Eamon Gilmore
Question:10 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the legislation of same-sex civil partnerships or same sex civil marriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9759/06]
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 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Civil Partnerships.
I have acknowledged, on behalf of the Government, that the position of same-sex couples before the law, and others in caring relationships, including extending State recognition to civil partnerships between such persons, needs to be addressed. As indicated by the Taoiseach on 24 January 2006 at the launch of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution Report on the Family, I am setting up a working group charged with preparing an options paper on this issue.
The working group will consider the categories of partnerships and relationships outside of marriage, including same-sex couples, to which legal recognition might be afforded, consistent with constitutional provisions. The report of the all-party Oireachtas committee as well as the deliberations of the Law Reform Commission will inform the work of the group. The membership of the working group and a work timetable are being finalised. I expect the working group to report to me in October following which I intend to formulate legislative proposals for consideration by Government.
Equality Issues.
Seán Crowe
Question:11 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had discussions with the Equality Authority regarding the recommendations of its report Equivalence in Promoting Equality since the issue was raised with him on the 2 of February 2006. [9766/06]
An official in my Department has had some discussion with the Equality Authority about the report since its publication.
Commemorative Events.
John Gormley
Question:12 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps to be taken by the Garda Síochána for the upcoming 1916 parade to ensure that we do not experience a repeat of 25 February 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/06]
I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that a comprehensive operational plan for the policing of this event is being prepared. It will be based on the available intelligence and the experience of Garda personnel in city centre stations, in dealing with parades and protests, in particular the protest surrounding events of Saturday, 25 February.
I am further informed that an assistant commissioner is representing the Commissioner on a high level interagency group to prepare plans for this event. A sub-committee of this group has also been established and the Garda authorities are represented on this group by the chief superintendents, Store Street, Dublin North-Central division and Pearse Street, Dublin South-Central division.
Whatever lessons can be learnt from the events in Dublin on 25 February will be taken into account. I would however emphasise the fundamentally different nature and purpose of the planned event. The priority will be to take whatever policing measures are necessary that the commemoration can be enjoyed by all those involved and attending. All necessary Garda and other resources required to achieve this end will be made available.
Prison Education Service.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:13 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that the accommodation of the Prisoner Transport Escort Corps is being prioritised over the rehabilitation — including educational — needs of prisoners in Cloverhill Prison; and the discussions he has had with the Prison Service on that matter since the agreement on new working arrangements with the Prison Officers’ Association was reached. [9768/06]
Seán Crowe
Question:15 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken since the agreement on new working arrangements with the Prison Officers’ Association was reached to date in order to get Cloverhill Prison’s educational facility up and running; and the discussions he has had with the Prison Service on the matter. [9767/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 15 together.
I refer the Deputies to a series of four questions on this topic, Questions Nos. 27, 56, 64 and 65, which I answered on 2 February 2006. On that date, I stated that I had been informed by the director general of the Irish Prison Service that construction of the Cloverhill Prison education unit — comprising a physical education section and six general education classrooms — commenced in 2002 and was virtually completed in 2003, and that the physical education section of the unit had been brought partially into operation and is used daily by prisoners up to the present.
However, it was not possible to commission the general education section of the unit pending the outcome of negotiations with the Prison Officers' Association, POA, on revised working arrangements in the Prison Service. Agreement has since been reached with the POA on the change agenda and the new working arrangements are currently being rolled out across the prison system. This agreement reverses the unacceptable trend of spiralling overtime costs which has been a feature of our prisons operations for many years and as a result there was a reduction in the overtime bill of some €13.4 million in 2004 compared to 2003. A key feature of the new working arrangements is the introduction of a new Prison Service escort corps. Essentially, this is a dedicated corps of staff whose task is to escort prisoners to and from court in new cellular vehicles, thus eliminating the need to resort to overtime working as had been the practice heretofore.
As a temporary measure, the Prison Service escort corps is operating from a section of the unit pending the completion of new accommodation for the corps. It is currently envisaged that this new accommodation will be completed by the second quarter of this year at which time the general education section of the unit will be opened.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Joan Burton
Question:14 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his response to the statement of assistant chief constable Mr. Sam Kinkaid of the PSNI to the Omagh bomb victims to the general effect that the Garda Síochána had withheld from the RUC information it received from an informant that might have assisted in preventing that bomb attack and, in particular, that the Garda Síochána knew from its informant that a car had been stolen for an attack on Northern Ireland but had not intervened for fear of blowing its cover; if he accepts that assertion and if it can be reconciled with the findings of the Nally committee which inquired into and reported on the same matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/06]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:24 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Nally committee, which inquired into certain allegations raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to Garda intelligence and its potential relevance to the Omagh bomb, was made aware of the fact that this person’s informant had more than once permitted the gardaí to place bugs in cars they stole for the Real IRA; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9688/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 24 together.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to clarify matters in relation to a range of media reports concerning the Omagh bombing and related matters, many of which serve only to confuse rather than clarify.
I would like to deal first with the reported comments of assistant chief constable Sam Kinkaid who gave a briefing to the Omagh relatives on 22 February last. I am informed by the British authorities that Mr. Kinkaid's briefing focused on the current status of the Omagh investigation. I am also informed that, contrary to media speculation, at no stage during the briefing did Mr. Kinkaid suggest that the gardaí had failed to prevent dissident republican attacks in Northern Ireland in order to protect the identity of an informant. However — and this is where confusion may have arisen — I am further informed that Mr. Kinkaid did refer to a number of allegations made by a person which subsequently became the subject matter of inquiry by the so-called Nally Group.
The Deputies will be aware that the Nally Group was established by my predecessor to examine the issues raised in a report submitted by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in 2002. This report related to allegations made by the person in question concerning the handling of intelligence information about the activities of a paramilitary group in that year and about drug-related matters in 1995 and 1996. The Nally Group reported in 2003 and concluded that there was no foundation for the allegations which it examined.
There have been repeated media reports that one of the allegations under inquiry by the Nally Group was to the effect that the gardaí failed to pass on information to the then RUC which could have prevented the Omagh bombing. I have repeatedly informed the House that, in fact, no such allegation was made to the Nally Group. On this point, the group says:
The core allegations . . . . about events preceding the Omagh bombing are that:
—a senior Garda officer would have been prepared, if a vehicle had in fact been stolen . . . to allow it to go through in order to protect [an] informant; and
—no intelligence was passed to the RUC about information, alleged to have been received on the eve of Omagh that the RIRA, who had been trying to steal a vehicle in the Dublin area, had obtained one elsewhere (place, vehicle type and destination unspecified).
These are very serious allegations. However they are quite different from allegations that the Gardaí let the vehicle which was used in the bombing in Omagh go through or that they had intelligence about that vehicle . . . which they had failed to pass on to the RUC. No such allegations have been made to the Group and no basis for any such allegations has come to its attention.
As I have already stated, the Nally Group dismissed the allegations which were in fact made as being without foundation.
I do not propose to go into the detail of matters relating to covert surveillance techniques which may or may not have been conducted by the Garda Síochána in any instance, for obvious reasons of national security.
I can also inform the House that the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI are in contact about this matter and I expect that the Commissioner will report to me on the outcome of those contacts.
Question No. 15 answered with QuestionNo. 13.
Prison Building Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:16 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the freedom of information requests which have been received in his Department regarding the Thornton Hall Prison project; if they have been responded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9757/06]
A total of ten freedom of information requests have been received by my Department regarding the Thornton Hall Prison project. Eight of these requests have been responded to. The remaining two requests were received by my Department yesterday and will be processed in accordance with the Act. One appeal request is currently being dealt with by my Department.
Public Order Offences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:17 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his role in dealing with riot situations; if he is consulted or gives instructions or directions; if he has informed his Cabinet colleagues regarding any possible outbreak of violence; if he gave or received political advice as to the way in which to deal with such situations; if he has discussions or gave instructions to the Garda Síochána management prior to the recent rioting in the city centre; his precise role and function in dealing with such matters, having particular regard to established precedent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that he took the necessary precautions to prevent the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he or his Department first became aware of the possibility of developments likely to cause the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has planned or measures put in place to prevent a recurrence of the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 173 to 175, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to my comprehensive statements to both Dáil and Seanad Éireann on 28 February and 2 March 2006, respectively.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána and not I as Minister to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational policing plans for rallies, parades and similar events in the public arena. Such a comprehensive plan was prepared and in place in respect of the Love Ulster rally, and it was based on all information then available to the Garda authorities.
I was in regular touch with the Garda Commissioner and his senior officers throughout the weekend in question. As with the Garda authorities, neither my Department nor I had any credible advance warning of the appalling riots which took place.
The Garda Síochána is comprehensively reviewing events which occurred at the Love Ulster rally with a view to identifying lessons that can be learnt for other upcoming events in Dublin and elsewhere.
I am satisfied that an enormous amount of preparation was undertaken by the Garda authorities, and it is regretted that in the face of a reasonably low-key law enforcement approach such repugnant opposition was encountered.
Drug Treatment Court.
Dinny McGinley
Question:18 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will commit to roll out the Drugs Courts nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4369/06]
A decision was taken last month to put the pilot Drug Treatment Court, currently operating in the Dublin 7 area, on a permanent footing. It will be extended on a phased basis to the wider Dublin area in consultation with the other agencies involved in supporting the court. The president of the District Court has assigned a judge of the Dublin metropolitan District Court to the Drug Treatment Court on a permanent basis. The effect of this is to bring the Drug Treatment Court in closer contact with the other courts in the Dublin metropolitan district from which the clients of the Drug Treatment Court are referred.
I am satisfied that the court is providing a very worthwhile and innovative service and I will provide it with every support going forward. In this regard, the possibility of extending the Drug Treatment Court to areas outside Dublin will be considered.
Asylum Applications.
Eamon Ryan
Question:19 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who sought asylum prior to 1 January 2001, were refused asylum and are awaiting a decision on their application for leave to remain here on humanitarian or other grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9794/06]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for leave to remain in the State made pursuant to section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended.
It must be acknowledged that it is particularly difficult to provide meaningful statistics for the time period cited in the question given the transitional nature of asylum and deportation system at the time. First, the Immigration Act 1999 was implemented in November 1999 and, second, the full provisions of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, came into effect on 20 November 2000, that is, the date on which the two independent refugee status determination bodies, the refugee applications commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, were established on a statutory basis.
Generally, an application for leave to remain in the State in these circumstances arises 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 to deport is afforded three options, namely, to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a deportation order; or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a deportation order should not be made and why temporary leave to remain in the State be granted instead.
In the period 1992 to 31 December 2000, 29,266 persons applied for asylum and, in the same period 1,815 were granted refugee status. It is important to note that decisions relating to asylum applications are recorded by reference to the date of the decision-determination rather than the date of application. Hence, the number of decisions-determinations made each year may not necessarily relate to applications made in the same year and many of the applicants in that period had their asylum applications decided in subsequent years.
Details of those granted leave to remain in the period 2000 to date in the context of the deportation system under the Immigration Act 1999 are as follows:
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Number of persons |
19 |
77 |
158 |
86 |
207 |
135 |
As with the asylum application statistics above, the year in which a person is granted leave to remain is usually not the same as the year in which they sought asylum.
It does not follow that a failed asylum seeker is automatically either issued with a deportation order or is granted leave to remain and the above statistics need to be examined in that context. Temporary leave is considered regardless of whether representations have been made by, or on behalf of, the person concerned. Consequently, records are not maintained which would distinguish the number of cases where representations have been received from those where no representations have been made. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that many of those who failed the asylum process, and who did not opt to return voluntarily on notification to the Department or consent to deportation, nonetheless left the State of their own volition before a decision to deport or grant leave to remain was made.
Further, many persons who applied for asylum in the period concerned have since received alternate forms of leave to remain outside the process in the Immigration Act 1999 described above. For example, some may have married Irish or EU nationals and many would have been granted leave to remain based on their parentage of an Irish born child. In this latter respect, 10,584 persons were granted leave to remain based on their parentage of an Irish born child under the procedure which operated prior to the Supreme Court judgment in the L&O case in January 2003 and a further 16,693 were granted under the subsequent IBC, 2005, scheme.
It should be noted that under section 3(6) of the Act the Minister, in determining whether to make a deportation order or grant leave to remain shall have regard to 11 specified considerations, one of which is the length of time a person has spent in the State.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Willie Penrose
Question:20 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his most recent contacts with the Omagh bomb victims and their families; if his assistance has been sought and given in connection with their civil litigation against the alleged bombers; the nature of assistance he is in a position to provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9687/06]
My most recent contact with the Omagh victims and their families was in February 2006 when I issued responses to questions about the investigation that were submitted earlier to the Taoiseach. This response issued via the liaison officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs who was nominated by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to keep in contact with the families. The Minister, Deputy Ahern, met the families in Dundalk in October 2005 and my Department was represented at that meeting.
Both the Government and the Garda Síochána remain anxious to offer assistance in any appropriate way, in accordance with law, in relation to the civil action. Liaison officers have been appointed in the Courts Service, the Garda Síochána and in my Department to assist in these matters.
Representations were also made to me in relation to funding the civil action. The families, through their solicitors, sought a financial contribution from the Government towards the cost of the civil action being taken by them against the suspected perpetrators of the Omagh atrocity. I am of the view that it would be inappropriate for the Government to fund a civil action in another jurisdiction, and I was not prepared to offer this form of assistance.
Garda Operations.
Mary Upton
Question:21 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time Operation Anvil is in existence; the number of gardaí involved; the Garda stations to which they are attached; the number from each station; the number of overtime hours involved to date for each station; the cost of the operation to date; the number of drug searches conducted under Operation Anvil ; the number of arrests made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/06]
Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin metropolitan region on 17 May 2005 with a view to addressing the problem of serious crime such as gun crime, robberies and burglaries and combating an emerging gun culture. At my request Operation Anvil is being extended outside the Dublin metropolitan region during 2006. I have also obtained funding to enable Operation Anvil to continue as long as it is deemed necessary in operational policing terms.
All operational personnel in the Dublin metropolitan region may be employed on Operation Anvil as the need arises. Personnel from the Garda national units are also deployed on the operation as appropriate.
The number of personnel deployed on the operation varies from time to time, depending on demands and available intelligence. Personnel from all Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region are actively involved in it. The operation has involved a large number of gardaí attached to stations in the Dublin metropolitan region and other specialist sections in the crime and security branch and the national support services branch. To maintain operation flexibility there has been no absolute overtime allocation to each Garda station.
There were 282,257 hours of overtime paid for Operation Anvil from its commencement up to 6 March 2006. The net incremental cost of the operation from its commencement to 6 March 2006 is €11,084,254. This figure includes the cost of overtime, travel and subsistence and other ancillary costs.
The most recent figures available show that Operation Anvil has contributed to encouraging outcomes, with a total number of arrests of 1,641 — which includes 23 arrests for murder, 411 arrests for serious assaults, 828 arrests for burglary and 379 arrests for robbery offences. Furthermore, the total number of firearms seized to date under Operation Anvil is 359, and property to the value of more than €5.7 million has been recovered.
Garda Reserve Force.
Joe Costello
Question:22 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for introducing a volunteer Garda force in 2006; the way in which he proposes to cope with the strong opposition from the rank and file gardaí; his views on reducing the powers, privileges and immunities of the volunteer Garda; his further views on piloting the scheme; when the draft regulations will be forwarded to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9671/06]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:26 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to remedy the escalating stand-off between him and the Garda Representative Association, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors in relation to the planned Garda Síochána Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9787/06]
Jerry Cowley
Question:52 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the contingency plan his Department has in place in view of the riots in Dublin for the proposed Garda Reserve Force in such situations; the protection such a force has in view of the fact that it is not possible for them to have sufficient training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9299/06]
John Gormley
Question:158 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to remedy the escalating stand-off between him and the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors in relation to the planned Garda Síochána Reserve Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9962/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the vetting procedures he proposes to prevent undesirables infiltrating the proposed part-time Garda force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26, 52, 158 and 181 together.
I wish to refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2 of today's date.
Garda Operations.
Martin Ferris
Question:23 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the Garda operation to protect the United State’s President Mr. George W. Bush in Shannon Airport on 28 February-1 March 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9764/06]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:196 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí involved in the security operations surrounding Mr. George Bush’s visits to Shannon Airport during the week ending 5 March 2006; the cost of the operations; the number of US secret service personnel in counties Clare and Limerick during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the mechanisms for oversight of these personnel and their activities. [9998/06]
John Gormley
Question:199 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the contrast between the cost of security for the US President’s stopover in Shannon estimated to be in the region of €300,000, and the low-key security arrangements put in place for the Love Ulster march in Dublin on 25 February 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 196 and 199 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 3 of today's date.
Question No. 24 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Asylum Applications.
Eamon Ryan
Question:25 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who sought asylum prior to 1 January 2001 who are still awaiting a decision on their asylum application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/06]
I am advised by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner that there are no applications awaiting a first instance determination with an application date prior to 1 January 2001. While the Refugee Appeals Tribunal has advised that there are no appeals with it with an appeal date prior to 1 January 2001, there are 11 appeals in the RAT with an application date prior to 1 January 2001. In addition, there are two cases in the ministerial decisions unit regarding applications prior to 1 January 2001 awaiting issue of a decision letter. For a variety of reasons, there will always be some applications and appeals which take significantly longer than the average to complete which can arise for reasons such as judicial review proceedings.
I wish to acknowledge the very significant progress made by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, and their respective staff, in addressing both the volume of cases on hands in both ORAC and RAT as well as the timescales involved in bringing a case to its conclusion. At the end of February 2006 there were 2,409 cases on hand at ORAC and RAT as compared to 6,930 cases in January 2004 and 3,629 in January 2005. The number of cases in each of the asylum agencies over six months was 470 at the end of February 2006 compared to some 1,057 in January 2005, 2,910 cases in January 2004 and some 6,500 in September 2001.
There is continued momentum in processing timescales for asylum applications with new arrangements for speedier processing of prioritised asylum applications, from nationals of Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa, introduced from January 2005 with a 17 working days processing time at first instance in ORAC and 15 working days at appeals stage in RAT. Currently, almost 40% of total applications fall into the prioritised category.
With effect from 1 November 2005, all applicants for asylum are notified of their interview date by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner at the time they make their application. The interview appointment is normally within 20 working days of application. However, for those applicants within the prioritised category, interviews in ORAC are held, more speedily, within nine to 12 days.
Question No. 26 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Human Rights Issues.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:27 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of concerns raised in the 2005 concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women regarding trafficking of women and girls into Ireland, the lack of a comprehensive strategy to combat it, Ireland will ratify the 2005 Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9795/06]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:43 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to combat the huge increase in trafficking of women and girls from mainland Europe to Ireland for exploitation in the growing sex trade here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9796/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 43 together.
I can inform the Deputy that legislation is at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department which will create a specific offence of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation as provided for in EU Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in persons. The criminal law provisions in other international instruments, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings are also being taken into account in the legislation.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is no evidence to suggest that there is any increase in trafficking in persons into this jurisdiction for the purposes of sexual exploitation. I am further informed that evidence of any involvement by criminal gangs operating within or outside this jurisdiction in the trafficking or smuggling of non-nationals into the State is difficult to adduce.
The Garda Síochána takes a proactive approach and is ever vigilant to ensure that any allegations relating to trafficking in human beings are vigorously investigated. A number of specific Garda operations have been put in place to discover the extent to which Ireland has been targeted by persons suspected of being engaged in trafficking in persons, to prevent such activity and, where such activity is disclosed, to gather evidence to be used in any prosecution which may be initiated. I am informed by the Garda authorities that these operations are ongoing. One such operation, Operation Quest, was established under the direction of the assistant commissioner in charge of national support services to investigate allegations that non-nationals are being trafficked into this country for the purpose of employment in the sex industry.
During the course of Garda investigations gardaí liaise as necessary with Ruhama, an NGO which assists women who are the victims of violence. Persons reporting that they have been trafficked are always treated sympathetically by members of the Garda Síochána.
I am informed that the Garda recently had discussions with the UK law enforcement authorities following the introduction there of Operation Pentameter, which was established to disrupt the activities of organised criminal gangs suspected of involvement in trafficking in human beings. The Garda Síochána has agreed to support the operation through sharing of intelligence and to put in place appropriate enforcement activities arising from any possible displacement to this jurisdiction.
I can inform the Deputy that a training programme has recently been designed by personnel at the Garda National Immigration Bureau to assist all officers in recognising people who may be victims of trafficking and to enable them to receive the appropriate assistance from all the relevant agencies. The training will be delivered to all personnel by staff at the Garda College.
In addition, the Garda Síochána participates on the Interpol working group on trafficking in women. The group has recently published a manual for investigators which is a practical guide to best practice in the investigation of this type of criminal activity. Personnel from the Garda National Immigration Bureau also regularly attend meetings, seminars and conferences designed to share information and devise policies to combat immigration offences, including trafficking and smuggling of human beings.
A working group on trafficking in human beings, chaired by my Department, is examining the extent and nature of trafficking into Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation and reviewing various measures in place to combat the phenomenon.
Claims against Garda Síochána.
Liz McManus
Question:28 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to improve management of compensation claims against the Garda Síochána and by members of the Garda Síochána under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts; if further reforms are planned, including amendments to legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9674/06]
With respect to compensation claims against the Garda Síochána, section 48 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 simplifies matters for members of the public taking civil actions against members of the Garda Síochána. The section provides that the State is liable to an action for damages in respect of any damage resulting from an actionable wrong committed by a member of the Garda Síochána in the course of performing the member's functions under the Act as if the State were the employer of the member. As a result of the section it will no longer be necessary for a litigant to name the individual member of the Garda Síochána in the action. This section was commenced on 1 August 2005.
With respect to claims by members of the Garda Síochána the Deputy will be aware that each claim for compensation by a member of the Garda Síochána for malicious injuries received while on duty must be treated on its own merits. My Department is doing everything within its power to expedite and process these claims in a fair and efficient manner. In all cases, medical reports from the claimants' own doctors and the chief medical officer of the Garda Síochána are required before a final decision can made on a claim. As the Deputy will appreciate, these cases can take some time to reach a conclusion, given the nature of the injuries received.
In terms of reforming the process, the general form of a new compensation scheme has been agreed with the representative bodies of the Garda Síochána, and my Department is currently carrying out a regulatory impact analysis for its introduction. Following on from that I hope to bring a memorandum to Government for a new Garda Compensation Tribunal Bill and thereafter see its passage through the Oireachtas.
National Security Service.
Brendan Howlin
Question:29 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people employed in the secret service section; the location of the section; the type of work carried out by the section; the annual budget for the section in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9681/06]
The Garda Síochána acts as both the State's national police service and national security service. Ireland does not have a "secret service".
The function of the Garda Síochána in its capacity as the State's national security service is to protect the State from national security threats from within and without, in association with the Defence Forces, as appropriate. For sound security and operational reasons, it is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to reveal details of numbers and locations of Garda members employed in national security service duties.
As the national security service forms part of the general Garda organisation, there is no separate, dedicated budget for its operation; all costs associated with security service duties are subsumed into the general budgets within the Vote of the Garda Síochána. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide, nor would it be in the public interest to reveal, details of the costs associated with national security service duties.
Garda Investigations.
Liz McManus
Question:30 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report into the death of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9693/06]
Emmet Stagg
Question:32 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report into the death of a person (details supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9684/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 32 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that following correspondence from the person's family, and a meeting with senior Garda officers, the Garda Commissioner directed that a review of the original investigation into the death of the person be conducted. The review was carried out under the direction and supervision of a detective chief superintendent and detective superintendent of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, NBCI.
The review was comprehensive in nature and involved the taking of 170 statements from family, friends, work colleagues and a wide range of people who had any interaction with the person during their life. Underwater searches were carried out by divers from the Garda underwater unit at the location where the person's body was discovered. Officers from the Irish Naval Service also carried out tests at the same location on a day when the prevailing sea conditions where similar to the day that the person's body was discovered, to observe the effect of the incoming tide on a body in the water. Assistance was also provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Extensive inquiries were also carried out for the purpose of obtaining any CCTV footage. Furthermore, the State pathologist reviewed the original post mortem carried out on the person.
I am informed that there is no evidence from either the initial investigation into the death of the person or the recent review to suggest foul play. There were no injuries to the body to suggest anything other than death by drowning. This fact is borne out by the findings of the inquest into the death of the person and also corroborated by the medical evidence.
On 22 February 2006 the detective chief superintendent from the NBCI met members of the person's family and explained in detail to them the results of the review.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:31 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when he will be in a position to publish an unedited or a redacted version of the Nally Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/06]
As I outlined to Dáil Éireann in February 2004, I hope to be in a position to publish an edited version of the report in question in the future. However, as I also indicated in the Dáil, this could not be done while criminal proceedings were outstanding against the person who made the allegations which were referred to the Nally group. These proceedings remain outstanding.
It is not, nor has it ever been, my intention to publish the Nally report in an unedited or unredacted form, having regard to the fact that the report contains highly sensitive matters involving the security of the State and possible risk to the lives of individuals.
Question No. 32 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Disability Act 2005.
