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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 2006

Vol. 617 No. 3

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.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

10 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his provision in the Finance Bill 2006 to impose penalties on tax avoidance schemes, subsequently proved illegal, has been affected by a recent European Court of Justice ruling on what can be regarded as abusive and attracting a penalty. [12368/06]

Section 126 of the Finance Bill seeks to ensure that attempting to avoid tax, using means that would not succeed if challenged by reference to the general anti-avoidance section, section 811 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, will no longer be a risk-free activity. Taxpayers considering the use of artificial arrangements to avoid tax will now have to take account of the risk of having to pay an additional 10% surcharge on the tax that they attempt to avoid. In addition, they run the risk of having to pay interest back to the date when the tax concerned would have become payable if there had been no avoidance.

The new section enables taxpayers to protect themselves against any possibility of the new surcharge or interest arising. Taxpayers can do this by making a protective notification to Revenue of the transaction concerned and they can avail of this option on a wholly "without prejudice" basis.

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the European Court of Justice ruling last month in the case colloquially known as Halifax. I should point out that this ruling was in respect of a UK case not an Irish case. The ruling is primarily relevant to VAT — a tax governed by EU law — although it is, of course, possible that, in time, similar principles may inform ECJ decisions in respect of other taxes. The court found that the European civil law principle prohibiting abusive practices applies to VAT. Where such abusive practices are undertaken to enable a taxpayer to claim a deduction for VAT paid on inputs, the court ruled that the taxpayer is not entitled to deduct the input VAT concerned.

The ruling addressed the definition of transactions that involve abusive practices. In summary, it found that transactions involve an abusive practice where, first, a tax advantage accrues from the transactions and, second, the essential aim of the transactions is to obtain that tax advantage. According to the ruling, it is for the national court to verify whether action constituting an abusive practice has taken place. In the case of Halifax, this will be ultimately determined in the UK courts.

The Revenue Commissioners advise me that they do not expect that this judgment will adversely affect the operation of the section to which the Deputy refers in his question. It is worth pointing out that the judgment's specification of the circumstances in which an abusive practice arises are not, in substance, dissimilar to the criteria in Irish tax law for identifying tax avoidance. These are set out in the general anti-avoidance section — section 811 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 — on which section 126 of the Finance Bill is based. The issues involved are complex and, ultimately, it will be for the courts to decide how the ECJ judgment will affect the operation of section 126.

Michael Ring

Question:

11 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the issues which are being reviewed in assessing whether the exemption from stamp duty on site values should apply where developers build houses on the basis of a licence to build from the landowner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12532/06]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

67 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the steps he plans to take to close the loophole which allows some property developers to avoid stamp duty by developing land under licence from the original owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12378/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 67 together.

Stamp Duty is a charge on documents, which are mostly legal documents, used in the transfer of property. Where a property is purchased, stamp duty is charged on the conveyance or transfer effecting change of legal ownership of the property concerned. If there is no conveyance, there is no stamp duty. A builder or developer can, therefore, obtain a licence from a vendor to build on land owned by the vendor without incurring a stamp duty charge at that stage of the venture. Once the buildings, whether commercial or residential are completed, the conveyances or transfers of such properties to purchasers are chargeable to stamp duty in the normal manner unless specific exemptions are available to such purchasers.

Taking account of the proliferation of developments generally in recent times and in the context of its targeted auditing project in the construction sector in 2006, the Revenue Commissioners are reviewing the use of licensing and similar arrangements as part of their audit and compliance programmes. The review, as with Revenue's overall approach to its business, will focus on risk. I have asked Revenue to let me know the outcome of the review and I will decide what action, if any, is required bearing in mind the effect on the housing market and the cost to the Exchequer.

Proposed Legislation.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

12 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the steps which are being taken to amend the Stock Exchange Act 1995 to protect investors, in particular those whose shares are held electronically, in the event of the collapse of a stockbroking firm so holding such shares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12366/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

92 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a report or statement of affairs from the receiver will be made available to the investors arising from the process of the receivership of a collapsed firm (details supplied); if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12367/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 92 together.

A number of legislative and regulatory measures to increase the protection of investors, including those who hold shares electronically, are currently being considered by an expert working group established under the aegis of my Department. The membership of the working group is composed of industry and consumer representatives as well as the Financial Regulator, the Central Bank and my Department. I am advised that the report of the group is currently being finalised. The recommendations of the group will be carefully considered in order to ensure that the interests of investors are appropriately safeguarded and a competitive environment for firms providing investment services is maintained.

