the National Roads Authority and subsequently to each local authority for the purpose of the establishment of accident trends and causes generally and to facilitate the carrying out of remedial works relating to road infrastructure where such action is deemed to be necessary. I do not intend at present to propose any changes to the position outlined above.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

313 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the road safety campaigns currently specifically targeted at people whose first language is not English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/06]

The National Safety Council is the agency mandated with responsibility for road safety advertising and education. The council is currently in the process of developing road safety leaflets in eight languages. The leaflets will be distributed widely throughout the relevant communities. They will also be made available to the Garda for distribution as it sees fit. Furthermore, the council is working with its advertising agency on the production of a road safety radio campaign targeting non-nationals.

A multimedia public information and public awareness campaign was undertaken in the lead-up to the metrication of speed limits in 2005. The campaign included the setting up of a dedicated www.gometric.ie website. The awareness campaign section of that website displays information in five languages, in addition to Irish and English, in relation to the metric speed limit structure that applies on our public road network.

Money Laundering.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

314 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the measures which are in place to ensure that taxi dispatch companies are legally compliant and could not be used for money laundering purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7782/06]

It is understood from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the main provisions in Irish law relating to Money Laundering are set out in section 31 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 — as amended by section 21 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 — sections 32 and 57 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 and section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

The Act allows for the designation of certain bodies and persons for anti-money laundering purposes and for the prescribing of certain activities for the purposes of anti-money laundering. The Act also requires designated bodies to adopt measures to prevent and detect the commission of a money laundering offence, including the establishment of internal procedures, circulation of instructions to, and appropriate training of employees, directors and officers. A money laundering steering committee established under the chairmanship of the Department of Finance oversees this aspect of the legislation.

While taxi dispatch companies are not designated bodies under the 1994 Act, any financial institution offering services to such a company must report to the financial intelligence unit of the Garda Síochána and to the Revenue Commissioners any suspicion of money laundering in the course of a transaction or an attempted transaction.

In addition to the powers available in relation to money laundering under the 1994 Act, the Criminal Assets Bureau also has extensive powers under the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2005 to target the proceeds of criminal activity no matter how such proceeds have been used.

Driver Testing.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

315 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the number of people who applied to become a contract driver tester in 2005; the number of those who reached the qualifying standard required; the number of those who are being called to the next stage of the competition; the number of new testers who have been appointed; if the Equal Status Act 2000 applies to the above applicants; and if so, the percentage of successful applicants who came under that criteria, that is, people with disabilities. [7793/06]

The competition in question is being managed by the Public Appointments Service and I am not in a position to provide details of the competition process. Driver testers have not yet been appointed as a result of the process but I expect that ten will be appointed and undertaking tests by the summer. I have passed the Deputy's response on to the Public Appointments Service for direct reply.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

316 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of road deaths which have occurred in the hours between midnight and 7 a.m. to date in 2006; the breakdown of the times and locations of all deaths on roads here to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7823/06]

Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report, now entitled "Road Collision Facts", relates to 2004 and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website. Statistics relating to 2005 and 2006 have not yet been fully analysed and authenticated, so a breakdown by time of day and location for those years is not yet available.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

317 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the reason the public can no longer access the dedicated penalty point website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/06]

The National Safety Council, as the agency mandated with responsibility for road safety education and information, operates a dedicated penalty point website. I understand that the website is currently being redesigned and updated in the context of the changes pending on road safety issues and policy. The website will be operational again shortly.

Airport Development Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

318 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 454 of 15 June 2004, the names and addresses of all the landowners affected by the protected areas in question in Counties Dublin and Mayo together with the names and addresses of those similarly affected by the recently enacted SI No. 777 of 2005 in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7903/06]

The protected areas the Deputy refers to, and mentioned in the earlier question in 2004, were put in place by orders made under section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950. The orders in question were made between 1988 and 1993, and relate to circular protected areas of 300 metres radius from the IAA's DVOR-DME equipment at Rowlestown West, County Dublin, Kilgarriff West, Charlestown, County Mayo and Knockaun, Shannon, County Clare.

The responsibility for these orders is now a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA. The 2005 SI that the Deputy refers to is the Irish Aviation Authority (Protected Area) Order 2005, and was made by the IAA on 5 December 2005. This order puts a similar circular protected area of 300 metres radius from the IAA's DVOR-DME equipment at Ballygarvan and Lehenaghmore in County Cork. The IAA has informed me that it will be happy to deal with any query that the Deputy puts to them in relation to the protected areas.

I should clarify for the Deputy that there is no requirement in the 1950 Act, or under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993, to identify landowners in advance of making the orders.

Regional Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

319 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the number of aircraft movements and passenger numbers at each of the regional airports in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7904/06]

The passenger numbers and the number of aircraft movements at the regional airports in 2005, based on figures supplied by the regional airports, are as follows:

Passenger Numbers

Aircraft Movements

Kerry

382,678

5,002

Galway

253,309

6,635

Sligo

39,593

1,414

Donegal

47,776

1,346

Knock

530,084

8,617

Waterford

74,357

1,757

Departmental Staff.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

320 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of people employed by his Department as haulage inspectors each year from 2000 to date in 2006; their duties and functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7913/06]

The number of transport officers serving in the Department during the years in question is set out in the following table.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Number Serving

10

10

10

9

9

9

9

Transport officers are responsible for the enforcement of national and EU rules governing drivers' hours and working time for mobile road transport workers. Transport officers also enforce the rules governing the licensing of road freight and passenger road transport operators. Transport officers enforce these rules through roadside checkpoints and inspections at the premises of transport providers. It is planned to increase the cadre of transport officers to 18 in the context of the proposed establishment of a road safety authority.

Public Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

321 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if the CIE group has been instructed to ensure that timetables of its constituent companies are integrated to allow ease of transfer between bus and rail services; the steps which have been taken to ensure same; his views on whether the CIE group of companies should compete with each other or complement each other’s services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7921/06]

The scheduling of timetables is a day-to-day operational matter for the CIE companies and, in the case of Luas, the RPA. CIE and its subsidiary companies and the RPA, in line with their statutory mandate and the Government's commitment to an integrated transport system, seek to ensure that services are integrated and aligned to complement each other and to best meet customer needs. There are a number of locations, for example, where bus services provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann directly complement and feed into the rail services provided by Iarnród Éireann, for example DART feeder buses, and buses serving Heuston Station and other railway stations across the railway network.

Haulage Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

322 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of heavy goods vehicles registered for use here; the amount of heavy goods vehicles inspected in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7924/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

325 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the frequency of roadworthiness testing for LGVs and HGVs; the key components of such testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8019/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 325 together.

All goods vehicles are liable to roadworthiness testing when they are one year old and every year thereafter. Testing is carried out by authorised testers appointed by city and county councils. The items to be tested, the method of testing and the reasons for refusal of a certificate of roadworthiness are set down in vehicle test manuals which are published by the Department of Transport.

Some 131,000 roadworthiness tests were carried out on heavy goods vehicles and their trailers in 2004, the latest year for which data is available in the Department of Transport. The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the registration of motor vehicles while data on the number of vehicles licensed for motor tax is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

323 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of haulage vehicles which are before the licensing division within the Department of Transport awaiting the processing of their applications; if a backlog exists; the length of time each application takes to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8001/06]

The current number of licence applications on hand in the road transport operator licensing division of the Department of Transport is 92. Once an application is submitted with the necessary supporting documentation in order, it can normally be processed within ten working days. At the present time, it is taking an extra day or so to process applications.

The number of applications for amendment to vehicles on licences in the division is 214. The processing of amendments to existing applications, with the necessary supporting documentation in order, is currently taking a number of weeks. However, overall this is a speedier process than previously, from a HAULIER'S perspective, as arising from new arrangements introduced last autumn, it is no longer necessary to go to the Garda Síochána to have a plate issued in respect of every vehicle as the Department of Transport is now issuing the transport discs in place of vehicle plates.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

324 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of haulage drivers prosecuted for breaking road safety and road haulage regulations in 2004 and 2005; the breakdown of such offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8008/06]

Transport officers from the Department of Transport are responsible for enforcing drivers' hours and licensing rules governing road haulage operators. These rules are also enforced by the Garda. Both haulage operators and drivers are liable to prosecution where breaches of drivers' hours rules are detected. However, in the case of breaches of the operator licensing rules it is only the operator that is liable to prosecution.

The following table sets out the number of drivers and operators prosecuted for drivers' hours and haulage offences in 2004 and 2005.

Drivers' hours

Year

Drivers

Operators

Haulage

2004

26

132

51

2005

22

81

45

Question No. 325 answered with QuestionNo. 322.

Public Transport.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

326 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, in the process of considering an application from Dublin Bus to expand its fleet and in examining the prospects of increasing competition in this sector, he has considered the implications of delays in expanding services for users in view of the increasing demand for services; his views on the effect that opening competition in this sector will have for users with regard to continuity of service, price and ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/06]

On 20 January 2006 Dublin Bus submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements. I will make a decision on this application when the assessment of the application by my Department has been completed.

In modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport, there is a need to ensure that proposals in that regard are coherent with the institutional arrangements being made for the implementation of Transport 21, particularly in the greater Dublin area. I will review how best to proceed with public transport reform after the team chaired by Professor Margaret O'Mahony, which has been appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed public transport commission, has reported to me and the Government has made decisions on the proposed transport authority for the greater Dublin area. In the meantime, my Department continues to grant applications from Dublin Bus and private bus operators to provide additional services and adapt existing services to changing demand patterns, in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation.

Airport Development Projects.

Bernard Allen

Question:

327 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the arbitrator appointed to mediate between Cork and Dublin Airport Authorities on the projected €200 million debt arising from the construction of a new terminal at Cork Airport; the person who appointed the arbitrator; the date on which the appointment became effective; the terms of reference given to the arbitrator; and the terms of remuneration. [8030/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

328 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the consultants appointed to carry out a business plan for Cork, Shannon and Dublin airports; the terms of reference of their respective appointments; the cost per hour being charged by each of the consultants; and the cost to date since being appointed. [8031/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.

The appointments referred to by the Deputy are operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority plc, DAA, Cork Airport Authority plc, CAA, and Shannon Airport Authority plc, SAA, and I have no statutory functions in relation to them.

However, I am informed that in agreement with the CAA the DAA has recently appointed BDO Simpson Xavier, BDO, to assist the CAA in developing its business plan and appropriate financing proposals for the Cork Airport development investment in line with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004, the provisions of the Companies Acts and the commercial and financial viability requirements of the DAA and CAA. BDO has also provided assistance to the SAA with its business planning process while IBI Corporate Finance Limited has advised the DAA in this regard. The commercial arrangements applying to the appointments are entirely a matter for the companies concerned and I have no function in relation to them.

In due course, and in accordance with the provisions of the State Airports Act 2004, business plans for all three airports will be presented to myself and the Minister for Finance for our consideration.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

329 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the ongoing delay in introducing penalty points for driving with a hand-held mobile phone; when it is planned to bring in this much needed change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8050/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

330 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if studies have been carried out here or internationally into the dangers of driving using hand-held mobile phones. [8051/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

331 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the international examples which have been studied in terms of legislation banning hand-held mobile phone use in cars. [8052/06]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

332 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of minor and serious road accidents respectively which have been linked with the use of hand-held mobile phones over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8053/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 to 332, inclusive, together.

The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 prohibit the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle. Under the Road Traffic Act 2002 these regulations are included in a schedule of enactments for which penalty points may be applied in the event of a contravention. It is also the case that penalty points can apply if using a mobile phone is deemed by the gardaí to result in careless driving.

Following advice from the Attorney General that the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 are open to challenge in the courts on the grounds that they may be ultra vires, my Department has been preparing a legislative framework to address the overall regulatory questions arising from the development of in-car technologies, which would include mobile phone use. The necessary preparations have now been made in that regard and it is my intention to include appropriate provisions in the next road traffic Bill. Assuming the enactment of that legislation by the Oireachtas, it would be the intention to make new regulations, restating the prohibition on the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving a vehicle at an early date, following enactment of the legislation.

Road Safety.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

333 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify what is meant by an obstruction in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 436 of 14 February 2006; if it includes a vehicle that is travelling at a slow speed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8059/06]

The term "obstruction" in the phrase "except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic" that I used in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 436 of 14 February 2006 is a direct quote from the provisions of article 33 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, SI 182 of 1997.

The term "obstruction" is not defined in the regulations. Article 5 of these 1997 regulations as substituted by article 5 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 1978, SI 274 of 1978, provides that the regulations "shall apply save where compliance is not possible as a result of an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians or because of an emergency situation confronting a road user which could not reasonably have been expected or anticipated." Enforcement of the law is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the courts.

Dublin Port Tunnel.

Finian McGrath

Question:

334 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason for tens of thousands of litres of water continuing to leak unabated into the Dublin Port tunnel each day for the past eight weeks and more, and the tunnel engineers and Dublin City Council saying that this water is groundwater, despite the fact that there has been little or no rainfall in the past two months; if aquifers (details supplied) are draining into the tunnels, the measures which are being taken to fill or stabilise the voids they are leaving and to prevent further subsidence being caused beneath the houses in Marino; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8103/06]

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned, in this case, Dublin City Council.

I understand from the NRA that dealing with water infiltration during the construction phase is part and parcel of the process of building any tunnel that passes below the surrounding ground water level. It is routinely encountered and dealt with on tunnel projects throughout the world and is being similarly dealt with in the Dublin Port tunnel. I am informed that any measures necessary to deal with such groundwater issues will be implemented by the contractors at their own expense.

The Dublin Port tunnel passes up to 20 m below the ground water table along the route. At this depth the issue of rainfall over the previous two months has no significance. I understand that the water infiltration is simply groundwater contained within the rock surrounding the tunnel and that no voids can, or could, result from such water movement. I am also informed that there is no possible issue of subsidence associated with such water infiltration.

Construction work on the Dublin Port tunnel has been monitored in detail since the project commenced in 2001 by construction supervisors appointed by Dublin City Council. When problems arise, as they inevitably and routinely do with projects of this size, Dublin City Council and its construction supervisors ensure that they are detected and rectified. Contrary to the impression that may have been created, there are no safety implications, either for the workers on the tunnel, for the structural integrity of the project or for the buildings and houses above the tunnel.

Road Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

335 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the long delay in publishing the cross-departmental review of road safety expenditure; when he first received the report; and when he intends publishing it. [8118/06]

My Department chaired a steering group overseeing a cross-departmental review of road safety expenditure which examined expenditure incurred over the lifetime of the first road safety strategy, 1998-2002. This review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of all public spending on road safety and to establish the impact of road safety performance on other areas, such as health and emergency services.

The steering committee consisted of representatives from the Departments of Transport, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children, Finance and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The committee for public management research, CPMR, was also represented to examine processes-outcomes of the review for future cross-departmental reviews and to provide general expert assistance. The steering group commenced the review in mid-2003 and the consultants engaged to carry out an analysis of identified expenditure submitted their final report in October 2005.

The report was submitted to the committee for public management research for quality assessment in October 2005. The CPMR completed the quality assessment earlier this month and both reports are being examined in the Department in advance of publication.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

336 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8128/06]

There are 16 civil servants on my Department's payroll who are not currently working in the Department. The following table gives details. In all but one case the reason these staff are not working in my Department is that they are on secondment. The other case relates to disability payment.

Grade

Number

Location of Officer

Assistant Principal

1

Department of the Taoiseach

Executive Officer

1

Department of the Taoiseach

Assistant Principal

2

Public Service Executive Union

Assistant Principal

1

Airports Council International

Assistant Principal

2

Commission for Aviation Regulation

Clerical Officer

2

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Executive Officer

1

Comhairle

Higher Executive Officer

1

Commission for Aviation Regulation — Travel Trade

Assistant Principal

1

Commission for Aviation Regulation — Travel Trade

Executive Officer

1

Commission for Aviation Regulation — Travel Trade

Staff Officer

1

Commission for Aviation Regulation — Travel Trade

Clerical Officer

2

Commission for Aviation Regulation — Travel Trade

Public Transport.

Pat Carey

Question:

337 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the level of investment in bus transport under the national development plan; his plans to enable Dublin Bus to purchase buses in 2006 to add to its fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8152/06]

Under the NDP-Transport 21, Dublin Bus has purchased 530 new buses to date, of which 113 are additional and 417 are replacement buses. Some 268 of these buses were funded, partially and/or fully, by the Exchequer and 262 of these buses were funded from Dublin Bus's own resources. The total Exchequer investment involved over the period 2000 to 2005, inclusive, was €59 million.

Under the NDP, Bus Éireann has purchased 421 new buses to date, of which 65 are additional and 356 are replacement buses. The Exchequer funded 172 of these buses and 249 of these buses were funded from Bus Éireann's own resources. The total Exchequer investment involved over the period 2000 to 2005 was €34 million.

Transport 21 provides for further significant investment in bus services. In relation to plans for Dublin Bus fleet expansion, the company recently submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements for 2006 and 2007. My Department is finalising its assessment of the application. I will make a decision on the application when the assessment has been completed.