David Stanton
Question:33 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he can provide a full listing of the sections of the Disability Act 2005 which have been implemented and are fully operational; the dates when they came into effect; the details of the sections of the Act which remain to be implemented and the timescale for the implementation of same; if all sections of the Act have and will be implemented on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9746/06]
All parts of the Disability Act 2005 for which I have responsibility have been commenced with the exception of Part 6 which provides for the establishment of a centre for excellence in universal design in the National Disability Authority, NDA. Part 6 will commence on 1 January 2007. The commencement of Part 2 is the responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children, in consultation with the Minister for Education and Science.
The following parts and sections of the Act came into operation on 29 July 2005: Part 1 — Preliminary and General — which includes provisions relating to commencement, interpretation and provision of resources; sections 24 and 30-37 in Part 3 which relate to codes of practice and sectoral plans; and Part 7 — Miscellaneous — which includes provisions relating to amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2001 and the Equal Status Act 2000.
On 31 December 2005, the following provisions of the Act came into operation: sections 25-28 which relate to access to buildings, services and information; sections 38-40 which relate to the complaints procedures surrounding access to buildings and services and sectoral plans; Part 4, which relates to genetic testing; and Part 5, which relates to public service employment. Section 29 of the Act which relates to access to heritage sites will come into operation on 31 December 2007.
The following progress has been made on the implementation of the key provisions of the Disability Act that have been commenced. Departments have made provision for expenditure on service delivery in 2006 under the Act as required by section 5 of the Act. Departments and other public bodies are implementing the accessibility provisions of the Act including the appointment of access officers and the establishment of complaints procedures. The NDA has prepared a code of practice, at my request, in regard to sections 26, on accessibility to services provided by public bodies, 27, on accessibility of services supplied to public bodies, and 28, on access to information through communication formats. I have arranged with the Attorney General for formal drafting of an order for my signature to give effect to the code. The six Departments required to do so have produced outline sectoral plans relating to service delivery by those Departments and public bodies under their aegis. The Departments are involved in a major consultation process with a view to laying the plans before the Oireachtas not later than 28 July 2006. Departments, public bodies and the NDA are progressing the implementation of the provisions of the Act relating to the employment of people with disabilities.
Prison Building Programme.
Martin Ferris
Question:34 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding his plans to build a super-prison at Thornton Hall. [9765/06]
A programme of preliminary works including landscaping is currently under way at Thornton Hall. Planning for the development of a new prison facility is continuing. This is aimed at providing a new modern facility to replace the crowded and unsuitable conditions in Mountjoy and to end the practice of slopping out.
Garda Deployment.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:35 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí who have been attached to each Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan area for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9680/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of community gardaí, all ranks, which have been attached to each Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan region, as at 31 December 2001-2005, inclusive, was as set out in the following tables:
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central District “A” |
|||||
|
Kevin Street |
5 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
|
Kilmainham |
3 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
District “B” |
|||||
|
Pearse St. |
12 |
11 |
11 |
15 |
11 |
|
Harcourt Tce. |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
|
District “E” |
|||||
|
Donnybrook |
3 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
|
Irishtown |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
D.M.R. South District “G” |
|||||
|
Crumlin |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
Sundrive Rd. |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
District “M” |
|||||
|
Rathfarnham |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
|
Tallaght |
20 |
22 |
24 |
24 |
20 |
|
District “P” |
|||||
|
Rathmines |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Terenure |
4 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
|
D.M.R. North District “H” |
|||||
|
Santry |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
|
Whitehall |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
|
Ballymun |
6 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
9 |
|
Dublin Airport |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
District “R” |
|||||
|
Coolock |
7 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
|
Malahide |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
|
Swords |
6 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
11 |
|
District “J” |
|||||
|
Raheny |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
|
Clontarf |
5 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
Howth |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
|
D.M.R. West District “K” |
|||||
|
Blanchardstown |
19 |
18 |
19 |
17 |
17 |
|
Cabra |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
Finglas |
13 |
9 |
9 |
13 |
12 |
|
District “Q” |
|||||
|
Lucan |
7 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
8 |
|
Leixlip |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
|
Ronanstown |
9 |
12 |
13 |
16 |
13 |
|
District “L” |
|||||
|
Ballyfermot |
8 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
14 |
|
Clondalkin |
9 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
16 |
|
Rathcoole |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
D.M.R. North Central District “C” |
|||||
|
Store St. |
17 |
20 |
25 |
24 |
26 |
|
District “U” |
|||||
|
Fitzgibbon St. |
15 |
14 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
|
Mountjoy |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
13 |
|
District “D” |
|||||
|
Bridewell |
14 |
13 |
15 |
14 |
15 |
|
D.M.R. East District “F” |
|||||
|
Dun Laoghaire |
4 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
Dalkey |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Kill-O’the-Grange |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cabinteely |
2 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
District “N” |
|||||
|
Bray |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
|
Enniskerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Shankhill |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
Greystones |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
District “W” |
|||||
|
Blackrock |
4 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
|
Dundrum |
3 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
Stepaside |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
It should be noted that Garda management states that all members of the Garda Síochána have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as they arise. 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 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 be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Dublin metropolitan area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda areas throughout the country.
Human Rights Issues.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:36 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the British Home Office report published in October 2005 which describes female genital mutilation as a cultural tradition in view of the universal recognition that violence against women is a human rights issue and that female genital mutilation is a form of violence against women. [9762/06]
Arthur Morgan
Question:58 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the opinion of BAOBAB, cited by himself, that female genital mutilation is not a genuine reason for applying for asylum abroad in view of the universal recognition that violence against women is a human rights issue and that female genital mutilation is a form of violence against women. [9763/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 58 together.
I presume the Deputies are referring to the contents of my reply to Question No. 12 of 2 February 2006. In that reply, I dealt with the issue of female genital mutilation in Nigeria and the entitlement or otherwise to refugee status on this basis in the State. As I also indicated, it is not for me to determine who is and who is not a refugee. That is a matter for the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and Refugee Appeals Tribunal within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996.
I do not propose to comment in any more detail on either of the issues raised by the Deputies. However, I would reiterate that the UK Home Office report of October 2005 on Nigeria points out, utilising other source material, that, inter alia, female genital mutilation is a cultural tradition practised in Nigeria and that its incidence has declined steadily in the past 15 years. The report also refers to the fact that the Nigerian Government publicly opposes this practice and while there is no federal law banning the practice, such prohibitions do exist at state level.
The Home Office report also quotes a report of a British Home Office-Danish Immigration Service fact finding mission to Nigeria, published in January 2005, as indicating, inter alia, that there are groups in Nigeria who are against the practice of FGM and should a girl desire to avoid FGM in spite of pressure from her family to do otherwise she has the opportunity to complain to the Nigerian Police Force or the Nigerian Human Rights Commission and, in addition, she may seek protection from women lawyers or NGO’s. According to BAOBAB, a Nigerian women’s NGO, the Government and prominent NGOs in Nigeria provide protection to women escaping FGM. It confirms that most women throughout Nigeria have the option to relocate to another location if they do not wish to undergo FGM and Government institutions and NGO’s afford protection. BAOBAB is also quoted as being of the opinion that FGM in itself is not a genuine reason for applying for asylum abroad. The Nigerian Human Rights Commission has indicated it would be surprised if someone actually had to leave Nigeria in order to avoid FGM instead of taking up residence elsewhere in Nigeria. According to BAOBAB internal relocation is a real option within Nigeria to avoid FGM and women actually take up this option.
National Identity Card.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:37 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the need to introduce an identity card along the lines of those being introduced in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/06]
The Government has not yet considered the issue of introducing a national identity card. As Ireland shares a land border and a common travel area with the United Kingdom, I have been closely monitoring developments in the UK in relation to the introduction of the identity card scheme. My main concerns are the implications for the common travel area and for Irish people travelling to, living and working in the UK.
While I am on record as being opposed to national identity cards in principle, I believe the introduction of the UK identity card may have implications for the approach we ultimately must take to this matter, particularly against the background of the common travel area. Having said that, I will wait and see the final version of the British scheme before finalising my views.
I have discussed this issue with the Home Secretary on a number of occasions and I will be meeting him again shortly, when this matter will be discussed. My officials and officials from other Departments have been in constant touch with their counterparts in the Home Office on this issue, and the Irish Embassy in London has kept a close eye on the passage of the UK legislation. Whether Ireland introduces an identity card or not, it is becoming increasingly common for airlines to demand photographic identification for domestic flights and for flights within the common travel area. The decision to do this is purely a matter for the carriers; it is not a legislative requirement.
Citizenship Applications.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:38 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the safeguards which are in place for a person (details supplied) who came here as a minor without a passport or documentation of citizenship; the reason the person was refused for naturalisation; his views on this decision; if he will give this person indefinite leave to remain as the parent of an Irish born child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9692/06]
Jerry Cowley
Question:159 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the application for citizenship by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9828/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 159 together.
The person concerned entered the State as an unaccompanied minor in October 1999 and applied for asylum. Normal immigration controls were not applied to her and her entry to the State without a passport or valid form of identification was allowed for the sole purpose of having an asylum claim determined. In May 2000, she withdrew her claim for asylum before it had been finalised and made an application for leave to remain based on her parentage of an Irish born child. She was granted leave to remain on this basis on 8 October 2002.
In May 2004, the person concerned applied for a certificate of naturalisation. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State, be of good character, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years, intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation, have made, either before a judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
It should be noted that in the context of naturalisation certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996.
The person concerned had not been resident in the State for five years at the time she applied and, consequently, her application was deemed ineligible. She was informed of this decision in writing in February 2006. Since she was granted leave to remain in October 2002 she will satisfy the residency requirements for naturalisation in October 2007, provided she maintains her permission without any gaps during this period. Any such application will be assessed against the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act.
While there is no provision to grant indefinite or permanent leave to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child, it is possible to obtain permission to remain without condition as to time. An application for such permission to remain can be made to the immigration division of my Department once the person concerned has resided in the State for a minimum of eight years.
Asylum Applications.
Arthur Morgan
Question:39 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the anomalies surrounding the status of Somalis currently seeking asylum here. [9769/06]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:44 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the way in which to deal with the unique circumstances of Somalis currently seeking asylum here. [9770/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 44 together.
I am not clear what the Deputies mean when they refer to anomalies or unique circumstances pertaining to or surrounding applications for asylum from nationals of Somalia. There is a statutory framework governing the asylum determination process in Ireland set out in the Refugee Act 1996 and it is not for me as Minister to determine who is or is not a refugee. The 1996 Act established two independent statutory offices to consider applications and appeals in respect of refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These offices are the refugee applications commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The processing of applications within the framework of the 1996 Act, in particular has due regard to the definition of a "refugee" in section 2 of that Act, which states that a "refugee" is "... a person who, owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his or her former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it".
Every asylum applicant is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the refugee applications commissioner. Each application is assessed on the basis of the circumstances of the individual case and having regard to the subjective elements, the applicant's own account or personal history, and objective elements, up-to-date information on the applicant's country or place of origin. This country of origin information comes from a wide variety of sources, including organisations such as the UNHCR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UK Home Office, Canadian International Refugee Board, US State Department and other EU member states as well as media and Internet sources.
The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal also consider the well-foundedness of each individual applicant's claim, that is, whether there are sufficient facts to permit the finding that, if returned to his or her country of origin, the applicant would face a serious risk of persecution. Credibility is also central to assessing an application, and it falls to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal to decide whether the applicant's account is credible and whether he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution. Issues of relevance in assessing credibility include: contradictions-inconsistencies, plausibility of the applicant, and level of detail in the claim. A negative finding as to overall credibility will generally lead to a conclusion that the applicant does not qualify for protection.
There must also be a link between the persecution as alleged and one or more of the grounds set out in both the 1996 Act and the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees, namely, being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Our system also guarantees every asylum applicant a right of appeal to a statutorily independent and separate body — the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Every asylum applicant is also guaranteed access to legal assistance provided by the refugee legal service.
The UNHCR is given full access to our refugee determination process and can examine any case at any time to ensure fair procedures and compliance with our Geneva Convention obligations. I would also refer the Deputies to my comprehensive reply to a series of parliamentary questions on asylum applications from nationals of Somalia, Questions Nos 187 to 189, inclusive, on 8 March 2006.
Deportation Orders.
Trevor Sargent
Question:40 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken by the 26 Garda officers and four Garda sergeants who accompanied the 13 Chinese deportees on 21 February 2006 to ensure their fair treatment by Chinese authorities on arrival in Beijing; if he is satisfied that these people will not be subjected to cruel or unfair treatment in the aftermath of their deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9792/06]
The deportation operation referred to by the Deputy involved the return of 13 Chinese nationals to their country of origin by charter flight on 21-22 February 2006. This charter flight arrangement was made principally because some of the persons being returned had, by their disruptive behaviour, frustrated previous attempts to have them removed from the State.
In regard to the escort levels provided for this charter, I am aware that the details provided in the question arise from a newspaper article published on the day of the charter. I should further state that, as has been the practice in regard to previous Dáil questions on charters, I do not intend to comment on, or confirm, the level of Garda escorts provided for this operation. The Garda National Immigration Bureau is responsible for effecting removals from the State, including the escorting of deportees while on flights. The Garda Commissioner has advised me that all persons being deported are individually risk assessed by the Garda. This prior assessment determines the level of escort, if any, required.
An advance party from the Garda National Immigration Bureau travelled to Beijing in advance to make the necessary arrangements with the Chinese authorities. This advance party stayed on for a couple of days after the returnees had arrived in Beijing to ensure that they were assisted in their transit through Beijing Airport. In this connection, modest financial assistance was provided to each returnee on arrival in Beijing to assist them with their onward transport to their individual places of origin within China.
I should emphasise that the primary function of Garda escorts, whether on charter or commercial aircraft, is not to prevent cruel or unfair treatment being meted out to returnees upon their arrival in their country of origin. That function is inherent in the determination processes leading to the issue of a deportation order. Before a deportation decision is made in any individual case, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform must have regard to the 11 factors contained in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and the provisions of section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, on the prohibition of refoulement.
This means that the safety of returning a person to their country of origin, or refoulement, as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether to make a deportation order. This means in practice that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a state where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. The legislation requires that this consideration is given before the deportation decision is made. In arriving at such decisions, my Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to third countries.
I am satisfied that all national and international protection obligations were observed in the context of this recent deportation operation to China.
Asylum Support Services.
Jack Wall
Question:41 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policies involved in making decisions regarding designated-type hostels, such as Bridgewater House, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9685/06]
The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and has a portfolio of 65 centres across the State for this purpose.
In March 2005 there was a total of 8,080 asylum seekers being accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish born children measures announced on 17 December 2004. Almost all of these residents have now left the RIA accommodation and as of 24 February 2006 there were 4,892 asylum seekers resident in accommodation centres. Within a relatively short space of time the numbers requiring accommodation has reduced and it is incumbent on the RIA to use the accommodation at its disposal in the most effective way and provide the best value for money for the Department and the taxpayer.
In addition to the exodus of families with Irish born children from RIA accommodation, the numbers and profile of persons seeking asylum has changed. The number of families seeking asylum in the State has dropped and the RIA, as a demand-driven organisation, is obliged to reflect this reality in the accommodation portfolio.
Due to the rapid fall in the numbers of persons requiring accommodation and the change in profile of asylum seekers, 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 reclassification of some of the accommodation centres in order 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-reclassifications are planned.
The only accommodation centre for asylum seekers in the entire county of Tipperary is the centre in Carrick-on-Suir and the RIA has reclassified this centre as suitable for single persons. This centre has housed asylum seekers since 2001 without any significant matters arising in the intervening period. The RIA understands the degree of anxiety or unease that a local population may feel if a centre profile is changed from women, children and small babies to single persons. It is the RIA's experience that, over time, such feelings dissipate as the local population come to know the individuals concerned and as their practical experience of the centre operation allays their initial concerns. The RIA has in its accommodation portfolio 16 male-only centres and no significant issues have arisen at these locations. In addition, the RIA has embarked on the reclassification of a portion of some of its larger family centres in order to accommodate single persons alongside families in Sligo, Meath and Monaghan.
Independent Monitoring Commission.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:42 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to the State to date in 2006 of the Independent Monitoring Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3865/06]
The Independent Monitoring Commission, IMC, was established following an agreement between the Governments of Ireland and of the United Kingdom done at Dublin on 25 November 2003. The costs of the commission are shared equally by the British and Irish Governments.
For practical purposes, the full costs of the IMC are met by the Northern Ireland Office. The Northern Ireland Office then forwards a set of accounts and an invoice to my Department to recoup half of the costs.
The cost of the IMC for the first three months of 2006 will not be available until after 31 March. The costs of the IMC from its establishment to 31 December 2005 is STG£1,005,515.07.
Question No. 43 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Asylum Support Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:45 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to the case of the 5,456 headline offences committed by persons on bail, the offences for which the persons were on bail; when the offences while the persons were on bail were committed; the number of persons charged and convicted of offences while on bail; the steps he is proposing to take to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/06]
In relation to 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%.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that of the 5,456 offences committed in 2005 by persons on bail, proceedings commenced against 3,353 persons to date, with 758 of those being convicted. Figures provided for 2005 are provisional, operational and liable to change.
The Bail Act 1997 gave effect to the sixteenth amendment to the Constitution and tightened up the bail regime considerably. In addition, section 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 provides for consecutive sentencing of an offender who commits an offence while already on bail for another offence. The granting of bail in accordance with the Bail 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.
The information requested regarding the offences for which the persons concerned were on bail, cannot be readily answered and it would require an unjustified deployment of Garda time and resources to identify each offence.
Deportation Orders.
Trevor Sargent
Question:46 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full cost to the State of the recent deportation by air of 13 Chinese nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9791/06]
Thirteen adults, 11 males and two females, were deported to Beijing in China by charter flight on 21-22 February 2006 at a total cost of €255,539. This was the first such charter flight to China and, because of the long distance between Dublin and Beijing, it required two fuel stopovers in Leipzig, Germany and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The flight had a medical team of a doctor and nurse. The flight was chartered through a UK company, Air Partner PLC, which is contracted to the Department following an EU-wide tender competition in 2005.
The above cost does not include Garda expenses associated with this removal operation. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that, given the wide range of immigration duties performed by the Garda Síochána and the Garda National Immigration Bureau in particular, it is not possible to identify the particular pay and overtime costs incurred by the Garda on charter flights. However, the Commissioner informs me that charter flights involve a lower ratio of Garda escorts to deportees than is the case using conventional scheduled flights, resulting in savings to the Garda budget.
Of the 13 returnees, four had criminal convictions of various types. This charter was arranged principally to facilitate the removal of a number of persons who had frustrated previous attempts to remove them on commercial flights through violent and disruptive behaviour.
Asylum Support Services.
Seán Ryan
Question:47 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the group of single young men under the direct provision scheme who have recently been relocated to Bridgewater House, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, the resources which are available to integrate these single men, who cannot work, into a very small town; the research which has been done into the feasibility of this relocation; the person who was consulted; the person who was informed; the contact which was made with the local community into facilities available in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9686/06]
The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and currently has a portfolio of 65 centres across the State for this purpose.
In March 2005 there was a total of 8,080 asylum seekers being accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish born children measures announced on 17 December 2004. Almost all of these residents have now left the RIA accommodation and as of 24 February 2006 there were 4,892 asylum seekers resident in accommodation centres. Within a relatively short space of time the numbers requiring accommodation has reduced and it is incumbent on the RIA to use the accommodation at its disposal in the most effective way and provide the best value for money for the Department and the taxpayer.
In addition to the exodus of families with Irish born children from RIA accommodation, the numbers and profile of persons seeking asylum has changed. The number of families seeking asylum in the State has dropped and the RIA, as a demand-driven organisation, is obliged to reflect this reality in the accommodation portfolio.
Due to the rapid fall in the numbers of persons requiring accommodation and the change in profile of asylum seekers, the RIA embarked on a programme of downsizing of its accommodation portfolio. This is intended to bring supply and demand into balance and includes the reclassification of some of the accommodation centres in order 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-reclassifications are planned.
The only accommodation centre for asylum seekers in the entire county of Tipperary is the centre in Carrick-on-Suir and the RIA has reclassified this centre as suitable for single persons. This centre has housed asylum seekers since 2001 without any significant matters arising in the intervening period. The change of profile of a centre from family to single persons does not generally entail a requirement for access to any additional State services. Asylum seekers of any gender are entitled to access medical and social services in exactly the same way. However, the RIA has found that reclassification to single persons will generally mean that any pressures that may have existed in local schools, maternity wards and in pre and post-natal clinics, arising from the requirement to deliver a service to asylum seekers, are relieved.
It is incumbent on the RIA to utilise its property portfolio to provide the best value for money. Memoranda of agreement require contractors to accept any person whom the RIA refers to the centre. Since its establishment the RIA and its predecessor — directorate of asylum seeker services, DASS — have reclassified numerous centres throughout the State from family to single persons and vice versa without any difficulties. The RIA informs all relevant service providers of a reclassification and, in the case of Carrick-on-Suir, will meet with the local asylum seeker support group shortly.
The RIA understands the degree of anxiety or unease that a local population may feel if a centre profile is changed from women, children and small babies to single persons. It is the RIA's experience that, over time, such feelings dissipate as the local population come to know the individuals concerned and as their practical experience of the centre operation allays their initial concerns. The RIA has in its accommodation portfolio 16 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 in order to accommodate single persons alongside families in Sligo, Meath and Monaghan.
Citizenship Applications.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:48 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the application for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) on the grounds that they have been working here full-time for the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9679/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 28 September 2004. The average processing time for such applications is 24 months at present. It is likely, therefore, that the application of the person concerned will be finalised in or around September this year.
I will advise the Deputy and the person concerned as soon as I have made a decision in the matter.
Adult Cautioning Scheme.
Joan Burton
Question:49 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences listed in the adult cautioning scheme which became operational on 1 February 2006; the method of determining which offences are appropriate for inclusion in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9670/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 13 offences listed in the adult cautioning scheme became operational on 1 February 2006.
Offences deemed appropriate for inclusion in the scheme were arrived at through consultations between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Garda Síochána. Summary offences, with the exception of serious Road Traffic Act offences and offences arising from conduct which had a clear potential to cause serious injury to person or property, were deemed appropriate for consideration. Indictable charges of a minor nature such as theft of small amounts of food, drink or household products and assaults which were not intended to cause significant harm were also included.
I am also informed that if the public interest requires a prosecution for an offence under consideration, cautioning would in those circumstances not be appropriate.
Schedule of Offences included in the Scheme
Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994
Section 4: Intoxication in a public place
Section 5: Disorderly conduct in a public place
Section 6: Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place
Section 8: Failure to comply with a direction of a member of An Garda Síochána
Section 9: Wilful obstruction
Section 11: Entering a building etc. with intent to commit an offence
Section 22: Surrender and seizure of intoxicating liquor
Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001
Section 4: Theft where the value of property concerned is less than €1000
Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003
Section 6: Offences by a drunken person
Section 8: Disorderly conduct
Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997
Section 2: Assault (other than assaults on a member of An Garda Síochána)
Criminal Damage Act 1991
Section 2: Damaging property where the value of the property damaged is less than €1000
Section 3: Threat to damage property
Garda Stations.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:50 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of a new Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9624/06]
The purchase of a site for a new Garda station at Castleisland has been completed and I understand from the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements for the new station is being prepared.
On receipt of the brief by my Department, it will be dealt with immediately and the Office of Public Works will be requested to progress the building of the new station. There will be no unavoidable delay in progressing this project.
Asylum Applications.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:51 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has applied for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9676/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 August 2001 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 22 October 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
Her case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Equal Status Acts.
David Stanton
Question:53 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he agrees with the Equality Authority that, following the findings of the recent report entitled Inequality and the Stereotyping of Young People, there is an urgent need to redefine the age ground under the Equal Status Acts to extend the provisions of the Acts on the age ground to people under 18, the equality legislation currently allows discrimination on the age ground in relation to young people under 18; his plans to amend existing equality legislation as suggested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/06]
I welcome the publication of this report which provides an important insight into the inequality and the stereotyping of young people today as perceived by the young people themselves. The report will be of interest to all groups who engage with young people.
I do not, however, agree with the Equality Authority that there is an urgent need to extend the provisions of the Equal Status Acts on the age ground to people under the age of 18. The reason for excluding under 18s from claiming discrimination on the age ground is that 18 is a standard cut-off for access to many services, for example, it is the age of majority, the age at which contractual commitments are fully enforceable, the age for sale of drink, access to certain films and so on. It would be impractical to extend the age ground to under 18s as this would necessitate the provision of an extraordinary number of exemptions within the legislation and would entail a revisiting of virtually every area of the Equal Status Act. It would also mean that, in principle, it would no longer be permissible to give any preference, such as a reduced price, to young people.
Under section 3(3) of the Equal Status Act 2000, a person who is less than 18 years of age cannot bring a claim of discrimination on the age ground. Equally, a person who is aged 18 or over cannot bring a claim of discrimination on the age ground which is based on a comparison with a person aged less than 18, for example, an adult cannot seek children's fare on a bus. I emphasise, however, that the Act does apply to discrimination against under 18s based on the other eight grounds. It is, therefore, possible for a young person to bring a claim of discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community etc. It is not correct to say that the Act excludes young people.