I understand that the Irish Stock Exchange, ISE, which is represented on the group, advocates moving towards full dematerialisation, involving the replacement of share certificates and transfer forms with electronic records. Apart from keeping pace with industry practice around the world, electronic certification of shareholdings would also reduce the opportunity for fraud. Electronically held shares can reduce uncertainties relating to the ownership of client assets and consequently contribute to speedier distributions following a collapse. If shares were to be held electronically, and clients to receive independent verification of their assets, this would go a long way towards avoiding a situation where the assets in the possession of the firm do not match those that should be held for clients. Delays in the receivership process could be reduced where holdings are electronically certificated. The Deputy may wish to note that the legal principle established by the High Court was that there did not appear to be any basis in law or in logic for making a distinction between electronic and certificated shares as to the manner in which they should be treated in the event of the collapse of a stockbroking firm.

A dematerialisation implementation group has been established by the ISE comprising representatives of all relevant securities markets, regulatory and governmental authorities including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within whose remit dematerialisation falls. It would obviously be essential that any migration to full dematerialisation is effectively underpinned by any changes required for investor protection in the legislative or regulatory framework.

In relation to the Deputy's question concerning access to information from the receiver, I should point out that a receiver is a court appointed official. The court oversees the receivership process and the receiver reports to the court at the conclusion of the receivership. In the particular case, the receiver applied to the court on a number of occasions for direction in relation to matters associated with his administration of the receivership.

It is open to any investor to request the court to be put on notice of the timing of the receiver's final report and to ask the court for a copy of the report. It would be a matter for the court to decide whether, or not, to accede to any investor's request and-or to require that a receiver's report be published more widely.

National Development Plan.

Michael Noonan

Question:

13 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance his plans for changes in the way in which a successor to the NDP will be drawn up. [12508/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

38 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance the preparations which have taken place regarding a replacement for the national development plan; and the way in which the inputs will be cobbled into a coherent programme. [12524/06]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if an independent evaluation study of investment needs over the period 2007 to 2013 in preparation for the next national development plan has been completed; and if same will be made available to the public. [12416/06]

Denis Naughten

Question:

74 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans for a successor to the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12549/06]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

88 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the progress of the consultation process promised in advance of the introduction of a new national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12392/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 38, 48, 74 and 88 together.

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

An extensive consultation process on the next national development plan is under way. Formal submissions have been sought from the social partners, the regional assemblies, regional authorities and a number of concerned interest groups such as the Heritage Council, Comhar, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Western Development Commission. A number of submissions have already been received and my Department has also had meetings with some of the bodies concerned.

An evaluation of investment priorities for the period of the next NDP is being conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute. When the ESRI has concluded its work, its evaluation will be presented to Government in the first instance. As was the case with previous evaluations it is envisaged that the ESRI evaluation will be published.

The content and focus of the next NDP and the resultant allocations and prioritisation will be a matter for decision by Government. In doing so, the Government will take account of the recommendations of the ESRI study and the results of the consultation process. I envisage that the new plan will seek to address the investment now necessary to maintain national competitiveness within a sustainable economic and budgetary framework. It will also set out a coherent investment strategy at sectoral level with particular reference to the infrastructure investment necessary to meet economic and social challenges.

In addition the plan will address the following horizontal themes: the implementation of the national spatial strategy; the all-island dimension and the potential benefits of cross-Border co-operation; the EU Lisbon process; the promotion of social inclusion; and environmental sustainability.

Tax Code.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

14 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether any other elements of the Irish tax code could be subject to challenge under state aid rules. [12527/06]

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

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

Decentralisation Programme.