Pat Carey

Question:

338 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport his plans for investment in public transport on the north side of Dublin; the areas of the city which can be expected to benefit from metro north and metro west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8153/06]

Under Transport 21, a number of projects are proposed with significant investment, which will benefit the north side of Dublin. New metro and Luas services will provide fast, efficient and modern transport to key residential, educational and business locations. The network will be fully integrated and will stretch from Swords in the north, to Bray in the south and Lucan in the west. This network will allow all Dubliners to easily traverse the city. While the specific alignment has yet to be finalised, it is proposed that metro north will run from St. Stephen's Green to Swords and will service key areas on Dublin's north side, including DCU, Ballymun and Dublin Airport. Metro west will link the Tallaght Luas with the metro north line and will provide services north of the river between Blanchardstown and Ballymun.

Under Transport 21, metro north and metro west are scheduled for completion in 2012 and 2014, respectively. The Tallaght Luas line will be extended from Connolly Station to the docklands. The Tallaght and Sandyford lines will be joined in the city centre and extended to Liffey junction.

With regard to Irish Rail services, the city centre resignalling project, provided for in Transport 21, and the continued enhancement of the suburban rail rolling stock fleet, will provide for further capacity enhancement for DART and suburban rail services serving both southside and northside locations. The resignalling project will involve upgrading of signalling to accommodate an additional four train paths per direction per hour, up from 12 at present to 16, in the critical city centre area. These additional paths will give Iarnród Éireann much needed flexibility to increase frequencies not only on the DART but also on the northern and Maynooth suburban lines.

Transport 21 also provides for electrification of the northern line to Balbriggan and the acquisition of electric railcars for use on the newly electrified lines. This project effectively means that the DART network will be extended to Balbriggan bringing obvious benefits for north Dublin commuters. Transport 21 also provides for a programme of investment to expand the bus network in all areas of the greater Dublin area comprising integrated radial and orbital services.

On 20 January 2006, Dublin Bus submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements in 2006 and 2007 and this is currently being assessed by my Department. I will make a decision on the application when this assessment is completed.

Road Safety.

Enda Kenny

Question:

339 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the difficulties surrounding the roadworthiness of tractors and trailers on hire to local authorities for earthwork activities on small road jobs has been resolved; the method by which same is to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8227/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

340 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the decision he has arrived at following a circular letter issued in 2005 to local authorities to the effect that tractors and trailers were not eligible to be taken on contract for roadworks by local authorities; if this requirement has been relaxed in certain cases; the circumstances under which such hire may take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8228/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.

To use a vehicle in a public place, it must comply with a range of standards in respect of its construction, equipment, use, weight and dimensions. These requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996, the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 to 2004. These regulations apply in the interests of public safety and to protect road infrastructure.

Exemptions from certain requirements of the regulations apply in respect of land tractors and trailers. Essentially, these are vehicles that are designed and used primarily for work on the land and are used on a public road only incidental to such work on the land.

For safety reasons a vehicle should only be used for a purpose for which it was designed and intended. As agricultural tractors and trailer are designed primarily for use on the land their use in other capacities is questionable on safety grounds. In March 2005, my Department wrote to local authorities concerning the appropriateness of the use, in a local authority context, of agricultural-type tractors and trailers for the carrying of goods or burden of any description and outlining the necessity for hauliers engaged by local authorities to hold a road freight carrier's licence if hauling for hire and reward.

The Department's letter to local authorities recognised that there could be exceptional circumstances where the engagement of the services of an agricultural tractor and trailer by a local authority is acceptable. In response to queries from the professional agricultural contractors, PAC, concerning these situations, my Department wrote to the PAC last month amplifying the circumstances. The circumstances envisaged would be on work that is agricultural in nature such as cutting or maintaining inlets in roadside verges and managing the resultant spoil in an environmentally sustainable manner, hedge cutting etc. It was also indicated to the PAC that where a trailer meeting the definition of an agricultural trailer is used in the circumstances outlined above, it would be deemed to be exempt from the requirements to be licensed and tested.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

341 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of people who have moved directly with their job in respect of assignments made within his Department to decentralised posts; the number who are new personnel recruited within the past 24 months; the number who have been appointed on promotion; and the additional personal costs to be associated with the move. [8234/06]

As indicated in my answer to Question No. 462, answered on Tuesday, 21 February 2006, this process is in train and formal assignments will be made shortly. The general situation is as set out in my reply to Question No. 128, answered on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, where I set out the position in full. These transfers are voluntary and, as such, personal costs are a matter for the individual.

Traffic Management.

Richard Bruton

Question:

342 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of supersize trucks currently travelling through the city; the impact of allowing such trucks to continue travelling through the city; if there may be difficulties in imposing a ban in view of EU restrictions on the banning of such vehicles in cities; and if he proposes to implement a ban in adequate time for the notification of all relevant interests before the Dublin Port Tunnel opening in about eight weeks time. [8238/06]

EU law on maximum weights and dimensions for vehicles is set out in Directive 96/53/EC. Under that directive, which has been fully implemented by Ireland, a member state may not prohibit the use, in its territory, of vehicles from another member state which comply with the authorised maximum weight and dimension limits set down in the directive.

The directive specifies four metres as the limit value for vehicle height. Consequently, provided a vehicle registered in a member state is four metres or less in height, every member state must permit that vehicle to operate on its territory. A member state may, however, prescribe a higher limit on its territory and may also, through its appropriate agencies, prescribe for traffic management purposes the routings which vehicles are required to follow in its territory.

Ireland does not impose any height limit on goods vehicles at present but the question of whether to prescribe such a limit is currently being examined in my Department. That examination includes consideration of the submissions received from interested parties in response to public consultation on the subject. I intend to make a decision on the matter shortly. In the event that it is decided to introduce a statutory height restriction for goods vehicles, it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other member states in accordance with the technical standards and regulations directive, Directive 98/34.

The development of a specific strategy for the management of heavy goods vehicles in Dublin city to coincide with the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel is a matter for Dublin City Council. My Department is continuing to liaise with Dublin City Council and with other parties, such as the Garda Síochána, the Dublin Port Company and the NRA, to ensure that the effectiveness of the Dublin Port tunnel is maximised for the Dublin area when the tunnel is opened.

Inland Waterways.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

343 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the maximum berthing time for boats moored at the Waterways Museum moorings at Grand Canal Basin in Dublin; if he intends to permit medium or long-term mooring at this site, either at all moorings or at a certain percentage of moorings, in view of the fact that it is the only secure mooring site in Dublin city; the fees he intends to have charged for such moorings; the alterations which are being made to the Waterways Ireland centre at Grand Canal Basin; the cost of these alterations; the expected completion date of these alterations; if these alterations include changes to the moorings at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/06]

The matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of Waterways Ireland, a North-South Implementation Body established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999.

I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the maximum period for mooring boats on the Grand Canal is contained in the by-laws for the canal, which provide that, "no person shall moor a boat on the canals or within 500 metres of the same place for more than 5 days without the appropriate permit."

I understand from Waterways Ireland that it has no plans at present to increase these limits. However, it is currently reviewing all the by-laws for the waterways within its remit, including the issue of fees, and proposes to go to public consultation on the matter later this year.

With regard to the visitor centre at the Grand Canal Basin, certain refurbishment works are under consideration at present by Waterways Ireland in the context of ongoing discussions with a developer seeking to progress a mixed use development on an adjacent site. I understand that Waterways Ireland is seeking to have the cost of the refurbishment works at the visitor centre included as part of the overall development scheme. Waterways Ireland estimates that the scheme, including the refurbishment works, would be completed within two years of its commencement. Alterations would not be required to the existing mooring facilities in the Grand Canal Basin and alternative public access would be maintained throughout the development period.

Rural Social Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

344 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been told they have to cease on the rural social scheme, after a contract of only one year; if this person will be re-employed on the rural social scheme. [7651/06]

The conditions of eligibility, which need to be fulfilled to participate in the rural social scheme, RSS, are as follows: applicants must be in receipt of farm assist or have been allocated a valid herd or flock number from the Department of Agriculture and Food and be in receipt of one of the following allowances from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, namely, unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, if previously on CE, or disability allowance; or applicants are self-employed fisherpersons on a fishing boat which has been entered in the register of fishing boats or have been issued with a fishing licence for fishing for salmon at sea, from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and are in receipt of one of the following allowances from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, namely, unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, if previously on CE, or disability allowance.

The person in question, prior to commencement on the RSS, was signing for credited social insurance contributions — credits — with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Credited contributions are notional social insurance contributions, which are awarded to an insured person without a pay related social insurance, PRSI, payment being received from that person.

My Department has established, following legal advice, that a person signing for credits has no underlying entitlement to participate on the scheme. The person concerned spent one year on the scheme but following the legal clarification was informed that he could not continue to participate for a further period on the basis of credited social insurance contributions. To be eligible going forward, the person in question must meet the criteria set out above.

Michael Ring

Question:

345 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applicants who have been refused participation on the rural social scheme in each county since the scheme was introduced; the category of their refusal; the number of people who have been refused an extension of their employment contract on the rural social scheme in each county, in each refusal category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7663/06]

Details of applicants for the rural social scheme, RSS, who were refused a place and participants refused contract extensions since the scheme was introduced, both on a county basis, are set out in the following table.

As I pointed out in my reply to Question No. 378, participants described as "on credits" were signing for credited social welfare insurance contributions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs prior to commencement on the scheme. My Department has established, following legal advice, that a person signing for credits has no underlying entitlement to participate on the scheme, hence the refusal of contract extensions in their cases.

County

No. of RSS applicants refused

Category of refusal of application

No. of RSS participants refused contract extension

Category of refusal of contract extension

Carlow

Nil

Nil

Cavan

2

Participant refused place which was offered (2)

1

On credits (1)

Clare

15

Not eligible (13) Circumstances changed after applying (2)

Nil

Cork

46

Not eligible (46)

2

Limited work availabilities on project (2)

Donegal

20

Not eligible (20)

2

Reached retirement age (2)

Dublin

Nil

Nil

Galway

8

Not eligible (8)

Nil

Kerry

33

Not eligible (33)

Nil

Kildare

11

Not eligible (11)

Nil

Kilkenny

Nil

Nil

Laois

5

Not eligible (5)

Nil

Leitrim

55

Not eligible (55)

2

Reached retirement age (1) Refused to undertake work offered (1)

Limerick

Nil

Nil

Louth

Nil

Nil

Longford

Nil

2

On credits (2)

Mayo

52

Not eligible (50) Refused to take place offered (2)

9

On credits (7) Not suitable for work (1) Became ineligible (1)

Meath

Nil

Nil

Monaghan

Nil

Nil

Offaly

6

Not eligible (6)

Nil

Roscommon

41

Not eligible (41)

1

Reached retirement age (1)

Sligo

Nil

Nil

Tipperary

14

Not eligible (14)

Nil

Waterford

5

Not eligible (5)

Nil

Westmeath

4

Not eligible (4)

Nil

Wexford

Nil

Nil

Wicklow

3

Not eligible (3)

Nil

Offshore Islands

Nil

Nil

Michael Ring

Question:

346 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who are employed on the rural social scheme on a county basis; the costs involved; the estimated scheme participation and costs for the next 12 month period. [7664/06]

The number of participants on the rural social scheme on a county basis are as follows:

Number of RSS participants per county.

County Name

Number of Participants

Carlow

13

Cavan

64

Clare

108

Cork

125

Donegal

189

Galway

246

Kerry

226

Kildare

9

Kilkenny

16

Laois

17

Leitrim

96

Limerick

50

Louth

8

Longford

51

Mayo

460

Meath

9

Monaghan

24

Offaly

33

Offshore Islands

5

Roscommon

133

Sligo

101

Tipperary

47

Waterford

10

Westmeath

29

Wexford

32

Wicklow

13

Total

2,114

An amount of €40.3 million for current expenditure with a further €3 million for capital expenditure has been provided in my Department's Estimates to fund the scheme in 2006. It is envisaged that the total allocation of 2,500 places available on the scheme will be taken up shortly.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

347 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7697/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 466 of 10 February 2004 regarding expenditure on advertising by my Department in 2002 and 2003.

Brindley Advertising holds the Government contract for advertising in the print media, mainly for statutory and official notifications. Advertising is normally placed in the national newspapers and also regional newspapers and specialised journals, as appropriate. Payments to Brindley Advertising were as follows: 2004 —€362,552.00; 2005 —€249,026.70; and 2006 to date — nil.

In 2005, €5,829.57 was paid to the Department of Agriculture and Food in respect of this Department's contribution to advertising on the consultation process on rural development strategy 2007-2013.

Community Development.

Niall Blaney

Question:

348 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a company (details supplied) in County Donegal included voluntary committees-groups as supporting their application for funding under the programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary groups 2005 which was successful in securing €10,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7788/06]

Some letters of support were received with this application from the group in question. However, this application, as with all applications under the programme, was assessed strictly against the published criteria for the programme.

Craoladh Gaeilge.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

349 D'fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise na maitheasa atá déanta don Ghaeilge agus d’íomhá na Gaeilge sa phobal de thoradh an mhéadaithe ar chraolachán Gaeilge ar na stáisiúin a thagann faoi chúram Choimisiún Craolacháin na hÉireann, CCÉ, cad é an tuairim atá aige ar chinneadh CCÉ deireadh a chur leis an bpost mar chomhordaitheoir Gaeilge ar fhoireann an choimisiúin agus, dá bhrí sin, an bhfuil sé i gceist aige scéim a ullmhú faoi Acht na dteangacha chun an neamart seo a réiteach. [7808/06]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

352 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise na maitheasa atá déanta don Ghaeilge agus d’íomhá na Gaeilge sa phobal de thoradh an mhéadaithe ar chraolachán Gaeilge ar na stáisiúin a thagann faoi chúram Choimisiún Craolacháin na hÉireann, CCÉ, cad é an tuairim atá aige ar chinneadh CCÉ deireadh a chur leis an bpost mar chomhordaitheoir Gaeilge ar fhoireann an choimisiúin, an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an Aire scéim a ullmhú faoin Acht teanga chun an neamart seo a réiteach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7918/06]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 349 agus 352 le chéile.

I dtús báire, ní miste dom a mheabhrú do na Teachtaí gur comhlacht neamhspleách reachtúil é Coimisiúin Craolacháin na hÉireann nach dtagann faoi chúram mo Roinne-se.

Cé nach bhfuil ar mo chumas a rá ag an bpointe seo cén uair go baileach a iarrfar ar an gcoimisiúin dréacht-scéim teanga a ullmhú faoi alt 11 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, is féidir a bheith cinnte go n-iarrfar orthu a leithéid de scéim a ullmhú amach anseo in am tráth.

Cuain agus Céanna.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

350 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas déanta chun na Roinne le haghaidh cé d’Inis Bó Finne, Dún na nGall, cén uair a fuarthas an t-iarratas, an bhfuil meastachán déanta i dtaobh costas agus an bhfuil sé beartaithe deontas a cheadú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7908/06]

Níl aon iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse ó Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall ar chúnamh le haghaidh Cé Inis Bó Finne a fhorbairt. Tuigtear, áfach, go bhfuil an chomhairle chontae ag obair ar na ceadúnais reachtúla a fháil i leith na forbartha seo.

Ach iarratas a bheith faighte, déanfar é a mheas i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair atá ar fáil dom le caitheamh faoi Chlár Oibre na nOileán 2006-07 agus na n-éileamh éagsúil ar an soláthar sin.

Tionscail agus Fostaíocht Gaeltachta.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

351 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén líon daoine atá fostaithe i dtionscal a fuair cuidiúóÚdarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht Láir i nDún na nGall agus an bhfuil pleananna ann chun tionscail bhreise a lonnú sa cheantar sin. [7909/06]

Tuigim óÚdarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil 86 duine fostaithe go lánaimseartha agus 18 duine eile fostaithe go páirtaimseartha i dtionscnaimh a fuair cúnamh óÚdarás na Gaeltachta sa Ghaeltacht Láir i nDún na nGall.

Mar is eol don Teachta, tá iarrachtaí leanúnacha ar siúl ag an údarás chun tionscnaimh bhreise a aimsiú don cheantar sin, chomh maith le ceantair Ghaeltachta eile.

Question No. 352 answered with QuestionNo. 349.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

353 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8129/06]

A total of two personnel fall into the category described by the Deputy. One administrative officer, AO, is on a temporary placement with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the terms of the Department of Finance AO exchange scheme — circular 12/1986 — and a higher executive officer is undertaking a MSc in public policy analysis programme under the terms of Department of Finance circular 17/2005 and on completion of the programme will return to work in my Department.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

354 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of An Coiste Téarmaíochta. [8177/06]

I draw the Deputy's attention to my reply to Question No. 163 on 8 February 2006 concerning the establishment of the national terminology database in conjunction with FIONTAR, Dublin City University, with part-funding from Foras na Gaeilge. Foras has indicated to me that this work continues to be submitted to the Coiste Téarmaíochta on a monthly basis. The terminology that has been input up to now is being edited at present and this process will continue into the summer. FIONTAR intends to release a preview of the database live on the Internet in September of this year. I understand it will deal with questions and problems, as they arise from the public feedback, from then until March 2007. I might mention that the terminological output from the coiste down through the years is available on www.acmhainn.ie.

Recruitment Practices.

Dan Boyle

Question:

355 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the complaints that have been received about employment procedures at any of the newly established North-South bodies since their inception. [8809/06]

Under the terms of the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, the North-South bodies may be staffed by open recruitment, temporary secondment and the transfer of staff. The bodies, with the approval of NSMC, North-South Ministerial Council, and the Finance Ministers, determine the remuneration, grading, numbers and other conditions of the chief executives and other staff of the bodies.