The Government has amended the Equal Status Act twice to make changes in the way it impacts on young people. It clarified the law in regard to the regulation of access to licensed premises by persons under 18 years of age and the conditions under which it is permissible to set an age limit for the purchase of liquor higher than 18 years. The Government also amended the Equal Status Act to apply it to discrimination on the age ground in the provision of motor vehicle insurance to drivers under 18 years of age. The Government has shown that it is prepared to consider well founded proposals for changes to equality legislation. However a general application of the age ground to persons under 18 would not be practical.
The role of protection of the rights and interests of children and young people under 18 resides with the Ombudsman for Children established under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 and not with the Equal Status Acts. The role of the Ombudsman for Children covers three main areas the first being the promotion of children's rights, the second dealing with complaints and investigations and the third the carrying out of research and inquiries.
A better approach would be the one already identified in the report which is a focus on the role the media have to play in creating negative stereotyping and its recommendations in this regard to the National Union of Journalists and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. I would imagine that any code of practice for the press could also usefully address this point. The research makes the case that the media have a particular responsibility to take care in their portrayal of groups, such as young people, that have limited influence and power in society. Stereotyping is not something created by legislation and neither would legislation against it have any success in stopping it.
North-South Co-operation.
Joe Costello
Question:54 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his response to the policy document recently published by the SDLP entitled North-South Makes Sense; his views on an all-Ireland agency to combat crime and terrorism, an all-Ireland Criminal Assets Bureau and an all-Ireland sex offenders register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9760/06]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Priority Question No. 5 of today's date.
Asylum Applications.
Róisín Shortall
Question:55 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has applied for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9677/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 August 2001 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 22 October 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
Her case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
John Gormley
Question:56 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to deal with concerns regarding the tribunal’s chairman in view of recent resignations from the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (details supplied); the further steps he intends to take to improve transparency surrounding the tribunal’s decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9786/06]
As the Deputy will be aware the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is a statutory independent body established under the Refugee Act 1996 in order to deal with negative recommendations in respect of applications for refugee status issued by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The tribunal has been in operation since November 2000 and is comprised, at the present time, of a full-time chairperson and 33 part-time members. The tribunal, its chairperson and members as well as its staff are carrying out important functions for the State in meeting our obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees. In this regard, I believe that the chairperson is carrying out his functions in accordance with his statutory and contractual obligations.
The tribunal has undertaken a significant job of work since its establishment taking some 23,107 decisions up to the end of 2005. It has also been tackling on an ongoing basis the number of appeals on hands and moving from a situation, for example, where on 31 January 2004 it had some 2,596 appeals to clear, some 990 of which were over six months old, to a situation at the end of December 2005 where it had 1,267 appeals on hands only 258 of which were over six months old.
On 22 November 2005, two members of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal wrote to the chairperson of the tribunal and myself advising of their intention to resign as members with immediate effect and for stated reasons. I do not propose to elaborate on the matters in question because of the potential legal implications arising from the issues raised. However, on receipt of the letters of resignation, I requested a report from the chairperson. In response, the chairperson informed me that he strongly refutes the criticisms in the correspondence and that he has written to the former members on that basis.
In relation to the issue of transparency surrounding the tribunal's decisions, I would point out that the framework for the transaction of the business of the tribunal is contained in the Refugee Act 1996. Having regard to the independent statutory functions of the members of the tribunal, I am advised by the chairperson that every effort is made, in line with the powers provided in the Refugee Act 1996, to ensure that the business of the tribunal is managed efficiently and effectively and is consistent with fairness and natural justice. In this regard, the chairperson has the power to issue guidelines and guidance notes on the practical application and operation of the 1996 Act and on developments in the law relating to refugees. In addition, the chairperson convenes meetings of members to discuss matters relating to the discharge of the business of the tribunal, including, in particular, such matters as the avoidance of undue divergences in the exercise by members of their functions under the 1996 Act.
One issue which is topical at present in relation to the tribunal is the issue of the publication of its decisions. I am advised by the chairperson that he attaches great importance to this matter. A committee of members is in place which has been researching best international practice and I am advised it has agreed a system of publication which is member intensive. I am further advised that the first selection of decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal to be published pursuant to section 19(4A)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 will be on 31 March 2006.
Legislative Programme.
Willie Penrose
Question:57 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received representations from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs urging him to review section 5 of the Arbitration Act 1980; when he proposes to conduct that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/06]
Following on from representations made by the Director of Consumer Affairs in January 1998, a decision was taken to amend section 5 of the Arbitration Act 1980 to provide that the provisions of that section do not preclude individuals from bringing civil proceedings under the small claims procedure of the District Court, once those proceedings otherwise come within the scope of the small claims procedure. The necessary amendment was effected by section 18 of the Arbitration (International Commercial) Act 1998. No representations to further amend section 5 have been received from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Centre for Public Inquiry.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:59 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances under which he provided confidential information to a newspaper journalist regarding the director of the Centre for Public Inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9758/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my comprehensive statement to Dáil Éireann on 13 December 2005.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:60 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prosecution against any particular organised criminals or crime gangs have been deferred for whatever reason in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9613/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a situation whereby persons suspected of criminal activity in respect of which evidence exists go free due to failure to charge or prosecute; if such incidents have links to organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 184 together.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that decisions in relation to the prosecution of cases are solely a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Director of Public Prosecutions is totally independent in the carrying out of his functions. Where evidence of criminality has been accumulated in any investigation into the activities of criminals, that evidence is presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions who adjudicates as to what action, if any, is to be taken. If a direction is received to charge particular persons the matter is then presented before the courts.
Deferral of such cases arises only while the matter is processed through the courts where it may be adjourned from time to time until it is disposed of. In addition, the courts may put the matter back for the payment of compensation or to review the behaviour of a defendant over a specific period of time.
Garda Investigations.
Mary Upton
Question:61 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an investigation (details supplied) has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9678/06]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the matters raised in Question No. 375 of 13 December 2005. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. I am further informed that arising from this a number of issues are currently being clarified by the Garda Síochána. As there is an ongoing Garda investigation in this case it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Asylum Applications.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:62 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers who have committed criminal offences here and have been granted refugee status; the category of offence; the country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9682/06]
All applications for asylum in the State are processed in accordance with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996 and in particular having due regard to the definition of a "refugee" in section 2 of that Act, which states that a "refugee" is "...a person who, owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his or her former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it". However, this definition does not include a person in respect of whom there are serious grounds for considering has committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of such crimes; has committed a serious non-political crime outside the State prior to his or her arrival in the State; or has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
A person seeking the status of refugee in the State may apply to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under section 8 of the 1996 Act for a declaration to the effect that such a person is a refugee in accordance with the definition as outlined. In respect of each individual asylum seeker, the task is to determine whether, following investigation, he or she is deemed to come within the terms of the refugee definition on the basis of all the information provided and on the basis of comprehensive country of origin information drawn from independent sources, such as the UNHCR. As provided for in the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, this investigation is carried out by two statutorily independent offices: at first instance, by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. It is on the basis of the recommendations of these independent bodies that the Minister decides that he should or should not declare an applicant to be a refugee.
The issuing of such a declaration by the Minister is governed by section 17 of the 1996 Act which, inter alia, provides that restrictions which would not normally apply to recognised refugees may apply in cases where the Minister considers that it is necessary to do so in the interests of national security and public policy. To date, these restrictions have not been applied to any recognised refugee. For reasons of confidentiality, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with details of persons who arrived here as asylum seekers and have been granted refugee status, having committed criminal offences in the State.
The Deputy might also wish to be aware that section 21 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, sets out the circumstances under which refugee status can be revoked. Section 21(1)(g) of that Act provides that the Minister may revoke a declaration of refugee status where he is satisfied that a person to whom a declaration of refugee status has been given is a person whose presence in the State poses a threat to national security or public policy —ordre public. Clearly where evidence of a court conviction for criminal activity on the part of a recognised refugee comes to hand, a judgment has to be made as to whether the nature and gravity of the criminal offence is such as would warrant the revocation of that person’s status as a refugee.
The revocation procedure as set out in section 21 of the Act is an elaborate one, involving notification to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and a right of appeal to the High Court. To date, five persons have had their refugee status revoked with two of these revocation decisions being the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
International Terrorism.
Joe Sherlock
Question:63 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of threat to Ireland from international terrorists in view of the bombings in London in July 2005; if the current threat to Ireland remains low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7186/06]
Responsibility for internal national security is a matter for the Garda Síochána, with the support of the Defence Forces, as appropriate. The Garda authorities maintain an up-to-date assessment of the threat of attack from international terrorist groupings through analysis of intelligence gathered from domestic and international sources.
Security threat assessments of this kind are furnished by the Garda authorities at regular intervals to me and the Government. Although it is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to reveal in detail the content of these threat assessments, the Deputy will appreciate that it is vital that the resources of the State are fully deployed to combat the real, ongoing threat posed by international terrorism, even though the general assessment of risk might be regarded as low at present.
Extradition Requests.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:64 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of extradition requests received each year from other countries since the beginning of 2000; the country making the request in each case; the legislation under which each request was made; the crimes for which the extradition of each was sought; the outcome of each request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9672/06]
The information which the Deputy requests is not readily available. The division of my Department which deals with extradition matters is currently preparing the information. I will be in touch with the Deputy when the information is available.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Seán Ryan
Question:65 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the North-South or British-Irish contacts there have been at ministerial or official level in relation to the Omagh bomb investigation in general and subject matter of the Nally report in particular; the position of the Government on the matter; if future such contacts are proposed or envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/06]
The Omagh bomb investigation remains a live police investigation in both Northern Ireland and this jurisdiction. As this is an ongoing police investigation in both jurisdictions, it is a matter primarily for both police forces. My Department does not have a role in the actual investigation, nor would this be appropriate. The general situation regarding the atrocity and the status of the Nally report have been mentioned from time to time in intergovernmental contacts.
There is ongoing and close cooperation between the PSNI and the Garda Síochána. The Garda investigation is managed from an incident room at Monaghan Garda station. Regular meetings are still being held between the investigation team based in Monaghan and the PSNI investigation team based in Omagh. Senior officers from both police forces meet from time to time to discuss all aspects of the investigation.
The Nally group was not mandated to inquire into the Omagh bombing of August 1998 or who the perpetrators of that atrocity were. The Nally report arose when the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Ms Nuala O'Loan, presented a report to the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen. This report contained allegations by a Garda detective sergeant about the handling of intelligence by the Garda Síochána concerning the activities of the Real IRA, RIRA, in 2002 and about drug-related matters in the period 1995 to 1996. My predecessor as Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, duly appointed Dr. Dermot Nally, former Secretary to the Government, Mr. Joe Brosnan, former Secretary of the Department of Justice, and Mr. Eamonn Barnes, former Director of Public Prosecutions, to examine matters arising from the Ombudsman's report to the Minister. This included allegations relating to the conduct of certain Garda officers in the period immediately before and after the Omagh bombing.
The Nally group reported in June 2003. The core of the allegations, which would have amounted to serious misconduct on the part of members of the Garda Síochána, were examined in detail and rejected in their entirety. The report has not been published as it contains highly sensitive matters involving the security of the State and possible risk to the lives of individuals. There are also live criminal charges against the person who made the allegations. I have undertaken to publish a redacted version of the report once those criminal charges have been disposed of.
Housing Estate Management.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:66 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to regulate managing agents of apartment complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9510/06]
In July 2004, I commissioned the auctioneering-estate agency review group to examine the licensing and regulatory requirements for property practitioners going forward. I initiated the review against a background of a considerable level of public concern about specific selling practices in the property industry, apparent deficiencies in regulatory and supervisory arrangements in respect of service providers and the need to take account of new forms of property services. The review group comprised representatives of the auctioneering profession, consumers, the Competition Authority, the Law Society, the farming sector, the co-operatives sector and Departments.
I published the resulting report in October 2005 and, at the same time, I announced that the Government had approved one of its key recommendations, the establishment of the national property services regulatory authority. A further key recommendation is that the new authority should assume responsibility for the licensing and regulation of all trading entities providing auctioneering, estate agency, property letting and property management services.
Property management agencies are not currently regulated. The report recommends a specific class of licence for these agencies, that they contribute to an approved fidelity fund to protect client moneys and that they are made subject to oversight by the authority and to its vetting and complaints procedures.
The formal establishment of the new authority will have to await the enactment of the necessary legislation, which is in preparation at present. However, an implementation group is in place and working to assist and advise on preparations for the new authority including the recruitment of a director — advertised last week in national newspapers — the establishment of a headquarters in Navan, identification of staffing and training requirements, and advance planning of operational matters.
Stardust Disaster.
Joe Higgins
Question:67 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has arranged to meet families bereaved by the Stardust disaster. [9377/06]
Arrangements to meet with representatives of the Stardust families have not been made as yet. As I have indicated on a number of occasions, however, I will of be happy to meet with their committee in the event that there is some new evidence which could form the basis of a productive discussion.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Willie Penrose
Question:68 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of child care supplement which will be payable in the case of a child who is six years of age in the middle of May 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9871/06]
The payment to which the Deputy has referred will be made by the office of the Minister of the State responsible for children, and will be administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on an agency basis. Discussions between the office of the Minister of the State responsible for children and that Department on the operational details of the payment are in progress.
The payments will be to the value of €1,000 per year and will payable on a quarterly basis to all parents of children aged under six. The payment will be effective from 1 April 2006, payable in arrears at the end of the relevant quarter, and it is hoped that the first payments will be made in August 2006. The payment will generally be made automatically, without the need for application. In the case of an eligible child who reaches the age of six years old in the middle of May 2006, such a child would be eligible for one quarterly payment of €250. Full details regarding the operation of the payment will be announced well in advance of the first payments being made.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:69 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a position (details supplied) in County Mayo will be advertised; when this position will be filled; and the stage this process is currently at. [9807/06]
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:70 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 242 of 14 February 2006, when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be called for orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9808/06]
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:71 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 232 of 7 February 2006, the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has been refused dental treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9817/06]
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.
Paul Kehoe
Question:72 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the application for an aid to assist a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when he can expect it to be fitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9821/06]
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.
Michael Ring
Question:73 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a full and comprehensive reply has not been received following Question No. 184 of 15 February 2006 (details supplied). [9824/06]
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. The parliamentary affairs division of the executive has informed me that a response issued to the Deputy on 1 March 2006 in respect of one of the cases identified. My Department has asked the parliamentary affairs division to investigate the second case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Jack Wall
Question:74 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can receive an earlier date for an MRI scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9825/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:75 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department intends investing to a greater extent in cardiovascular health services following research which found Ireland to spend the second lowest proportion of its health care budget on heart and circulatory diseases in the enlarged EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9836/06]
The study to which the question refers is the Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Enlarged EU by J. Leal, R. Luengo-Fernández, A. Gray, S. Petersen and M. Rayner, published in the European Heart Journal, doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehi733. I understand that the authors set out to provide an estimate of the economic costs of cardiovascular disease for EU countries. Data were obtained from published studies of health care costs and health service utilisation. It appears that all costs for health care in Ireland were extrapolated from costs in other countries. It is unclear how some of costs were estimated, for example, annual loss of earnings or the cost for a day’s inpatient care. The data on costs and resource implications were used to estimate the costs of cardiovascular disease.
Given that the authors may have underestimated the true costs in Ireland, there are question marks about the accuracy of the overall findings as they relate to this country. It is also possible that the authors did not include the costs of services provided in the private sector.
There has been rapid expansion in cardiology services in Ireland in recent years. The cardiovascular health strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, was launched in 1999. The report makes recommendations about the prevention, treatment and surveillance of coronary heart disease across a number of sectors and the full range of health service activities, in health promotion, primary care, pre-hospital care, acute hospital services and cardiac rehabilitation. Since 2000 the Government has committed over €60 million towards the implementation of the strategy. This funding has supported a wide range of new regional services and initiatives, which have had a measurable impact on the diagnosis, and treatment of patients with heart disease. More than 800 new posts have been created, including 19 additional consultant cardiology posts.
We have made progress in addressing the key challenges in the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy in relation to, first, improving population health by supporting intersectoral work for health promotion, to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life, second, ensuring equitable access to services by continued provision of resources and support to fully implement outstanding cardiovascular health strategy recommendations to meet the needs of the growing numbers of older people and to provide new treatments for which there is evidence of effectiveness and, third, improving the quality of services by developing and implementing practice guidelines, the implementation of cardiovascular health information systems, support for clinical audit and for research to enhance the quality of services.
It appears that the study may not reflect the current level of expenditure and service provision. The study is useful however in drawing to our attention the high costs of cardiovascular disease both in Ireland and at European level, not just the costs of health care but also the costs to the economy and to families and carers. The Health Service Executive, in conjunction with my Department, proposes to commence a review of the cardiovascular health strategy very shortly. The outcome of this review will inform future policy in this area.
Alcohol Abuse.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:76 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to the recommendation referred to in Question No. 268 of 31 January 2006, that a group, representative of all stakeholders, be established to consider what useful information could be included on non-draft alcohol products, taking account of international evidence, if she will confirm the stage this process is currently at; if the foetal alcohol spectrum disorders lobbying sector has been or will be represented as stakeholders; and the name of the report referred to in her reply to the question. [9838/06]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:79 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of previous policy statements during the launch of the strategic task force on alcohol in September 2004, the issues of alcohol and pregnancy and lifelong foetal alcohol spectrum disorders have been included in both the high risk and under-age drinking areas of interest in the three-category remit for the consideration of the working group on alcohol. [9841/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 79 together.
The terms of reference of the working group on alcohol established under the special initiative of Sustaining Progress are as follows. The working group will develop a programme of action taking account in particular of the work of the strategic taskforce on alcohol. It will also seek to identify potential synergies between the responses to alcohol and drug misuse, taking account of the outcome of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy.
In the first phase, the working group will seek to agree a programme of actions which can deliver targeted results on under-age drinking, binge drinking and drink driving. This should include specific targets, timeframes, resources and allocation of responsibilities. In this regard, the working group will examine the potential for the social partners to commit to specific actions as part of the overall approach. The working group will make a progress report to the steering group of Sustaining Progress by October 2005. It will also make proposals on its future work agenda.
Taking account of its terms of reference, the group agreed to consider the three areas of high risk drinking, under-age drinking and drink driving. The group reported at the end of 2005 and the issue of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders was not specifically considered. However, it is expected that the group to consider the issue of labelling, referred to in Question No. 268 of 31 January 2006, will be established this year and that all relevant stakeholders will be given an opportunity to contribute to the process.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:77 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the membership of the steering committee of the working group on alcohol and the number and proportion of whom have a vested interest or background in the drinks production or service industry. [9839/06]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:78 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is her intention that the working group on alcohol will replace the strategic task force on alcohol or that, acting on the recommendations of the second report of the strategic task force on alcohol, that the working group on alcohol should offer supplementary advice at a more hands-on level in each sector. [9840/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
The working group on alcohol was established under the special initiative on tackling alcohol and drug misuse in Sustaining Progress to help mobilise the stakeholders through social partnership to achieve a targeted and measurable reduction in alcohol misuse. While the original membership of the working group was as follows, some changes in the Department of Health and Children's representation will be necessary following the restructuring of the Department, for any future work programme: Mr. Peter Cassells, chair; Mr. Chris Fitzgerald, Department of Health and Children; Mr. John Weafer, Department of Transport; Mr. Declan Hayes, Department of Transport; Ms Carmel Madden, national drugs strategy team; chief superintendent Gerry Blake, the Garda Síochána; sergeant Orla Black, the Garda Síochána; Dr. Ann Hope, national alcohol policy adviser, Department of Health and Children; Ms Tracy O'Keeffe, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Dr. Declan Bedford, Health Service Executive; Mr. Seán Mackell, Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Dr. Joe Barry, Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Ms Rosemary Garth, IBEC; Mr. Michael Patten, IBEC; Mr. Michael Conroy, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Mr. John Moloney, Department of Education and Science; Mr. Colm Markey, Macra na Feirme; Ms Mary Cunningham, National Youth Council of Ireland; Ms Norah Gibbons, Children's Rights Alliance; Mr. John Shaw, Department of the Taoiseach; and Ms Elaine Kelly, Department of the Taoiseach. Mr. Michael Patten is director of corporate affairs at Diageo Ireland and Ms Rosemary Garth is director of drinks, Food and Drinks Industry Ireland.
The group concentrated, in accordance with the terms of reference, on the potential for effectively mobilising State, social partner and other organisations around a programme of actions which would contribute to a reduction in alcohol related problems. The group stated that its report "complements the work of the strategic task force on alcohol" and "must be viewed as building on the reports of the STFA and not as a replacement to them".
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 76.
Health Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:80 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that a school (details supplied) is not forced to close due to the withdrawal by the Health Service Executive of child centred subventions for occupational therapists and speech and language services. [9842/06]
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.
Bernard Allen
Question:81 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork has failed to get a date for an outpatient appointment with a surgeon. [9850/06]
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.
Organ Donation.
David Stanton
Question:82 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to alter, amend or introduce legislation in relation to organ donation and transplantation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9856/06]
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.
There are two systems that can be used to ascertain an individual's wishes on organ donation: the opt-in system and the opt-out system. 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 in this country 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, 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 currently 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 situation. 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.
Health Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:83 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which she intends putting the new home care packages into place; if the home care packages will result in an increase in whole time equivalent staff to allow for the increased home care packages, or if they will be introduced out of the existing human resources in each health area; the number of additional staff that are needed in each health area to introduce the proposed home care packages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9864/06]
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.
Enda Kenny
Question:84 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the fact that community care managers of each health area are given statistics regarding home help service hours delivered, the numbers of people in receipt of home help and the number of new recipients of home help each quarter, she will provide the statistics in relation to same for a full year, for each of the years 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9865/06]
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 Aylward
Question:85 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the provision of a primary care service development at Callan in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9867/06]
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.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:86 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason respite care is not provided in the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda to residents of east Meath; the areas in which this respite will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9879/06]
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:87 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if care attendant hours will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a response will be expedited. [9898/06]
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.
Hospitals Building Programme.
John McGuinness
Question:88 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when approval will be given for phase two of a project at St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny for the provision of much needed elderly care beds; if the submission for funding to her Department of €2.6 million will be approved and permission to proceed granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9899/06]
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 Drugs Strategy.
John McGuinness
Question:89 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding available in the south east to clubs or organisations who wish to host events for teenagers to raise public awareness regarding drug abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9900/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which includes the development and implementation of drug awareness initiatives and campaigns. These are now the responsibility of the Health Service Executive which was established 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.
John McGuinness
Question:90 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if persons requiring renal dialysis care will be referred to a clinic (details supplied) in County Kilkenny if it is convenient to them rather than Waterford and elsewhere; if a contract has been agreed between the Health Service Executive and the company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9901/06]
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 have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Records.
David Stanton
Question:91 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is acceptable to her Department and to all Health Service Executive inspection teams that inspect private nursing homes that patient and other records in these homes are maintained as electronic based record systems; if she has or intends to issue advice or directives in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9913/06]
The Deputy may wish to know that under the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) Regulations, 1993 it is the obligation of nursing homes to keep a register and record of each resident in that home. It is the duty of each home to ensure that records are kept in a safe place and also that the registered proprietor and the person in charge ensures that all records pertaining to a dependent person are treated with confidentiality, subject to the requirements of Article 23.2 of the regulations. In relation to what is acceptable to HSE inspection teams, the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. There are no plans at this time to issue advice or directives in this matter.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:92 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location she will be visiting; the functions she will be attending; and the groups she will meet with. [9930/06]
I will be travelling to both Bahrain and South Africa as part of my official St. Patrick's Day functions. I welcome the opportunity to promote Ireland in Bahrain and South Africa. My programme includes attendance at an overseas meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, laying of the foundation stone for the Medical Oasis of Bahrain and visits to various medical facilities and attendance at Irish community events. A more detailed Government press release will be issued shortly.
Health Services.
David Stanton
Question:93 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children how means are calculated when assessing eligibility for home help services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9946/06]
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.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:94 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card can be issued on emergency grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9966/06]
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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if entitlement to full medical card will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9967/06]
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.
Catherine Murphy
Question:96 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will review the demographics of west Dublin and north Kildare regarding the number of hospital beds available to the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9969/06]
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.
Child Care Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:97 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a dedicated section exists in her Department to cater for children deemed to be at risk due to being under the undesirable influence of non-family persons, being involved in petty crime, and refusing to accept parental control as in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; the action proposed or intended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10004/06]
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 Insurance.
Liam Aylward
Question:98 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department will instruct the VHI to sanction the cost of MRI and CAT scan examinations on patients referred by general practitioners to radiology units directly and not to have the cost cover only available for patients referred by consultants as is the present position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10005/06]
Under the Voluntary Health Insurance Acts, the day to day operation of health insurance contracts offered by VHI Healthcare are, firstly, a matter for the company. Therefore, as Minister for Health and Children, I do not have any statutory or administrative role in such operations, when such contracts comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Acts and related regulations.