Simon Coveney

Question:

15 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Finance if the issue of confining promotions to only persons willing to decentralise has been modified as a result of recent Labour Court hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12510/06]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

33 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions publicly or privately or through an intermediary with the management of FÁS in relation to its proposed decentralisation or issued observations in relation to the proposal. [12538/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

55 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to overcome the impasse in the decentralisation of State agencies where there are very few volunteers to move, no clear career path for persons who opt not to move and attempts by management to confine competitions for promotion to persons willing to decentralise has been ruled in breach of agreements by the Labour Court. [12528/06]

Dan Boyle

Question:

59 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if Government policy on decentralisation in regard to the State agencies has changed from voluntary to compulsion; and what will happen to those employees who refuse to relocate. [12406/06]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

63 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared to review the decentralisation programme for the State agencies in view of the fact that trade union members have issued a strike notice in relation to the issue. [12415/06]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

81 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if his policy remains that the Government’s decentralisation programme will be carried out on a voluntary basis and that no public servant will be put at a disadvantage as a result of a declining to relocate; his views, in this context, on the growing industrial relations problem in the public sector as a result of problems arising from the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12393/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 33, 55, 59, 63 and 81 together.

Both the Government and I have made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary. From the outset guarantees have been provided at Government level that all those employees not wishing to transfer out of Dublin will be facilitated with an alternative public service post in Dublin. This position has not changed.

The following is the current position in relation to promotions policy and decentralisation. In the Civil Service, progress has been made in discussions with the general service unions on issues relating to decentralisation including promotions arrangements. Discussions are ongoing on these issues with the unions representing the professional and technical grades in the Civil Service. I am hopeful these and other decentralisation issues arising in the State agency sector can be discussed with the relevant unions with a view to arriving at arrangements which support the decentralisation process while also meeting the concerns of staff. In the meantime, practices in decentralising organisations relating to recruitment, promotion, etc., must take account of the reality of decentralisation.

Turning now to the FÁS issue, officials of my Department and the parent Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are in regular communication with FÁS management on various aspects of the implementation of the decentralisation programme. It would be helpful to outline the Labour Court ruling. In its recent recommendation in a dispute between SIPTU and FÁS concerning decentralisation and FÁS contracts of employment, the Labour Court considered the written and oral submissions of the parties. The court also noted the terms of the company-union industrial relations procedures agreement and said that it was of the opinion that FÁS was in breach of the consultation procedures provided for in that agreement. It made no ruling on the substantive issue of the relocation clause.

The court recommended that the matter be referred back to the appropriate central body, at which level the issues should be teased out with a view to arriving at agreed long-term solutions, in consultation with all the parties involved.

I strongly support the full use of existing industrial relations structures by all the parties involved and believe that this represents the best way forward. I would, therefore, encourage all the parties to the dispute to engage in central discussions as recommended by the Labour Court. It is only through dialogue that the issues raised can be addressed. I understand that FÁS has accepted the Labour Court recommendation and is available for talks. I hope that SIPTU will also be agreeable to participate fully in talks to facilitate an early resolution of this dispute.

Undoubtedly, there are complexities involved in the State agency aspects of the decentralisation programme which do not exist in the Civil Service. The Government and the decentralisation implementation group have always recognised that this would be the case. However, both the Government and the DIG remain of the view that these challenges can be addressed through the active engagement of management and unions. This State agency element of the programme will be implemented.

I am confident that we can arrive at a set of arrangements which will progress the decentralisation programme while also addressing the concerns of staff. To do so, however, requires the active engagement of staff interests at the negotiating table.

Pay Rates.

Tom Hayes

Question:

16 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if research has been conducted into the gap between public sector and private sector pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12521/06]

The Government position on public service pay is very clear. The public service must be able to attract and retain a reasonable proportion of good quality staff at all levels. In this respect, it should neither lead the field, nor trail behind. The independent benchmarking process affords a means whereby painstaking comparisons between public service jobs and their counterparts in the private sector can be made and appropriate pay rates for the public service determined. This process looks at qualifications, responsibilities, hours worked and a range of other factors.

The job evaluation and salary review carried out by the Public Service Benchmarking Body in its first review in 2000 to 2002 was one of the most extensive ever carried out not alone in this country but anywhere. While the benchmarking body, which has now commenced the second benchmarking exercise, may not find it necessary to repeat reviews on quite the same scale given the sizable existing data bank, it is expected to carry out extensive independent research as part of this exercise also.

While my Department monitors pay developments across the economy on an ongoing basis, it does not carry out or commission its own research on public and private sector jobs and pay rates — except in respect of a limited number of specific cases such as the appropriate remuneration levels of chief executive officers of commercial State companies — as this would be to duplicate the work and costs of the benchmarking body.