My Department received a formal complaint in January 2003 from a senior manager in Waterways Ireland that included allegations regarding questionable recruitment practices in relation to certain posts in that body. An investigation into this matter and related matters was jointly carried out, with the consent of the parties involved, by independent investigators appointed by the two sponsoring Departments. A copy of the summary of the findings of the joint investigation was provided for the Oireachtas Library on 4 May 2005.

I understand that a written policy on recruitment and promotions, based on best practice principles, including fairness and transparency, has since been adopted by Waterways Ireland and circulated to all staff.

Animal Diseases.

Paul McGrath

Question:

356 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a procedure is in place for wildlife rangers to collect and clinically examine wild fowl, particularly migrating birds, for traces of bird flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7768/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

357 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures in place for local authorities to collect and clinically examine dead wild fowl that may be suspected of contamination from bird flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7769/06]

Paul McGrath

Question:

362 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the protocol in place within her Department for the collection and clinical examination of wild fowl, particularly migrating birds, for traces of bird flu in view of the spread of this disease across Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7767/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 357 and 362 together.

My Department has very clear arrangements in place for the reporting, collection and testing of dead wild birds. My Department is responsible for the collection and testing of such birds and last week the avian influenza helpline facility was extended and widely advertised in the national media. As a result there has been a significant increase in the number of wild bird mortalities being reported to my Department.

The helpline is part of an early warning system which my Department has operated for several months with the active assistance of the national parks and wildlife service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and Birdwatch Ireland. This system, which involves the reporting of increased or unusual patterns of wild bird mortality, is part of a more intensified approach to wild bird surveillance and is a critical element in the early detection of the disease.

With the extension of the helpline last week, my Department wrote to all county and city councils advising them that all reports of wild bird mortalities should be reported to my Department. The Department has not requested wildlife rangers or local authority staff to recover dead wild birds.

My Department records fully all incidents reported, through the early warning system, by any of the agencies involved or by members of the public through the avian influenza helpline. Under the present arrangements, a veterinary officer from my Department recovers the carcases of single dead waterfowl and migratory birds, and multiple dead native birds and delivers them to the reference veterinary laboratory for testing to establish cause of death.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

358 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7698/06]

My Department places advertising using an advertising agency. The contract with the agency was awarded following a competitive tender which was advertised at national and EU level in accordance with procedures set out in EU directives. The advertising of Government notices, statutory notices, is also subject to a contract. That contract is also subject to a competitive tendering process which is co-ordinated by the Government supplies agency on behalf of all Departments.

The details sought by the Deputy about the value of advertising placed by the Department in 2005 and over the past five years are set out in the following table:

Advertising

2001

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

1,611,481

2002

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

638,440

2003

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

442,887

2004

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

648,543

2005

Advertising (including display/general advertising and Statutory Notices)

913,167

In a typical year, the Department's advertising consists mainly of regulatory display advertising and statutory notices. Advertising expenditure in 2001 included as an exceptional measure €962,938 on the foot and mouth disease public awareness campaign which included newspaper, radio and television advertising. The increase in press advertising in 2004 and 2005 is due largely to increased expenditure on forestry advertising after forestry came back within the remit of my Department in 2004.

Grant Payments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

359 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing a single payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [7703/06]

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme on 21 December 2005. Following processing of his application, he was notified that his application was successful, and payment will issue to him soon.

John McGuinness

Question:

360 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason installation aid has not been approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a response will be expedited. [7752/06]

The installation aid scheme involves a two-stage application process, namely, an initial application, IAS 1, and an application for payment, IAS 2. The person concerned submitted an IAS 1 application on 21 July 2005. However, my Department has no record of having received an application for payment, IAS 2, in this case. A decision will be made as regards payment following receipt of the IAS 2 concerned.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

361 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan can expect to receive the single payment entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7765/06]

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme on 3 May 2005. Following initial processing of the application, the person named was requested in August 2005 to submit supporting documentation. The information requested was submitted, and the applicant was notified that the application to transfer entitlements by way of inheritance was successful. Payment will issue to the applicant soon.

Question No. 362 answered with QuestionNo. 356.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Martin Ferris

Question:

363 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has decided which way it will vote at the EU standing committee meeting of 7 March 2006 on the beef ban. [7802/06]

In view of the progress made in the United Kingdom in reducing the incidence of BSE and the controls that are now in place to protect consumers, I am generally in favour of lifting the ban on the export of UK beef. However, we will await the precise proposals tabled and arguments advanced at next week's meeting of the standing committee on the food chain and animal health, before finalising our voting position.

Pest Control.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

364 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the source of her information regarding the New Zealand flatworm (details supplied) that indicated that the feared effects of flatworm populations had not occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7806/06]

With regard to my previous reply on this matter I wish to state that the primary source of information regarding the New Zealand flatworm and its impact on the earthworm population was based on a study carried out in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This was a joint study carried out by the Central Science Laboratory, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK, with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, DARDNI and the Scottish Crop Research Institute, entitled Biological and Ecological Studies of the New Zealand Flatworm, Arthurdendyus Triangulatus: Towards a Comprehensive Risk Assessment for the UK. The report of the study is published by Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK.

Grant Payments.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

365 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the payment of the single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [7813/06]

The person named submitted an application for the transfer entitlements by way of private contract clause under the 2005 single payment scheme. This application was successfully processed and a payment, amounting to €913.99, issued on 1 December 2005. The dairy premium element of the applicant's single payment, which was not included in the initial payment, will be paid shortly.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

366 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the inspection regime which will apply to the enforcement of the nitrates directive; the level of on-farm inspection anticipated by her officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7853/06]

The nitrates regulations, SI No. 788 of 2005, signed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, specifies that the relevant local authorities shall be the control authorities for the purposes of the regulations and that they shall carry out or cause to be carried out such inspections of farm holdings as are necessary for the purposes of the regulations and shall aim to co-ordinate their inspection activities with inspections carried out by other public authorities.

In practice, most farm inspections will be carried out by my Department as part of the cross-compliance requirements under the single farm payment. My Department is developing an inspection system for nitrates which will be finalised soon.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

367 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the payments made to a herd owner (details supplied) in County Mayo since 1 January 2001 from any section of her Department, giving details of each payment amount, scheme and so on for all schemes. [7885/06]

Since January 2001, my Department has made payments under several scheme headings to the herdowner in question, details of which appear in the following schedule.

With regard to the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, the reference number 16D00818 refers to a person other than the individual named.

SCHEDULE

Date of Payment

Title of Scheme

Amount (€)

Ewe Premium

20/7/2001

594.96

19/10/2001

194.03

13/12/2001

57.14

20/02/2002

154.62

03/05/2002

26.94

16/10/2002

1,960.00

03/03/2003

88.20

17/10/2003

3,640.00

10/03/2004

163.80

19/10/2004

2,940.00

29/11/2004

980.00

28/02/2005

176.40

Slaughter Premium

24/10/2001

169.60

28/05/2002

29.32

16/10/2002

320.00

06/05/2003

80.00

05/11/2003

640.00

31/03/2004

113.60

20/10/2004

432.00

01/04/2005

272.80

Special Beef Premium

12/12/2001

97.60

16/10/2002

600.00

02/05/2003

150.00

20/10/2003

1,200.00

30/03/2004

300.00

01/12/2004

810.00

05/04/2004

540.00

Extensification

06/06/2003

200.00

11/06/2004

400.00

26/05/2005

360.00

Single Farm Payment

01/12/2005

4,526.08

Area Based Compensatory Allowance Scheme

24/09/2001

657.71

20/09/2002

783.03

19/09/2003

1,504.74

29/11/2004

1,486.96

23/09/2005

1,481.63

Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)

22/09/2003

3,292.63

10/01/2005

3,262.49

28/07/2005

3,386.49

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

368 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to raise the upper limit for leasing under the farm retirement scheme; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7898/06]

The objective of the European Council regulation which governs the early retirement scheme is structural reform, through the provision of a financial incentive to older farmers to retire early in order to facilitate their replacement by younger farmers who are considered more likely to improve the economic viability of the holding. The regulation sets down minimum requirements that must be met, but enables individual member states to set additional conditions considered necessary to meet the objectives of the scheme.

In designing the scheme, my Department considered that the focus should be on younger farmers and provided for a sliding upper age limit for prospective transferees starting at 45 years and reducing annually to 40 years for applications received in 2006. The representatives of young farmers continue to support this structure. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, however, recommended, in its 2005 report on the operation of the scheme of early retirement, the restoration of the limit to 45 years and I am considering the matter.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

369 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a single farm payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7899/06]

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme on 17 February 2006 for the transfer of lands that occurred in 2003. Due to the late receipt of this application and the lack of supporting documentation, it is not possible to process it. The applicant has been requested to submit supporting documentation and, once this is received, my Department will notify the applicant of the decision taken in this case, and issue the single payment if the application is successful.

Michael Ring

Question:

370 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an application to the national reserve by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [7914/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

371 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the single farm payment entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the payment received and amounts still outstanding; and if this person was paid on his full quota entitlements. [7915/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.

The person named was paid a single farm payment of €398.65 on his 22.47 entitlements established in the reference period.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve under category B. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia and-or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and-or ewe quota or other investments.

Over 23,000 applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received when account is taken of farmers who applied under more than one category. Processing of these applications continues and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.

My Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed when formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued.

Tom Hayes

Question:

372 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if payment has issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme. [7922/06]

The person named was paid his single payment on 9 December 2005.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

373 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason persons (details supplied) in County Galway have not received payment on an animal under the ten months special beef premium which was applied for on 13 July 2004; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there were six animals applied for but they only received payment for five; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8076/06]

In this case one application was submitted under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, in respect of six animals. Following the initial processing of the application, one of the animals applied on was not recorded in the herd of the applicants named on the date of application. The animal was, therefore, rejected and a penalty of 9.09% was applied. However, following an appeal submitted to the agricultural appeals office, the decision was overturned and the application is now being processed for payment. Payment will issue shortly.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

374 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the total amount due under the single farm payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if a grant will be awarded on foot of a copy of the will on the strict understanding that probate will be finalised for the payment in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8078/06]

The person named submitted an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme on 9 December 2005. Following processing of his application, he was notified that his application was successful, and payment will issue shortly.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

375 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having payment of the dairy premium of the EU single farm payment issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8094/06]

An application in respect of the single payment scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. Issues arose regarding the transfer of the entitlements in this case. However, the issues raised have been resolved and payment will issue shortly.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

376 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the balance due on a single farm payment has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this payment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8096/06]

The person named submitted an application under the 2005 single payment scheme on 13 May 2005. The total value of the entitlements established by the applicant under the scheme was €8,525.62. An initial payment of €7,709.89 issued to the applicant on 9 December 2005. A supplementary payment amounting to €815.73 issued on 26 January 2006 and, therefore, the applicant is deemed to have been paid in full.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

377 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of people on the payroll of her Department who are not working in her Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8130/06]

The following table gives a breakdown of the number of people on the payroll of my Department who are not working in my Department for one reason or another. In addition there are two officers currently suspended from duty who are being paid within the provisions of the appropriate regulations.

People on Department of Agriculture and Food payroll who are not working in the Department

Count of Name Seconded to

Grade

Ag Insp

AP

Asst Sec

CO

EO

HEO

PO

SO

TAO

VI

AO

Cleaner

CO

Grand Total

Agricultural Attache, Madrid

1

1

Agricultural Attache, Warsaw

1

1

An Bord Bia

1

1

Concern

1

1

Department of Transport (Driver Testing)

3

1

3

7

European Commission

1

1

2

Institute of Public Administration

1

1

INTERREG

1

1

Irish Horse Board

1

2

3

Loaned out to Education and Science

1

1

Masters Programme

1

1

1

3

Office of Tobacco Control, Naas

1

1

On Secondment to Impact Trade Union

1

1

Tourism, Transport and Communications

1

1

Department of Marine

1

1

Department of Defence

2

2

Agricultural Attache, Washington

1

1

Justice, Equality and Law Reform

2

17

14

13

1

5

1

53

Grand Total

2

7

1

24

17

14

1

8

1

3

1

2

1

82

Food Safety Board.

Denis Naughten

Question:

378 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 239, of 21 February 2006, the action taken by her Department to date on the FSAI report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8162/06]

My Department received the elements of the FSAI report that referred specifically to plants that came within its remit. The issues identified by the FSAI audit were addressed by my Department to the satisfaction of the FSAI.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

379 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if payment has been lodged in the national reserve for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8174/06]

The person named established 16.20 entitlements under the single payment scheme. A single payment application was received on 12 May 2005, declaring zero hectares. Under EU legislation, to draw down payment in respect of standard entitlements, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement. This requirement was set out clearly in the documentation supplied to farmers on a number of occasions. If the person named declares sufficient land on his 2006 single payment application, he will be in a position to claim full entitlements. My Department has no record of receipt of an application form for the national reserve measure of the single payment scheme for the person named.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

380 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the compensation which the farmers in the early retirement scheme will receive in respect of beet quotas they have leased as part of their farm under the scheme; if their benefits will accrue to them or to the farmers who have leased the quote from them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8175/06]

The sugar reform package agreed in November provides for compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be paid as part of the single farm payment, will be worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over the next seven years. I announced recently that the reference period for the establishment of the single payment compensation for beet growers was the three-year average of the individual farmers contracted tonnage of beet with Irish Sugar Limited in the years 2001, 2002 and 2004.

Under the single payment scheme, the compensation for sugar beet growers will be established for farmers who grew sugar beet under contract with Irish Sugar Limited during the 2000, 2001 and 2004 reference period. As the European Commission has not adopted the detailed implementing rules for the incorporation of the sugar beet compensation in the single farm payment, it is not possible at this stage to confirm that similar provisions to those applying under the existing single payment scheme will also apply to the sugar beet compensation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

381 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she proposes to deal with the compensation payments being awarded to farmers in respect of them being unable to grow beet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8176/06]

The agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime provides for compensation to growers for the institutional price reductions. In the event of a decision to cease sugar production, the provisions of the temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry also come into play. Under this scheme, an application involving factory closure and renunciation of quota can be made for aid in respect of the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2006 for the first year of the scheme and 31 January for each year thereafter. In Ireland's case, the aid would be worth up to €145 million. At least 10% of the aid is reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors to compensate notably for losses arising from investment in specialised machinery. That proportion may be increased by member states after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured. In addition, diversification funds of almost €44 million will also become available for Irish growers in the event that sugar beet production completely ceases in Ireland.

A provision which would have limited eligibility for restructuring funds to growers who had delivered beet in the year preceding the year of quota renunciation was dropped at Ireland's request. Until all the relevant EU legal texts have been adopted, it will not be possible to make definitive implementation arrangements for these compensation payments.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

382 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of people who have moved directly with their job in respect of assignments made within her Department to decentralised posts; the number who are new recruits recruited within the past 24 months; the number who have been appointed on promotion; and the additional personal costs to be associated with the move. [8235/06]

Some 23 of the 90 permanent staff who have decentralised to Portlaoise by the end of January 2006 have moved with their work in areas such as training and development, accommodation, management services, personnel and information systems. A total of 67 of the permanent staff who have moved to Portlaoise are working on the newly introduced single payment scheme, SPS, and therefore occupy new posts.

A total of 14 permanent staff who moved have joined the Department recently as a result of applications to the central applications facility. While no staff have been promoted specifically for decentralisation, 13 of the permanent Department of Agriculture and Food staff who have moved were promoted within the past 24 months.

In addition to the permanent staff, there are 49 temporary clerical officers working onthe single payment scheme in Portlaoise who were recruited within the past 24 months. There are no personal costs payable in respect of decentralisation and my Department has paid no such costs.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

383 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the single payment has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8277/06]

The person named submitted an application for the transfer entitlements by way of private contract clause under the single payment scheme. The application of the person named was successful and payment will issue shortly.

Police Vetting Services.

Seán Ryan

Question:

384 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that the police authorities in the UK and Northern Ireland are refusing to provide security clearance or vetting for people who have worked within their jurisdiction and who have applied for positions dealing with children within the health and education systems; the way in which he proposes to respond to this issue, including guidelines for interview boards in view of the difficulty this causes for interview boards and especially for the protection of children. [7779/06]

The British authorities are not refusing to provide police vetting for persons who have worked within that jurisdiction and who are now applying for positions in this jurisdiction. However, last December, the British national central bureau, NCB, of Interpol issued a communiqué to all Interpol member states, including Ireland, signalling changes in British vetting procedures. The nature of these changes would have the potential to create significant difficulties for the Garda Síochána in submitting requests for vetting to the British authorities.

Accordingly, concerns at the potential implications of these changes have been raised at both ministerial and a high level police-to-police basis, with a view to reaching a satisfactory resolution of the potential difficulties. I am closely monitoring developments in this regard.

In the interim, the Garda Síochána will continue to provide vetting services within the full extent of information available to it.

It is worth noting that criminal record checks, while being capable in appropriate circumstances of making a significant contribution to ensuring that unsuitable persons do not secure positions of trust, are not the sole answer to ensuring applicants' suitability for posts. There will continue to be a particular onus of care on employers to maintain good employment practice during the recruitment stage, for example, good interviewing practice, checking references and in ensuring adequate supervision arrangements post recruitment.

Registration of Title.

Paul McGrath

Question:

385 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Land Registry office will be requested to expedite a dealing (details supplied). [7654/06]

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.

Visa Applications.