Following inquiries, VHI Healthcare has indicated to me that it pays out over €10 million per year for MRI scans. It is the largest private healthcare benefit provider for this technology in Ireland. The matter of insurance cover for MRI scans is currently being reviewed by VHI. The issue of referral for MRI scans is being included as part of this review.
Garda Stations.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:99 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the situation regarding a proposed new Garda barracks at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [9815/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works have identified a suitable site adjoining the existing Garda station in Ballincollig which would facilitate the development of a new enlarged Garda station. An architectural assessment has now been completed on the adjoining site. A final decision in relation to acquisition will be made shortly in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda authorities.
Industrial Development.
Enda Kenny
Question:100 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding allocated to the Border, midlands and western region and the southern and eastern region under the national development plan; the amount spent in each region to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9812/06]
Table 1 outlines the profiled expenditure allocated and the latest expenditure data reported to the operational programme monitoring committees for each operational programme under the NDP for the Border, midlands and western region. Profiled expenditure relates to the period January 2000 to December 2006. Expenditure data relate to the period January 2000 to end June 2005. Therefore, when analysing the results, the Deputy should be aware that five and half years of expenditure data are being compared with seven years of profiled data. Expenditure data to the end of December 2005 will become available in April prior to the spring meetings of the monitoring committees.
|
Border, Midlands and Western Region |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Operational Programme |
Profile Jan 2000-Dec 2006 |
Expenditure Jan 2000-end June 2005 |
Expenditure to end June 2005 as % of Profile for Jan 2000-Dec 2006 |
|
€m |
€m |
% |
|
|
Economic and Social Infrastructure |
7,000 |
4,514 |
64 |
|
Employment and Human Resources Development |
4,275 |
3,156 |
73 |
|
Productive Sector |
2,709 |
692 |
25 |
|
Border, Midlands and Western Regional |
4,094 |
1,946 |
47 |
|
PEACE II and Technical Assistance |
147 |
86 |
59 |
|
Total Expenditure |
18,225 |
10,390 |
57 |
Profiles and expenditure data includes all NDP sources of funding: Exchequer, EU and private.
Table 2 sets out the position in respect of the southern and eastern region.
|
Southern and eastern region |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Operational programme |
Profile Jan 2000-Dec 2006 |
Expenditure Jan 2000-end June 2005 |
Expenditure to end June 2005 as % of profile for Jan 2000-Dec 2006 |
|
€ million |
€ million |
% |
|
|
Economic and social infrastructure |
19,020 |
15,882 |
83 |
|
Employment and human resources development |
9,924 |
7,788 |
78 |
|
Productive sector |
4,631 |
2,041 |
44 |
|
Southern and eastern regional |
5,378 |
2,967 |
55 |
|
Technical assistance |
7 |
6 |
85 |
|
Total expenditure |
38,961 |
28,684 |
73 |
Profiles and expenditure data includes all NDP sources of funding: Exchequer, EU and private.
With respect to the eventual outturn for the NDP, I expect the end-2006 position for the key economic and social infrastructure OP and employment and human resources development OP to be close to or above targets for both regions. The position for the PEACE and technical assistance OPs will be close to their target levels of expenditure for both regions at the end of 2006. The regional programmes and the productive sector OP are unlikely to achieve their end 2006 targets, particularly for those measures that are not co-funded by the Structural Funds. The Deputy should note that expenditure on the EU co-financed measures under the operational programmes will continue until the end of 2008 and will need to be considered in determining progress.
Tax Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:101 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the tax reliefs or incentives which are available to persons wishing to install environmentally friendly systems when building a new home; his plans to offer more incentives to people willing to invest in these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9822/06]
A wide range of reliefs and incentives are available through the tax system to support the construction of new houses and apartments. These include stamp duty reliefs for first time buyers and mortgage interest relief, as well as the reliefs available to investors or owner occupiers under the property-based incentive schemes. Any additional construction costs associated with the installation of environmentally friendly systems when building a new home would, of course, be reflected in the value of the reliefs to the taxpayers concerned. However, I have no plans to introduce specific tax reliefs in respect of such systems.
In budget 2006, I announced that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources intended to launch several innovative grant schemes relating to domestic renewable heat grants. I understand that his Department, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, is developing the necessary detailed measures to roll out the new programme and that these will be announced shortly.
John Perry
Question:102 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if a person, details supplied, in County Sligo will qualify for the owner-occupier relief in the rural renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9855/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned does not meet the qualifying conditions for owner-occupier relief in the rural renewal scheme. To obtain owner-occupier relief, a person must satisfy the condition that the expenditure on which relief is claimed must relate to a house situated within the "qualifying rural area" as defined in section 372L(1)(a) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The qualifying rural area is described in Schedule 8A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and Part 5 of Schedule 8A lists the qualifying district electoral divisions in County Sligo.
Sligo County Council has confirmed to the Revenue Commissioners that the address given by the person concerned does not fall within any of the qualifying district electoral divisions listed in Schedule 8A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Accordingly, on the basis of the details supplied, the applicant does not qualify for owner-occupier relief under the rural renewal scheme.
John Perry
Question:103 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if persons, details supplied, will have to pay stamp duty on a second hand house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9858/06]
The rate of stamp duty on residential property is dependent on the status of the buyer — first-time buyer or owner occupier — and whether the property is new or second-hand. Stamp duty is chargeable on the purchase of residential properties greater than or equal to €127,001. There are exemptions available for first-time buyers and owner occupiers.
First-time buyers can purchase second-hand properties up to €317,500 without a liability to stamp duty. Reduced rates are available after €317,500. Leaflet SD10A, which is available on www.revenue.ie, outlines the various rates applicable and other information which may be of assistance.
All owner occupiers, including first-time buyers, can purchase a new home between 38 sq m and 125 sq m, where a floor area compliance certificate has been obtained, without a liability to stamp duty. Where a new house is over 125 sq m, stamp duty is charged on either the value of the site or 25% of the value of the property, whichever is the greater. Any question as to whether any reliefs apply will be a matter of fact based on the circumstances of the purchaser.
Michael Ring
Question:104 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the redress a person has in view of the fact that they paid stamp duty on their credit card, twice in one year and their bank has refused to issue them with a refund. [9863/06]
A person who holds a credit card account with a credit card provider pays stamp duty on that credit card account once for each 12-month period ending on 1 April each year. Where a person cancels a credit card account within a 12-month period, he or she pays the charge at the time of cancellation. This means that, in respect of any credit card account, an individual will only pay once for the year ending on the following 1 April. Where the individual closes a credit card after 1 April in any year, a stamp duty charge of €40 will arise as the account has been maintained by the financial institution during the year ending on the following 1 April. This is consistent with applying a stamp duty charge for a year or part of a year for which the credit card account is held.
Section 128 of the Finance Act 2005 contained measures to eliminate a double stamp duty charge for the same year on the switching of financial cards. If an individual switches accounts after 2 April 2005, he or she will pay the stamp duty to old bank or card issuer on closing the account. This will be requested in the final statement. The old bank or card issuer will then issue the individual with a letter of closure. This letter will confirm that the stamp duty has been paid for the period in question. This should be presented to the new bank or card issuer to ensure that a further charge is not made. An individual may switch his or her account as often as he or she likes and will still only be charged tax on the original account, provided he or she obtains this letter of closure each time the account is closed. The second and subsequent bank or card issuer will issue a letter of closure once it has proof that the duty has been paid on the first account. If he or she remains concerned about his or her treatment, the person concerned could contact the Financial Services Ombudsman or the Financial Regulator.
Job Creation.
Jerry Cowley
Question:105 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Finance if he will elaborate on his recent reply to Question No. 110 of 28 February 2006 where he stated that the Government has found it difficult to attract new job opportunities to Ballina, County Mayo; his views on whether the Government is finding it difficult due to its failings in commitment to the west of Ireland and that the infrastructure and technology are not in place to attract jobs to this area; if the Border, midlands and western region underspend was addressed and rectified that this difficulty he speaks about would not exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9868/06]
I would refer the Deputy to replies he received to previous questions on this matter. In particular, I would draw his attention to Questions Nos. 354 and 355 dated 2 November 2005, Question No. 147 on 7 February 2006, together with my reply to Question No. 110 of 28 February 2006.
The role of my Department is to assist in achieving the Government's priorities, including those priorities designed to address the issue of job creation in areas such as north Mayo. As indicated in my previous reply, progress is being made in prioritising expenditure under the national development plan in the BMW region and the indications are that the underspend on a number of key infrastructure measures under both the economic and social infrastructure OP and the BMW regional OP is being addressed.
There is evidence to suggest that good progress is being made in achieving the objectives of the current NDP in the west region. Data published by the CSO suggest that the levels of total income per person in the west region grew from €14,420 to €18,487 between years 1999 and 2002 or 89.1% to 90.3% of the State level for those years. With respect to employment, growth in the number at work in the west region to the fourth quarter of 2005 is strong, with an increase of some 33,600 since the fourth quarter of 1999. The rate of unemployment in the region has fallen from 4.6% to 4.3% over the same period.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, has already outlined the Government's commitment to supporting job creation in north Mayo. A significant number of infrastructural projects are currently being developed or are planned for County Mayo and north Mayo in particular. These include plans by the IDA to acquire land in Ballina for the development of a high quality business and technology park.
Tax Code.
Gerard Murphy
Question:106 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if there are special exemptions from paying stamp duty on purchasing a second-hand house for a person who has been recently widowed and who previously jointly owned a house with their late spouse but they did not own a house at the time of their death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9875/06]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no special exemptions from stamp duty in respect of the purchase of a second-hand house in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy. In the case of the purchase of a second-hand house by a first time purchaser, there is an exempt threshold of €317,500 and reduced rates up to €635,000. A person who previously, either individually or jointly, purchased or received a gift of a house, or of any part of a house, would not be regarded as a first time purchaser. The fact that the house had been disposed of at the time of a subsequent purchase is not a factor in deciding whether the first time purchaser relief applies. I have no plans to alter this situation. However, as the Deputy may be aware, stamp duty does not arise on most new houses.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:107 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9931/06]
I will be visiting Australia for St Patrick's Day, visiting the cities of Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. The Australian market is extremely important to Ireland due to its substantial industry and consumer base. In recent years, significant inroads have been made into the Australian market by indigenous Irish software companies. Overall trade figures have also increased, with exports from Ireland to Australia valued at over 1 billion Australian dollars in 2005.
Australia's exchanges with the Asian economies have increased substantially in recent times and many Irish companies see the advantage of using Australia as a regional "trading post". To enhance the Government's Asia strategy across the wide range of functions I will be attending, I plan to maximise the unique promotional opportunities offered by my visit to deal with issues of mutual interest.
Australia is an increasingly important market for the Irish tourism sector. In 2005, an estimated 150,000 Australian visitors came to Ireland. It is only right that we make every effort to further increase the number of Australian visitors to Ireland and this is a useful opportunity to market Ireland as a tourist destination, as well as enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland as a market for inward investment across a range of sectors.
During my official visit to the three locations, I will attend a number of business lunches organised by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and Tourism Ireland where I will meet, among others, senior executives from Australian financial services companies that have established operations in Ireland.
I will focus on promoting Ireland as a "knowledge economy". Ideas and knowledge have transformed Irish business and industry. Our continued economic development is dependent on further enhancing our position in the globally competitive market for knowledge-driven investment and innovation. Our success in this area is already evidenced by the growing international profile of top level Irish scientists and entrepreneurs and my St. Patrick's Day visit provides an invaluable opportunity to reinforce this message. St Patrick's Day is equally an important occasion for enhancing our links with Irish communities abroad to express the Government's appreciation for the valuable work of Irish community and friendship groups. I will also visit, the Lansdowne Club in Sydney, the Queensland Irish Association, Maquarie University in Sydney, the city authorities in Sydney, the Irish Consulate in Sydney and the Irish Embassy in Canberra. In addition, I will be meeting separately with the Irish Australian Welfare Bureau and the Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group, which includes the New South Wales Minister for Finance. I also hope to meet the Australian Federal Treasurer.
State Property.
Dan Boyle
Question:108 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works has to sell the old coastguard station, Crosshaven, County Cork. [9951/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works have recently perfected title to the coastguard cottages at Crosshaven. The Garda station and living quarters are part of the complex. Contracts for the sale of a number of cottages have been issued to existing tenants. The State's requirement for accommodation in Crosshaven is being examined. Any property surplus to State requirements will be placed on the open market.
Tax Code.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:109 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in having a P21 application form issued to a person, details supplied, in County Cork who requires a P21 in respect of their daughter’s higher education grant application. [9957/06]
The issue of a P21, balancing statement, is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I have been informed by Revenue that it issued a P21 to the person concerned on 21 October 2005 in respect of the 2004 tax year. It received a further request for a P21 for the same year on 13 February 2006 and a duplicate will shortly issue together with a form P21 for the year 2005.
Energy Resources.
Paul Kehoe
Question:110 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the tax reliefs or incentives which are available to persons wishing to install environmentally friendly systems when building a new home; his plans to offer more incentives to people willing to invest in these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9823/06]
The multi-annual financial package for renewables announced in budget 2006 includes a grant-aid package for the domestic sector, which will provide for individual grants to install renewable energy technologies including wood pellet boilers, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps.
My Department, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is developing the necessary detailed measures to roll out the new programme, which will be announced shortly.
Harbours and Piers.
Billy Timmins
Question:111 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of funding allocated by his Department for marine projects including developing and renovation of piers, coastal protection works, marine development and other such developments since 1997 to date; the projects and the individual funding allocated for each; and the funding that has been committed and for what projects. [9816/06]
The Department provides funding for the development and renovation of harbours and piers through the fishery harbour development programme and for coastal protection works through the coast protection programme. A list of all projects funded under these two programmes since 1997 follows.
A list of projects approved so far under the fishery harbour development programme for 2006 also follows. The coast protection programme for 2006 is being drawn up at present.
|
Fishery Harbour Expenditure in 1997 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Project |
Grant Paid |
|
£’s |
||
|
County Cork |
||
|
Courtmacsherry |
New Pier |
101,250 |
|
Castletownbere |
Harbour works |
205,911 |
|
Union Hall |
Completion of Decking |
2,729.06 |
|
Ahakista |
Pier Extension |
110,265.75 |
|
Roaring Water Bay |
New Pier & Slipway |
105,579.75 |
|
Ardgroom |
New Pier & Slipway |
90,000.00 |
|
County Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Safety Works |
54,652.35 |
|
Dingle |
Accident |
8,982.25 |
|
Cromane |
Harbour works |
145.85 |
|
County Clare |
||
|
Liscannor |
Harbour works |
79,141.00 |
|
County Galway |
||
|
Cleggan |
Harbour works |
80,718.00 |
|
Rossaveel |
Harbour works |
75,501.00 |
|
Crumpan |
Beacon |
21,972.87 |
|
Ardmore |
New Deck |
21,120.31 |
|
Bunowen |
Harbour works |
22,809.02 |
|
Killary Harbour |
Needs Study |
2,202.20 |
|
County Mayo |
||
|
Darby’s Point |
Completion of Pier Extension |
12,767.74 |
|
Ballyglass |
Harbour works |
16,875.00 |
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Howth FHC |
Harbour works |
85,210.00 |
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Dredging of New Quay |
116,407.48 |
|
County Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East |
Harbour works |
237,166.00 |
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Harbour works |
392,788.00 |
|
Burtonport |
Fendering |
150,000.00 |
|
Burtonport |
Site Investigation |
41,987.00 |
|
Rathmullen |
Safety Works/Railing |
846.65 |
|
Greencastle |
106,514.07 |
|
|
County Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Pier Refurbishment |
242,218.05 |
|
Carlingford Lough |
Harbour works |
79,369.13 |
|
Miscellaneous |
Lights, Beacons etc |
18,185 |
|
Location |
Project |
Grant Paid |
|
£’s |
||
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere |
New slipway, for Bere island, powerpoints, upgrade Auction Hall, resurfacing, syncrolift inspection, minor harbour works |
572,732.00 |
|
Ardgroom |
Pier development |
134,063.24 |
|
Ballycotton |
Dredging |
64,500.00 |
|
Crosshaven |
Completion of pier development |
76,561.79 |
|
Kealbeg |
Safety works |
3,055.67 |
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Upgrade Auction Hall, Syncrolift inspection, studies/investigations, general maintenance and upgrading works |
644,776.00 |
|
Burtonport |
Dredging of approach channel |
177,149.08 |
|
Carrickaroary |
Pier reconstruction |
113,521.50 |
|
Greencastle |
Quay reconstruction |
104,657.75 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Pier development |
49,467.75 |
|
Portaleen |
Pier development |
41,250.00 |
|
Port Arthur/ Magheragallen |
General repairs |
10,644.00 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Cromane |
Site investigation |
34,725.75 |
|
Dingle |
Pier extension |
162,344.76 |
|
Portmagee |
Completion of works |
7,103.84 |
|
Sneem |
Resurfacing of parking area |
2,300.00 |
|
Blackwater |
Resurfacing & provision of public lighting |
13,100.00 |
|
Corvagillagh |
Repairs to ramp and provide access at all tides |
6,750.00 |
|
Knightstown |
remove obstruction at pier head |
1,500.00 |
|
Cooncrone |
Improve access, provide concrete decking |
6,000.00 |
|
Coonanna |
Repair damage at pier head |
6,000.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Carlingford |
Completion of pier reconstruction |
40,426.43 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Dredge rock at Harbour entrance |
38,749.81 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel |
Minor harbour works and renewals |
61,022.60 |
|
Cleggan |
Pier repairs |
741,348 |
|
Rossadilisk |
Pier repairs |
10,780.00 |
|
Killeany |
General maintenance works |
36,458.00 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth |
Minor works and renewals, security system, syncrolift inspection |
72,763.00 |
|
Other |
||
|
Galway Bay to Foyle |
Study |
1,769.15 |
|
Piers, Lights & Beacons |
Various locations nationally |
27,501.00 |
|
Location |
Project |
Grant Paid |
|
£’s |
||
|
Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Dredge rock at harbour entrance |
25,131.48 |
|
Courtown |
Repairs to pier wall |
84,000.00 |
|
Cahore |
Repair of slipway |
15,750.00 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere |
Complete new slipway for Bere Island, S.I. for new pier on Dinish Island, Syncrolift carriages, minor harbour works, power points, security cameras, road rehabilitation, etc. |
745,734.00 |
|
Ballycotton |
Repairs to breakwater |
29,620.88 |
|
Knockadoon |
Extension to slipway |
4,774.13 |
|
Durrus |
Extension of working area |
90,428.00 |
|
Lough Beal (Pontoon) |
Navigation mark at entrance |
8,214.31 |
|
Ballycrovane |
Pier development works |
39,573.00 |
|
Keelbeg (Union Hall) |
Landscaping and surfacing entrance |
30,469.00 |
|
Gerahies |
Pier extension/development works |
53,336.00 |
|
Cape Clear (North Harbour) |
Repairs to outer breakwater |
75,394.00 |
|
Cunnamore |
Pier improvements |
168,281.00 |
|
Colla |
Pier improvements |
3,649.00 |
|
Goleen |
Pier improvements |
40,955.00 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Pier development works |
334,721.00 |
|
Cromane |
Site investigations |
12,478.89 |
|
Reen (Ballinskelligs) |
Widen root of pier/provide slipway |
33,741.75 |
|
Portmagee |
Improve access and decking |
19,305.29 |
|
Ballykissane |
Rebuild pier head/provide lighting and water |
26,306.25 |
|