There have been some other research projects carried out into the levels of public and private sector pay using different methodologies. While I am satisfied that the benchmarking approach based on comparisons of actual job responsibilities and weights is the most appropriate, such other research approaches are a useful additional input and will no doubt be considered by the benchmarking body in its work.

Decentralisation Programme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

17 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with other Departments or State agencies which are concerned at the potential loss of expertise and corporate knowledge as a result of the Government’s decentralisation programme; the steps being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12394/06]

When the decentralisation programme was announced the Government appointed a decentralisation implementation group to drive the process forward. The implementation group asked that all organisations participating in the programme should prepare detailed implementation plans, including risk mitigation plans. These plans were prepared and submitted to the group. In its July 2004 report, the group noted that the overall quality of the plans was good. In line with a recommendation in the group's November 2004 report, each of the Departments and organisations scheduled as early movers has prepared a revised implementation plan detailing the steps that need to be taken in order to complete the moves to the new locations successfully. These have been submitted to the group which has been examining them in detail. All other decentralising organisations are currently preparing revised implementation plans.

I understand the implementation group has recently met with the Secretaries General of decentralising Departments to discuss the overall planning frameworks and review progress to date. Following this round of discussions I understand that the chairman of the group has stated that he is satisfied that senior civil servants are leading the implementation of this programme in a professional and carefully planned manner. In addition, the early assignment of staff to the particular posts which are decentralising will greatly assist in skilling up staff in their new roles. To date, I am pleased to report that in excess of 1,200 staff have been assigned to decentralising posts.

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

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

18 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants currently located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; if agreement has been reached with all public service unions regarding promotional opportunities for persons who chose to move and persons who opt to remain where they are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/06]

The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. To date there have been over 10,600 applications made to the central applications facility. Of these over 50% are from Dublin based staff.

The following is the current position in relation to promotions policy and decentralisation. In the Civil Service, progress has been made in discussions with the general service unions on issues relating to decentralisation including promotions arrangements. Discussions are ongoing on these issues with the unions representing the professional and technical grades in the Civil Service. I am hopeful these and other decentralisation issues arising in the State agency sector can be discussed with the relevant unions with a view to arriving at arrangements which support the decentralisation process while also meeting the concerns of staff. In the meantime, practices in decentralising organisations relating to recruitment, promotion, etc., must take account of the reality of decentralisation.

Paul McGrath

Question:

19 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of meetings which he has had with the implementation commission for decentralisation; and the subject of these meetings. [12537/06]

When the decentralisation programme was announced, the Government appointed a decentralisation implementation group to drive the process forward. The group formally submits its reports on progress with implementation of the programme to me which I then submit to the Government for its consideration. The Government has approved the recommendations contained in the group's reports published in March 2004, July 2004, November 2004 and June 2005.

In addition, I met the current chair of the group in July last during which I received an update in relation to the main issues arising on implementation of the decentralisation programme. I also met the former chair of the group in November 2004. In addition, I understand that my predecessor met the former chair of the group in March 2004.

Social Partnership.

Billy Timmins

Question:

20 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance his ambitions for the current round of social partnership talks. [12541/06]

Talks on a new national partnership agreement to follow Sustaining Progress commenced recently. Although it would be imprudent to make any detailed statement at this stage about these talks, I will say that I am concerned about the decline in cost competitiveness in recent years. This is having an impact on employment in the exposed sectors of the economy. We must maintain and improve the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for inward foreign direct investment.

Wage increases in Ireland have significantly exceeded those of our major trading partners for some time. Increases under Sustaining Progress are somewhat lower than previous agreements, on average about 4% a year. However, these increases are markedly above those being experienced in major European economies and it is important, in any new agreement, that pay increases are kept at, or below, those of our European partners.

Fundamentally, in concluding a new pay deal we must ensure that we do not adversely affect the long-term competitiveness of the country. If pay increases under the next agreement are not kept at a moderate level and do not take account of pay levels in competitor countries, we may see the beginning of job losses in vulnerable parts of the private sector.

EU Funding.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

21 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts, including the British Government, regarding new funding for the PEACE programme in the period 2007 to 2013; the outcome of those discussions; the position regarding the funding proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12283/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

130 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts, including the British Government, regarding new funding for the PEACE programme in the period 2007 to 2013; the outcome of those discussions; the position regarding the funding proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12712/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 130 together.