Marian Harkin

Question:

386 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information which is required to satisfy the criteria to show relationship history and sufficient funds for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [7657/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1119 of Wednesday, 25 January last in which I outlined the background to this application.

An applicant must satisfy the visa officer examining the application of both a relationship history and the availability of sufficient funds to support the spouse in the State without recourse to public funds. It is important that the applicant can show that the couple had met on several occasions prior to the marriage and in short that a sound relationship existed. In the case of finances, documentation such as a P60 and recent bank statements and pay slips which set out the finances of the supporting spouse, are acceptable.

The decision to decline the grant of the visa was upheld by the visa appeals officer on re-examination of the case. As each application is entitled to only one appeal, no further review can be facilitated. It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application for a visa accompanied by additional information, clear evidence of adequate funds to support the spouse and a history of the relationship.

Peace Commissioners.

Finian McGrath

Question:

387 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the appointment of peace commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/06]

Peace commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. The office of peace commissioner is an honorary appointment and peace commissioners receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services. An application for appointment may be submitted by a person who is interested in obtaining an appointment, or a third party may submit a nomination in respect of a person considered suitable for appointment. Nominations are generally received from public representatives. A local Garda superintendent sometimes requests an appointment in a particular area in the public interest.

There is no qualifying examination involved but appointees are required to be of good character and they are usually well established in the local community. Persons who are members of professions or employed in occupations which engage in legal work or related activities and members of the clergy are, as a matter of practice, not appointed because of their occupation. Civil servants are usually only appointed where the performance of their official duties requires an appointment, that is, ex officio. Persons convicted of serious offences are considered unsuitable for appointment.

The fact that an applicant or nominee may be suitable for appointment does not in itself provide any entitlement to appointment because appointments are made at the discretion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and having regard to the needs of particular areas. I am reviewing the position regarding the appointment of peace commissioners in certain areas consequent to legal advice and I expect to bring forward legislative proposals to clarify the position in the near future.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

388 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there are no Garda community officers for the Bridgefoot Street area of the Liberties, Dublin 8. [7682/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that two members of the Garda Síochána are assigned as community gardaí to the area which includes Bridgefoot Street.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval, in October 2004, for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

389 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda community officers attached to Kevin Street Garda Station at present. [7683/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that the number of Garda community officers attached to Kevin Street Garda Station as at 31 December 2005 was seven — all ranks. These figures are compiled on a quarterly basis and therefore 31 December 2005 is the latest date for which figures are readily available.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval, in October 2004, for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of Kevin Street Garda Station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

390 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7699/06]

I can inform the Deputy that the Government Supplies Agency, GSA, has in place a central drawdown contract for use by Departments in respect of the placement of print media public information notices. I understand that this contract was most recently placed in 2004 for the period 2004 to 2007 following a full public procurement process.

My Department also reimburses the Public Appointments Service in respect of public information notices placed in connection with recruitment competitions organised on our behalf. In certain instances, advertising is also placed directly by my Department where the circumstances warrant it.

The total value of national newspaper public information notices placed in 2005 by or on behalf of my Department was €489,539.45, including all payments under the above GSA contract. This relates to notifications on matters of important public interest and spans the broad range of activities and programmes under way in my Department. It also incorporates the announcement of tender competitions as well as the public appointments referred to above. Information regarding the payments made to each of the newspapers in question for the past five years is not readily available and could not be collated without the allocation of a disproportionate amount of staff time.

UN Offices.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

391 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has recently made proposals formally to his Department in the matter of improving the rule of law in developing and post-conflict countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7731/06]

I can inform the Deputy that, to date, I have not received any proposals from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in this regard.

Stardust Inquiry.

Finian McGrath

Question:

392 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the new evidence of the Stardust fire tragedy in 1981 particularly in relation to the contents of the storeroom; and if this issue will be prioritised. [7735/06]

The position remains as set out in my response to Questions Nos. 521 and 587 of 21 February and that the issues raised in the recent "Prime Time" programme are receiving careful attention in the forensic science laboratory.

Extradition Proceedings.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

393 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of new evidence to hand, he will be seeking the return here from Brazil of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/06]

The initiation of an outgoing request for extradition is a matter for the Garda Síochána in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department has any role in the procedure.

Garda Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

394 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations here which have breathalysers; and the number of such breathalysers in each of these stations. [7746/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 64 evidential breath testing instruments — one in each of the following Garda stations:

Station

Ashbourne

Athlone

Ballina

Baltinglass

Bandon

Bantry

Belmullet

Birr

Blanchardstown

Bray

Bridewell

Bruff

Buncrana

Cahirciveen

Carlow

Carrick On Shannon

Carrickmacross

Castlebar

Cavan

Clifden

Clonmel

Donegal

Drogheda

Dún Laoghaire

Dundalk

Dungarvan

Ennis

Ennistymon

Galway

Glenties

Gorey

Gort

Henry Street

Kanturk

Kells

Kilkenny

Killarney

Kilrush

Letterkenny

Longford

Loughrea

Macroom

Mallow

Midleton

Monaghan

Mullingar

Naas

Nenagh

Newcastlewest

Pearse Street

Portlaoise

Roscommon

Santry

Sligo

Store Street

Terenure

Thurles

Tralee

Trim

Tuam

Tullamore

Waterford

Wexford

Wicklow

Garda Operations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

395 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a specific directive has been sent out from Garda headquarters to all Garda stations issuing them with guidelines with regard to random breath testing. [7747/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that following receipt of advices from the Attorney General and consultation with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with regard to drink driving enforcement, a Headquarters directive has been issued to all Garda officers to give operational effect to these advices. The directive deals with the operation of Garda checkpoints, including those in the vicinity of licensed premises, random testing and other Garda activities aimed at the prevention and detection of drink driving offences.

Garda Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

396 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of mobile hand operated speed guns in existence here; and if all gardaí are trained in the use of these speed guns. [7748/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 408 laser type speed detection instruments deployed throughout the Garda Síochána. All personnel who operate these devices have received appropriate training.

Ministerial Meetings.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

397 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met a private investigator (details supplied). [7749/06]

I have met and spoken to the person concerned on a number of occasions.

Crime Levels.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

398 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the activities of so-called Dublin crime bosses that are apparently extending their target areas of criminality into New Ross, County Wexford, and surrounding district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7775/06]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

399 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the activities of so-called Dublin crime bosses that are apparently extending their target areas of criminality into Wexford town and surrounding district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7776/06]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

400 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the activities of so-called Dublin crime bosses that are apparently extending their target areas of criminality into Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and surrounding district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7777/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 to 400, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while some crime in the areas referred to and surrounding districts in County Wexford can be attributed to criminals travelling from outside the areas in question, there is nothing to suggest that so-called Dublin crime bosses are targeting these districts. Garda management regularly reviews crime statistics and trends with a view to adjusting operational tactics to counter any new and emerging trends.

Garda Complaints Procedures.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

401 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on such actions which have been taken by his Department or by the Garda Síochána in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway with particular reference to allegations of that person having been interviewed on two separate occasions, once at Howth Garda station and once at Balbriggan Garda station; the position relating to this person’s lodging of complaints at his treatment in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7801/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 14 February 2002, the person referred to was arrested for a number of public order and drink related offences. He was later charged with breaches of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Licensing Act 1872 and was released from Garda custody after two hours. These charges were subsequently withdrawn. He made no complaint. I am further informed that there is no record at Howth Garda station of the person referred to coming to the notice of or being in contact with any members of the Garda Síochána at Howth and there is no record of the person referred to making any complaint.

If a person is not happy with the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána, it is open to him or her to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, currently the statutory body to investigate complaints by members of the public against the Garda. A complaint can be made by writing to the board or calling to its offices. A complaint can also be made at any Garda station and it will be forwarded to the board for attention unless the person indicates in writing that he or she wishes it to be dealt with by the Garda Síochána itself. The board is not empowered to deal with complaints not lodged within six months of the date of the incident. The board's offices are located at Block 1, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin, telephone 01-878 7526.

Garda Stations.

Mildred Fox

Question:

402 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to re-open Ashford Garda station, County Wicklow, which has been unoccupied and boarded up since May 2003; his long-term plans for this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7812/06]

Following extensive fire damage to the Garda station at Ashford on 10 May 2003, alternative temporary accommodation has been provided for the station party. Discussions are ongoing with the Garda authorities and the Office of Public Works on the provision of permanent accommodation at Ashford.

Garda Recruitment.

John Deasy

Question:

403 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to use section 122 (d) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to allow members of other police forces to become members of the Garda Síochána; if he intends recognising training received in such other police forces as satisfying the training requirements of entry to the Garda Síochána (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7814/06]

Section 122(1)(d) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Minister may, after consulting the Garda Commissioner and with the approval of the Government, make regulations governing the admission, appointment and enrolment of members, including members who have served with other police services and members with different ethnic or national origins or different religious reliefs or backgrounds. While I have no immediate plans to make regulations in this regard, I will keep the need for such regulations under review.

The Deputy will be aware, however, of the changes to the criteria for admission as a Garda Síochána trainee for which I secured Government approval. These changes were made under the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and 2005, respectively. In 2004 I increased the maximum age of applicants from 26 to 35 in time for the recruitment competition in November 2004. In 2005, following a period of through consultation with the Commissioner and other stakeholders, I secured Government approval for a number of important changes aimed at facilitating recruitment from different ethnic backgrounds in our society. Key among these was that the requirement to hold a qualification in both Irish and English in the leaving certificate or equivalent was replaced with a requirement to hold such a qualification in two languages, at least one of which must be Irish or English. A new nationality or residency requirement was also introduced. While there was previously no such explicit requirement, the need to have a qualification in Irish had effectively limited entry to the Garda Síochána to Irish citizens.

Admission as a trainee is now open to nationals of an EU member state, an EEA state or the Swiss Confederation, and nationals of any other state who are lawfully present in Ireland and have five years' lawful residence here. These changes have opened up entry to the Garda Síochána to persons in Ireland from all parts of the community and from all ethnic backgrounds. This is a hugely significant step which will help ensure that future intakes of recruits to the Garda Síochána reflect the composition of society to the benefit of the force and the people it serves.

The categories of persons whom the Commissioner may appoint directly to the force without having regard to the age, educational, residency or training requirements under the regulations were widened from persons with "special technical qualifications" to persons with "special aptitudes, knowledge, skills or technical qualifications". The purpose of this is to enable the Commissioner, where he has identified a need that cannot be met from within the force, to recruit new members with specialist skills, for example, in languages, to enhance the capacity of the Garda Síochána to respond to the challenges of modern policing.

Asylum Support Services.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

404 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers accommodated in the town of Kiltimagh, County Mayo; and if he intends to locate a large number of single male asylum seekers in the town; and if so, the number approximately. [7815/06]

The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and has a portfolio of 67 centres throughout the State for this purpose. In March 2005, a total of 8,080 asylum seekers were being accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish-born children or IBC measures announced on 17 December 2004. Almost all these residents have now left the RIA accommodation and, as of 17 February 2006, 4,917 asylum seekers were resident in accommodation centres. This drastic reduction in a relatively short space of time in the numbers requiring accommodation has led to a temporary over-supply of accommodation. In addition, the numbers and profile of persons seeking asylum has changed dramatically. There is now a larger number of single persons seeking asylum in the State as opposed to families and RIA accommodation must reflect this reality.

To address the reduction in numbers and the change in profile, the RIA embarked on a programme of downsizing of its accommodation portfolio. This is intended to bring supply and demand into balance and will include the re-classification of some of the accommodation centres to optimise usage and obtain value for money. This downsizing has seen a number of centre closures during 2005 — 15 centres with a combined capacity of 833 beds. To date in 2006, four centres with a combined capacity of approximately 270 beds have been closed and further closures or re-classifications are planned. Overall, the current downsizing has led to the closure of two accommodation centres in County Mayo. There are now only two centres remaining in the county, one of which is in Kiltimagh.

In the case of the centre in Kiltimagh, the RIA considered it to be suitable for possible re-classification from family to single person accommodation. The centre consists of two buildings, the Railway Hotel and an annexe located on the opposite side of the road, and it was intended to place males in one building and females in the other. As part of the reclassification of this centre, the RIA intended to relocate its families to other centres where they could benefit from special facilities for children and young people including pre-school facilities. The decision to re-classify the centre was made in early January 2006 and, following this, a number of support groups contacted the RIA on the matter.

At all times the RIA is concerned to minimise disruption to residents and the local community while maintaining its commitment to efficient and effective use of the overall accommodation portfolio. Following further consideration the RIA has recently agreed that the families residing at the centre will be allowed to remain there at least until the end of the current school year. However, arrangements are also being made to allow for the accommodation of some male asylum seekers at the centre. The RIA will shortly make up to ten placements in the annexe at this location and will monitor the arrangements on an ongoing basis. Discussions have taken place with various groups such as Irish Rural Development, Le Chéile Support Group, Intercultural Ireland (Castlebar) and St. Aidan's national school and we understand that there is now a greater acceptance of the proposed new arrangements.

The RIA has in its accommodation portfolio 17 male-only centres and no significant issues have arisen at these locations. In addition, the RIA has embarked on the re-classification of a portion of some of its larger family centres to accommodate single persons alongside families in Sligo, Meath and Monaghan. Such reclassifications are always carefully undertaken in consultation with relevant parties, especially the operators of the centre concerned.

Given the population base of the town of Kiltimagh and its environs and based on past experience, it is not considered likely that the re-classification of this centre will pose problems. In the middle of 2005, up to 80 asylum seekers were accommodated at this centre. However, owing to the outflow of asylum seekers from RIA accommodation centres, the numbers accommodated have now fallen to under half the number accommodated in 2005. These levels cannot be sustained in a centre of this size. Unless the RIA can make proper use of the accommodation centre, in line with its requirements, it will not be a viable economic proposition to continue the contract with the possible resultant loss of jobs and an indirect negative impact on the local economy. The RIA therefore intends to place more asylum seekers in the centre in the coming months to raise occupancy levels and ensure that the centre remains viable.

Arrest Warrants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

405 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, as of 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005, of arrest warrants outstanding; and the number of same that were outstanding for over a week, a month, three months and a year. [7821/06]

I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy regarding this matter when it becomes available.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

406 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to the horrific collision that resulted in five lives lost, at Lisfannon, Buncrana, County Donegal in the early hours of 18 February 2006, if he will ascertain from the Garda Commissioner the reason the maroon Audi was being followed by gardaí; if the gardaí following the car were questioned whether their actions may have contributed to the accident; and if that information will be made available to the families and at the inquest. [7830/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the full circumstances leading up to and culminating in the traffic collision referred to are being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána. I am further informed that at 4 a.m. on Saturday, 18 February 2006, gardaí were on public order duty at Main Street, Buncrana, when they observed a dark coloured car strike a parked vehicle and leave the scene of the collision. The gardaí attempted to follow this car with the intention of stopping it and speaking with the driver but lost sight of the car due to the speed of the vehicle. Contact was made with the communications centre for other Garda units to keep a look out for this car. The gardaí travelled out the Buncrana-Derry road where they came upon a two-vehicle collision involving this car. They immediately rendered assistance to the victims of the collision and followed Garda procedures relating to traffic collisions.

Free Legal Aid Scheme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

407 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements in place under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 and the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 for Irish citizens who do not ordinarily qualify for free legal aid to be represented in court proceedings as per their constitutional right; the alternative legal representative arrangements in place for citizens where solicitors have refused to represent them or withdrawn services during a court proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7842/06]

I am satisfied that the arrangements in place under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 and the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 meet the State's obligations in respect of the provision of legal aid for criminal and civil matters. Under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 and the regulations made under it, free legal aid may be granted in certain circumstances for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. The courts are responsible for the granting of legal aid. When granting legal aid, the court must also be satisfied that by reason of the "gravity of the charge" or "exceptional circumstances", it is essential in the interests of justice that the applicant should have legal aid.

Visa Applications.

Richard Bruton

Question:

408 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting period for the processing of visa applications to his Department; if there is a system for prioritising them in order of urgency; if there is a backlog in the visa section causing undue delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7845/06]

The visa section in my Department is committed to providing a high quality service to all its customers and is making every effort to process all visa applications in as timely a manner as possible. The timeframe for processing visa applications has been reduced in recent months and applications generally take a week from the date of receipt in the visa section. This may change from time to time depending on the volume of applications at particular times and the resources available to process them. The visa section has a team-led system to deal with the various categories of visas. Applications are dealt with strictly by date of receipt to have a system in operation which is fair to all our customers. Where urgent visa applications are brought to the attention of the section, every effort is made to facilitate them.

Citizenship Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

409 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made following Question No. 641 of 14 June 2005 in relation to an application for Irish citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7846/06]

I informed the Deputy in response to Question No. 641 on 14 June 2005 that the application of the person referred to had been received in my Department in January 2004 and that it was likely that it would be finalised in early 2006. I have been advised by my officials that the processing of the application of the person concerned is almost complete and that the file will be forwarded to me for decision in the coming weeks. I will advise both the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision on the application.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

410 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new hand held units issued to gardaí on traffic duty permit access to previous penalty points issued to individuals; and if this information is available through the PULSE system or the national driver files. [7851/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

411 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda PULSE system records speeding penalty points. [7852/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.

Penalty points are assigned to the driving licence record in the national driver file by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on receipt of information from the Garda Síochána indicating that a fixed charge notice attracting penalty points has been paid or from the Courts Service following the outcome of court proceedings.