Rossdohan |
New pier and water supply |
23.329.00 |
|
Knightstown |
New berthing wall/repairs |
38,031.00 |
|
Callinafercy |
Pointing and repairs |
2,270.00 |
|
Kilmackilogue |
Slipway, lifting gear & storage area |
21,979.52 |
|
Clare |
||
|
Doonbeg |
Design new pier and site investigation |
38,231.00 |
|
Liscannor |
Completion of decking of pier |
59,946.00 |
|
Seafield |
Stormwall and widen causeway |
73,854.46 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveal |
Provision of hardstanding and drying wall, surfacing of compound, general maintenance, car park extension and surfacing |
321,830.00 |
|
Killary Harbour |
Design and site investigation |
6,579.00 |
|
Torrea Pier, Kinvara |
Repair to pier/provide slipway |
6,361.06 |
|
Spiddal Pier |
Repairs |
18,750.00 |
|
Caladh Thaigh |
Repairs |
28,295.00 |
|
Tramvarraderry (Rossaveal) |
Repairs |
22,277.95 |
|
Ballinakill (Derryinver) |
Land facility |
3,242.00 |
|
Cleggan |
Pier repairs |
3,159.33 |
|
Killeany Beacon |
Beacon repairs and decking |
26,484.00 |
|
Rossadilisk |
Pier repairs |
17,646.00 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Darby’s Point |
Redecking of old pier (Design) |
30,754.27 |
|
Roigh Pier |
Parking/service area, Repairs to pier |
75,000.00 |
|
Porturlin |
Dredge inner basin/provide mooring piles |
45,000.00 |
|
Kilalla |
Dredge channel/silt transportation study |
56,000.00 |
|
Kilcummin |
Remove boulders from berthage/ pier head |
9,000.00 |
|
Newport |
Repairs to quay wall |
75,000.00 |
|
Camport, Dooega |
Repairs to storm wall |
37,500.00 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Repairs |
31,880.00 |
|
Raghly Pier |
Improve access |
56,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Pile repairs, ongoing engineering and maintenance, site investigations, pier design, new slipway, syncrolift carriages. |
1,600,738.00 |
|
Greencastle |
Repairs to pier |
376,381.52 |
|
Port na Blagh |
Dredging and pier furnishing |
113,172.00 |
|
Woodquarter |
Extend and strengthen pier |
176,301.54 |
|
Bruckless |
Replacement of furnishings/step repairs |
13,239.72 |
|
Ballysaggart |
Reconstruct pier/breakwater and repair wall |
114,003.74 |
|
Maugheragallen |
Extend pier — facilitate ferry and half deckers |
84,969.00 |
|
Portmore |
Provide slipway |
78,590.67 |
|
Portronan |
Repairs |
37,145.25 |
|
Bunagee |
New winch/associated works including slipway |
112,666.50 |
|
Moville |
Pier reconstruction/improvement |
22,500.00 |
|
Buncrana |
Dredging works |
33,040.50 |
|
Carrickaroary |
Pier repair |
126,945.00 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Slipway |
87,655.50 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East |
Rehabilitation of quay structure, including remedial works to South Pier walls and east Pier stability investigation, safety, hygiene and preventative maintenance works, Shandoon cliff stabilisation study, resurfacing of harbour entrance, minor works |
360,230.00 |
|
Ardmore |
Pier improvements |
17,125.00 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth |
Resurfacing damaged areas, Provision of toilets, retaining wall stabilisation, extra carriages for syncrolift, revetment repair, replace water mains, minor works and renewals |
572,623.00 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Piers, Lights and Beacons |
Various locations nationally |
10,712.00 |
|
Location |
Project |
Grant Paid |
|
£’s |
||
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere |
Effluent treatment facility upgrade, Dinish Bridge remedial works, Dinish Wharf Ext. and Auction Hall, mainland quay rehabilitation, security cameras, safety & maintenance works, syncrolift carriages |
737,032.20 |
|
Keelbeg |
Safety works |
43,488.53 |
|
Ballycotton |
Repairs to breakwater |
83,184.65 |
|
Ballycrovane |
Pier development |
2,931.23 |
|
Colla |
Pier improvements |
80,035.70 |
|
Cunnamore |
Pier improvements |
52,488.88 |
|
Durrus |
Extension of working area |
86,254.96 |
|
Gerahies |
Pier ext./dev. Works |
39,328.41 |
|
Goleen |
Pier improvements |
64,547.99 |
|
Goleen |
Slipway |
13,500.00 |
|
Lough Beal |
Navigation mark at entrance |
2,014.29 |
|
Cape Clear |
Repairs to outer breakwater |
51,548.35 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East |
Cliff stabilisation works Phase 1 and 2, resurfacing of harbour entrance road, foul berth rehabilitation and East Pier investigation, safety & maintenance works |
401,206.14 |
|
Ardmore |
Pier improvements |
84,159.48 |
|
Tramore (Lady Elizabeth’s Cove) |
Repairs to seawall |
29,893.41 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth |
Watermains revetment, refurbishment of old canteen, extra carriages for syncrolift, safety & maintenance works |
393,467.24 |
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Steel pile repairs, new slipway, new pier development, safety and maintenance works, refurbishment of Harbour Master’s residence |
2,189,344.40 |
|
Greencastle |
Harbour development |
17,512.65 |
|
Greencastle |
Pier Repairs |
12,455.49 |
|
Ballysaggart |
Repairs |
36,143.58 |
|
Buncrana |
Dredging & RNLI Berthing facility |
210,776.25 |
|
Moville |
Pier improvements |
108,341.00 |
|
Portmore |
Slipway/Site Investigation |
88,554.00 |
|
Portnablagh |
Dredging |
53,928.00 |
|
Bunagee |
New winch/associated works including slipway |
39,380.25 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Slipway |
8.789.00 |
|
Portsalon |
Pier maintenance |
28,450.00 |
|
Lenan |
Site Investigation |
44,358.00 |
|
Mountcharles |
Repointing/lighting/ dredging |
187,957.00 |
|
Portronan |
Repairs |
67,767.75 |
|
Bundoran |
Rock removal |
151,812.75 |
|
Woodquarter |
Extend & strengthen pier |
13,347.44 |
|
Bruckless |
Replacement of furnishings, step repairs |
1,901.58 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel |
Safety & maintenance works, harbour feasibility study |
72,947.30 |
|
Inishboffin |
Repairs of fenders and safety works |
27,651.77 |
|
Spiddal |
Pier repairs |
35,529.00 |
|
Torrea Pier |
Repairs, provide slipway |
87,696.94 |
|
Lynch’s Pier |
Slipway |
1,637.37 |
|
Eanach Mheáin |
Survey |
5,000.00 |
|
Céibh na hAirde |
Survey |
1,828.43 |
|
Trá Bhán |
Pier and slipway |
4,991.25 |
|
Cleggan |
Improve slipway/outer breakwater, provide boat repair/hardstanding, access to outer breakwater, dredging |
54,581.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Maintenance and safety works |
88,022.36 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Cromane |
Site Investigation |
147,332.14 |
|
Dingle |
Pier development Works |
2,756,135.04 |
|
Dingle |
Pesca project |
88,370.00 |
|
Dingle |
Resurfacing / Pontoons |
69,987.50 |
|
Kilmackillogue |
Slipway, lifting gear and onshore storage area |
60,788.39 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Dredging |
397,018.59 |
|
Clare |
||
|
Seafield |
Provide stormwall, widen causeway and construct slipway |
154,103.41 |
|
Doonbeg |
Pier design work |
113,250.00 |
|
Liscannor |
Pierhead widening to include steps |
54,493.00 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Darby’s Point |
Redecking of old pier |
408,949.96 |
|
Killala |
Provision of slipway |
7,526.81 |
|
Newport Quay Wall |
Safety barriers, power point, fresh water, etc. |
2,598.00 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Pier repairs |
43,120.00 |
|
Strandhill |
Design work for slipway |
18,150.00 |
|
Other |
||
|
Piers, Lights & Beacons |
Various locations nationally |
78,659.00 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
€ |
||
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Harbour Development |
2,534,392.13 |
|
Greencastle |
Harbour Development |
362,368.82 |
|
Greencastle |
Old Project |
107.50 |
|
Ballysaggart |
105.10 |
|
|
Woodquarter |
94.19 |
|
|
Bundoran |
Pier Improvements |
79,138.33 |
|
Burtonport |
Channel Dredging |
56,523.98 |
|
Buncrana |
Pier Improvements |
204,446.24 |
|
Mountcharles |
Slipway |
69,904.19 |
|
Moville |
Pier Reinstatement |
285,396.81 |
|
Portsalon |
Repairs to Pier Head |
7,699.37 |
|
Portnablagh |
Quay Wall |
29,246.19 |
|
Portaleen |
Repairs to Pier Head |
45,891.99 |
|
Rosbeg |
Pier/Slipway Improvements |
212,524.26 |
|
Casson Sound |
Quay Wall |
43,350.29 |
|
Port Inver |
Study |
51,776.74 |
|
Portmore |
Pier Extension |
156,051.13 |
|
Binwee Pier |
Extra Width at Pier Head |
83,529.16 |
|
Carrickarory & Moville |
SI for a proposed marina |
60,162.36 |
|
Bonagee |
Complete Works at slipway |
30,972.72 |
|
Inch Fort |
Geotechnical Investigation & Sediment Transportation Study |
29,077.34 |
|
Portnoo Harbour |
Small slipway & winch/repairs to steps |
4,734.85 |
|
Portnoo Harbour |
Hydrographic Studies & SI |
55,352.68 |
|
Ballyederland |
Raise deck level/provide Storm wall |
2,380.76 |
|
Moville/Carrickarory |
Sedimentology Study & Computer based wave Analysis study |
9,903.96 |
|
Bundoran Pier |
Improvement Works (Dredging) |
213,926.42 |
|
Ballyshannon Estuary |
Study of Bar Mouth & Boat storage area at the Mall Quay |
28,340.55 |
|
Ballyshannon Estuary |
Parking Area |
7,960.31 |
|
Bunagee |
Winch |
9,245.92 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Reconstruction of Slipway |
30,526.09 |
|
Ballyshannon |
Quay decking |
51,962.76 |
|
Port Arthur |
Strengthening of Pier |
3,013.43 |
|
County Galway 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Rossaveel |
Harbour development/works |
1,095,246.88 |
|
Killary Harbour |
Site Investigation |
482.50 |
|
Trá Bhán |
Pier and slipway |
20,256.59 |
|
Torrea Pier |
Repair work and concrete slab |
11,911.91 |
|
Inishboffin |
3,921.90 |
|
|
Maree |
Slipways (Lynch’s Pier and Corraduff |
147.29 |
|
Derryinver |
Interim works & Site Investigation |
48,425.91 |
|
Claddagh |
Quay Improvements |
48,210.37 |
|
Galway Piers |
Consultancy Study |
31,743.45 |
|
Spiddal |
Sean Ceibh Improvements |
73,078.10 |
|
Roundstone |
Repair and Improvements |
36,616.26 |
|
Tully Pier |
Repairs and Improvements |
102,928.32 |
|
Tír an Fhia |
Pier repair works |
17,038.41 |
|
Ervallagh Pier, |
Repairs |
12,438.53 |
|
Eanach Mheáin |
2,704.54 |
|
|
Céibh na hAirde |
Quay Repairs |
69,607.79 |
|
Cashla Pier |
Repair works |
58,539.09 |
|
Kilbricken Rosmuc |
Pier repair works |
10,745.82 |
|
Cleggan |
New berthage & access |
289,289.77 |
|
County Mayo 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Kilcummin |
Clear Berth |
19,046.07 |
|
Purteen |
Harbour Improvement (Design) |
95,230.36 |
|
Newport quay |
Wall Repairs |
28,569.11 |
|
Saleen Belmullet |
Harbour Refurbishment |
95,230.35 |
|
Kilsallagh |
Pier repair works |
76,184.28 |
|
Killerduff |
Strengthen causeway & deck on pier |
47,615.18 |
|
Dooega |
Rebuild Pier |
165,065.95 |
|
Darbys’ Point |
Re-Decking of old Pier |
1,330.89 |
|
Killala |
Study |
21,864.75 |
|
County Sligo 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Harbour Breakwater works |
48,173.23 |
|
Rosses Point |
Pier Repairs |
47,615.18 |
|
County Louth 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Gyles Quay |
Pier deck and wall repairs |
109,297.21 |
|
Clogherhead |
Safety Works |
21,785.68 |
|
Clogherhead |
Cost Benefit Analysis |
17,141.46 |
|
Clogherhead |
Surfacing of inner harbour |
35,284.47 |
|
County Cork 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Castletownbere |
Development & minor works, |
2,248,948.97 |
|
Ballycrovane |
Pier Extension |
117,576.03 |
|
Geraghies |
Pier Extension |
340,080.93 |
|
Keelbeg |
Minor Works |
18,935.59 |
|
Keelbeg |
Channel Dredging |
9,523.04 |
|
Goleen |
Pier Improvements |
29,641.51 |
|
Durrus |
Extension of working area |
44,679.11 |
|
Cunnamore |
Pier improvements |
40,925.70 |
|
Colla |
Pier Improvements |
30,505.48 |
|
Cape Clear |
Development at North Harbour |
70,062.98 |
|
Cape Clear |
Hydrodynamic Study |
49,070.30 |
|
Kinsale |
Studies & investigations for Adam’s Quay |
76,087.92 |
|
Bantry |
Repairs and extension to Abbey Slipway |
944.49 |
|
Knockadoon |
Slipway |
104,848.62 |
|
County Dublin 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Howth |
Minor works & renewals, |
31,936.27 |
|
County Kerry 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Dingle |
Pier Extension |
79,582.87 |
|
Dingle |
Power Points |
13,800.59 |
|
Dingle |
Hydrodynamic Study |
35,238.65 |
|
Dingle |
Harbour Development & Safety Works |
285,691.08 |
|
Kilmacalogue |
Improvement Works |
28,672.45 |
|
Cromane |
Pier Development |
206,657.47 |
|
Portmagee |
Dredging |
47,615.18 |
|
Portmagee |
Improvements to lighting at pier |
9,523.04 |
|
Portmagee |
New berthing face |
19,046.07 |
|
Portmagee |
Extend boat dock area |
47,615.18 |
|
Oysterbed, Sneem |
Renew pier fenders |
14,284.55 |
|
Dromatoor, Ballyheigue |
Studies |
33,330.62 |
|
Meenogahane |
New slipway/raise stormwall |
60,756.97 |
|
Bunanear |
Slipway |
40,332.91 |
|
Blackwater |
Removal of rock outcrop & S. I. |
28,569.11 |
|
Templenoe |
Surfacing & Light |
27,934.24 |
|
County Waterford 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Dunmore East |
Shanoon Cliff Face Stabilisation & minor works |
650,292.90 |
|
Lady Elizabeth’s Cove, |
Repairs |
3,437.22 |
|
Tramore |
||
|
Dungarvan |
Repairs to quay walls at Davitt’s Quay |
152,368.57 |
|
County Wexford 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Cahore |
Upgrading |
61,899.73 |
|
Courtown |
Upgrading |
128,560.98 |
|
Kilmore Quay |
Replace Buoyage |
20,348.82 |
|
Kilmore Quay |
Dredging |
405.48 |
|
County Clare 2001 expenditure |
||
|
Doonbeg |
Pier Extension |
50,473.40 |
|
Kilkee Slipway |
Upgrading |
81,722.88 |
|
Liscannor |
Dredging |
45,853.99 |
|
Doolin |
Development Options Study |
49,198.86 |
|
Quilty |
4,172.12 |
|
|
General |
||
|
Lights & Beacons |
35,610.52 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
€ |
||
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs FHC |
Harbour Development |
14,796,488.73 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Maintenance |
363,199.58 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
New Slipway |
95,167.22 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Site Investigations |
18,809.47 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Construction wages |
10,150.12 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Purchase of Launch |
50,445.11 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Refurbishment of Residence |
2,047.50 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Fenders Blackrock Pier |
38,092.14 |
|
Greencastle |
Harbour Development |
575,550.83 |
|
Burtonport |
Channel Dredging |
810,836.35 |
|
Burtonport |
Dredging |
2,457.56 |
|
Buncrana |
Pier Improvements |
549,487.26 |
|
Buncrana |
Berthing Facility/Dredging |
17,420.34 |
|
Mountcharles |
Slipway |
26,352.14 |
|
Mountcharles |
Repointing/Lighting |
12,083.04 |
|
Moville |
Pier Reinstatement |
2,374.76 |
|
Moville |
Slipway & Pier Improvements |
4,866.56 |
|
Portsalon |
Repairs to pier head |
11,381.71 |
|
Portnablagh |
Quay Wall |
6,903.62 |
|
Portaleen |
Repairs to Pier Head |
72,118.39 |
|
Portaleen |
Purchase of Crane |
74,189.81 |
|
Portaleen |
Slipway |
19,731.53 |
|
Casson Sound |
Quay Wall |
42,818.33 |
|
Port Inver |
Study |
25,767.78 |
|
Portmore |
Pier Extension |
358,565.65 |
|
Portmore |
Slipway |
28,262.24 |
|
Binwee Pier |
Extra Width at Pier Head |
26,840.03 |
|
Binwee Pier |
Pier Improvements |
25,366.95 |
|
Moville & Carrickaroary |
Studies |
27,330.90 |
|
Bonagee |
Rock Removal & Storm Wall Works |
34,207.91 |
|
Inch Fort |
Investigations |
11,954.07 |
|
Portnoo Harbour |
Studies |
65,133.26 |
|
Portnoo Harbour |
Slipway |
289.52 |
|
Ballyshannon Estuary |
Study |
10,946.77 |
|
Ballyshannon Estuary |
Quay Decking |
4,691.10 |
|
Ballywhoriskey |
Harbour Development |
63,486.90 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Slipway |
3,730.24 |
|
Carrickaroary |
Structural Works |
44,648.95 |
|
Bundoran |
Pier Improvements |
28,192.91 |
|
Bundoran |
Study Wave Modelling |
27,617.95 |
|
Bundoran |
Pier Improvements |
750.37 |
|
Port Arthur |
Strengthening of Pier |
125,111.00 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Minor Works & Renewals |
418,499.14 |
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Complete Rockfill Contract |
1,234,586.10 |
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Gear Store |
208,960.46 |
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Purchase of launch |
21,051.29 |
|
Trá Bhán |
Pier & Slipway |
576,705.98 |
|
Tarrea |
Pier Repair work & concrete slab |
70,956.47 |
|
Maree |
Slipways |
389,270.19 |
|
Claddagh |
Quay Improvements |
36,078.95 |
|
Spiddal |
Sean Céibh Improvements |
17,546.36 |
|
Killary |
Site Investigation |
7,901.33 |
|
Roundstone Pier |
Repairs & Improvements |
13,570.36 |
|
Casla |
Widen Pier Access & Extend Pier |
140,899.69 |
|
Ard Thoir, Carna |
Pier & Slipway |
2,202.99 |
|
Ervallagh Pier |
Repairs & Improvements |
11,424.74 |
|
Céibh Ailwee |
Pier Improvements |
68,790.25 |
|
Dohulla Pier |
Improvements |
16,153.13 |
|
Céibh na Phurtaigh |
Improvements |
8,297.61 |
|
Inishboffin |
Pier Works |
2,290.72 |
|
Dunloughan, Ardmore, Bunowen |
Studies |
4,205.37 |
|
Eanach Mheáin |
Study |
900.00 |
|
Crompan an Chonoch & Crompán Mór — |
Dredging & Access |
69,998.29 |
|
Barna |
Improvement Works |
69,713.25 |
|
Aughrasmore |
Pier Improvements |
87,727.58 |
|
Céibh na hAirde |
Quay Repairs |
145,800.66 |
|
Cashla Pier |
Repair Works |
67,608.66 |
|
Clifden Harbour |
Harbour Works |
3,659.57 |
|
Kilbricken, Rosmuc |
Improvements |
190,208.49 |
|
Cleggan |
Provision of Crane |
85,520.00 |
|
Derryinver |
Pier Repairs |
11,844.00 |
|
Céibh Cashla, Derrynea |
Pier Improvements |
101,206.00 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Purteen |
Harbour Improvement Design |
70,825.50 |
|
Roigh Pier |
Work Area |
18,750.00 |
|
Killala |
Slipway |
375,000.00 |
|
Blacksod Pier |
Contribution to Development |
375,021.82 |
|
Belmullet & Frenchport |
Lights & Barriers |
38,250.00 |
|
County Mayo |
Assessment of Piers |
33,000.00 |
|
Darby’s Point |
Re-decking of Pier |
14,558.91 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Harbour Breakwater Works |
234,750.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Surfacing of inner harbour |
45,046.50 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth FHC |
Maintenance works |
111,290.60 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Slipway |
26,896.38 |
|
Dingle |
Safety & Maintenance |
217,752.64 |
|
Dingle |
Breakwater Works |
128,416.60 |
|
Dromatoor, Ballyheigue |
Pier Improvements |
208,476.74 |
|
Blackwater |
Removal of Rock Outcrop & SI |
5,333.31 |
|
Bunanear |
Slipway |
20,991.38 |
|
Bunanear 2001 |
Slipway |
39,962.02 |
|
Oysterbed, Sneem |
Renew Pier Fenders |
9,772.11 |
|
Kilmackillogue |
Improvement Works |
21,425.92 |
|
Meenogahane |
New Slipway/Raise Stormwall |
1,560.53 |
|
Portmagee |
New Berthing Face |
75,870.08 |
|
Cromane |
Studies |
44,186.21 |
|
Clare |
||
|
Kilkee |
Slipway Upgrading |
52,500.00 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere FHC |
General maintenance, Dinish Bridge Remedial works, Dinish Wharf extension, mainland quay Rehabilitation, Effluent treatment, |
1,268,009.58 |
|
Ballycrovane |
Pier extension |
397,058.25 |
|
Keelbeg (Union Hall) |
Channell dredging (Investigations) |
96,686.73 |
|
Schull |
Pier wave wall repairs |
166,621.46 |
|
Kinsale |
Damage repairs to Doneen Pier |
88,356.98 |
|
Cunnamore |
Wave study |
15,547.50 |
|
Gerahies |
Pier extension |
176,596.50 |
|
Bantry |
Repairs & extension to Abbey slip |
57,418.50 |
|
Durrus |
Pier extension |
78,798.75 |
|
Priests Point, Ballinakilla |
768.19 |
|
|
Castletownsend |
Slipway improvements |
987,328.00 |
|
Cape Clear |
North Harbour development |
228,197.00 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Safety & maintenance, Surfacing, Dock Road/Island Cliff stabilisation, Shanoon cliff Stabilisation, security cameras, maintenance dredging |
582,603.90 |
|
Dungarvan |
Davitt’s Quay |
141,238.51 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Duncannon |
Pier extension (Design) |
143,368.17 |
|
Slade Pier |
Surfacing & safety works |
44,729.25 |
|
Fethard Pier |
Reinforced concrete steps, Pointing to pier, |
56,130.00 |
|
Carne Pier |
Installation of lighting/ Dredging & safety |
35,062.00 |
|
Misc. |
Piers, lights & Beacons |
73,882.00 |
|
Expenditure Review |
Value for money |
5,694.73 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
€ |
||
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs FHC- |
Harbour development project |
24,272,450.53 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Safety and maintenance |
293,508.43 |
|
Killybegs FHC- |
Construction wages |
601.69 |
|
Greencastle |
Design work |
139,431.23 |
|
Burtonport |
Dredging |
252,960.77 |
|
Buncrana |
Pier improvements |
21,724.95 |
|
Portaleen |
Repairs to pier head |
17,205.95 |
|
Portaleen |
Purchase of crane |
7,875.00 |
|
Portmore |
Pier extension |
45,000.00 |
|
Port Arthur |
Strengthening of Pier |
13,363.00 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Safety and maintenance |
265,426.63 |
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Development |
20,390.13 |
|
Tír an Fhia |
Pier repair works |
200,861.49 |
|
Céibh na gCasla |
Widen pier access/extend pier |
124,905.52 |
|
Inishboffin |
Repair of pier fenders |
1,889.16 |
|
Trá Bhán |
Pier and slipway |
6,662.17 |
|
Killary |
34,000.00 |
|
|
Barna |
Improvement works |
15,000.00 |
|
Aughrismore, Claddaghduff |
Pier improvements |
162,000.00 |
|
Clifden Harbour |
Improvement works |
40,000.00 |
|
Cleggan |
Install crane on pier |
58,605.00 |
|
Cleggan |
3,266.00 |
|
|
Derryinver |
Interim repairs |
15,552.46 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Harbour breakwater works |
674,577.00 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Killala |
Slipway |
114,393.00 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Fender repairs |
4,390.89 |
|
Dingle |
Navigation light, add. Pontoon |
12,000.00 |
|
Dingle |
Breakwater |
8,738.45 |
|
Cromane |
Pier development |
1,815.00 |
|
Bunanear |
Slipway |
16,512.59 |
|
Dromatoor |
Pier improvement works |
134,643.89 |
|
Ballyheigue |
||
|
Clare |
||
|
Kilkee |
Slipway upgrading |
20,585.54 |
|
Liscannor Pier |
Safety works |
4,805.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Port Oriel design |
191,642.25 |
|
Clogherhead |
Replace crane, provide handrails |
75,000.00 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth FHC |
Safety & maintenance |
106,197.64 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Safety & maintenance, Dinish Wharf extension, mainland Quay upgrading |
1,114,130.49 |
|
Schull |
Pier wave wall repairs |
62,021.65 |
|
Keelbeg |
Dredging works (sediment sampling) |
299.47 |
|
Cape Clear |
Replace crane |
16,335.00 |
|
Cape Clear |
Subsidence of Duffy’s Pier |
24,264.11 |
|
Cape Clear |
Safety & maintenance |
6,104.50 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Safety & maintenance, cliff Stabilisation: Dock Rd/Island Rd, Engage consultants, security cameras, Road surfacing |
602,240.37 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Courtown |
Purchase of plant equipment |
30,000 |
|
Misc. |
Piers, Lights & Beacons |
39,139.25 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
€ |
||
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs |
Harbour Development Project |
8,593,896.94 |
|
Killybegs |
Safety & Maintenance |
270,833.33 |
|
Greencastle |
Harb. Dev. Project — Design/Planning |
85,228.58 |
|
Ballyederland |
Raising deck level of pier |
63,713.58 |
|
Buncrana Pier |
Dredging at pier |
127,500.00 |
|
Mulroy Bay |
Navigational Aids |
18,750.00 |
|
Ballyshannon |
Navigational Aids |
37,500.00 |
|
Portsalon |
Remedial Works |
52,500.00 |
|
Burtonport |
Provision of fenders |
9,000.00 |
|
Portmore |
885.78 |
|
|
Carrickaroary |
604.58 |
|
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel |
Development |
40,868.82 |
|
Rossaveel |
Safety and Maintenance |
292,938.66 |
|
Rossaveel |
New storage Unit at RV-Advance Works |
16,093.00 |
|
Rinville Pier, Oranmore |
New slipway, breakwater, pier deck |
76,733.84 |
|
Kilbricken |
Repairs |
13,625.25 |
|
Ard Thoir |
734.34 |
|
|
Céibh na hAirde |
54,557.61 |
|
|
Tír an Fhia |
114,778.34 |
|
|
Derryinver |
16,533.33 |
|
|
Mayo |
||
|
Blacksod |
D/CRGA project |
500,000.00 |
|
Newport |
70.64 |
|
|
Clare |
||
|
Ballyvaughan |
New slipway, Berthage clearance, pier repairs |
12,224.11 |
|
Seafield, Quilty |
Raise storm wall, place rock armour |
143,790.89 |
|
Liscannor |
Car Parking, surfacing & ladders |
24,873.00 |
|
Doolin |
1,875.50 |
|
|
Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Dredging Site Investigations |
201,026.77 |
|
Dingle |
Weighbridge |
84,932.42 |
|
Cromane |
Pier Development Design Review Rd Access |
62,942.86 |
|
Scraggane |
Survey |
5,797.90 |
|
Oysterbed, Sneem |
Working/storage area |
61,038.80 |
|
Tahilla, Sneem |
Pier works |
81,569.08 |
|
Knightstown |
D/CRGA project |
63,567.99 |
|
Tarbert |
Pier repairs |
61,436.31 |
|
Reenard |
Slipway underpinning |
30,776.44 |
|
Dromatoor, Ballyheigue |
Channel marking |
15,364.99 |
|
Portmagee/Caherciveen |
Pier-Repairs to fenders/ladders |
11,382.97 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Nil |
||
|
Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Detailed design stage, Preparation of statutory Permissions |
224,529.75 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth FHC |
Safety & maintenance |