The Government is very aware of the valuable role that PEACE II and its predecessor, PEACE I, have played in building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border region. Therefore, I am very glad to be able to report that due to efforts of the Irish and the British Governments, the agreement at the European Council of 16 December last on the financial perspectives for 2007 to 2013 included a provision for a successor to these programmes, PEACE III.

The European Union will provide €200 million towards the PEACE III programme. The relevant EU regulations are being finalised by the European Council and European Parliament. I expect PEACE III will be accepting new applications for funding in early 2007.

Revenue Investigations.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

22 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance and NIB inquiry at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed; the amount paid to date; the number of cases outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12403/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that arising from the Clerical Medical Insurance-NIB inquiry, 465 cases have been targeted for investigation. To date, 306 cases have been settled on payment of tax, interest and penalties amounting to a total of €53.78 million. A further 122 cases have been finalised with no additional liability arising. The remaining 37 cases are the subject of ongoing investigation, in respect of which €3.25 million has been paid on account.

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

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

Tax Yield.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

23 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the Exchequer returns for the first two months of 2006. [12373/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, the monthly Exchequer returns are available on my Department's website, as are my Department's receipts, expenditure and debt service profiles for 2006. The results for the first two months of 2006 confirm that the public finances remain sound. There was an Exchequer surplus of €2,415 million at end-February.

Tax receipts to end-February at €7,310 million were up 19.4 per cent on the same period last year and were €77 million or 1.1% ahead of profile. The main excesses over profile were on capital gains tax, €129 million, corporation tax, €91 million, and stamp duty, €40 million, while VAT, income tax and excise were €163 million, €30 million and €12 million below profile, respectively.

Overall Exchequer issues for net voted spending were €5,385 million at end-February compared to €5,161 million for the same period last year, an increase of €224 million or 4.3%. This was €147 million or 2.7% below profile due to lower than expected issues for current spending. Debt service is in line with expectations.

Alternative Energy Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

24 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce tax on sales of biofuel cars and biofuels as an incentive to persons wishing to develop the biofuel industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12547/06]

While the promotion of biofuels is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in the Finance Bill 2006, which has just completed its passage through the Dáil and Seanad, I have provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland. The new large scale scheme of excise relief for biofuels to be established will provide for excise relief on up to 163 million litres of biofuels per annum, cost more than €200 million over five years starting this year, when fully operational will result in carbon dioxide savings of more than 250,000 tonnes per annum, meet a target of 2% transport fuel market penetration by biofuels, help reduce our dependency on conventional fossil fuels and stimulate activity in the agricultural sector. As a complementary measure, I have also provided for a new 50% VRT relief to promote new flexible fuel vehicles.

These are major initiatives aimed at promoting biofuels in Ireland. With respect to the excise relief scheme, I should say that as any such scheme is deemed a state aid by the European Commission, the necessary approval from the Commission is required. Preliminary discussions have already taken place between the Department of Finance, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the European Commission in this regard. Once approval has been granted, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will advertise the scheme and set out the procedures for applying for the excise relief.

Tax Clearance Certificates.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

25 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance if all certificates for tax allowance and credits have been sent out to all taxpayers; the reason for the delays that arose in 2006; if he has satisfied himself with the accuracy of the certificates sent out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12384/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the issue of approximately 2.2 million individual tax credit certificates to PAYE customers reflecting the budget changes was completed at the end of February. The timescale for completion of the bulk issue this year was of the order of two to three weeks longer than usual. A dimension for 2006 was the new PAYE computer system put in place by Revenue last October that will form the bedrock for a range of improved services for PAYE customers later this year. The bulk issue of tax credit certificates for 2006 was the first in the new system and Revenue advises me that it took some additional time as part of the process of bedding in the new system. The issue of the tax credits notices to employers was prioritised by Revenue so as to ensure that payroll benefits arising from the budget changes were put into effect as quickly as possible.

At the time of the bulk issue each year Revenue may not be aware of changed circumstances of customers and this can result in tax credit certificates issuing that do not reflect the most up-to-date position for a customer. Revenue advises me that tax credit entitlements for a minority of customers were affected in the major changeover process to the new computer system. Revenue assures me that it has a very active process of identifying any such customers and, where appropriate, issued amended notices to employers to enable them to adjust the payroll deductions. Amended tax credit certificates for individuals subsequently issued as part of this process and any entitlements were backdated to the start of the year.