Information on the number of penalty points attaching to a driving licence is not available to the Garda Síochána through the PULSE system or on the hand-held units used by gardaí on traffic duty. However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that initial discussions have taken place with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the technical aspects of the Garda Síochána obtaining data electronically on driver disqualifications. Those licence holders reaching 12 penalty points represent a sub-set of this data.

Crime Levels.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

412 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the information requested in Question No. 1171 of 25 January 2006. [7895/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2004, 5,306 headline offences were committed by persons on bail; the corresponding figure for 2005 was 5,456. The following table shows the number of homicide, rape, other sexual assault and drug offences committed by persons on bail and proceedings commenced in 2004. Other than the number of manslaughters and murders committed by persons on bail, the corresponding figures for 2005 are not available. These figures are being compiled and I will be in touch with the Deputy when they are available. Comparable statistics for the years prior to 2004 are not readily available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to compile.

The Garda Commissioner for the first time provided statistics on headline offences committed by persons on bail in his 2004 annual report. I welcome the provision of this information as a contribution to public discussion. The statistics in the Commissioner's report classify offences committed while on bail under the ten headline crime groups under which the report's statistics are categorised. It is important to note that all offences in, for example, the homicide group are not the homicide offences of murder and manslaughter. The homicide group of headline offences also includes the offences of attempted murder, murder threats, infanticide, abortion and procuring or assisting in an abortion. The statistics may include persons who have not been convicted of the offences they are alleged to have committed, and this is one of the matters on which I have requested information from the Garda Síochána.

Regarding bail in general, during the term of office of the rainbow coalition the number of prisoners on temporary release reached an all-time high of 20% at one stage. As a result of the action of this Government, this so-called revolving door system operated by the rainbow coalition has been stopped and the percentage of the prison population on temporary release now is approximately 2.3%. While it is disturbing that offences are committed by persons on bail, the offence for which the person received bail may be a minor one. Our legislative provisions for the granting of bail are very stringent. The 16th amendment of the Constitution provides for the refusal of bail to a person charged with a serious offence where it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person. The Bail Act 1997 gave effect to the amendment and tightened up the bail regime generally.

The Criminal Justice Act 1984 provides that any sentence of imprisonment passed on a person for an offence committed shall be consecutive on any sentence passed on him or her for a previous offence. The granting of bail in accordance with the Act, the amount of bail and sentencing are matters for the courts which are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.

Offences Committed by Persons on Bail in 2004

Offences

Proceedings Commenced

Manslaughter

1

1

Murder

9

4

Sexual Assault

4

0

Unlawful Carnal Knowledge

5

1

Rape of a Female

6

3

Importation of Drugs

1

1

Obstruction under Drugs act

84

38

Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply

232

157

Offences Committed by Persons on Bail in 2005

Offences

Manslaughter

0

Murder

3

Census of Population.

Seán Ryan

Question:

413 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the population figures from each Garda district as determined by the 1996 census of population. [7905/06]

I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities whether the information sought by the Deputy can be obtained from the Central Statistics Office and I will be in contact with the Deputy again on this matter as soon as possible.

Garda Communications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

414 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for members of the public and others to provide information to or otherwise contact their local Garda station by e-mail; if not, the reason for same; and his proposals in this regard. [7912/06]

Access to e-mail is provided to individual members of the Garda Síochána. E-mail access is available to all Superintendents and higher grades and this will allow for e-mail correspondence with members of the public as appropriate. Members of the public can also access and download incident report forms from the Garda website to assist in the reporting of crime at Garda stations. In addition, general comments and queries can be e-mailed via the Garda website, www.garda.ie.

Stardust Inquiry.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

415 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the assistance which is being given to the families of Stardust victims whose bodies have still not been identified. [7916/06]

Finian McGrath

Question:

418 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if new forensic techniques can assist the Stardust families as their relatives’ remains were never properly identified; and if assistance will be given to the families on this matter. [8029/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 418 together.

My Department has not received a recent request for assistance along these lines. From previous inquiries, my understanding is that the authority to issue an exhumation license in these circumstances rests with the relevant local authority and that the consent of the next of kin of all those victims whose remains were not identified would be necessary for exhumations to proceed. In the event that such consent is forthcoming, it would be advisable to obtain a further expert opinion whether a DNA sample of sufficient quality to permit identification could be extracted from the remains.

Road Traffic Offences.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

416 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of haulage drivers prosecuted for breaking road safety and road haulage regulations in 2004 and 2005; the breakdown of such offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8009/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested is not readily available and is being researched. I will be in touch with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

417 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the progress of the April 2005 application for naturalisation through marriage for a person (details supplied). [8028/06]

A declaration of acceptance of Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship by the person concerned was lodged with my Department on 14 April 2005. The declaration was examined recently and some additional information from the person concerned is required to complete consideration of the matter. A letter was issued in this regard in recent days. Processing of the declaration will continue when a response to this letter is received. I will advise both the Deputy and the person concerned when the matter is finalised.

Question No. 418 answered with QuestionNo. 415.

Registration of Title.

Denis Naughten

Question:

419 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application (details supplied); the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8044/06]

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.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

420 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding has been allocated to build a new Garda divisional headquarters in Wexford Town in 2006 for the Wexford -Wicklow Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8061/06]

I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that funding is available in the Garda building programme for the divisional headquarters Garda station project in Wexford town. Progress is dependent on the availability of a suitable site. In this regard, the Office of Public Works indicated that it expects the legal formalities for the purchase of a new site to conclude shortly.

Registration of Title.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

421 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a dealing (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is great urgency regarding this registration of title; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8074/06]

I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.

Garda Recruitment.

Jack Wall

Question:

422 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the age limit for persons applying for entry into the Garda Síochána; when the next round of applications will be determined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8080/06]

Regulation 5 of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988 (as amended) provides that to qualify for admission as a trainee with the Garda Síochána, prospective applicants must, inter alia, be at least 18 years and under 35 years of age on the first day of the month in which the relevant competition was advertised.

In accordance with the regulations, to be eligible for selection as a trainee under the current competition, which was advertised in September 2005, an applicant must have been at least 18 and under 35 years on 1 September 2005. Recruitment to the Garda Síochána is by open competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service, formerly the Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners, in conjunction with the Garda Commissioner. Regarding the specific application referred to by the Deputy, the position is that I have no function in recruitment and selection of individual candidates for entry to the Garda Síochána. This is entirely a matter for the Public Appointments Service and the Garda Commissioner.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in an Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007 by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Pat Breen

Question:

423 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether under the proposals of the liquor licensing consolidation Bill, the ad interim transfer system for new owners of pubs will be replaced by a system whereby the new owner or tenant must immediately apply for a new licence to the courts, that they must give 14 days’ notice and produce a tax clearance certificate, that such a transfer could be refused if an objection of an undue risk of either public nuisance or of a threat to public order or safety was upheld, that such a system would have the unintended consequences of severely constraining the freedom of publicans to transfer ownership of licensed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8100/06]

The position is that the temporary or ad interim transfer of a licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor for the unexpired period of the licence until the following 30 September is permitted under the Excise Licences Act 1825 and the Public House (Ireland) Act 1855 in certain circumstances, including the sale or assignment of the licensee’s interest in the premises.

An application for an ad interim transfer is made to the District Court. The officer in charge of the Garda Síochána and the court clerk must be given notice of the application at least 48 hours before the hearing. Section 21 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 provides that an application to transfer a licence shall be refused unless it is established to the satisfaction of the court that the applicant is a fit person.

The arrangements for the ad interim transfer of licences are unsatisfactory because they do not permit sufficient consideration and scrutiny of applications. The 48-hour notice period is inadequate for the Garda to assess whether an applicant is a fit person to hold a licence or, if the applicant is a company, to trace the owners or directors of the company. It would also appear that the system may be open to abuses such as transfers of ownership designed to avoid prosecutions for breaches of the licensing laws.

The Government's legislation programme published on 25 January last makes provision for publication of a sale of alcohol Bill in 2006 which will update and streamline the law relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol. The Bill will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004 as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004 and replace them with provisions more suited to modern conditions.

Arising from last year's consultation process on the draft Bill, I am aware of the concerns of vintners' organisations regarding the grounds of objection to the granting of a certificate for a new licence upon the sale or assignment of licensed premises. I will consider this issue further in the context of the detailed drafting of the Bill.

Residency Permits.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

424 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 444 of 7 February 2006 if a person (details supplied) can remain here while their application for residency is considered and their application for citizenship based on the fact that they are married to an Irish citizen is also considered. [8119/06]

As I informed the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 136 of 23 February 2006, the immigration division of my Department recently wrote to the person concerned requesting documentation in support of the residency application. Pending the determination of the application, the person concerned will not be required to leave the State. My Department has no record of a citizenship application on behalf of the person concerned.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

425 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8131/06]

Within my Department, 19 staff come within this category, usually on the basis of secondment or loan arrangements where salary is recouped from other Departments or agencies. In one case, the Department provides a payroll facility for an ex-member of staff who has taken up a post with an international body. This salary is recouped in full. One member of staff is suspended and awaiting the outcome of normal disciplinary proceedings. Four of the staff included in the figure are undergoing full-time educational courses in public policy and law. These staff are obliged to attend the office whenever possible.

Noise Pollution.

Pat Carey

Question:

426 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures open to residents and to local authorities to address the prevalence of noise from late opening licensed premises in urban residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8150/06]

The legislation on noise pollution is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. His Department issued a leaflet entitled A Guide to the Noise Regulations, which outlines the steps which can be taken where a person experiences nuisance caused by noise.

This is primarily a civil matter and, as such, is outside the remit of the Garda Síochána. However, when gardaí receive a complaint about neighbours causing noise, they can request them to lower the noise levels. The Garda powers in this regard relate to ensuring that a breach of the peace does not occur. Complainants may also be advised by the Garda of their civil entitlements under section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992.

The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 was enacted to make further and better provision for the protection of the environment and the control of pollution and to establish the Environmental Protection Agency. A local authority, the agency or any person may complain to the District Court regarding any noise which is so loud, continuous, repeated and of such duration or pitch or occurring at such a time, as to give reasonable cause for annoyance. The court may order the person or body making the noise to take the measures necessary to reduce the noise to a specified level or to take measures to limit or prevent the noise.

An authorised person shall, for any purpose connected with the Act be entitled, at all reasonable times, to enter any premises and to bring therein such other persons, including members of the Garda Síochána. An offence under the Act may be prosecuted summarily by the Environmental Protection Agency. Section 11 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, which substituted a new section for section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, provides that the District Court may grant a special exemption order which permits the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor on a specified occasion after normal closing time.

Special exemption orders are granted on a case-by-case basis by the District Court and this means that an application must be made to the court by the licensee in respect of each occasion for which such an order is sought. The officer in charge of the Garda Síochána for the relevant licensing area must be given at least 48 hours' notice of an application for a special exemption order. Among the grounds on which objections to the granting of such orders may be made include undue inconvenience or nuisance to persons residing in the locality or an undue risk to public order in the locality.

Provision is made for a local authority role in determining the duration of special exemption orders in its administrative area. A local authority may adopt a resolution concerning the expiry times of special exemption orders in respect of the whole or a specified part of its administrative area. The District Court is required to have regard to any such resolution before making a special exemption order on foot of any application by a licensee.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Pat Carey

Question:

427 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects closed circuit television to be provided in the Finglas area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8151/06]

The position is as I set out in my reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 7 February 2006. I am advised by the Office of Public Works that a premises for the provision of CCTV facilities is being evaluated in consultation with officials of my Department and the Garda Síochána. I assure the Deputy that there will be no unavoidable delay in progressing this project.

Asylum Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

428 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers who have been given right to remain here for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of persons who have entered here illegally and have been deported in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8155/06]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for leave to remain made pursuant to section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 as amended. Leave to remain in these circumstances arise where a non-national is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999. A person served with such a notice of intent, including persons refused refugee status, is afforded three options: to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of the deportation order or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons a deportation order should not be made and that temporary leave to remain in the State be granted instead.

Under section 3(6) of the Act the Minister, in determining whether to make a deportation order, shall have regard to 11 specified considerations, one of which is any representation made by or on behalf of the person. The determination as to whether a deportation order is made or whether leave to remain is granted is not dependent on whether the person has made representations for leave to remain. Thus, statistics are not maintained to distinguish between cases where representations have been made for leave to remain from those where no such representations were made. Similarly, statistics are not maintained to distinguish between categories of persons who have either been refused refugee status or become illegally present in the State.

The relevant statistics for the three years in question are as follows:

Year

2003

2004

2005

Temporary leave to remain granted under the Immigration Act 1999

86

207

137

Year

2003

2004

2005

Deportations effected

591

599

396

Deportation Orders.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

429 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the threatened deportation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; the position with regard to such a deportation; if submissions for this person to be allowed stay here have been received; and if such submission has been received, the position of this application to be allowed to stay here. [8159/06]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 246 of 15 February 2006. The position has not changed. A decision regarding the making of a deportation order in this case has not yet been made. Submissions on behalf of this individual have been received and are under consideration.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

430 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances of a person (details supplied) who has been told that he will be deported; and if he will make a statement on the possibility of this person being permitted to stay here in view of the very real humanitarian concerns as well as the further issues outlined. [8160/06]

I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 459 and 469 on Tuesday, 7 February 2006 in which I outlined the position. The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Garda national immigration bureau.

Crime Levels.

Tony Gregory

Question:

431 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of house break-ins in the East Wall area of Dublin 3 to date in 2006; the number of detections that have been made; if persons have been charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8169/06]

I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and the information requested by the Deputy is as outlined in the following table. The East Wall area is part of the Store Street Garda district. Dwellings include houses, apartments, hostels, mobile homes and flats. The figures for 2006 are up to 19 February 2006.

Burglary offences at dwellings recorded, detected and proceedings commenced in Store Street Garda district in 2006*

Year

Recorded

Detected

Proceedings Commenced

2006*

16

0

0

*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Garda Stations.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

432 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the refurbishment of Knocknagree Garda station will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8178/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is proposed to replace this station with a basic unit type facility. The existing station is considered to be non-viable for repair and it is proposed to include it in the equity exchange programme. Following an earlier pilot scheme when the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme, I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works are now considering alternative approaches. In the interim, the question of the provision of alternative temporary accommodation is being explored.

Garda Deployment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

433 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers employed in the section dealing with the PULSE system located at Davitt House, Castlebar; the breakdown of grade and skill level; the location from which each employee was transferred; the number to be employed in the section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8226/06]

There are 50 civilian staff members working in the Garda Information Service Centre, GISC, Castlebar, comprising one principal officer, two assistant principal officers, 12 higher executive officers, 12 executive officers, six staff officers and 17 clerical officers. The majority of these staff have transferred from the Department of Agriculture and Food in Castlebar. The remainder have relocated from the Department of Agriculture and Food and other Departments in Ballina, Galway and Dublin. A further 20 staff members are due to transfer into the GISC on 10 March. It is envisaged that when fully operational, the GISC will employ approximately 160 staff.

Asylum Applications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

434 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if humanitarian consideration will be given to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/06]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to her question of Tuesday, 14 February 2006 on this case. The position is as outlined therein.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

435 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number who have moved directly with their job in respect of assignments made within his Department to decentralised posts; the number who are new recruits recruited within the past 2 years; the number who have been appointed on promotion; and the additional personal costs to be associated with the move. [8236/06]

Under my Department's decentralisation programme, 22 officers have moved directly with their jobs. We have recruited eight new members of staff and, to date, nine officers have been promoted to decentralising posts.

We have already made 159 assignments to decentralising posts and I anticipate that in the coming year, additional progress will be made as the programme gathers momentum. The Garda central vetting unit moved to Thurles last November and as other sections in the Garda area complete their preparations, around 100 posts will have relocated to Thurles by the end of this year. In addition, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is scheduled to move its operations to Portarlington by the autumn and the new headquarters for the Irish Prison Service in Longford will be ready for occupation in early 2007. These two moves involve the relocation of more than 180 posts.

Contrary to recent press reports, the figures for my Department show that for the decentralising posts we have a 14% uptake by people already in the justice and equality area, not the 5.3% reported. Transfers under the decentralisation programme are voluntary and, accordingly, Departments are not liable for any personal costs associated with these moves.

Youth Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

436 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the report, Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, published by the National Youth Council of Ireland, in particular, its call for investment in new and improved resources for young people. [8022/06]

The report, Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, published on 22 February 2006 by the Equality Authority and the National Youth Council of Ireland, is a valuable piece of research which I welcome. This report provides a valuable insight into how young people see their relationships wit, inter alia, the Garda, teachers, politicians and the media. The research centres on ten focus groups of young people from different parts of the country, including young people with different identities and circumstances, and provides an insight into young people’s views on how they are perceived by adults.

The report sets out a number of recommendations which it considers would help to address and reduce these inequalities and stereotypical perceptions. The recommendations include a suggestion that vocational education committees, VECs, should be provided with resources necessary to carry out the functions set out for them in the Youth Work Act 2001. These functions include an assessment of the youth work needs of young people. These recommendations are consistent with my objectives for the youth work sector. In this regard, I am pleased to say that the additional allocation provided in the Revised Estimates published last week will allow for the further progression of the Youth Work Act 2001, including the resourcing of VECs, as well as other priority areas of development.

Special Educational Needs.

Seamus Healy

Question:

437 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science when she proposes to increase the 63.5 cent per mile travel grant for special needs children who have to travel on a daily basis to attend appropriate educational services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8137/06]

I have no immediate plans to increase the mileage rate payable but the matter is being kept under review.