184,683.21 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Safety & maintenance Mainland quay rehabilitation, Effluent treatment upgrade, Dinish Wharf extension, Auction Hall Upgrading |
1,941,042.89 |
|
Keelbeg |
Repairs to HI-Mast lighting and service blocks |
9,928.13 |
|
Tragumna |
Slipway & access Road |
116,844.95 |
|
Cape Clear |
Safety & maintenance |
7,145.93 |
|
Cape Clear |
Harbour development |
9,371.38 |
|
Cape Clear |
Duffy’s Pier |
3,037.93 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Safety & maintenance, Harbour development, Security Infrastructure |
909,257.64 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Hydrographic Survey |
11,414.25 |
|
Misc. |
Piers. Lights & Beacons |
50,466.49 |
|
Location |
Project |
2005 Outturn |
|
€ |
||
|
Donegal |
||
|
Killybegs FHC |
Safety & maintenance |
173,500.24 |
|
Killybegs FHC |
Harbour Development |
3,590,303.87 |
|
Ballyederland |
Raising Deck Level of Pier |
173,164.12 |
|
Dungloe Pier |
Construct slipway and turning circle at pier |
10,982.18 |
|
Buncrana Pier |
Improvement works |
78,000.00 |
|
Buncrana Pier |
Temp. Lifeboat Mooring |
14,625.00 |
|
Bundoran Pier |
Pier Improvement Works |
30,000.00 |
|
Castleport Pier |
Provision of electrical lighting |
3,525.00 |
|
Mulroy Bay |
Navigation Aids |
30,000.00 |
|
Portmore Pier, Malin Head |
Works to address siltation problem |
31,095.05 |
|
Rathmullen Pier |
Pier Improvements |
50,000.00 |
|
Tullyillion Pier |
Provision of electrical lighting |
4,500.00 |
|
Portaleen Glengad |
Upgrade crane |
22,500.00 |
|
Burtonport Harbour |
Rock Excavation |
165,231.00 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Rossaveel FHC |
Development & minor works |
3,983,070.25 |
|
Blackweir |
Breakwater/holding tank |
59.35 |
|
Rinville Pier, Oranmore |
New Slipway |
243,610.07 |
|
Kilbricken, Rosmuc |
Repairs |
1,785.68 |
|
Cleggan |
Pier extension & dredging SI and design |
22,051.08 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Killala |
Silt Study |
37,500.00 |
|
Rosmoney |
Preliminary Report |
37,500.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Clogherhead |
Port Oriel Upgrade & Extension |
3,692,877.00 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Raghley |
Pier Upgrade |
10,634.15 |
|
Dublin |
||
|
Howth FHC |
Safety & maintenance |
181,741.33 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Safety & maintenance |
212,542.47 |
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Mainland Quay extension |
147,568.04 |
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Effluent treatment |
417,195.76 |
|
Castletownbere FHC |
Dinish Wharf extension & offices |
1,306,995.22 |
|
Keelbeg |
Miscellaneous |
7,040.73 |
|
Schull |
Relocation of services block & new lighting |
1,364.88 |
|
Tragumna |
Slipway & access road |
25,683.77 |
|
Cape Clear |
North Harbour development |
457,660.31 |
|
Cape Clear |
Safety & maintenance |
2,568.95 |
|
Garnish Pier |
Pier Improvement works |
45,000.00 |
|
Clare |
||
|
Ballyvaughan |
New Slipway |
339,722.32 |
|
Ballyvaughan |
Repairs |
8,586.16 |
|
New Quay |
Pier Repair |
78,491.95 |
|
Doonbeg |
Pier Extension |
51,427.42 |
|
Seafield, Quilty |
Repairs |
15,900.11 |
|
Liscannor |
Harbour works |
1,134.37 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Dingle |
Dredging works |
18,941.41 |
|
Dingle |
Weighbridge |
808.52 |
|
Tarbert |
Structural assessment |
907.50 |
|
Cromane |
Pier Development |
1,966.65 |
|
Tahilla |
Pier Improvement Works |
8,174.45 |
|
Oysterbed, Sneem |
Working Storage Area |
19,029.31 |
|
Scraggane Pier |
Survey of Pier |
816.75 |
|
Renard Pier |
Study of repairs |
106,798.50 |
|
Coonana |
Repairs |
29,537.98 |
|
Kells Pier |
Safety Works & Concrete decking |
4,243.57 |
|
Limerick |
||
|
Kilteery Pier |
Provision of Bollards |
21,742.12 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Dunmore East FHC |
Safety & maintenance & minor works |
541,907.89 |
|
Ardmore |
Raising deck level of pier |
47,656.86 |
|
Blackwater |
New Slipway |
99,364.65 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Kilmore Quay |
Hydrographic Survey |
61,936.88 |
|
Misc. |
Piers, Lights & Beacons |
11,380.76 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR Contribution |
|
€ |
||
|
Castletownbere FHC, Cork |
Dinish Wharf extension & offices |
12,000,000 |
|
Castletownbere FHC, Cork |
Effluent treatment |
700,000 |
|
Castletownbere FHC, Cork |
Mainland Quay |
100,000 |
|
Clogherhead, County Louth |
Port Oriel development |
4,127,451 |
|
Greencastle, Donegal |
Harbour development |
2,400,000 |
|
Cromane, Kerry |
Development |
200,000 |
|
Dunmore East FHC, Waterford |
Development |
600,000 |
|
Dunmore East FHC, Waterford |
Repair to East Pier |
300,000 |
|
Knightstown, Kerry |
Co-funded with DCRGA |
400,000 |
|
Buncrana, Donegal |
Construction of breakwater |
225,000 |
|
Burtonport, Donegal |
Harbour dredging Phase 2 |
585,000 |
|
Total |
21,637,451 |
|
1997 Coast Protection Programme |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
£ |
||
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Rosslare Strand |
Aerial Survey/ Mapping of Coastline |
19,494.00 |
|
Courtown |
Rock Revetment |
41,998.00 |
|
Rosslare |
Maintenance |
66,919.00 |
|
County Waterford |
||
|
Tramore |
Strengthening of the clay cliffs and sand dunes and improvement works to main promenade |
111,558.00 |
|
County Wicklow |
||
|
Murrough |
Rock Armour Revetment |
35,593.00 |
|
Bray |
Beach Nourishment/ Groyne Protection |
41,717.00 |
|
Murrough |
Maintenance |
22.00 |
|
County Sligo |
||
|
Enniscrone |
Planting of Grass |
4,735.00 |
|
Strandhill |
Wind Fencing |
30,000.00 |
|
County Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Rock Revetment |
9,846.00 |
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Inver |
Completion of Seawall |
10,000.00 |
|
Rye/Rathmullan |
Seawall Protection |
39,000.00 |
|
Teelin |
Seawall Protection |
60,000.00 |
|
County Meath |
||
|
Laytown |
Study |
14,996.00 |
|
County Mayo |
||
|
Bertra |
Dune Protection |
41,250.00 |
|
Claggan |
Dune Protection |
11,250.00 |
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Burrow |
Study |
15,586.00 |
|
County Cork |
||
|
Glandore |
Seawall Protection |
122,011.00 |
|
County Clare |
||
|
Rinevella |
Coast protection |
100,000 |
|
General |
||
|
CZM Study |
||
|
Sensitivity Study |
||
|
ECOPRO Manual |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
£ |
||
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Burrow |
Study |
5,387.00 |
|
County Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Rock Revetment |
141,004.00 |
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Rosslare |
Aerial Survey/Mapping of Coastline |
7,721.00 |
|
Rosslare |
Maintenance |
46,636.00 |
|
County Wicklow |
||
|
Bray |
Breakwater & Groyne |
740,479.00 |
|
Murrough |
Rock Armour |
2,682.00 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
£ |
||
|
County Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Detailed design of Phase 2 Protection Scheme |
15,000.00 |
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Vico Road |
Protection Works at Vico Road (Design) |
10,508.85 |
|
County Wicklow |
||
|
Bray |
Coast Protection Phase 1 |
385,163.75 |
|
Bray |
Harbour Wall Protection |
234,934.50 |
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Courtown |
Dune Protection |
53,250.00 |
|
Curracloe |
Study for Coast management |
22,500.00 |
|
Ballyconnigar |
Cliff Protection |
75,000.00 |
|
Rosslare Strand |
Beach Protection Work |
4,359.23 |
|
Rosetown |
Cliff Protection (Design) |
3,774.52 |
|
Cullenstown |
Detailed Design for Protection Works |
20,547.00 |
|
Rosslare Strand |
Maintenance |
24,222.41 |
|
County Cork |
||
|
Youghal |
Further Study of Protection Options |
21,000.00 |
|
Roscarberry (Owennahincha) |
Road Protection |
33,750.00 |
|
Roscarberry (Warren) |
Groyne |
12,957.00 |
|
Barley Cove |
Study of Required Dune Protection Works |
15,000.00 |
|
County Kerry |
||
|
Waterville |
Protection Works |
120,000.00 |
|
County Clare |
||
|
Quilty |
Protection Works |
607,989.75 |
|
County Galway |
||
|
Inishboffin Island |
Road Protection |
77,828.00 |
|
Aughinish Is. |
Causeway Protection |
30,000.00 |
|
Roundstone |
Dune Re-Instatement |
16,368.00 |
|
Gorteen Bay/Dogs Bay Mweeloon/ Ballynacloghy |
Road Protection |
116,250.00 |
|
County Mayo |
||
|
Claggan Is |
Dune Reinstatement |
21,660.86 |
|
Belmullet-Elly Bay |
Study |
17,345.00 |
|
County Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Road Protection |
17,926.00 |
|
Strandhill |
Study |
27,225.00 |
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Bundoran |
Road Protection |
90,000.00 |
|
Mountcharles |
Coast Protection |
65,250.00 |
|
Inver |
Coast Protection |
45,000.00 |
|
County Waterford |
||
|
Tramore |
Coast Protection |
25,377.15 |
|
General |
County Louth Coastal Survey |
52,535.01 |
|
GIS Initial Set up |
31,561.14 |
|
|
Aerial Survey V Carnsore Pt to Killiney |
40,882.22 |
|
|
Wavebuoys |
9,421.67 |
|
|
National Coastline Survey |
10,000.00 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
£ |
||
|
County Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Phase 2 Protection Scheme |
69,876.29 |
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Vico Rd. |
Cliff Protection Works |
30,025.66 |
|
Bull Island |
Study of effects of breaching the causeway |
30,000.00 |
|
County Wicklow |
||
|
Bray |
Phase 2 & Remedial Works |
1,579,131.53 |
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Rosslare |
Beach Protection |
44,699.36 |
|
Rosslare |
Maintenance |
15,480.62 |
|
Cullenstown |
Revetment Works & training walls |
86,025.00 |
|
County Waterford |
||
|
Tramore |
Promenade wall Strengthening |
36,321.89 |
|
Cunnigar |
Design of Protection Works |
20,910.38 |
|
County Kerry |
||
|
Rossbeigh |
Consultancy Study |
30,000 |
|
Waterville |
Upgrade & Road Protection |
63,452.52 |
|
Dingle-Castlemain Road |
Rock armour |
1,100,000 |
|
County Clare |
||
|
Quilty |
Protection Scheme |
159,216.75 |
|
Seafield |
Dune Protection Works |
16,125.00 |
|
Ballyvaughan |
Road Protection Works |
91,935.75 |
|
County Galway |
||
|
Auginish Island |
Causeway Protection Works |
46,125.00 |
|
Cleggan |
Beach Road Protection |
77,669.80 |
|
Tawin Island |
Beach Road Protection |
39,000.00 |
|
Gorteen Beach |
Beach Protection |
38,250.00 |
|
Renville |
Coast Protection to public recreation area |
39,600.75 |
|
Clifden Beach |
Coast Protection to public recreation area |
75,375.00 |
|
Inishmore Island |
Beach Road |
45,000.00 |
|
Oranmore/Mweeloon |
Road Protection Works |
46,929.00 |
|
County Mayo |
||
|
Achill |
Dune Protection Works |
25,074.75 |
|
Elly Bay |
Seawall Repairs/Dune Protection |
80,417.32 |
|
Bertra Beach |
Dune Protection Works |
37,645.50 |
|
Fahy-Ballycroy |
Sea outfall renewal and Coast Protection |
46,578.75 |
|
Bundoola Belmullet |
Repairs to seawall |
15,864.75 |
|
Keel Beach |
Dune Protection works |
14,266.50 |
|
County Sligo |
||
|
Strandhill |
Dune Protection works |
13,725.00 |
|
Mullaghmore |
Road Protection works |
88,986.29 |
|
Pollacheeney |
Protection Works |
54,000.00 |
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Bundoran |
Road/Cliff Protection |
233,255.25 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Repairs to sea wall |
48,536.25 |
|
Mountcharles |
Rock armouring |
79,621.15 |
|
Rye, Rathmullen |
Sea wall rock armouring |
113,745.75 |
|
Inver |
Coast Protection |
20,274.75 |
|
General |
Total Cost (all DCMNR) |
|
£ |
|
|
Coastal Survey |
35,955.99 |
|
GIS System/Maintenance |
13,240.00 |
|
Wave Buoys |
13,625.13 |
|
Pilot Project for dissemination |
2,994.75 |
|
Research Startup |
4,523.59 |
|
Coastal Survey, County Louth |
1,845.29 |
|
GIS initial setup |
177.13 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR |
|
£ |
||
|
County Donegal |
||
|
Drung, Quigley’s Pt |
Rock Armour |
207,652.65 |
|
Keadue, Kincasslagh |
Seawall |
31,746.80 |
|
Mountcharles |
Road Protection Works |
233,435.54 |
|
Mahery, Dungloe |
Road Protection Works |
23,662.38 |
|
Kerrykiel, Rossakill |
Road Protection Works |
118,048.50 |
|
Kerrykeel |
Sea Wall Repairs |
1,645.58 |
|
Inver |
Concrete Slab & Low level wall |
36,186.58 |
|
Carrickarory |
Repointing existing Seawall |
3,176.88 |
|
Bundoran |
Shoreline Protection |
87,528.52 |
|
Rye, Rathmullan |
Sea Wall |
5,482.41 |
|
County Sligo |
||
|
Strandhill |
Slipway |
14,284.55 |
|
Strandhill |
Shoreline Protection |
69,994.31 |
|
Mullaghmore |
Road Protection Wks. |
385,546.76 |
|
Pollacheeny |
Study & Detailed Design |
29,616.64 |
|
County Mayo |
||
|
Westport/Bertra |
Dune Protection |
28,569.11 |
|
Carrowmore Beach |
Dune Protection |
19,046.07 |
|
Roonagh, Louisburg |
Road Protection Works |
28,569.11 |
|
Belmullet Town |
Repair Sea Walls |
95,230.36 |
|
Mulranny Causeway |
Protection Works |
85,707.32 |
|
Bundoola, Belmullet |
Repairs to Seawall |
75,085.96 |
|
Claggan Island |
Dune Protection Works |
53,759.02 |
|
Elly Bay |
Seawall Repairs & Dune Protection |
76,673.56 |
|
County Galway |
||
|
Auginish Island |
Causeway Protection |
38,092.14 |
|
Inishboffin |
Protection Works to south facing shore |
95,230.36 |
|
Inishboffin |
Erosion Study of south facing shore |
28,355.82 |
|
Renvyle |
Road Protection |
47,615.18 |
|
Inishmore |
Airstrip Protection |
8,281.87 |
|
Ballyconnelly |
Road Protection Works |
85,707.32 |
|
Roundstone Pier |
Study |
18,411.20 |
|
Cleggan |
59.73 |
|
|
County Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Phase 2 Protection Works |
149,908.10 |
|
Salterstown |
Protection Works |
33,454.68 |
|
County Dublin |
||
|
Bull Island |
Study |
63,880.52 |
|
County Wicklow |
||
|
Bray |
Phase 2 Coast Protection |
647,673.60 |
|
Bray |
Remedial Works/Extension of harbour wall |
792,131.26 |
|
Bray |
Coast Protection Scheme |
20.02 |
|
County Wexford |
||
|
Courtown |
Revetment Works |
86,899.68 |
|
Cullenstown |
Revetment Works |
685,612.85 |
|
Rosslare Strand |
Study of North end of spit |
|
|
Rosslare Strand |
Maintenance |
|
|
Rosslare Strand |
Revetment Works |
71,422.77 |
|
Rosslare Strand |
New Scheme |
188.78 |
|
County Waterford |
||
|
Ballyvoile |
Study of Road Protection Works |
31,484.01 |
|
Tramore |
Promenade Wall Strengthening |
880,041.04 |
|
County Cork |
||
|
Durris to Ahakista |
Road Protection Works |
66,314.61 |
|
Youghal |
Preparation of Tender And Planning |
19,046.07 |
|
Youghal |
Sea Wall Repairs |
28,569.11 |
|
County Kerry |
||
|
R561 Dingle to Castlemain |
Revetment Works |
1,386,430.06 |
|
County Clare |
||
|
Quilty |
Protection Scheme |
73,815.11 |
|
Clahanes Liscannor |
Concrete Wall |
175,086.91 |
|
Rinvalla Bay |
Road Protection Works |
|
|
Aughinish Island |
Causeway Protection Works |
39,276.27 |
|
General |
|
|
Wave Buoys |
2,989.61 |
|
Aerial Survey Carnsore to Killiney |
63,281.12 |
|
GIS Maintenance |
2,384.52 |
|
Coastal Surveys 2001 |
10,240.44 |
|
GIS Maintenance & Development |
33,284.28 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Strandhill, County Sligo |
Shoreline Protection |
532,500 |
|
Mullaghmore, County Sligo |
Road Protection |
67,286.25 |
|
Keadew, Kincaslagh, County Donegal |
Sea Wall |
183,974.90 |
|
Maghery, Dungloe, County Donegal |
Road Protection |
82,330.31 |
|
Mountcharles, County Donegal |
Road Protection |
9,249.64 |
|
Kerrykeel, County Donegal |
Road Protection |
1,180.65 |
|
Carrickaroary, County Donegal |
Repointing Existing Sea Wall |
16,705.54 |
|
Drung, Quigley’s Point, County Donegal |
Rock Armour |
11.606.83 |
|
Lagg, Malin Head, County Donegal |
Study of Coastal Processes |
23,923.18 |
|
Inver, County Donegal |
Protection Works |
991.29 |
|
Inisboffin, County Galway |
Protection Works to South Facing Shore |
142,875 |
|
Salin to Silverstrand, County Galway |
Study |
79,830.46 |
|
Tawin Island, County Galway |
Road Protection |
53,913.51 |
|
Claggan Island, County Mayo |
Repair Works |
33,160 |
|
Bunnafolly, County Mayo |
Protection Works |
27,108 |
|
Lacken, County Mayo |
Cliff/Road Study |
22,500 |
|
Elly Bay, County Mayo |
Installation of ECAB Units |
148,608 |
|
Bellurgan, County Louth |
Embankment Reinstatement |
170,151.75 |
|
Louth Coastline |
Survey of Coastline |
7,568.25 |
|
Whitestown, County Louth |
Rock Armour Protection |
37,335.64 |
|
Blackrock, County Louth |
Seawall Protection |
32,487.75 |
|
Salterstown, County Louth |
Repairs & Protection to Road Verge |
393,617.25 |
|
Seapoint, County Louth |
Dune Protection Works |
75,000 |
|
Blackrock to Dundalk, County Louth |
Study |
36,300 |
|
Shelling Hill/Gyles Quay, County Louth |
Protection Works |
34,419 |
|
Carlingford Harbour, County Louth |
Repairs |
623.25 |
|
Annagassan Harbour, County Louth |
Protection Works |
26,068.50 |
|
Tramore, County Waterford |
Promenade Refurbishment |
228,194.88 |
|
Cunnigar, County Waterford |
Rock Revetment |
244,273.60 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Study of North End of Spit |
114,435 |
|
Courtown, County Wexford |
Design of Breakwater |
133,810.34 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Revetment Works |
77,846.49 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Maintenance |
13,292 |
|
Cahore, County Wexford |
Rock Groynes & Beach Nourishment |
42,966.58 |
|
Ballyconnigar, County Wexford |
Rock Revetment |
21,750 |
|
Garretstown, County Cork |
Road Protection Works |
209,259.83 |
|
Durris to Ahakista, County Cork |
Road Protection Works |
135,179 |
|
Warren, County Cork |
Beach Groynes |
112,500 |
|
Youghal, County Cork |
Planning Stage |
37,500 |
|
Ballyheigue/Inch, County Kerry |
Road Protection Works |
414,243.46 |
|
Knightstown, County Kerry |
Protection Works |
37,856.12 |
|
Carrigaholt, County Clare |
Protection Works |
45,897 |
|
Shanganagh, County Dublin |
Study |
7,482.91 |
|
Bray, Co Wicklow |
Pier Repair Works |
440,244 |
|
Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin |
Vico Road Revetment |
212,718.05 |
|
Portmarnock, County Dublin |
Dune Protection Works |
37,487.86 |
|
Coastal Study |
Consultancy Study |
2,955 |
|
Coastal Surveys |
General Coastal & Project Related |
4,212 |
|
GIS System |
Customisation, Maintenance & Training |
9,537 |
|
Wave Buoys |
Maintenance & Deployment |
7,391 |
|
Beach Monitoring |
Monitoring of Nourished Beach, Bray |
5,816 |
|
East Coast |
Aerial Survey — Carnsore to Killiney |
21,785 |
|
Value for money |
Review |
37,368 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Elly Bay, County Mayo |
Installation of ECAB Units |
68,182.59 |
|
Devlin, County Mayo |
Rock Armour, Retaining Wall |
60,000 |
|
Bellurgan, County Louth |
Embankment Reinstatement |
5,736 |
|
Salterstown, County Louth |
Repairs & Protection of Road Verge |
90,000 |
|
Carlingford Harbour, County Louth |
Damaged Navigational Light |
2,253 |
|
Shore Road, Dundalk, County Louth |
Sea Defence Embankment |
58,500 |
|
Blackrock, County Louth |
Rock Armour |
40,905 |
|
Annagassan, County Louth |
Protection Works |
6,706.50 |
|
Cruisetown, County Louth |
Extend coastal protection |
60,738 |
|
Salterstown Pier, County Louth |
Protection Works |
22,527.25 |
|
Drung, Quigleys Pt., County Donegal |
Road Protection Works |
40,277.59 |
|
Meenacross, County Donegal |
Rebuild Portion of Wall, Repoint Wall |
15,000 |
|
Muckross, County Donegal |
Rock Armour Revetment to Protect Public Road |
60,000 |
|
Carrigaholt Castle, County Clare |
Protection Works to National Monument |
32,661.50 |
|
Cappagh, County Clare |
Road Protection Works |
74,700 |
|
Carrigaholt, County Clare |
Reconstruction of Rock Revetment |
21,753 |
|
Doonbeg, County Clare |
Rock Armour |
17,011.50 |
|
Liscannor, County Clare |
Rock Armour |
13,710.53 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Study |
8,616.23 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Capital Works |
14,290.46 |
|
Rosslare Strand, County Wexford |
Maintenance |
7,957.54 |
|
Rosslare, County Wexford |
New Scheme |
155.38 |
|
Cahore, Wexford |
Rock Groynes, Beach Nourishment |
43,286.42 |
|
Rosslare, County Wexford |
Revetment Works |
27,821.01 |
|
Ballyconnigar, County Wexford |
Rock Revetment |
22,239 |
|
Warren Strand, County Cork |
Beach Groynes |
120,000 |
|
Youghal, County Cork |
Coastal Protection Phase, Prep. Contract Docs. |
22,687.50 |
|
Warren Strand, County Cork |
Complete Phase 2 Groyne |
41,623.31 |
|
Tramore, County Waterford |
Promenade Refurbishment |
17,572.30 |
|
Cunnigar, County Waterford |
Balance of 2001 Grant |
1,004.40 |
|
Dublin City Council, Dublin |
Risk Assessment Study |
80,000 |
|
Ballyheigue, County Kerry |
Road Protection Works |
150,000 |
|
Ballyheigue, County Kerry |
Complete Phase 1 |
225,000 |
|
Ventry, County Kerry |
Coastal Protection Works |
21,785.48 |
|
Kenmare, County Kerry |
Sea Wall |
11,269.77 |
|
Brittas Bay, County Wicklow |
Update Study, Extension of Scheme |
37,351.79 |
|
Burrow, Portrane, Fingal |
Repairs to Embankment, etc. |
7,500 |
|
Portmarnock to Malahide Fingal |
Repairs to Coastal Walkway |
3,750 |
|
Coast Protection Strategy Study |
370,471 |
|
|
GIS System Maintenance and Customisation |
26,726 |
|
|
Bray Beach Monitoring |
4,646 |
|
|
Basic Research Tide Gauge Review Statistical Analyses |
19,800 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Inishboffin, County Galway |
Emergency Work |
144,932.87 |
|
Laytown, Co Meath |
Laytown Study |
30,000 |
|
Drogheda, County Louth |
Erosion of R167 |
28,986 |
|
Bellurgan, County Louth |
Erosion (Road) |
8,226.34 |
|
Cooley, County Louth |
Replacement of rock armour |
43,873.50 |
|
Kilfenora, County Kerry |
Revetment Works |
117,292.49 |
|
Baile an Rannaig, County Kerry |
Provision of rock armour |
88,090.30 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown CC |
Coastal Survey |
19,239 |
|
Corbawn Lane, County Dublin |
Contract documents, etc. |
30,855 |
|
Warren, County Cork |
Coast Protection Works |
142,848.42 |
|
Youghal, County Cork |
Phase 1 |
379,458.88 |
|
Helvick Pier, Waterford |
Emergency Works & Diving Survey |
70,092.76 |
|
Courtown, County Wexford |
Design of Breakwaters, etc. |
368,204.08 |
|
Curracloe, County Wexford |
Dune Protection |
31,030.92 |
|
Greystones, Co Wicklow |
Coast Protection Site Investigation |
52,500 |
|
Coast Protection |
Strategy Study |
174,220.62 |
|
GIS System |
Maintenance & Customisation |
31,389.95 |
|
Wave Buoy |
Maintenance & Deployment |
45,188.39 |
|
Beach Monitoring |
Monitoring of nourished beach at Bray |
16,992.27 |
|
Tide Gauge |
Installation of gauge for monitoring mean sea level |
11,335.64 |
|
Coastal Video Survey |
Video Survey of national coastline |
30,991.50 |
|
Rosslare, County Wexford |
Maintenance |
83,198.63 |
|
Location |
Project |
DCMNR Cost 2005 |
|
€ |
||
|
Donegal |
||
|
Curransport, Meenlaragh |
Protection works |
52,500.00 |
|
Gweebarra Bends |
Protection to Sea Wall |
30,000.00 |
|
Inver Village |
Extension to protection wall |
52,500.00 |
|
Lagg |
Beach Protection works |
45,000.00 |
|
Moville |
Green amenity area and path |
4,500.00 |
|
Rosbeg |
Protection works |
15,000.00 |
|
Rye, Rathmullen |
Protection works |
105,000.00 |
|
*Aranmore |
Protection works |
31,875.00 |
|
*Maghery |
Protection works |
37,500.00 |
|
*Muckross |
Protection works |
9,375.00 |
|
Louth |
||
|
Annagassan |
Strand Road |
28,377.27 |
|
Salterstown |
Road Protection works |
48,193.50 |
|
Port Beach |
Study |
11,253.00 |
|
Mayo |
||
|
Bertra Beach, Westport |
Protection Works |
75,000.00 |
|
Sligo |
||
|
Mullaghmore |
Dune Management Scheme |
11,340.75 |
|
Rathlee |
Coast Protection Works |
31,352.88 |
|
Galway |
||
|
Inishboffin |
Road protection Works, Design, Tenders, etc; |
108,280.47 |
|
*Inishboffin |
Road Protection Works |
75,000.00 |
|
Cork |
||
|
Gyleen |
Village Protection Works |
148,553.90 |
|
Youghal |
Phase 1 completion |
232,892.50 |
|
Clare |
||
|
Ross/Kilbaha |
Rock gabions & Rock revetment |
88,987.50 |
|
Carrigaholt |
Road Protection Works |
54,232.50 |
|
Kerry |
||
|
Killelan Caherciveen |
Road Protection Works |
15,000.00 |
|
Baile an Rannaig |
Provision of rock armour |
1,968.88 |
|
*Reen Ballinskelligs |
Protection works |
7,500.00 |
|
Maherees |
Road Protection Works |
74,821.48 |
|
Kilfenora |
Revetment Works |
21,100.12 |
|
Dublin City Council |
||
|
Merrion Gates |
Provide banking/ramping to seal opening |
36,386.09 |
|
Clontarf Promenade |
Flood Defences Detailed Design |
30,219.75 |
|
Spencer Dock |
Sea Surge Defence Barrier |
120,894.16 |
|
Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown |
||
|
Killiney |
Repairs to Beach Gabions |
109,275.00 |
|
Corbawn/Shankill |
Repairs to Beach Access |
29,947.50 |
|
Waterford |
||
|
Bunmahon |
Protection Works/Scheme Design |
17,825.77 |
|
Cunnigar, Dungarvan |
Protection Scheme/Design |
69,493.58 |
|
Wexford |
||
|
Cahore |
Continuation of Revetment works |
16,616.87 |
|
Kilpatrick |
Soft engineering Works to Beach |
15,271.43 |
|
Rosslare |
Soft Engineering Works to Beach |
10,118.96 |
|
Wicklow |
||
|
Arklow |
South Beach |
44,356.15 |
|
Bray to Greystones |
Cliff path works |
69,665.25 |
|
Bray |
Promenade flood prevention wall at Bray |
55,500.00 |
|
General |
||
|
Coastal Protection |
Strategy Study |
132,816.27 |
|
GIS System |
Customisation, maintenance and training |
18,929.16 |
|
Wave Buoys |
Maintenance and Deployment |
8,556.06 |
|
Beach Monitoring |
Monitoring of nourished beach at Bray, County Wicklow |
4,646.40 |
|
Tide Gauge |
Installation of gauge for monitoring mean sea level |
60,728.74 |
|
Detailed survey |
of selected coastal areas |
41,881.85 |
|
Rosslare |
Maintenance |
14,832.08 |
|
Miscellaneous |
5,133.26 |
Salmon Management Report.