Motor Vehicle Registration.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

26 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the way in which number plate providers are regulated here; his plans to introduce registration and monitoring of such providers to allow for the greater enforcement of road traffic law and to curb crime. [9197/06]

With regard to car registration regulation, the Revenue Commissioners are the vehicle registration authority in the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the owner-driver of a vehicle is responsible for ensuring that his or her vehicle registration plates comply with the law and it is an offence under section 139(1)(b) of the Finance Act 1992 to be in possession of a vehicle displaying a vehicle registration plate in a format other than as prescribed. The format, dimensions and technical specifications of identification marks — vehicle registration plates — to be displayed on vehicles in the State are set out in SI 318 of 1992 as amended by SI 432 of 1999. These regulations are well known and widely understood by the motor trade.

The Deputy may wish to note that Revenue mobile units and the Garda Síochána are actively engaged in the detection of vehicles displaying non-conforming registration plates and that the Department of Transport, which has responsibility for the provision of the national car test, rates such display as a failure in the test. At present, there are no plans to impose further regulatory control in this area, such as by regulating the providers of the number plates.

Freedom of Information.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

27 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the report of the Information Commissioner for the purpose of review of non-disclosure provisions in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12284/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

34 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the comments made by the Information Commissioner, Ms Emily O’Reilly, at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service in which she expressed the view that the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 needed to be extended further; if he intends to extend the scope of the Act further; if the 109 additional bodies have been brought within the scope of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12371/06]

Liam Twomey

Question:

50 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Finance his views on a consolidation of exclusions from the Freedom of Information Act 1997 as recommended by the Information Commissioner and to make arrangements whereby new exclusions being proposed would be brought to the notice of the commissioner for observation before they are enacted. [12522/06]

John Perry

Question:

69 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements will be made that the Information Commissioner is consulted in assessing the merits of extending the Freedom of Information Act 1997 to the vocational educational committees, IFSRA, the Adoption Board, the Garda Síochána and so on in order that the Government has access to the full range of expertise available in making such decisions. [12534/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 34, 50 and 69 together.

I have seen the report of the Information Commissioner concerning non-disclosure provisions. The report was submitted to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service as part of the process under section 32 of the Freedom of Information Acts whereby an authorised joint committee of both Houses of the Oireachtas is required to review from time to time the operation of non-disclosure provisions in other enactments that are not listed in the Third Schedule to the Freedom of Information Acts. I understand the joint committee is undertaking such a review at present and is dealing with reports it has received from Ministers and the Information Commissioner's report in this context.

I am aware of the views expressed by the Information Commissioner on extension of the Freedom of Information Acts. Freedom of information has been extended from 67 bodies since April 1998 to almost 400 today. Regulations to extend the Acts to more than 100 other bodies will be brought forward shortly. As regards further extensions, I would refer to the reply I gave the House on 28 February in which I indicated that extension of the Acts to a number of other bodies is being considered. The question of observations being sought from the Information Commissioner on draft legislation would be determined on a case-by-case basis. I see no reason to change that approach. I have no proposals for the Information Commissioner to be consulted on the merits of applying the Acts to particular bodies.

Regarding the Information Commissioner's suggestion for a non-disclosure Act, this clearly represents the Commissioner's view and what she believes should be in place for freedom of information purposes. However, the suggestion may not take fully into account the existence of the legal frameworks covering the large number of other legislative regimes that include non-disclosure provisions. I am not convinced that it would assist transparency, accessibility or legal clarity for those legal structures to have all non-disclosure provisions codified into a separate Act. The legislative change suggested by the Information Commissioner would also require a major review of the Statute Book and amendments to a wide range of acts to achieve the cross references needed. The existing arrangement appears to be clearer, whereby the Oireachtas addresses all new legislation separately and a non-disclosure provision is included or not according to the scheme of the particular Bill; if a non-disclosure provision is not listed in the Third Schedule to the Freedom of Information Acts, it is subject to review under section 32.

Employment Levels.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

28 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance his views on the contrasting trends reported by the Central Statistics Office in respect of employment growth and output growth in the economy, which implies an unexplained collapse in productivity growth in the economy here. [12502/06]

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

The CSO's most recent national accounts data show that GDP rose by 4.7% last year. Output in all sectors was up on 2004 with the exception of the agricultural sector. The growth in employment and GDP can be used to calculate a crude indicator of the trend in labour productivity. Employment growth of 4.7% and estimated GDP growth of 4.7% implies no increase in aggregate labour productivity in 2005. Care should be taken in interpreting differences between trends in employment and in GDP because timing differences and statistical volatility can affect the results. In particular, estimates of GDP are still subject to revision. However, there is evidence in recent years to suggest that while labour productivity levels continue to increase, the rate of growth is slower than previously.