State Examinations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

438 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the music and religious exams are taking place at the same time as the leaving certificate on 22 June 2006; and if the same will be changed immediately. [7661/06]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations, ensuring the preparation of examination papers and other examination materials, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted, including the supervision of examinations, and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination. In view of this, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.

Schools Building Projects.

Finian McGrath

Question:

439 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be included under the capital funding scheme. [7662/06]

An application for major capital funding has recently been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application is being assessed to determine its band rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects. Progress on the project will then be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.

Third Level Fees.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

440 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois who is legally resident here is not entitled to free third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7666/06]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

441 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois must pay in excess of €9,000 per year in college fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7667/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 441 together.

Under the terms of my Department's free fees initiative, students must be first-time undergraduates and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding entry to an approved third level course to be eligible for free tuition fees. Eligibility under the scheme is determined at the date of entry to the course.

On the date of entry to the course, the person referred to by the Deputy did not hold EU nationality or official refugee status and had not been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding entry to a third level course and therefore does not qualify for free tuition fees under the terms of the free fees initiative. In cases where a student does not qualify under the free fees initiative, the statutory power for determining fee levels rests with the governing body of an institute.

Student Support Schemes.

Finian McGrath

Question:

442 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding sport grants or scholarships to third level colleges, for example, UCD, TCD and DCU; the way in which leaving certificate students can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7673/06]

My Department has a range of student support schemes and other measures designed to assist students in further and higher education. These schemes do not include sports grants or scholarships. I understand that any such grants or scholarships are entirely a matter between the individual third level college and the sponsors concerned.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

443 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7700/06]

The State's advertising is subject to a tender process through the Government Supplies Agency. The current Government advertising contract is a three-year contract which is due to run until 30 June 2007. It is also open to Government Departments to tender for specific advertising campaigns. The details as requested by the Deputy in regard to the value of advertising placed in particular newspapers is not readily available in my Department. The cumulative value of advertising placed by my Department in print media in each of the last five years was: 2005, €504,000; 2004, €790,000; 2003, €416,000; 2002, €1,007,000; and 2001, €868,000.

School Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

444 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request for additional classroom accommodation for September 2006 from a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her Department accepts the need outlined in this submission; and if so, when sanction will issue. [7705/06]

The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for funding under the additional accommodation scheme. All applications under this scheme are considered in school planning section of my Department and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.

School Discipline.

Finian McGrath

Question:

445 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will consider the box and interview method to prevent bullying; and her views on whether existing measures are not working. [7725/06]

I am acutely aware of the issue of bullying in schools and my Department has in place a multifaceted strategy to tackle the issue. The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum provides for the development of personal and social skills including self-awareness, respect for others, self-esteem and communication skills, all of which are important elements in addressing the issue of bullying. In primary education, the issue of bullying is addressed in the SPHE curriculum in the strand, Myself and Others, from infant classes onwards. In second level education, the issue of bullying is addressed from first year onwards in the SPHE curriculum at junior cycle in the module, Belonging and Integrating.

Each school is required to have in place within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. Such a code, properly devised and implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

My Department in its guidelines on countering bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools has provided a framework within which individual school management authorities may meet their responsibilities for implementing effective school-based policies to counter bullying. These guidelines are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of the school and to incorporate, should it so wish, any methodology such as the one referred to by the Deputy.

School Placement.

Finian McGrath

Question:

446 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) is out of school; and if this person will be placed in a proper educational setting immediately. [7734/06]

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

Therefore I have requested the NEWB to respond directly to the Deputy on the issue raised.

Higher Education Grants.

Pat Carey

Question:

447 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has to study in France for part of his course; if fees and maintenance payments are funded by the host State or if this person will be required to fund any or all of his studies from his own resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7739/06]

The third level student support schemes, administered by the local authorities and vocational education committees on behalf of my Department, provide that where grant holders, as part of their approved course, are required to attend foreign universities for a period of up to one year, a maintenance grant may continue to be paid where the period abroad does not affect the normal duration of the approved course. In these situations, the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable for the duration of the grant holder's study abroad. If he has not already done so, the student in question should contact the relevant local authority, Dublin City Council, in order that his eligibility for a maintenance grant might be determined.

Under the EU Socrates Programme, an ERASMUS measure provides for the awarding of student mobility grants to students as a contribution to cover certain costs — travel, language preparation and differences in the cost of living — incurred while carrying out a three to 12-month period of recognised study abroad. Further details on these grants, and the conditions attaching thereto, can be obtained from the office dealing with international programmes in Trinity College Dublin.

School Accommodation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

448 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the accommodation needs at a school (details supplied) in County Cork where a third teacher is to be appointed from September 2006; if the appropriate approval will be issued to allow the necessary extra accommodation to be provided; and if consideration is being given to the case made for the provision of a permanent extension. [7751/06]

The school referred to by the Deputy has recently made an application for the provision of additional accommodation to cater for an additional teacher appointment anticipated from September next.

My Department also has an application from the school for capital funding towards its permanent accommodation needs. The school's overall accommodation needs are being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

John McGuinness

Question:

449 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 29 January 2003 and 200 of 15 October 2002 the progress which has been made; if the Labour Court has made a recommendation regarding incremental credits; if her Department will take the appropriate action to resolve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7753/06]

Since the Labour Court issued its recommendation regarding incremental credit for special needs assistants, extensive discussions have taken place between officials in my Department, the Department of Finance and the unions concerned.

These discussions are continuing with a view to introducing an incremental credit scheme for special needs assistants and it is expected that a scheme of credit can be agreed shortly. The details of the agreement, when reached, will be issued to all schools by means of a circular letter. Any existing and future claims for incremental credit on behalf of special needs assistants will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of this circular.

Special Educational Needs.

Dan Neville

Question:

450 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in County Limerick that have access to the national educational psychological service. [7786/06]

All schools in County Limerick have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, psychologists or through the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments, SCPA, that is administered by NEPS.

Schools that do not currently have 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, which will pay the psychologist directly the fees for this assessment. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's website.

NEPS provides assistance to all school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether they have a psychologist assigned to them. Also, as regards all schools, NEPS processes applications for reasonable accommodation in certificate examinations, RACE, for the State Examinations Commission.

The number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 on establishment to 123 at present. The latest figures indicate that 13 primary schools in County Limerick have a dedicated service from NEPS at present — these figures take account of the recent resignation of a NEPS psychologist.

The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of educational psychologists to NEPS and my Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further nine, four of whom are planned for the mid-west region — Counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North Riding.

Mildred Fox

Question:

451 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to fund an autism specific pre-school in Barnacoyle House, Newcastle, County Wicklow which has been in existence since February 2004; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow will no longer be in a position to fund this vital facility from 31 March 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7811/06]

My officials and the National Council for Special Education met representatives of the school referred to by the Deputy on Wednesday, 1 February, to discuss a range of issues. Following this meeting a comprehensive letter issued on 8 February to the school representatives outlining my Department's and the NCSE's position on the various matters discussed. The Department's letter covered a number of matters such as the need for a board of management, the process for applying for sanction for further classes for children with ASD, training and qualifications of staff and other issues.

It is now a matter for the school to proceed in accordance with the process that has been outlined to it in the letter of 8 February. This process involves making application for additional classes for children with ASD through the local special educational needs organiser. It will be a matter for the NCSE to process the application and in doing so to seek whatever additional information it requires from the school in order to enable it to make an informed decision. The NCSE can seek advice if required from the Department in relation to the application. Factors such as the needs of the individual children, levels of existing provision in the area and geographical location of the proposed attendees are matters that the NCSE will need to consider in processing the application.

The Department received a response from the school to its letter on 17 February and I understand that further correspondence is being submitted. A response will issue to the school in the coming days. I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education for children with autism and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Lowry

Question:

452 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if the course referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 1282 of 25 January 2006 has been approved by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7843/06]

With regard to the inclusion of the winter professional practice course, PPC, in the higher education grants scheme 2005 my Department has approved the inclusion of the winter PPC offered at the Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, as an exceptional measure for the 2005-06 academic year.

School Transport.

Pat Carey

Question:

453 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange to have the application for school transport for a student (details supplied) in Dublin 11 expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7881/06]

My Department sanctioned a transport service for the child referred to by the Deputyin the details supplied. It is understood thechild in question is currently availing of the service.

A further application has recently been received in the school transport section in respect of the same child for transport to a different school. This new application is currently being processed and the family will be advised of the position as soon as all the relevant information has been received and assessed.

Higher Education Grants.

Pat Carey

Question:

454 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals regarding the referral of the administration of the third level grants scheme, as there is a widely held perception that while those on lower incomes can qualify for maintenance grants and those who are self employed qualify for grants with relative ease, children of PAYE workers find it extremely difficult to qualify; the supports which exist for this category of worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7882/06]

My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third-level students. The higher education grants scheme operates on a statutory basis, while the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme and the third-level maintenance grants scheme for trainees operate on an administrative basis. The statutory framework for maintenance grants under the higher education grants scheme is set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992.

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will provide for a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.

The current income limits and grant rates have been forwarded for the information of the Deputy.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Joe Costello

Question:

455 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason primary teachers in Gaeltacht schools are paid an allowance for teaching through Irish while their counterparts in Gaelscoileanna here are not; her views on whether the contribution made by both sets of teachers in promoting the language is equal; her further views on whether there should be no difference in the payments they receive from her Department; if she intends to address this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8035/06]

Allowances are paid to teachers in primary schools in the Gaeltacht and in Gaelscoileanna in respect of teaching through the medium of Irish.

Claims as regards the level of allowances paid in respect of teaching through the medium of Irish are matters for discussion at the Teachers' Conciliation Council.

School Accommodation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

456 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for extra accommodation; the date the application was received in her Department; the exact details of the accommodation required; the stage it has reached at present; when it is likely that tenders will be invited and the work on the project commenced. [8036/06]

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an updated application for capital funding towards the provision of a staff room in December last. All applications received in the Department are banded in accordance with the prioritisation criteria put in place following consultation with the education partners.

Progression of projects within the school building and modernisation programme is based on priority.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

457 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if grant aid for major capital works at a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8039/06]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension was received in December 2005 from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The application is being assessed to determine the long term accommodation needs of the school. A decision will then be taken on how best to provide for the school's needs.

School Transport.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

458 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to carry out a review of catchment areas for the purpose of school transport as they are unchanged since the 1960’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8041/06]

Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960s and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.

Reviews of specific catchment boundaries may be carried out where appropriate. A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolment.

The area development planning initiative, involving an extensive consultative process carried out by the Commission on School Accommodation, will also inform future revisions to catchment areas. An area development plan takes account of demographic changes and projects future enrolments for existing schools and new schools if required. Catchment boundary changes will be made where the implementation of the recommendations in an area development plan requires such adjustments.

Catchment boundaries provide a useful tool in facilitating the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs and the operation of the national school transport service.

Schools Amalgamation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

459 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding proposals for the amalgamation of schools in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. [8045/06]

Discussions are still ongoing with the trustees of the schools to which the Deputy refers with regard to progressing the agreed amalgamation of the schools.

Capital Funding.

Michael Noonan

Question:

460 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concern of parents and their campaign for a new school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the stage their application has reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8082/06]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

The Deputy will be aware that I have made a number of announcements already this year as regards the 2006 school building programme and will be make further announcements in this regard over the course of the year.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

461 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will re-examine the serious situation regarding the need for an extension and restructuring of the model school in Monaghan; if she will take an account of these difficulties in an effort to move on the project as quickly as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8088/06]

The proposed refurbishment and extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Following increased enrolments in the school, a revised schedule of overall accommodation issued to the school in early 2005. The school's design team was requested to submit a revised stage 1/2/3 based on this new brief.

This documentation has been received in my Department and, once examined, my officials will be in further contact with the school authorities regarding the next steps involved in progressing this project.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

462 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of urgent funding to have a primary school extended and repairs carried out to the existing building. [8092/06]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.

The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

The Deputy will be aware that I have made a number of announcements already this year in regard to the 2006 school building programme and will be making further announcements in this regard over the course of the year.

Special Educational Needs.

Joan Burton

Question:

463 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the proposal from ACORN ABA school to establish a unit on Dublin’s northside for 12 autistic children to provide for one-to-one education in order to provide for early intervention for autistic children; the position regarding the proposal submitted some time ago to her Department; the outcome of discussions between the NCSE and her Department in respect of this matter; if funding been allocated to this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8099/06]

My Department has received a further report from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, on the application in question. This is currently being considered and my officials will revert to the NCSE if further information is required. My officials will notify all relevant parties when a decision on the application has been made.

I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs. It is in recognition of this that my Department currently provides the following facilities for the education of children with autism: 159 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools; 15 pre-school classes; five special classes for children with Asperger's syndrome; 12 stand-alone facilities providing an applied behavioural analysis, ABA, specific methodology.

Many of the children being proposed for the unit in question are currently in existing autism specific provision.

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard Allen

Question:

464 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on the application for a third level grant by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8102/06]

My Department recently received correspondence from Cork City Council seeking advice on this candidate's application. As soon as my Department has made a decision on the case Cork City Council will be notified.

Disadvantaged Status.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

465 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application to have disadvantaged status granted to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8109/06]

The process of identifying primary schools for participation in the new school support programme under the DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in school, programme, has now been completed, and schools are being notified of the results.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

466 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people on the payroll of her Department who are not working in her Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8132/06]

A total of 296 people on the payroll of my Department are not working in the Department of Education and Science. Salaries of all but seven of these cases are recouped by my Department on a quarterly basis from the employing body. The remaining seven officers of my Department are on loan to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The majority of the 296 people concerned are employed in bodies and agencies which do not yet have payroll facilities. My Department operates the payroll for the State Examinations Commission which has 185 staff and for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment which has 22 staff. A further 56 staff are working in the Residential Institutions Redress Board and the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.

A total of 20 officers of the Department are on secondment to organisations other than those outlined. Employer pension contributions are recouped in the case of 12 of these officers.

School Accommodation.

Seamus Healy

Question:

467 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science when she proposes to approve the application by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for extra mainstream classrooms and ancillary rooms at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8141/06]

The school planning section of my Department is in receipt of an application for additional accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers. 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.

Departmental Funding.

Billy Timmins

Question:

468 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to increase funds to schools to meet the additional costs of water rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8144/06]

Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of national schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. The capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €133.58 with effect from 1 January, 2005 and has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January, 2006 bringing the standard rate to €145.58. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

Local authority service and other charges payable to the various local authorities do not come within the remit of my Department. It would be a matter for the local authorities to decide whether schools are liable to pay such charges. Where it is decided that schools are liable for such charges, the cost would form part of the normal running costs of schools and would fall to be met from the capitation funding which schools have received from my Department.

It would not be feasible for my Department to introduce specific schemes whereby grant assistance would be provided to schools in respect of individual charges such as water charges.

Schools Amalgamation.

Pat Carey

Question:

469 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 628 of 21 February 2006, if the initiative for the amalgamation of these schools was taken at local board of management level, by the patron or in conjunction with both bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8147/06]

The initiative to amalgamate the schools to which the Deputy refers was taken by the school planning section of my Department after consultation with the patron and following a review of educational provision in the area. This review highlighted that enrolments at the three schools concerned has declined by 40% over a ten year period to 2004-05. The drop in enrolments has resulted in significant surplus accommodation at the three schools. The issue of amalgamation was subsequently discussed with the school management authorities. The procedure followed is common practice in this type of amalgamation scenario.

School Absenteeism.

Pat Carey

Question:

470 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students reported to the National Educational Welfare Board for absenteeism at primary and post-primary level, respectively, in the school year September 2004 to June 2005; if that figure can be broken down further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8148/06]

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance.

The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

Up to 2004, Ireland had no national data on the levels of student attendance in our schools. This matter was addressed by the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which requires all schools to submit a report to the NEWB on levels of school attendance. In 2004, the NEWB initiated the collection and analysis of the first set of school attendance data for Ireland, relating to the school year 2003-04.

Based on the analysis of data for the 2003-04 report, the findings indicated that absenteeism is higher at primary level than at post-primary level. At primary level, the average number of days missed is 11 out of 183. At post-primary level, the average absence is 15 days out of 167 days. Absenteeism is higher in more disadvantaged areas. In the RAPID city areas, the average absence is 20 days. One in four post-primary students misses 20 days or more of school. In areas outside of RAPID, the average absence at post-primary level is 14 days and almost one in five miss 20 days or more. In RAPID city areas, the average absence at primary level is 17 days, while almost one in four pupils miss 20 days or more. In other areas, the average absence is ten days and one in ten pupils miss 20 days or more.

Average attendance in the most disadvantaged post-primary schools is 86.1%, or 23 days absence, and 94.6%, nine days absence, at the least disadvantaged schools, a difference of 8.5%. This difference is also evident in regard to the number of children who miss 20 days or more, 38% of students in the most disadvantaged schools and 8.5% in the least disadvantaged areas, a difference of 29.9%.

The Government has put in place a variety of measures to deal with the traditionally high levels of absence from school of children from disadvantaged areas. We set up the National Educational Welfare Board to monitor school attendance, help parents to get a school place for their child and run promotional campaigns on the importance of regular attendance. Working with parents to promote school attendance is also an important part of the work of the home-school-community liaison co-ordinators appointed to schools serving disadvantaged communities. Through the school completion programme we are providing increased resources for schools in disadvantaged areas to improve attendance and school completion rates by offering extra supports for their students. These include extra educational supports and services such as breakfast clubs.