Michael Ring
Question:112 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the salmon commission has finished its report; when this report will be published; if the report was adopted by the full committee; if there was a vote on same; and the breakdown on the vote with regards to whether it was unanimous, any abstentions or anybody who did not vote on it. [9829/06]
The National Salmon Commission met on 27 February 2006 to give final consideration to the conservation measures for both the commercial and angling sectors for the 2006-07 fishing season. The chairman submitted the report of the commission to me by letter of 28 February 2006. He has advised that the advice and recommendations of the commission is based on a majority decision arising from a vote of nine in favour, eight against and two abstentions.
It is my intention to publish the recommendations of the National Salmon Commission, together with the advice I have received from the standing scientific committee of the commission and the advice tendered by the fisheries managers, in the coming weeks when I publish my proposed amendments to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme. This will afford all interested parties an opportunity to consider the advices prior to the introduction of the regulations in April 2006.
Legislative Programme.
Michael Lowry
Question:113 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if correspondence has been received by his Department (details supplied); his views on the contents of this letter; if the second phase of the review mentioned in same will be undertaken prior to the introduction of legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9830/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the views of the chairpersons of the regional fisheries board were passed to this Department in mid-February. I am currently considering the views expressed in this correspondence and hope to be in a position to respond in the not too distant future.
The current intention is to implement phase one and the Government has authorised the drafting of a Bill to establish the new national inland fisheries authority and regional advisory boards. The Department is working in close consultation with the national fisheries management executive in designing this new legislation and it is hoped to have it enacted this year. Publication will be dependent on the complexity of the legislation required and competing priorities on the Oireachtas's legislative programme for 2006. The Government also decided that the consultants should be re-engaged in 2006 to identify in more detail the structures, resources, funding and policy approaches needed to implement the further restructuring of the sector. This process will involve full, transparent, comprehensive and patient consultations with all of the stakeholders during which the principles and structures to deliver the new model will be fleshed out.
It is my firm belief that the policy adopted will allow the sector to reach its full potential through more coherent and consistent policy making and resource allocation and use and will give the whole range of stakeholders the opportunity to be central to the development, promotion and protection of the inland fisheries resource.
Fishing Vessel Licences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:114 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of licences which have been issued in regard to razor shell fishing in the sea off Portmarnock, Baldoyle and Howth beaches; the locations prescribed in these licences; if the method of fishing licensed is indicated; if it includes dredging; and his Department’s policies and controls in relation to razor shell fishing. [9894/06]
The licensing authority for sea fishing boats has informed me that sea fishing boat licences that permit the fishing for razor clams are not area or fishing method specific and that all licensed and registered vessels in the polyvalent general and specific segments are entitled to fish for this species and many others.
As part of the work of the molluscan species advisory group, established under the shellfish management framework and which includes a representative of the razor clam fishermen, a razor clam local advisory committee is to be established in the near future. This will be facilitated by BIM and will seek to develop a sustainable management framework for the fishery.
Harvesting of razor shells is subject to legislative controls and the areas in which such harvesting can take place is classified by ministerial regulations every six months following consideration of the results of an ongoing sampling programme. A system of gatherers dockets is also implemented whereby important information is collected on the fishery in such aspects as the precise location and date of harvesting, the quantities involved and the destination of the harvested razor shells. I also wish to inform the Deputy that the Department's inspectorate staff carries out periodic inspections of fishing activity in this area to ensure that harvesting activities are being undertaken in accordance with the prevailing regulations.
Salmon Management Report.
Brian O'Shea
Question:115 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a decision will be made on the recommendations of the National Salmon Commission regarding commercial drift net salmon fishing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9926/06]
The National Salmon Commission met on 27 February 2006 to give final consideration to the conservation measures for both the commercial and angling sectors for the 2006-07 fishing season. The chairman submitted the report of the commission to me by letter on 28 February 2006. A decision needs to be made shortly to enable me to publish any proposed amendments to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme. This will afford all interested parties an opportunity to consider the advice prior to the introduction of the regulations in April 2006.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:116 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9932/06]
I will represent the Government in Seattle, Washington, during St. Patrick's week. I will be availing of the excellent opportunities to promote Ireland while in the US by advancing Ireland's economic interests, meeting with influential political representatives and the broad Irish community and engaging in events to showcase Irish culture. While in the US, I will meet with various business, political and Government representatives to exchange views on matters relating to energy and communications policy and other issues of mutual interest.
I have set out a demanding work schedule for the visit to Seattle with a series of business meetings with a range of prominent companies including, among many others, Microsoft, Palm Treo, Verizon, Logitel Corporation, Western Wireless, Speakeasy, Amazon and Starbucks. My itinerary also includes meetings with Senator Erik Poulsen, Senator Lloyd Levine, Senator Martha Escutia, Assemblyman Guy Houston and the Seattle Irish Immigrants Support Group.
I also look forward to meeting the broad Irish community and their representatives through my involvement in the St. Patrick's Day festivities, including the official parade, the Friends of St. Patrick Dinner and the St. Patrick's Day Mass.
Fisheries Protection.
Brian O'Shea
Question:117 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to introduce a voluntary buy-out scheme for commercial drift net salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/06]
To date, the Government has consistently ruled out buy-out as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks. Instead, it has, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling as the best instrument available to achieve catch reductions.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has advised that any compensatory schemes should largely be funded by those stakeholders who would be the main economic beneficiaries of more salmon being free to return to the rivers. I draw the Deputy's attention to the committee's comment that "public moneys spent must have, as a primary aim, ensuring the survival of the salmon species and that this precept must be regarded as more important than any economic gain to any sector that may accrue".
It is clear that future policy must be designed to ensure the survival of the species, while balancing the interests of various stakeholders in regard to the quantum of catch that appears to be possible within the independent scientific advice and taking account of the detail of that advice in respect of location and types of fishing. I sound a note of caution, however, about any possible scheme designed to address the financial hardship associated with compliance with the scientific advice. I am advised there is no legal requirement to introduce any compensation scheme in the event of a curtailment of fishing effort on conservation grounds in accordance with the Fisheries Acts. In that context, expectations of high levels of monetary compensation are unrealistic. Similarly, and in consideration of equity in the matter, some meaningful contribution would be expected from the economic beneficiaries of a reduction in commercial fishing, whether that is delivered in cash or in kind.
Brian O'Shea
Question:118 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has knowledge or evidence of subversive involvement in salmon poaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10009/06]
I have no knowledge of subversive involvement in salmon poaching. If the regional fisheries boards, which are responsible for the protection of these fisheries, had such knowledge and were unable to deal with the matter themselves, I would expect it to be brought to the attention of the Garda Síochána.
Human Rights Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:119 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the steps the Government intends to take in response to the Council of Europe’s recommendation published in the week commencing 27 February 2006 calling for states to introduce tougher controls to ensure they can check whether aircraft passing through their territory are being used for illegal activity. [9999/06]
On 1 March 2006, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Terry Davis, published a report containing his preliminary analysis — as distinct from specific recommendations — of the 46 replies he received from member states in response to his questionnaire on the possible occurrence of the "unacknowledged deprivation of liberty" in those states. The Government's reply to this questionnaire was made public following its submission on 20 February 2006, and is available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs, at www.dfa.ie.
I have already welcomed publication of the Secretary General's analysis. From an Irish perspective, it is particularly satisfying that ours was one of a minority of only 13 replies he adjudged to be sufficiently comprehensive not to require additional clarification. This report makes clear that Ireland's approach to the issues involved is very much in line with that of other states.
The Secretary General has identified in general terms some issues which he believes require further attention but, as I have indicated above, has made no particular recommendations. He has, however, indicated that he intends to make more specific proposals to the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers in due course. In conjunction with our partners, the Government awaits these proposals and will examine them carefully once they are made.
Presidential Visit.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:120 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the protocol for receiving visits from foreign heads of State; if this protocol was followed in the case of the recent visit by US President Mr. George Bush to Shannon Airport; and when he or his Department was notified that the US President intended to disembark from Airforce One and meet US troops in Shannon Airport. [9854/06]
There are a number of protocols which are followed in relation to State and official visits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State. However, it should be noted that President Bush was not in Ireland on a State or official visit. As I have said in reply to a question earlier in the week, permission for President Bush's aircraft to land was granted by my Department in accordance with the normal procedures.
President Bush's meeting with US military personnel at the airport appears to have been a spontaneous act. Such personnel were, of course, in transit as part of a multinational force authorised by the United Nations Security Council. Permission for this meeting was not required.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:121 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9933/06]
My programme is being finalised. However, I will represent the Government at promotional St. Patrick's Day events in Dallas before accompanying the Taoiseach to Washington for the traditional ceremonies at the White House and on Capitol Hill. This special opportunity, unique to Ireland, for direct and detailed dialogue with the President of the United States and his Administration, and also key players on Capitol Hill, is exceptionally valued by the Government. I expect that the discussions will cover some key international issues, as well as bilateral issues of mutual interest such as the peace process and immigration reform.
I also welcome the opportunity to promote Ireland in Texas during the St. Patrick's Day period. My programme includes attendance at Irish community events, an American Ireland Fund breakfast and the Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade. In addition, I will have the opportunity to meet with senior business representatives and address a lunch event hosted by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
UN Resolutions.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:122 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use this Government’s good offices with the US Administration to encourage the US to approve the draft resolution for a new United Nations human rights council presented by the president of the General Assembly on 23 February 2006. [9952/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the negotiations on the draft resolution establishing the human rights council are still ongoing in New York. The European Union has issued a statement on the text indicating that the draft resolution is acceptable to the Union, even if it does not contain all that we had hoped for. The statement also supports the President of the General Assembly's efforts to secure the broadest possible backing for the early establishment of the human rights council. Ireland played an active role at an EU level in securing support for the text.
The United States has indicated that it wishes to see certain changes to the draft resolution before it can support it. While the EU understands the thinking of the United States, we have grave doubts about whether such changes are achievable. Against that background, there have been ongoing discussions between the European Union and the United States both in Washington and in New York to see if the United States might be prepared to modify its position.
A human rights council established on the basis of this draft resolution would represent a marked improvement on the current Commission on Human Rights. In addition to important new elements, positive features of the Commission on Human Rights — such as effective access for civil society and the network of special procedures — would be maintained.
In light of this, Ireland is committed to supporting the text produced by the President of the General Assembly and will continue to work for its early adoption. I will take advantage of any opportunity which may arise during my visit to the United States next week to set out our position.
Emigrant Support Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use his influence with the US authorities with a view to regularisation of the undocumented Irish in the US; if he will seek a concession with a view to an amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10000/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the resolution of the status of the undocumented Irish in the United States has a very high priority for the Government.
In pursuit of this priority, the coming St. Patrick's Day period provides a particularly valuable opportunity for the Taoiseach and myself to discuss all aspects of the situation with the President, with his Administration and with leading figures in Congress, and to seek to advance the agenda in every way possible. However, and as Deputies from different sides of the House will have learned at first hand from visits to Washington, the question of an amnesty is simply not on the legislative agenda in Congress at this time.
Michael Ring
Question:124 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet a deputation of undocumented Irish people living in America on his forthcoming visit for St. Patrick’s Day. [10007/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on this issue last Tuesday which was as follows. The programme for the St. Patrick's Day period in Washington for the Taoiseach and myself is now being finalised. We both would hope to meet the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which is actively representing the interests of the undocumented, during our visit.
In my reply of 28 February to the Deputy's question, I emphasised that a particular priority of the Taoiseach's and my visit to Washington over the St. Patrick's Day period would be to convey to President Bush and his Administration, and to key players in Congress, the Government's strong support for measures to address the position of our undocumented. I am certain that our undocumented citizens would share this priority.
I am, as I likewise conveyed in my reply of 28 February, acutely aware of the concerns of the undocumented, not least from my own visits to the United States. These concerns are also conveyed through regular reports from the embassy and consulates, including of meetings with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, ILIR. I have been very happy to make a grant of €30,000 available to the ILIR, which is actively representing the interests of our undocumented.
I very much hope to meet personally with the ILIR during my visit to Washington. In addition to my earlier reply, I take it that this envisaged meeting with the ILIR subsumes the sense of the Deputy's question.
Sports Capital Programme.
Jerry Cowley
Question:125 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action his Department intends to take in relation to the sports capital grant application submitted by a club (details supplied) in County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this club which was established in 1957 is the only dedicated hurling club in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9827/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
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 organisation 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.
Bernard Allen
Question:126 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on the application made under the sports capital programme 2006 by an association (details supplied) in view of the fact that the association is unable to proceed with its capital project due to a shortfall in funding. [9845/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
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 organisation 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.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Richard Bruton
Question:127 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the option of making the new stadium in Tallaght open to all football and other codes; and the reason this was not the option chosen. [9849/06]
I welcome the recent decision taken by South Dublin County Council to complete the stadium at Tallaght to the specification originally planned. While facilitating Eircom league football is a priority for the Tallaght stadium, this would not preclude usage of the facilities at Tallaght for other sports whose organisers deem the facility to be suitable. The completed stadium will remain in the control of South Dublin County Council and, therefore, the management and additional usage of the stadium and any ancillary facilities will be a matter for the council to decide.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:128 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9934/06]
St. Patrick's Day has traditionally signalled the start of the tourism season in Ireland. With the international tourism marketplace becoming increasingly competitive and as a result of continuing global uncertainty, 2006 will prove to be another challenging year for Irish tourism and we will need to avail of all opportunities offered to us to build on the successes of recent years. The international celebration of St. Patrick is a unique opportunity to ensure that Ireland is presented as a top class tourist destination to a wide and receptive audience. The key message in Tourism Ireland's marketing programme this year is "Discover your very own Ireland".
This year, the Government will be represented in most of our key tourism markets and other countries with potential for future growth. In that context, I have urged all Government representatives to use any opportunity available during the course of their visits to promote tourism to the island of Ireland. Towards this aim, I have provided all Ministers travelling with comprehensive briefing packs on tourism, including speaking points and relevant background material on the specific markets they are visiting, which will enable them to exploit the tourism promotional opportunities these visits inevitably present.
For my part, I will travel to Britain — our largest tourism market. In Manchester, I will attend the Council of Irish County Associations' dinner and other traditional St. Patrick's Day events in the city, including Mass at the Irish World Heritage Centre and the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Consumer Information.
Simon Coveney
Question:129 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps the Government is taking to ensure that consumers can have access to information (details supplied). [9851/06]
Under consumer legislation the application of a description to a product as to its place of manufacture, production, processing, etc., is called a trade description under section 2 (1)(b) of the Consumer Information Act 1978. It is an offence to apply a false trade description to a product. However, there is no compulsion on suppliers to provide information on the origin of their products.
The EU Commission, however, published a draft Council regulation in December 2005 proposing the introduction of an origin marking regime to be introduced for certain specific products including textiles, clothing and shoes coming from outside the EU. Discussions are at an early stage on this proposal and are within the framework of the Article 133 committee, the common commercial policy. The common commercial policy covers trade rather than consumer matters.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:130 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9935/06]
I have no plans to travel abroad for the St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Róisín Shortall
Question:131 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his policy in regard to the extension of free travel on buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9954/06]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, and to all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and to carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance. It is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Luas, Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas. My Department is always willing to consider further applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme.
The most recent development in the free travel scheme relates to the time restrictions which have been a feature of the free travel scheme since its inception. From next Monday the morning restriction on free travel will be reduced by 45 minutes — 9.45 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. as the start of reform in this area. Time restrictions do not apply on any transport services in the case of people with learning disabilities, people attending long-term rehabilitation courses or certain work experience programmes and certain other people with disabilities or visual impairment. These people are issued with an unrestricted free travel pass which enables them to travel during the normally restricted travel times. There are no peak time travel restrictions on Luas, DART, suburban rail services, and on services provided by private transport operators in other parts of the country.
I am continuing to keep this issue under review and to work towards the complete abolition of the time restrictions.
Denis Naughten
Question:132 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to increase the fuel allowance, especially for elderly people with oil fired central heating who face large lump sum bills; if supplementary welfare allowance can be utilised for such purposes or for elderly people who wish to install storage heaters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/06]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. In addition, many of the households concerned qualify for electricity or gas allowances. Some 264,400 customers — 145,800 with basic fuel allowance and 118,600 with smokeless fuel supplement — will benefit in 2006 at an estimated cost of €125.1 million.
Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5.00 from €9.00 to €14.00, €17.90 in designated smokeless areas. This is an increase of between 38% and 55%. The scheme has been improved in recent budgets. The means test has been eased and the duration of payment increased from 26 weeks to 29 weeks.
In addition to the fuel allowance, over 320,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of €109 million in 2005. As currently structured, these allowances are linked to unit energy consumption, so that these people are protected against unit price increases in electricity or gas.
There is also a facility available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs. If a person has an exceptional heating cost by virtue of a particular infirmity or medical condition which he or she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him or her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is not intended to meet ongoing fuel costs or storage heater costs.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government administers a scheme of special housing aid for the elderly. The scope of this scheme includes the provision of suitable heating systems. Applications for this special housing aid can be made through the community care department of the Health Service Executive.
Denis Naughten
Question:133 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rates for the dietary allowance; his plans to review this in view of the high cost of specialist foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/06]
Diet supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
Any person who is receiving a social welfare or health service executive payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
With effect from 1 January 2004 the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation since 1996.
In the case of new applicants for diet supplement the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up-to-date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple. The assessment of individual entitlements takes account of the annual increases in primary social welfare rates since 2004.
As diet supplements are subject to a means test, the amount payable in any individual case depends on the applicant's income and other aspects of the household's circumstances as well on the type of diet that has been prescribed. For example, in the case of a single person on disability allowance with no other income, who has been prescribed a high cost diet, the amount payable at present is €12.07 per week. The most typical payments are in the range €5.00 to €7.99 per week which account for 42.5% of all payments.
Because increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than food price inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by the diet supplement is less than it was in the past. However, as a special arrangement, people who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their cases.
In order to inform a re-appraisal of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute.
The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme. The study also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets, relative to the cost of a normal healthy eating diet. This report was formally presented to me in January 2006.
My Department is finalising a revised scheme which will take account of the findings and recommendations of the study and I would hope to be in a position in the near future to introduce regulations to provide for this. Pending finalisation of the revised scheme, diet supplements continue to be provided for existing recipients and new applicants as heretofore.
Michael Ring
Question:134 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the respite care grant. [9903/06]
The application for a respite care grant from the person to whom the Deputy refers was successful. The payment issued on 28 February 2006.
Michael Ring
Question:135 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on a county basis who applied for unemployment assistance; the number of these who were refused on the basis that they were not genuinely seeking work. [9907/06]
In order to be entitled to unemployment benefit, UB, or unemployment assistance, UA, social welfare legislation provides that, among other conditions, a person must satisfy the condition of genuinely seeking work.
A table showing the number of customers who made an application for unemployment assistance in 2005 together with those who were disallowed as not genuinely seeking work is set out in the following table.
A deciding officer will take a number of factors into account in deciding whether a customer is genuinely seeking work. Any steps that a person has taken to secure employment will be taken into consideration, provided they offer a reasonable chance of the person getting employment. The steps that are expected to be taken, to seek work will vary from person to person and seasonal factors may also be a consideration. In determining what are reasonable steps, the deciding officer considers the nature and conditions of the employment sought and the individual circumstances of the persons concerned, including their level of skills and-or qualifications for the employment in question having regard to the state of the labour market and existing labour market opportunities.
Any person who fails to satisfy the deciding officer that he or she is genuinely seeking work is not entitled to an unemployment payment. Where a person is dissatisfied with a decision made by a deciding officer he or she may appeal this decision to the social welfare appeals office.
The details requested by the Deputy have been compiled from data that is maintained on a local office catchment area basis and these do not correspond exactly with county boundaries.
|
County |
2005 |
Not GSW |
|
Carlow |
1,340 |
33 |
|
Cavan |
1,133 |
11 |
|
Clare |
2,274 |
24 |
|
Cork |
9,969 |
99 |
|
Donegal |
5,674 |
41 |
|
Dublin |
24,797 |
292 |
|
Galway |
5,730 |
37 |
|
Kerry |
3,199 |
20 |
|
Kildare |
2,591 |
15 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,716 |
10 |
|
Laois |
1,022 |
13 |
|
Leitrim |
584 |
7 |
|
Limerick |
4,320 |
52 |
|
Longford |
871 |
0 |
|
Louth |
3,580 |
18 |
|
Mayo |
2,943 |
80 |
|
Meath |
2,255 |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
1,210 |
38 |
|
Offaly |
1,482 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
919 |
11 |
|
Sligo |
1,494 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
3,434 |
27 |
|
Waterford |
3,194 |
16 |
|
Westmeath |
1,893 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
3,256 |
36 |
|
Wicklow |
2,161 |
33 |
|
Total |
93,041 |
930 |
Note: “UA Applications” refers to unemployment assistance claims that were registered in the year 2005. “Not GSW” refers to decisions that were finalised in 2005 on claims registered in 2005.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:136 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9936/06]
I will be representing the Government in Boston at a number of engagements, events and festivities to celebrate and mark St. Patrick's Day in the USA.
My itinerary includes an address that will focus on Ireland's knowledge economy to the Irish Association at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an address at a breakfast to mark the expansion of the operations of the Irish software company — Candidate Manager. I will also speak at an Irish-American partnership breakfast, and address an Ireland Chamber of Commerce, ICCUSA, St. Patrick's Day brunch.
I will also be meeting Irish immigration organisations and support groups located in the Boston area and attending the formal opening of a major new exhibition at the JFK Library on President Kennedy's visit to Ireland in June 1963.
State Property.
Dan Boyle
Question:137 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if alternative premises are to be sourced for the Crosshaven unit of the Irish Coast Guard, due to the impending sale by the Office of Public Works of the site from which the unit currently operates. [9950/06]
The Office of Public Works, OPW, is currently engaged in the sale of property surplus to State requirements at the Coast Guard Cottages premises in Crosshaven, County Cork. As part of State requirements, the OPW is reserving a site for a modern station house for the Crosshaven coastal unit on the property.
Driving Tests.