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

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

Decentralisation Programme.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

29 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if an estimate has been undertaken of the number of civil or public servants who do not wish to relocate and will be surplus to requirements as a result of their jobs being transferred to other locations under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the jobs which will be provided for these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12398/06]

From the outset, the Government has made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary. Due to the nature of the programme, it is not possible at this stage to estimate the number of public servants who do not wish to relocate as individual circumstances are open to change and, therefore, figures can fluctuate. The picture will become clearer over the coming period as staff are assigned to decentralising organisations.

The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts that are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. To date, in excess of 1,200 staff have been assigned to decentralising posts. In addition, my Department has been in discussions with the Civil Service unions on further arrangements to facilitate the placement of Dublin based staff. The objective of these arrangements is to provide to the Public Appointments Service details of staff who wish to remain in Dublin at each grade level so that a proportion of vacancies arising in Dublin based posts may be filled by those staff. These arrangements have been recently initiated for general service grades and discussions are continuing on appropriate arrangements for professional and technical grades. It is intended that the arrangements will continue over the full transition phase of the decentralisation programme.

Public Service Contracts.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

30 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to ensure that public service contracts are awarded only to those companies which meet minimum standards in terms of pay, working conditions and pension entitlements, in view of the increasing disclosures of underpayments to foreign workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12380/06]

Public procurement guidelines issued by my Department require contracting authorities to ensure that tenderers have regard to minimum pay and other legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements when preparing tenders and that tender documents should have an appropriate reference to this. Regulations to transpose recently revised EU directives on public procurement currently being finalised,will require contracting authorities to indicate to tenderers where information on obligations relating to employment protection and working conditions legally in force in Ireland may be obtained. Tenderers will then be requested to indicate that in drawing up their tenders they have taken these obligations into account. Contracting authorities will be required to disregard any tenderer that fails to indicate compliance with this requirement.

New draft forms for construction contracts, which are the subject of consultation with the construction industry, include provisions that require contractors to ensure that pay and conditions of employment comply with the law and are not less favourable than the terms of the registered employment agreements for those employees to whom the agreements apply. The new draft contracts also include a provision which gives some support to strengthening enforcement arrangements in the construction sector.

National Pension Reserve Fund.

Enda Kenny

Question:

31 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the terms on which funds in the National Pensions Reserve Fund have been made available for public sector projects; and the reason they have not been taken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/06]

The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is independent of the Government in the exercise of its functions. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, it controls and manages the fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement the fund's investment strategy. This strategy is based on a commercial investment mandate with the objective of securing the optimal return over the long term subject to prudent risk management. The independence of the commission is a cornerstone of the legislation that ensures that the commission will invest in a manner that maximises returns. Essentially, it is similar to the trustee arrangements that apply to private pension funds and places an obligation on the commission to act commercially and in the best interests of the fund.

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

Mortgage Interest Rates.

Richard Bruton

Question:

32 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the possibility of introducing measures to promote greater availability of long-term fixed interest mortgages which would reduce the vulnerability of the economy to short-term interest rate movements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12369/06]

It would not be appropriate for me in my role as Minister for Finance to seek to promote one type of mortgage product ahead of another. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a high degree of competition in the Irish mortgage credit market, providing a wide choice of competitively priced mortgage products to potential borrowers from several mortgage lenders. In this regard, I understand that long-term fixed interest rate mortgages are available from mortgage lenders to any customer who wishes to avail of them.

The decision on the choice of mortgage product ultimately rests with the consumer, drawing, for example, on the information and advice supplied by the Financial Regulator and the lending institution concerned. The mortgage products offered by institutions to borrowers are based on many factors and will reflect the assessment of the attractiveness of the product to their customers. The preference of borrowers is also influenced by a range of factors, the assessment of which will depend on the personal circumstances and risk assessment of each individual borrower.