Last May, my Department launched a new programme for educational inclusion, the DEIS initiative, under which even greater funding will be given to schools serving the most disadvantaged communities to help young people to do better at school. The process of identifying which schools will benefit from the new programme is now complete and those schools which will be receiving support under DEIS have now been contacted and invited to participate in the initiative.

Parent-Teacher Meetings.

Michael Lowry

Question:

471 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a code of practice or circular exists outlining best practice procedures for teachers when parents wish to meet teachers and principals in both public and private post-primary schools regarding the progress of their children in that post-primary school; if there is an obligation on teachers to meet with parents regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8164/06]

Best practice would suggest that parents should be able to meet their child's teachers at any point during the year at a mutually agreeable time to discuss the student's progress, without having to wait for a formal parent-teacher meeting. In regard to formal parent-teacher meetings, an agreement with the second level teacher unions has been in place since 2004-05.

This agreement, which is set out in circular M58/04 provides as follows: There will be three formal parent-teacher meetings per year; meetings will commence at 4.15 p.m. in all schools, each school closing 15 minutes earlier than normal, and will conclude at 6.45 p.m.; in accordance with good practice, parents who are waiting at 6.45 p.m. will be seen if this can reasonably be done; in the small number of cases where a parent is unable to attend the formal meeting, current practice, whereby the parent is facilitated to meet a teacher he or she wishes to meet will apply, and a time mutually convenient will be agreed.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Lowry

Question:

472 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if an additional special needs assistant will be sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8165/06]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been operational since 1 January 2005 and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports.

There are currently two special needs assistants, SNAs, employed in the school in question. I understand that the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, has considered an application for an additional SNA for the school. The SENO has advised the school verbally that additional SNA support will be granted and this decision will be conveyed in writing to the school shortly by the SENO.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael Lowry

Question:

473 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for refusal of a grant under the summer works scheme 2005 to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8166/06]

The summer works scheme was introduced in 2004 to provide capital grants for small scale improvement works to schools. A large number of applications were received and assessed during the first year of this scheme. In the intervening years the scheme has been modified and revised and it is now more specific in terms of the onus resting with the school authority to ensure that the consultant is both competent and qualified to carry out the work required and to ensure that the appropriate level and range of service is procured.

The Deputy will be pleased to note that the school he refers to has been successful in its application under the 2006 summer works scheme for funding towards the replacement of windows.

Michael Lowry

Question:

474 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) will be progressed in the 2006 building programme as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8167/06]

The proposed refurbishment and extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Following a site visit to the school by officials from my Department in October 2005, a letter issued to the VEC in November 2005 with copies of the revised schedules. This was with the intention that the VEC request its design team to amend the stage 1 — site suitability and various design options — to reflect the impact of the revised schedules on the design options as presented in the original stage 1 dated June 2001.

A response to the letter of November 2005 has been received in my Department and, once examined, my officials will be in further contact with north Tipperary VEC with the next steps involved in progressing this project.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-09.

School Accommodation.

Seán Ryan

Question:

475 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to the application from a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for a replacement school and in the interim additional temporary accommodation; and the way in which she proposes to improve the pupil-teacher ratio for small schools such as in this case. [8171/06]

An application for additional classroom accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy has been received in school planning section and is under consideration.

In addition, the overall accommodation needs of the school are being examined to ensure that any capital funding being provided is appropriate to meet the school's long term accommodation needs. When a decision is made on the appropriate level of accommodation to be provided the application will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

With regard to the pupil-teacher ratios, major improvements in school staffing have been made in recent years with the hiring of more than 5,000 additional primary teachers. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education.

Today there is one teacher for every 17 children, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio in the history of the State. Aside from decreasing average class size, the unprecedented increase in school staffing in recent years has also greatly improved the services provided for children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. Under the action plan for tackling disadvantage published in 2005, there will be a reduction in class sizes to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in 150 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. With more than 600 extra resource teachers put in place in this school year, children with special needs are getting more support than ever before. It should be acknowledged how much progress has been made in this area in recent years.

Recently I announced that I have secured sufficient funding to provide even smaller classes in our primary schools in the next school year and the Minister for Finance has committed to a further reduction in class size in the following year. Accordingly, over the next two years, my Department will put 500 extra teachers into primary schools to reduce class size and to tackle disadvantage.

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.

The general rule is that the schedule provides at least one classroom teacher for every 29 pupils in the school. Schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than those with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007-08 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. Officials of my Department are currently drawing up the revised staffing schedule necessary to achieve this. Schools will be asked to use the extra class teachers provided as a result of the revised schedule to provide for smaller classes in the junior grades.

In speaking about staffing in our schools, we have consistently said that priority would be given in the first instance to children in disadvantaged schools and those with special needs. We have done this and now, in line with the Government commitment, mainstream class sizes are also being reduced.

Educational Disadvantage.

David Stanton

Question:

476 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the further plans she has to improve the circumstances of the Traveler community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8224/06]

The needs of the Traveller community are a high priority for my Department. My Department provides additional resources to enhance the education of Traveller children. In 2004-05, my Department spent more than €56 million on Traveller education over and above what is being provided through mainstream education. This expenditure makes special provision to enable members of the Traveller community to successfully access educational services. In summary, this provision includes 45 pre-schools for Travellers, more than 500 resource teachers for Travellers in primary schools, nearly 140 whole-time equivalent posts for Travellers in post primary schools, 40 visiting teachers for Travellers and enhanced capitation grants for Traveller pupils at primary and post primary level. In addition, there are 36 senior Traveller training centres located throughout the country which cater for the needs of Travellers aged 15 years and upwards who have left school early with no qualifications or minimal qualifications. The centres provide a programme of general education, vocational training, work experience as well as guidance, counselling, psychological services and child care services. Approximately 10% of students at these centres are from the settled community. Travellers may chose from mainstream literacy provision or they may attend Traveller specific literacy programmes which nineteen vocational education committees provide.

In 2002, the Department published two documents, Guidelines on Traveller Education in Primary Schools and Guidelines on Traveller Education in Second Level Schools. The guidelines highlight the Department's policy on integration, set out information on Traveller culture and provide advice on responding to the educational needs of the Traveller students. In May 2005, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment published the document Guidelines on Intercultural Education in Primary Schools. This publication, along with the guidelines on traveller education in primary and second level schools, provides information and seeks to increase and improve understanding of diversity. The NCCA is due to publish guidelines on intercultural education for post-primary schools this year. The gender equality unit in my Department is supporting Pavee Point with a research project on the development of appropriate mechanisms to monitor educational access, participation and outcomes by gender for Travellers and the further education section is funding Pavee Point, through the education equality initiative, for a project on parents and Traveller education.

The National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education, established in 2003, aims to facilitate increasing higher education participation by a number of target groups and the Traveller community is one of its target groups. I await the publication of a report that was prepared by my inspectorate to address the findings of a survey of Traveller education provision. The report is based on an extensive review of the participation and inclusion of Traveller pupils in 30 primary and 6 post-primary schools. The report will provide recommendations which will inform policies and provide strategies to facilitate schools in enhancing the education provision for Travellers at a national level. I expect to receive shortly a report on the recommendations for a five-year Traveller education strategy. The report will span the full spectrum of lifelong learning from pre-school to adult and further education and emphasise the important role that Traveller parents have in their own education and that of their children. The report is in the final stages of preparation and has had as one of the core principles guiding its authors the notion of inclusion. The two reports to which I have referred will provide me with advice and guidance on how best to continue to cater and improve the education provision for the Traveller community.

Capitation Grants.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

477 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the statistic published that there were 59 fee paying schools in the 2003-04 school year includes fee-paying Protestant schools that are part of the free education scheme for second level schools; if not, the number of such schools that are included in the statistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8229/06]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

478 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools under the patronage of a Protestant religious ethos that are included in the free second-level education scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8231/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 478 together.

Of the 59 fee-charging second level schools referred to by the Deputy, one is Jewish, 21 Protestant, two inter-denominational and the balance Catholic. The Protestant and Jewish schools receive funding by way of a block grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant and Jewish persuasions to attend schools which reflect their denominational ethos. The block grant includes payments in respect of capitation and these schools also qualify for payment of such grants as the transition year support grant and secretarial and caretaking grants.

Fee-charging schools not embraced by the block grant do not qualify for payment of capitation or related supports. There are five post-primary schools under Protestant patronage in the free education scheme. All of these schools are within the community and comprehensive sector.

Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

479 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when the Dundalk-Leitrim study on children with special educational needs that was carried out by the National Educational Psychological Service will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8232/06]

Following completion of the project, my Department's National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, supplied the schools involved with the results of the findings related to their own pupils. I understand the service offered schools in Dundalk consultations and individual educational psychological assessment based on the outcomes of the screening programmes. The service also provided a day seminar on organisation and provision for children with learning difficulties for school principals and learning support teachers and resource teachers in County Leitrim. A final report on the project has not yet been completed.

Higher Education Grants.

Mary Upton

Question:

480 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her decision pursuant to Question Nos. 149 of 14 April 2005, 397 of 16 April 2005, 607 of 30 June 2005 and 254 of 26 October 2005 and contained in her response to Question No. 1224 of 25 January 2006, candidates entering masters in law courses who hold a barrister at law degree as their highest qualification will be recognised as progressing under the terms and conditions of the higher education grant scheme 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8269/06]

I understand the Deputy is referring to the barrister-at-law degree awarded by the Honourable Society of Kings Inns in her question. It is not the intention of my Department to recognise as progression, under the terms of the maintenance grant schemes, the entry of candidates to masters in law courses where those candidates hold a barrister at law degree from the Honourable Society of Kings Inns, that being the highest qualification held.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

481 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes currently operating in the new national school in Naas, County Kildare; the number anticipated to be operating in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09; if the new 16 classroom schools is to be fully utilised; the enrolment policy for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8273/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

482 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if, due to the difficulties with primary school provision in a town (details supplied) in County Kildare whereby the three primary schools currently in place cater for either single sex only or co-educational only up until a certain age which is causing some parents to have several children placed in several primary schools at once, she will consider allowing a newly built fully co-educational school to accept pupils of all age ranges as opposed to only infants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8284/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 482 together.

Currently, two junior infant classes are accommodated in the new national school to which the Deputy refers. When fully occupied, the school will operate as a two-stream, 16-classroom school. To enable it develop in this manner, it can only enrol two junior infant classes annually. This incremental development is common to all newly established schools to ensure that a shortage of accommodation at the school is avoided by an over enrolment in the early stages and crucially, to ensure that the enrolments and staffing levels in other schools in the area, where older pupils would inevitably be drawn, are not adversely affected. My Department is awaiting details of an agreed enrolment policy from the primary providers in the area to ensure that the development of the new school is underpinned as envisaged. It is satisfied that, in accordance with its remit, the totality of the primary accommodation available in the area provides sufficient places to cater for all those seeking places.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

483 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7701/06]

My Department places its advertising in the print media through Brindley Advertising which currently holds the State contract for all press advertising. The contract was most recently placed in 2004 for the period 2004-07, following a full public procurement process by the Government supplies agency. The value of advertising placed by my Department, including the Defence Forces, in The Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Irish Examiner; the Irish Star, the Sunday Independent, the Sunday World, The Sunday Tribune, Foinse and the Irish Farmers’ Journal in each of the past five years is set out in the following table:

Year

Value of Advertising

2005

350,785.33

2004

177,440.11

2003

93,960.32

2002

168,564.81

2001

313,350.12

Departmental Staff.

Billy Timmins

Question:

484 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants in his Department; the number that deal with the Naval Service; the number that deal exclusively with the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8002/06]

There are 429 civil servants in my Department, most of whom in the course of their duties have either regular or occasional dealings with the Naval Service. There are two work-sharing clerical officers from my Department who are based in the naval base, Cork, who deal exclusively with the Naval Service.

Billy Timmins

Question:

485 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants in his Department who deal with the Air Corps; the number who deal exclusively with the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8003/06]

Most of the civil servants in my Department deal with the Air Corps on either a regular or occasional basis. There is one executive officer and one clerical officer serving in the aviation and maritime unit of my Department who deal exclusively with the Air Corps.

Naval Service Vessels.

Billy Timmins

Question:

486 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the programme of equipment procurement he has in place for the Naval Service; the replacement date for the various naval vessels; if they will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8004/06]

In the White Paper on defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service will be developed around the provision of an eight-ship flotilla. In recent years, two new ships have been delivered to the Naval Service and the service is operating with the recommended eight ships. The total cost of the two ships was €50 million. Both ships have proved to be tremendous assets to the Naval Service in carrying out its various day to day roles. There is a continuous process of refurbishment of the current fleet. Through a combination of improved support, operational systems, equipment and ongoing maintenance, the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level.

The replacement programme for Naval Service vessels is under continuous review. As a general guide, the objective is to replace vessels after approximately 30 years service. On this basis, two vessels are due for replacement in the period 2007 to 2009. The issue is currently under examination and I expect it to be submitted to me for decision later this year.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Billy Timmins

Question:

487 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the entry requirement for entry to the Naval Service; if age exemptions can be put in place to facilitate the entry of formers employees of Irish Ferries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8005/06]

Entry to the Naval Service is either through the cadetship competition, general service enlistment or direct entry competitions which are held form time to time to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. A specified maximum upper age limit applies to each entry stream. For the cadetship competition the upper age limit is under 28 years of age on 1 October in the competition year and for general service enlistment it is under 27 years of age on the date of enlistment. As these age requirements are of general application exceptions cannot be made in individual cases. The cadetship competition 2006 has been advertised and the closing date for receipt of applications in writing or on line is not later than 28 February, 2006. General service enlistment applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for enlistment in the Naval Service. From time to time, direct entry competitions are held to fill vacancies in watchkeeping officer and engineer officer appointments in the Naval Service. Advertisements for such competitions are usually placed in the national press. However, there are no such competitions at present.

Former employees of Irish Ferries may apply for the cadetship competition, general service enlistment or direct entry competitions when such are held provided they satisfy the eligibility criteria, including being within the stipulated age limits applicable to the entry stream for which they are applying. The Defence Forces public relations section and competitions section provide members of the public with relevant information on joining the Defence Forces. Information on career opportunities in the Defence Forces can be found on the Internet at www.military.ie.

Defence Forces Property.

Billy Timmins

Question:

488 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence his plans to develop a house (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if approaches have been made to him to purchase the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8110/06]

Billy Timmins

Question:

489 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence what the property at a house (details supplied) in County Wicklow is used for; and the amount of land there is on the site. [8111/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.

My Department currently holds the house and lands at the location in question, comprising an area of 4.83 acres in all, under lease. Over the years, the Department has received approaches regarding the disposal of its interest in the property and discussions in this regard are ongoing. Such discussions, however, may not come to fruition in the immediate future. The property is currently the location of the 62nd Reserve Infantry Battalion, Reserve Defence Force. The Department's property portfolio is kept under continual review and any properties deemed surplus to military requirements will be disposed of to fund much needed investment to meet the equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

490 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8133/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is as set out in the following table:

Grade

Purpose

Location

Higher Executive Officer

Secretary to Coiste an Asgard

Coiste an Asgard

Executive Officer

Initial setting up of new office for the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

Office of the Ombudsman for Defence Forces

Clerical Officer

Partnership Liaison Officer

CPSU Head Office

Technical Officer

Assigned to the Corps of Engineers (Defence Forces)

Directorate of Engineering, (Defence Forces)

While the 17 staff of the Civil Defence board are included on the payroll of my Department, their salary costs are funded from the grant-in-aid to the board.

Publication of Reports.

Dan Boyle

Question:

491 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his officials have discussed with the Department of Finance the now-completed report on local government financing; if the Minister for Finance has asked that the report not be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8012/06]

The Department of Finance was represented on the steering group, chaired by my Department, which oversaw the preparation and completion of the review of local government financing, and there has been ongoing interaction between the two Departments on the response to the report.

Water Charges.

Bernard Allen

Question:

492 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he is imposing charges for water meters in schools in view of the fact that schools offer a community and public service; and the further reason parents who are already paying water charges for their own supply in many parts of the country are now paying twice in view of the fact that charges are imposed on schools. [8590/06]

Seamus Healy

Question:

509 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if water charges will be abolished for all schools as schools cannot be described as businesses as they are by local authorities and the payment of these charges deprives schools of education and maintenance services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8142/06]

Billy Timmins

Question:

510 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are charging schools for water; if all local authorities are doing so; if this policy is based on an EU directive; if so, if he will examine the issue to ensure that schools will not be required to make this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8143/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 492, 509 and 510 together.

The national water services pricing policy framework, consistent with the EU water framework directive, provides for the recovery by sanitary authorities of the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the sole exception of households using the services for domestic purposes. The policy framework requires full recovery of the cost of providing water services to the non-domestic sector by means of a meter based volumetric charge. The framework does not provide for the exemption of any classes of non-domestic users from the charging policy.

EU Directives.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

493 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to an issue raised during the second stage of the Building Control Bill 2005, dealing with Part 3, section 11(d) regarding the persons involved, if he will release a copy of the successful applicants; the criteria for determining application for entry; the success rate of those who applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7660/06]

Certain architects who were not members of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland were assessed by my Department in 1996-97 to determine if they were suitable for recognition under an amendment of the EU architects directive then being sought by Ireland. Suitability was determined by a panel established by the then Minister on the basis of either membership of the Architects and Surveyors Institute, ASI, or of the Irish Architects Society, IAS, or of the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, IAAS, now the Association of Building Engineers, ABE, or an assessment of education, training, work experience. A total of 328 persons applied for recognition and 170 persons were successful, giving a success rate of 52%.