Róisín Shortall
Question:138 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, further to his recent public comments, his plans to require qualified drivers sit a re-test for renewal of their driving licence; the timescale he is working to on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9813/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:143 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for the re-testing of qualified drivers to include those with years of accident-free experience; and the details of such proposals and the rationale therefor. [9916/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 143 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 151 of 8 March 2006. I am keeping potential revision of licensing regulations generally under review. However, my priority is the elimination of the present backlog. In terms of existing qualified drivers re-sitting the test, my primary focus will be on the position in regard to drivers who have been disqualified, particularly as a result of drink driving.
Public Transport.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:139 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure agencies under his remit such as the National Roads Authority, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are aware of and implement national policy on facilitating and promoting public transport and that where new roads require the relocation of bus stops, such stops are located to encourage increased public transport use, and to remind him that this is a policy issue for which he must take responsibility. [9852/06]
All the agencies under the aegis of my Department are fully aware of their commitments to the promotion of public transport, with particular reference to the implementation of Transport 21.
The powers to determine the locations for the provision of bus stops is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section, the Commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops and termini in respect of any bus route and, in that context, may determine that certain stops may only be used for passengers boarding or leaving buses. I understand the Garda engages in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85. The NRA, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus are aware of these statutory provisions.
National Car Test.
Róisín Shortall
Question:140 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 179 of 2 March 2006, in relation to the supervision services contractor engaged by his Department to oversee the NCTS contract, if minimum time allocations are set for each of the three parts of the test; if records are available to show actual time spent on each part; and if he will request an examination of this and make that information available to Dáil Éireann. [9878/06]
The Department of Transport does not set minimum time allocations for the three parts of the test.
Harbours and Piers.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:141 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the proposed plans and options available to Kinsale Harbour Commissioners in relation to its future; the funding which will be made available towards its development plans to Adams Quay and otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/06]
Responsibility for Kinsale Harbour has transferred from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the Department of Transport with effect from 1 January 2006.
The Government's ports policy statement, which was launched in January 2005, states that the continued operation of many of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The policy statement reiterated the view that these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership or, where this is not possible, sale to the private sector would be considered. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists consideration will be given to bringing them under the control of a port company.
The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of the ports policy statement with regard to the transfer of the designated regional harbours to their respective local authorities, where appropriate, and to proceed individually in conjunction with the relevant local authorities and harbour authorities, having regard to local requirements in each case.
Kinsale Harbour is a candidate for transfer to local authority control. As the harbour is situated in the functional area of Cork County Council, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requested the council to undertake an overall assessment of the potential of the harbour for transfer. This report has been received and is currently being assessed.
Adams Quay is a fishery facility within Kinsale Harbour. The question of any funding for the development of Adams Quay would be a matter for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, through the fishery harbour development programme.
Driving Tests.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:142 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of people on the waiting list for driving tests; and the average delay in obtaining same. [9911/06]
At 27 February 2006, 130,500 people were on the waiting list for a driving test. The average waiting time for a driving test is 32 weeks.
Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:144 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9937/06]
In line with the Government decision this week, I will be travelling to New York for the St. Patrick's Day festivities over the day period 15 to 17 March.
The speaking functions I will be attending include the Jerry McCabe Fellowship breakfast at John Jay College, the official opening of the second phase of the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, the Shannon Airport-west of Ireland Trade and tourism breakfast at the Irish Consulate, the Ireland-US Council. the Top 100 event at Central Park South, the Co-operation Ireland dinner, The New York Mayor's Patrick's Day breakfast at Gracie Mansion, mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Governor's Patrick's Day event, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Fifth Avenue and a function with the Knights of St. Patrick. In addition a number of press and radio opportunities are scheduled over the course of the three days. I will be accompanied by both my private secretary and press officer on these engagements
Dublin Port Tunnel.
Finian McGrath
Question:145 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason for 30 workers being injured recently; if he is satisfied with the water in the port tunnel as it has a pH reading of over 10; and if he will make a statement on safety issues on this transport project. [9948/06]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned. As regards the issues raised by the Deputy, these are day-to-day matters for Dublin City Council and not for me to report on.
State Airports.
Róisín Shortall
Question:146 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the return or disposal of items confiscated by airport security personnel at boarding checkpoints at the State’s airports; the accounting system in place for confiscated items; the retrieval-reclaim procedures in place for confiscated items; if a proceeds fund exists; if so, its value and the way in which it is disbursed and to whom; the statistics available to him on the quantity and value of confiscated items; and if he will provide any further information available to him on what happens to confiscated items. [9953/06]
The disposal or return of items confiscated by airport security personnel during security screening at the State airports is a day-to-day operational matter for the relevant airport authority and I have no function in this matter.
Public Transport.
Catherine Murphy
Question:147 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the consideration which has been given to passenger issues in a multi-provider public bus service environment regarding timetabling, bus stop, bus terminus provision and integrated ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10001/06]
The Department of Transport has adopted a set of guiding principles on integrated transport which inform its approach to policy and project developments across the Department. The guiding principles are set out in the Department's statement of strategy 2005-07.
There is also a major emphasis on integration in the Transport 21 investment programme. There is a particular focus on the development of an integrated multi-modal public transport system in the greater Dublin area, with attention being paid to the various facets of integration, including service integration, interchange, park and ride, ticketing and information.
As regards the specific projects to which the Deputy refers, Bus Éireann is particularly conscious of timetabling its services to link to rail services and to provide integrated services across the country.
The approval of bus stops is a matter for local authorities who consult with operators and the Garda Síochána and the achievement of integration as far as possible at the local level is one of the considerations taken into account.
There is a significant degree of integration of ticketing at the present time. Integrated tickets are available for transfer between Luas, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail services and between Luas and some private operators. Separately, an integrated ticketing scheme using smart technology is being developed.
As we move more and more towards a multi-modal and multi-operator transport system, and developing legislation in that regard, I will be reviewing the extent to which current legal provisions support integration in such an environment. In this context, my mandate to the Dublin Transportation Authority establishment team asked it, when considering the remit of the proposed authority, to have regard to the delivery of an integrated system for the greater Dublin area. I expect to receive the team's report shortly.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Brian O'Shea
Question:148 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, further to the dormant accounts fund, an estimate has been made of the number of dormant accounts and the amount of money involved which relate to Irish emigrants who had opened bank accounts here but never returned to collect their money (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9927/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 913 on 25 January 2006 relating to Exchequer funding for vulnerable Irish communities abroad.
Under the Dormant Accounts Acts 2001 to 2005, information regarding those who opened accounts that have been deemed dormant accounts is maintained by the relevant financial institutions so that funds can be repatriated to these persons or their successors where possible.
It is a matter for Government to decide how moneys in the dormant accounts fund are to be disbursed in pursuit of broad objectives, and in accordance with procedures, as laid down in the legislation. The legislation does not specify that the address or status of the original account holders should be taken into account as criteria for disbursal. Accordingly, no estimate of the nature referred to by the Deputy has been made and there are no plans at present to do so.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:149 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9938/06]
I will be travelling to New Zealand for the St. Patrick's Day festivities. I will visit Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga and Christchurch, and my visit will focus on developing links with Irish community groups. I will participate in traditional St. Patrick's Day events, including the St. Patrick's Day festival parade and banquet in Auckland. I will also attend the Wellington Irish Society dinner and Hutt Valley Irish Society supper.
New Zealand is a small economy but, like Ireland's, one of the most open economies in the world. There is great potential to enhance economic ties between Ireland and New Zealand. Total trade with New Zealand in 2004 was valued at approximately €83 million. The year 2004 witnessed a 34% increase on the 2003 figures for visitors from New Zealand to Ireland, and there will be a significant economic and tourism focus to many of the events I will attend. I will also be looking at developments in rural tourism, as New Zealand is regarded as one of the premier destinations in this regard, as well as touching on New Zealand strategies in support of their minority language.
I include my draft schedule for this visit for the Deputy's information.
2006 St. Patrick's Festival Visit — New Zealand
Minister's Draft Itinerary
Friday 10 March
10.50Éamon O Cuív TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and his wife Áine Uí Chuív and Party arrive Auckland International Airport
Met by Honorary Consul General, Rodney HC Walshe and Vice Consul Darragh Walshe along with representative of Distinguished Visitors Division of Internal Affairs, Ross McLeod or Frances Reynolds
11.30Depart airport for hotel
PMRest
Saturday 11 March
11.30Depart hotel for St. Patrick's Festival Parade meeting point
12.00Participate in St. Patrick's Festival Parade
12.30Parade concludes and Music Festival commences at Aotea Square
13.00Join Mayor of Auckland City, His Worship Dick Hubbard in the opening of the St. Patrick's Music Festival at Aotea Square, draw a prize for tickets to the U2 concert the following week.
14.30Return to hotel
19.00Depart hotel
19.15Attend the St. Patrick's Festival Banquet. The Prime Minister Rt. Hon Helen Clark, or her Deputy will be in attendance. Also in attendance will be His Worship Garry Moore, Mayor of Christchurch, and four of Auckland Region's mayors; His Worship Dick Hubbard, Mayor of Auckland City, His Worship, Bob Harvey, Mayor of Waitakere City, His Worship Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau City and His Worship George Wood, Mayor of North Shore City along with Mike Lee, Chairman, Auckland Regional Council. Minister to respond to the Toast to St. Patrick proposed by the Prime Minister with a toast to "The Irish and the Friends of the Irish in New Zealand"
Midnight Conclusion of banquet, return to hotel
Sunday 12 March
09.30Depart hotel for Auckland Domestic Airport
10.45Domestic flight Tauranga
11.20Arrive Tauranga Airport and transported to Hotel
12.00Attend Irish Fair Day — details to be confirmed
15.00Transported to Hotel
17.30Mayoral Reception, His Worship Mayor Stuart Crosby
19.00Dinner at venue to be confirmed
22.00Return to hotel
Monday 13 March
09.00 Depart hotel for Tauranga Domestic Airport
10.15Domestic flight Wellington
11.30Arrive Wellington Airport, transported to hotel
12.30-14.00Transfer to the Maori Language Commission, Level 14, Investment Centre, Corner Featherston & Balance Streets, Wellington, for lunch meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Haami Piripi to discuss preservation and development of languages
14.15Walk to next meetings
14.30Minister Ó Cuív meets with Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of the Community and Voluntary Sector — to be confirmed. (separate meeting)
15.30Minister returns to hotel
18.00Dinner at location to be confirmed
19.45Transported to the Wellington Irish Society Clubrooms for function hosted by the Wellington Irish Society
20.00Irish Society Function
22.00Return to Hotel
Tuesday 14 March
09.15Transfer to Beehive from hotel
09.30Hon. Damien O'Connor, Minister of Tourism at the Beehive, 5th Floor (5.3) to discuss New Zealand's experiences in visitor access to rural land and to sea and lake shore
10.30Transfer from Beehive to Hotel
13.00Lunch at a venue to be confirmed
13.45Transfer to Beehive for presentation to Parliament
14.00Presentation of Minister to Parliament to be confirmed
14.30Beehive tour
15.00Return to hotel
15.45Transfer to Beehive for meeting with Minister of Conservation, Housing and Ethnic Affairs
16.00Meeting with the Honourable Mr. Chris Carter, Minister for Conservation, Housing and Ethnic Affairs, at the Beehive
18.00Return to hotel
18.30Dinner at hotel
19.15Transported to the Hutt Valley Irish Society for Supper
20.00Hutt Valley Irish Society Supper at the Hutt Valley Irish Society Clubrooms
22.00Return to Hotel
Wednesday 15 March
09.15Depart hotel for Wellington Domestic Airport
10.20Domestic flight to Christchurch
11.15Arrive Christchurch Airport, transported to Hotel
17.00Transported to the Christchurch Irish Society for function attended by Mayor of Christchurch, His Worship Garry Moore
19.30Return to Hotel
20.00Dinner at location to be confirmed
Thursday 16 March
09.00Depart hotel for Christchurch Domestic Airport
10.30Domestic Flight Auckland
11.50Arrive Auckland Domestic Airport and transported to Hotel
PMWalkway site briefing — arranged by Auckland Tourism
Friday 17 March
06.30Transported to Auckland Harbour Bridge, Transit Services Area
07.00Climb Auckland Harbour Bridge to raise the Irish Flag
08.00Return to hotel
08.20TV Interview
09.00Transported to Claddagh Irish Bar, Newmarket to attend Starship Hospital Charity Breakfast
10.30Attend Youth Mass and Auckland Irish Society function followed by lunch
14.30Return to hotel
16.45Transfer to the Auckland Club
17.00Attend the Irish Consulate General cocktail reception to be held at the Auckland Club
19.00Transfer via hotel to attend Irish function
TBCReturn to Hotel
Saturday 18 March
AMRest
13.00Depart hotel for Auckland International Airport
15.30Delegation depart on International Flight
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:150 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment under the single payment scheme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9802/06]
My Department has no record of receiving a 2005 single payment application from the person named.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:151 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment under the single payment scheme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9803/06]
The person named submitted an application under the single payment scheme on 12 May 2005. He also included an application to consolidate his entitlements under the scheme. Following an initial examination of the consolidation application, it was noted that the person named declared 4.60 hectares of potatoes on his 2005 single payment application. In accordance with Article 51 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, lands used for the production of potatoes and-or fruit-vegetables declared by applicants under the single payment scheme are not eligible to benefit from payment but these hectares must be included in the number of consolidated entitlements established for the applicant. My Department issued a letter to the person named on 7 March 2006 outlining the position and requesting that he indicate whether he wished to proceed or withdraw his consolidation application. Upon receipt of a reply from the person named, my Department will be in a position to complete processing of his application and arrange for payment to issue.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:152 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a payment under the single farm payment scheme will not be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9826/06]
My Department has no record of receiving a 2005 single payment application from the person named.
Denis Naughten
Question:153 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon has received a REP scheme payment; if all outstanding issues have been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9883/06]
Full payment issued to the person named on 30 January 2006.
Gerard Murphy
Question:154 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); the single payment entitlements a person had; the amount a person will be receiving from her Department; when the moneys will be paid out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9886/06]
The person named submitted an application under the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme 2005. This application has been successfully processed and the entitlements have been transferred to the person named. The person named also submitted a private contract clause to transfer to another farmer by lease agreement 8.92 hectares and the corresponding amount of entitlements. This application has been successfully processed. The applicant is not entitled to benefit from the single payment in 2005, as she did not declare any lands on her application. An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and explained the position to her.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:155 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a payment under the single payment scheme will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9909/06]
While an application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2005, he also submitted an application under the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. Some queries arose during the initial processing of the inheritance application and these have now been resolved. This transfer has been completed and payment will issue to the person named shortly.
Official Engagements.
Paul Kehoe
Question:156 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities; and if so, the location she will be visiting; the functions she will be attending; and the groups she will meet with. [9939/06]
I will visit Prague in the Czech Republic from 16 to 19 March where I will be the guest of honour at the ambassador's St. Patrick's Day reception for senior representatives from the business, trade and tourism and cultural sectors, and the Irish community. I will also participate in a number of Bord Bia sponsored events to market Irish products in the growing Czech market, including an in-store promotion, media presentation and a business lunch for key Czech agents and distributors. I will be guest of honour at the Czech-Irish Business Association St. Patrick's Day annual dinner on Saturday, 18 March. On Sunday, I will attend a St. Patrick's Day mass for members of the Irish community. In addition, I will hold bilateral talks with the Czech Minister for Agriculture on a range of issues, including WTO and CAP policy as well as with local authorities on matters of mutual interest. Irish exports to the Czech Republic grew by over 10% in 2004 and showed a year-on-year expansion of over 24% in the first half of 2005. There are already approximately 50 Irish companies operating in the Czech Republic.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Question:157 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford can appeal the single farm payment decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9955/06]
The 2002 area aid application of the person named was fully processed with a forage area determined for payment purposes of 24.15 hectares. All of the land was deemed to be owned by the herdowner. The statement of provisional entitlements, which issued to all farmers in 2004, provided for a review of the calculation of the entitlements, where the person concerned considered that the calculation did not accurately reflect the farming activity during the reference period. No such request was received from the person named.
Question No. 158 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 38.
Departmental Funding.
Jerry Cowley
Question:160 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to provide funding for the Fathers for Justice group in view of the fact that their website currently has 5,000 hits a month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9834/06]
There is a provision of €50,000 in my Vote for 2006 to make a one-off grant available to the Separated and Unmarried Fathers of Ireland. There are no further moneys in my Department out of which funding can be made available to this group.
Garda Equipment.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:161 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure the allocation of additional Garda mountain bikes to the parts of south Dublin where the population and area to be policed is expanding rapidly. [9843/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the assistant commissioner of the DMR is currently reviewing the deployment of mountain bikes in the DMR, including south Dublin stations, with a view to the expansion and establishment of new units. Garda management further states that arrangements are in place for training to be delivered nationally throughout 2006. The first delivery of mountain bikes for 2006 has been received and they will be deployed in the coming months to expand existing units and establish new units.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that as of 31 January 2006, 118 Garda mountain bikes form the Garda mountain bike fleet, 11 of which are attached to the training function. A total of 65 mountain bikes are allocated for operational duty in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, deployed as set out hereunder:
|
DMR South Central Division |
|
|
Pearse Street |
4 |
|
Kevin Street |
3 |
|
Kilmainham |
1 |
|
Donnybrook |
2 |
|
DMR North Central Division |
|
|
Store Street |
6 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
1 |
|
Mountjoy |
1 |
|
Bridewell |
2 |
|
DMR South Division |
|
|
Tallaght |
6 |
|
Terenure |
2 |
|
DMR North Division |
|
|
Raheny |
2 |
|
Clontarf |
3 |
|
Howth |
2 |
|
Ballymun |
2 |
|
Coolock |
2 |
|
DMR East Division |
|
|
Bray |
3 |
|
Blackrock |
2 |
|
Stepaside |
1 |
|
Dundrum |
1 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
2 |
|
DMR West Division |
|
|
Blanchardstown |
6 |
|
Ballyfermot |
2 |
|
Clondalkin |
2 |
|
Ronanstown |
3 |
|
Finglas |
2 |
|
Lucan |
2 |
I am further informed that 229 Garda personnel allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region have been trained and equipped for mountain bike duties.
Asylum Support Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:162 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the town of Kiltimagh, County Mayo with regard to accommodation for asylum seekers; if the accommodation arrangements will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9846/06]
The reception and integration agency, RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and currently has a portfolio of 65 centres across the State for this purpose.
In March 2005, a total of 8,080 asylum seekers were accommodated by the RIA. Approximately 3,500 residents applied for leave to remain in the State under the Irish born children, IBC, measures announced on 17 December 2004. Almost all of these residents have now left the RIA accommodation and, as of 24 February 2006, 4,892 asylum seekers were resident in accommodation centres. Within a relatively short space of time, the numbers requiring accommodation have reduced and it is incumbent on the RIA to use the accommodation at its disposal in the most effective way and to provide the best value for money for the Department and the taxpayer. In addition to the exodus of families with IBC from RIA accommodation, the numbers and profile of persons seeking asylum have changed. The number of families seeking asylum in the State has dropped and RIA accommodation must reflect this reality. In order 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 in order to optimise usage and obtain value for money. This downsizing has included the closure of 15 centres with a combined capacity of 833 beds during 2005. To date in 2006, four centres with a combined capacity of approximately 270 beds have been closed and further closures and 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 County Mayo, 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. 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. For a number of reasons, the RIA has agreed that the families with school-going children who currently reside at the centre will be allowed to remain there at least until the end of the current school year.
The centre consists of two buildings, the Railway Hotel and the annex, which is located across the road. The RIA has recently allocated nine single males to this building and a number of further placements will be made this week. 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 understanding of the proposed new arrangements and the reasons for these changes.
The RIA understands the degree of anxiety or unease that a local population may feel if a centre profile is changed from women, children and small babies to single persons. It is the RIA's experience that such feelings dissipate as the local population comes to know the individuals concerned and their practical experience of the centre operation allays their initial concerns. The RIA currently has in its accommodation portfolio 16 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 in order to accommodate single persons alongside families in counties Sligo, Meath and Monaghan.
Citizenship Applications.
Willie Penrose
Question:163 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to ensure that the letter relating the decision by his Department to approve the application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is conveyed to that person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9870/06]
I informed the Deputy on 29 November that I had recently approved the application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to and that a letter conveying my decision as well as the procedures which must be finalised before the certificate could issue would be sent to the person concerned within a week or so. Unfortunately the issue of this letter was overlooked in the citizenship section of my Department and the letter only issued in the last few days. I regret any inconvenience to the person concerned by this error and I can assure the Deputy and the person concerned that the finalisation of this matter will be afforded every priority.
Garda Recruitment.
Richard Bruton
Question:164 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to change the age limit of 35 for entry into the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/06]
As part of the preparation for the Garda recruitment campaign in 2004, I asked the Garda Commissioner to review the eligibility criteria for entry to the Garda Síochána in so far as it related to the maximum age of entry to the Garda Síochána. This arose from the need to implement Directive 2000/78/EC, which, inter alia, prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of age.
In November 2004, on foot of recommendations from the Garda Commissioner on the matter, I increased the upper age limit for entry to the Garda Síochána from 26 to 35. This important change has extended the opportunity to many more people of a career in the Garda Síochána and increases the pool of talent available to the force on an ongoing basis. The change has already had a beneficial effect, with a significant percentage of recent recruits coming within the extended age range. There are no plans to make any further amendments to the age limit at this time.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will defer his proposals to deport a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 to facilitate a surgical procedure scheduled in view of the fact that such a procedure will not be available in the person’s homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9896/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 17 May 2005 and claimed asylum. Her asylum claim was independently investigated by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of which concluded that she did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee.
The person concerned had her case considered under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, on the prohibition of refoulement following which I signed a deportation order in respect of her on 7 February 2006. The person concerned was advised of this decision and of the requirement that she present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 2 March 2006 at 10 a.m. to make arrangements for her deportation from the State. It is understood that the person concerned presented on that date and was given a further presentation date of 11 May 2006. The deportation of the person concerned is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:166 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an American person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved Irish citizenship on the basis of marriage. [9906/06]
In my response to Question No. 169 on 9 February, I informed the Deputy that, as a large number of declarations of post-nuptial citizenship was being dealt with by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs, it was not possible at that stage to be precise as to when the declaration of the person concerned might be finalised. I have now been informed by officials in the citizenship section of my Department that consideration of the declaration will be finalised within the next six months.
Garda Recruitment.
David Stanton
Question:167 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new gardaí recruited each year since 2000; the number of these recruits who had graduate or postgraduate qualifications; the breakdown of same; the age profile of these Garda recruits in each respective year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9914/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of Garda recruits in each year from 2000 to 2005 was as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2000 |
496 |
|
2001 |
497 |
|
2002 |
547 |
|
2003 |
687 |
|
2004 |
518 |
|
2005 |
1,125 |
Detailed statistics on the number of these recruits who had graduate or postgraduate qualifications and the age profile of same are not available at present.
The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength of attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of this year. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again 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.
David Stanton
Question:168 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if having a masters qualification is a disadvantage to somebody who wishes to become a member of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9915/06]
Entry to the Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended. In September 2004, I obtained Government approval to make certain changes to the criteria set out in these regulations. These changes will open up entry to the Garda Síochána to persons in Ireland from all parts of the community and from all ethnic backgrounds. This is significant step will help to ensure that future intakes of recruits to the Garda Síochána reflect the composition of Irish society to the benefit of the force and the people it serves.
To be eligible for selection as a trainee, an applicant must be of good character; be certified by a registered medical practitioner nominated by the Commissioner after consultation with the Minister to be of good health, of sound constitution and fitted physically and mentally to perform the duties of a member of the service; have passed a physical competence test; be at least 18 and under 35 years on the first day of the month in which the competition was advertised; and be a national of a European Union member state, a European Economic Area state or the Swiss Confederation, be a refugee under the Refugee Act 1996, or have had a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the first day of the month in which the advertisement for the Garda recruitment competition was published and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years — periods of illegal residence or residence as an asylum seeker in the State do not count for this qualifying five year period. To be eligible for selection as a trainee an applicant must have obtained, in the Irish established leaving certificate examination or Irish leaving certificate vocational programme a grade not lower than B3 at foundation level or D3 at another level in mathematics and a qualifying grade in two languages, at least one of which must be English or Irish, if Irish, a grade not lower than C3 at foundation level or D3 at another level and if English or another language, a grade not lower than D3 at ordinary level and a grade not lower than D3 at ordinary level in not less than two other subjects, the merit grade in the applied leaving certificate or like grades in another examination, which, in the opinion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is not of a lower standard than the above.
Among the qualifications which are considered as acceptable alternatives to the leaving certificate examination are the following: matriculation of a recognised university; a general certificate of education, advanced level; NCEA or HETAC national certificate; or NCEA or HETAC National Diploma. Applicants with any such alternative qualifications must hold qualifications equivalent to those referred to above in mathematics, English or Irish and one other language. Any person who exceeds the minimum requirements as to educational qualifications, which could include holding a masters qualification, is clearly not at any disadvantage in the Garda recruitment process.
Deportation Orders.
Brian O'Shea
Question:169 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford who are being called to the Garda National