Part 3 of the Building Control Bill 2005 provides for the registration of the title of "Architect". Section 11 of the Building Control Bill provides inter alia for the eligibility for registration of applicants who have been approved under the above process. I am arranging for the list of successful applicants to be made available to the Oireachtas Library.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

494 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made by his Department following the examination of water supply proposals submitted by Cork County Council in relation to a specific project. [7679/06]

The Killeagh water and sewerage scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the serviced land initiative. I understand the sewerage element of the scheme has already been completed.

Cork County Council's revised preliminary report and cost estimate for the water supply works are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once approved, the council will be in a position to prepare contract documents and proceed to tender with the scheme.

Departmental Advertising.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

495 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7702/06]

A total of €1,934,355 was spent by my Department on advertising in national newspapers in the past five years. A breakdown of this expenditure, exclusive of VAT, for each year in question is as follows:

Year

Expenditure

2001

279,447

2002

592,007

2003

379,086

2004

356,388

2005

327,427

All national newspapers, including the Irish language media, were used for the purposes of advertising. The Government Supplies Agency selects a company to manage general advertising requirements for all Departments in accordance with competitive tendering procedures.

Local Authority Housing.

John Perry

Question:

496 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 699 persons on the housing list in Sligo County Council and 618 in Sligo Borough Council; the steps he has taken to remove the inequalities in the housing system here; the directive he has issued to increase the social housing budget in County Sligo to tackle the growing numbers of persons on the lists who can never afford to purchase their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7707/06]

The last triennial statutory assessment of housing needs was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005. The results of the 2005 assessment are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The number of households in need of social housing in Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council at that time with comparative figures for 2002 are set out in the following table.

Local Authority

2005 Assessment of Needs

2002 Assessment of Needs

Change between 2002 and 2005)

Sligo County Council

439

566

-22%

Sligo Borough Council

435

541

-20%

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework. This will allow for some 23,000 new social homes to be commenced between 2006 and 2008 and some 15,000 affordable homes to be delivered. In total, some 50,000 households will benefit over the coming three years from an Exchequer capital investment package of close to €4 billion. Allied to this, a package of reforms is proposed to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility.

Given the substantial funding available, I have urged local authorities, including Sligo Borough Council, to accelerate progress on the implementation of their housing programmes in order to commence construction and secure completion on as many social housing schemes as possible in 2006. In addition, the council has a number of refurbishment projects currently under way or due to commence in estates, including St. Edward's Terrace, Brigid's Terrace-Jinks Avenue, St. Joseph's Terrace, Garravogue Villas and Cranmore.

John Perry

Question:

497 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give a firm commitment that funding will be ringfenced for the refurbishment/regeneration programme to include extensive programme in Sligo borough including proposed Cranmore regeneration, Sligo; the moneys that will be sanctioned; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7708/06]

It is understood that Sligo Borough Council are finalising proposals on the scope of the regeneration work to Cranmore Estate for submission to my Department. The question of committing funding to this project is dependent of my Department's assessment of these proposals. In the meantime, my Department has approved the council's proposals to refurbish a small number of vacant houses in the estate prior to the main regeneration work to the estate. The council is currently in the process of seeking tenders for this refurbishment work.

Michael Ring

Question:

498 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority houses currently vacant in an area of County Mayo; the number of people on the housing list in that area; the reason the local authority is not re-allocating vacant houses particularly when there are so many people on the housing list; and if the local authority will be instructed to re-allocate these houses immediately. [7740/06]

Information on the number of local authority vacant houses in the area in question in County Mayo is not available in my Department. The action plan on social and affordable housing for 2004-2008 for County Mayo details the numbers, but not the location, of local authority vacant houses in the four authorities in the county. It is the responsibility of the local authorities concerned to ensure that their houses are relet to households on their waiting lists as quickly as possible after they are vacated. Some houses may require refurbishment before they are relet and this is a matter for individual authorities.

My Department provides capital funding, subject to conditions, to local authorities for the refurbishment of houses that have remained vacant for periods longer than six months and require major refurbishment. Local authorities are required to meet from their own resources the first €10,000 of the cost of such refurbishment in respect of each dwelling.

The results of the 2005 housing needs assessment which indicates the number of households in need of social housing, including information on the number of households in need of social housing in the four authorities in County Mayo, is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The area referred to is not a separate housing authority administrative area and separate data in relation to it is not available in my Department.

Legislative Programme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

499 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to publish the building societies amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7741/06]

This is among the Bills in the Government's legislative programme that are expected to be published during the period up to the beginning of the next Dáil session.

Road Safety.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

500 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of road safety officers employed nationally; if they are located in each local authority area; if each local authority area has a road safety strategy; the key components of the latter; the amount allocated to each local authority for road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/06]

Overall responsibility for road safety legislation and policy at national level is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 426 and 427 of 14 February 2006.

The appointment of road safety officers, the development of local road safety strategies and associated funding for road safety are matters for the relevant local authority. My Department does not have details of the number of road safety officers employed across all local authorities. I recently announced allocations of some €558 million to local authorities for the non-national roads programme to meet a range of objectives including non-national roads development, restoration and improvement. Work in this regard also contributes generally towards enhancing the safety of the network.

Local Authority Housing.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

501 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allow the local authority to increase the discount to local authority tenants for tenant purchase beyond the present maximum limit of ten years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1453 of 25 January 2006. The position is unchanged.

Architectural Heritage.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

502 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant scheme is available under the auspices of his Department to which a parish council (details supplied) in County Waterford could apply for financial assistance towards the renovation of the parish church; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7828/06]

Under the Urban and Village Renewal Operational Programme 2000-2006, my Department administers a scheme of EU co-financed grants for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. Closing date for receipt of applications in the south and east region was 24 October 2005 and the grants for 2006, the last year of the programme, have since been allocated.

My Department funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on privately owned structures of architectural significance which are included in the Record of Protected Structures under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Inquiries about this scheme should be made direct to the relevant local authority.

The Heritage Council operates a limited scheme of grant assistance under their buildings at risk programme and may be approached directly.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Question:

503 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the upgrading of the sewerage scheme in Askeaton, County Limerick. [7831/06]

I refer to the reply to Question No 534 of 7 February 2006. The position is unchanged.

Waste Disposal.

Michael Lowry

Question:

504 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the items covered under the WEEE producer recycling scheme; if exemptions are available to small business operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7841/06]

The EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, WEEE, required each member state to introduce regulations providing for a producer funded take-back scheme for consumers of end-of-life equipment from 13 August 2005.

To come within the scope of the WEEE directive, items of electrical and electronic equipment must be dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work properly and designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1,000 volts for alternating current, AC, and 1,500 volts for direct current, DC. The WEEE directive specifically excludes equipment which is part of another type of equipment that does not fall within the scope of the directive, e.g., car radios; equipment which is connected with the protection of the essential interests of the security of member states, arms, munitions and war material; luminaires in households, e.g., light stands; filament bulbs; large-scale stationary industrial tools; and all implanted and infected products in medical devices. The EU Commission has published a guidance document on the criteria for determining whether a product falls within the scope of the WEEE directive, a copy of which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. There are no exemptions available to small business operators as there are no de minimis provisions in the WEEE directive.

The WEEE scheme has now been operating for six months and the real benefits of this new system for consumers and the environment are becoming apparent. WEEE is now being collected from over 180 collection points nationwide. Early indications are that significant quantities of this waste type are being returned for recycling. In the first 12 weeks alone 4,800 tonnes, equivalent to an annual rate of almost 20,000 tonnes, of household WEEE was collected. This points to a fourfold increase in the recycling of household WEEE as 5,510 tonnes of this waste type was recovered in 2004 and indicates widespread public support for the implementation of the directive.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

505 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to the confirmation by the Minister for Transport by way of reply to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 7 February 2006 that there have been no aircraft accidents whatsoever or associated third party fatalities in any of the red zones at any of the State airports since their introduction in 1968, the rationale for the replacement of such massive red zones with the proposed but even larger public safety zones at the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7902/06]

I am advised that it has been the practice since 1968 to limit development in areas known as "red zones" around the three State airports of Dublin, Cork and Shannon, for reasons both of air navigation safety and public safety. In 2000, my Department and the Department of Transport jointly commissioned Environment Resource Management to review the specific issue of addressing public safety on the ground around the major airports, based on current scientific practice. In assessing this matter, ERM used recent advances in risk modelling techniques which made it possible to quantify the risks to the public on the ground from aircraft crashes.

The recommendations of ERM were that the use of the "red zones" should be discontinued for public safety purposes. Public safety zones should instead be introduced, of a different size and shape to "red zones", and should have varying levels or development restrictions within them, depending on what type of development is proposed at different points. It will be important for example to be able to restrict building heights near runways to ensure that obstacle clearance surfaces for departing and arriving aircraft are maintained, in line with the State's obligations under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944. Public safety zones would also be designed to protect the public on the ground from the small but real possibility that an aircraft might crash in a populated area and to ensure, as far as possible, that there are not large concentrations of people continually in the areas most at risk from crashes.

In January 2005, the Government approved the drawing up of guidelines by my Department to be issued to planning authorities, based on ERM's report. Draft guidelines are being finalised in my Department and will be issued for public consultation shortly.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

506 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take regarding the recent figures showing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions began to rise in 2004 and that they are now 23.5 % higher than in 1990; the further action he intends to take regarding Ireland’s current Kyoto commitment which is to limit the increase to 13 % before 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8021/06]

Pat Carey

Question:

513 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that progress is being made by Ireland to achieve the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol; his views on the effect of global warming on the environment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8158/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 513 together.

I refer to the replies to Question No. 129 of 14 February 2006 and Question No. 331 of 15 February 2006.

The greenhouse gas emissions figures for 2004, recently published by the EPA, show a marginal increase of 0.45% on 2003. A detailed analysis of the data shows emissions increased in the transport, residential and processes sectors, but that reduced emissions were recorded in respect of power generation, industry and agriculture.

In reply to Question No. 331 of 15 February 2006, I indicated that I intend shortly to publish a review of the national climate change strategy as a consultation document to inform the preparation of a revised strategy. In regard to those sectors for which emissions increased between 2003 and 2004, this review will note that additional measures recently announced or implemented by the Government include the EU emissions trading scheme, the energy performance in buildings directive, Transport 21 and a package of excise relief for biofuels worth €200 million over five years.

Local Authority Housing.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

507 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if approval will be given to the inclusion of a specific project in the extension to local authority houses scheme in respect of a house (details supplied) in County Cork. [8091/06]

The operation of the scheme of extensions to local authority houses is a matter for local authorities. Under the scheme, local authorities have delegated authority to proceed with works where the cost is less than €75,000. In cases where the work is estimated to cost in excess of €75,000, my Department's approval is required. In this instance, it is understood that the cost of the proposed work is less than the devolved limit and that my Department's approval is not required.

Departmental Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

508 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on the payroll of his Department who are not working in his Department for one reason or another; if the results will be categorised with as much detail as possible. [8134/06]

There are currently 20 staff from my Department on secondment to other Departments and bodies. These are detailed in the table that follows. In the majority of cases, salaries are recouped and there is no cost to the Department.

Grade

Seconded to

Assistant principal

Department of Health and Children

Assistant principal Clerical officer

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Clerical officer

Dublin Docklands Development Authority

Conservation ranger

Waterford County Council

Wildlife inspector grade 2

Trustees of Muckross House

Executive officer

Department of the Taoiseach

Executive officer

Kildare County Council

Higher executive officer

Department of Education & Science

Principal officer

An Bord Pleanála

Chargehand gardener

Teagasc

Principal officer Assistant principal Higher executive officer

Department of Foreign Affairs

Clerical officer Executive officer

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Executive officer Staff officer

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Executive officer

Department of Agriculture and Food

Executive officer

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Questions Nos. 509 and 510 answered with Question No. 492.

Fire Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

511 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the resources available and the priorities under the 2006 fire services capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8146/06]

Some €19.689 million has been allocated to the fire services capital programme for 2006. Final decisions on the projects to be funded under this programme have not yet been made.

Local Authority Housing.

Pat Carey

Question:

512 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the policies of local authorities in regard to higher density housing and the increasing provision of high-rise apartment dwellings; if he is further satisfied as to the sustainability of such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8156/06]

Guidelines for planning authorities on residential density were published in 1999. They are intended to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, developers and the general public in achieving higher residential density of a suitable scale at appropriate locations, within a high-quality residential environment, especially in conjunction with improved public transport systems. The guidelines set out the basis on which locations appropriate for higher residential densities may be identified, the range of varying densities appropriate to different locations and the controls and safeguards to be addressed in promoting such development.

My Department is reviewing the guidelines with a view to updating them later this year. This updating will focus in particular on the quality of new developments and will take account of the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals. The revised guidelines will also reflect the need to promote the building of sustainable communities, particularly in terms of adequate facilities, amenities, schools, transport and leisure infrastructure.

I published Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities in December 2005. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of policy initiatives on matters which included supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through design innovation in the creation of new homes, urban spaces new neighbourhoods. My Department has also commissioned a research study into apartment size and space standards, which will inform the revised planning guidelines on residential densities. Guidance will also be included on best practice mechanisms in the effective linkage of the development of new residential areas with the provision of wider social infrastructure such as schools and amenities.

With the support of the necessary range of policy initiatives and measures, my Department will continue to work with planning authorities and all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the unprecedented rate of population growth and housing development being experienced in Ireland is planned for in a manner that will, in the longer term, support more balanced regional development and the creation of sustainable communities.

Question No. 513 answered with QuestionNo. 506.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

514 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Ireland will advocate the inclusion in the EU submission to the UNFCC on Article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol, currently being drafted by the Austrian Presidency, the proposal that industrialised countries consider emissions cuts of 60-80% by 2050 as proposed by him and his counterparts at their Council meeting in March 2005. [8201/06]

The EU submission on Article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol has not yet been finalised. Officials from my Department are participating in ongoing discussions on the matter. The submission is likely to include a broad outline of the EU position on climate change as articulated in the conclusions of the Council of the European Union from its meeting of environment Ministers on 10 March 2005, and the meeting of Heads of State and Government later the same month.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

515 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will be in a position to approve Kildare County Council’s revised preliminary report and water services pricing policy report in respect of the upper Liffey valley sewerage scheme, stage three in view of the urgent sewerage treatment requirements in Naas, Johnstown, Kill, Newbridge, Kilcullen, Prosperous, Clane and Sallins; if these proposals will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8205/06]

Kildare County Council's revised preliminary report and water services pricing policy report for this scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once the reports have been approved, the council will be in a position to prepare contract documents with a view to inviting tenders for the scheme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

516 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the supply of water to Shrule, County Mayo and the surrounding areas; the source designated to supply the area; the further position regarding the scheme being approved by tender — mechanical, construction and so on; the design load for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8225/06]

The extension to Shrule of the Tuam regional water supply scheme, which has Lough Corrib as its source, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 to start construction this year. I have approved Galway County Council's recommended tenders for both the civil and mechanical and electrical elements of the scheme and it is a matter for the council to arrange for the carrying out of these works.

The Kilmaine and Shrule water supply scheme, which areas the extended Tuam scheme will also serve, is also approved in the water services investment programme to start construction this year. I understand Mayo County Council is revising earlier contract documents that will, inter alia, identify the proposed design load for the scheme. Following submission and approval of the contract documents, the council will be in a position to invite tenders for the construction of the scheme.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

517 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have moved directly with their job in respect of assignments made within his Department to decentralised posts; the number who are new recruits recruited within the past 24 months; the number who have been appointed on promotion; and the additional personal costs to be associated with the move. [8237/06]

The decentralisation programme involves the relocation of my Department's operations to four locations in the south east — Wexford, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. At this stage, a total of 70 staff — including 12 existing staff from my Department, 43 new recruits and 15 persons transferred under the central applications facility, CAF — are now serving in the Department in posts which are transferring to the south east.

Details of any additional staff costs which may arise from the decentralisation programme cannot be estimated at this stage. However, the timing of the transfer of incoming staff is being planned to minimise any such costs. No additional staff costs have arisen to date.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

518 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Glencolmcille, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8278/06]

The Glencolmcille sewerage scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €3.3 million. Donegal County Council's preliminary report and water services pricing policy report for the scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once the reports are approved, the council will be in a position to proceed in accordance with the revised procurement procedures for schemes costing less than €5 million which, following preliminary approval, can be advanced to construction without further reference to my Department.

Fire Stations.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

519 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an application in his Department for a new fire station for Gweedore, County Donegal; the position regarding the application; and when it is expected that tenders will be invited in order that work can proceed on the new station. [8279/06]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

520 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new fire station for Glencolmcille, County Donegal. [8280/06]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

521 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an application in his Department for a new fire station for Ballybofey-Stranorlar, County Donegal; and the position regarding same. [8281/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 519 to 521, inclusive, together.

An application from Donegal County Council for approval in principle for new fire stations at Ballybofey-Stranorlar, Glencolmcille and Gweedore was received in my Department on 15 February 2006. It is being considered in the context of the fire services capital programme, having regard to the overall availability of resources and priorities under the programme.

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