I am satisfied that the information being made available by the Financial Regulator, together with the statutory information and warnings in the case of mortgages, serve as an adequate basis for consumers to make a decision about the types of mortgage that best suits them, given all the factors which must be considered, including the relative merits of fixed and variable rate mortgages. For example, the Financial Regulator has published a guide called Mortgages made Easy, which is available on its website or for callers to its consumer information office. This booklet describes the different types of mortgages available, including fixed rate mortgages, and outlines the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of mortgage.

In light of such factors as the continued strong performance of the Irish economy with strong employment and income growth, I would not see the recent increases in interest rates as having a significant impact on the Irish economy. At the same time, the possibility that interest rates may rise over the medium term, with obvious implications for the burden of repayments, should be kept firmly in mind by borrowers. I fully support the vigilance of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator in consistently reiterating the importance of borrowers acting sensibly and the lending institutions acting prudently, given the possibility that interest rates will rise further in the medium term.

Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 15.
Question No. 34 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Benchmarking Awards.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

35 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance his ambitions for the next round of benchmarking assessments. [12542/06]

As the Deputy is aware, a second benchmarking exercise is under way and is due to report in the second half of 2007. This process will be similar to the last exercise. It is difficult to anticipate the outcome at this stage but, from what we can see to date, there have been very few private sector settlements above the national agreement norms. There is nothing to suggest that the next benchmarking exercise will lead to increases anywhere near the level of the first exercise.

The benchmarking process offers us a way to compare public service jobs with their counterparts in the private sector, examining qualifications, responsibilities, hours worked and many other factors. I would expect that the benchmarking exercise will consider and give appropriate weighting to factors that may differentiate public sector employment from that in the private sector, such as pensions and tenure. I also believe people have to acknowledge that in return for pay increases, specific objectives for service improvements in the different areas of the public service must be set and must be seen to be achieved to justify payments being made.

For more than ten years a programme of modernisation of each sector of the public service has been under way. This process has resulted in real improvements in public services and there is now a well established acceptance by public servants of the need for active co-operation with modernisation and flexibility. Under Sustaining Progress, a verification process was set up with sectoral performance verification groups to assess periodically the achievement or otherwise of the conditions attaching to the payments, such as industrial peace, co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change and achievement of the modernisation commitments in the action plans. To date, the system has worked well. There has been a virtually complete absence of industrial disputes and disruption in the public service. The Government is satisfied that the benchmarking approach is the best way forward and should be continued.

Employment Levels.

Damien English

Question:

36 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance his plans to set targets in respect of public service employment over the three years 2006-08. [12517/06]

The policy on numbers employed in the public service has succeeded in cutting back on the rapid rise in public service employment in the period 1997 to 2002. This took place at a time of significant increases both in employment in the economy generally and in the population with the corresponding increased demand for public services.

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

The Government has decided to continue to control and regulate numbers in the public service within the following agreed ceilings.

Civil Service (non-industrials and industrials)

37,700

Non-commercial State sponsored bodies

9,600

Local authorities

33,300

Defence Forces

11,400

Garda Síochána

14,000

Given the nature and demands of the health and education sectors, further consultation is taking place between my Department and the relevant Departments before consideration is given to setting appropriate employment level ceilings in these sectors. It is important that an appropriate balance is struck between the need on one hand,to provide resources to improve front line services and the need on the other to control and regulate overall numbers in the context of providing value for money for the public expenditure involved.

Price Inflation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has examined the impact of invisible inflation on the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11323/06]

The director general of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI. The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It measures in index form the monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services. Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in the budget and this will help to keep a competitive inflation environment in 2006.

Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Decentralisation Programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

39 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of 50 Revenue staff to Listowel, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Office of Public Works has identified a suitable property solution for the accommodation of 50 Revenue staff due to decentralise to Listowel. The data from the central applications facility, CAF, published in September 2004 indicated that there were 49 applications for decentralisation to Listowel. To date, 48 people have accepted official offers to decentralise to Listowel. The indicative timeframe for the provision of the building is the last quarter of 2006 and it is expected that the movement of staff to Listowel will commence as soon as the building is available.

Revenue Investigations.

Mary Upton

Question:

40 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts issue at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed; the amount paid to date; the number of cases outstanding; if additional action has been taken by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the report of the Ansbacher inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12404/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements — Ansbacher-type arrangements and other cases involving offshore funds and deposits. Revenue has advised that the review team has inquired into 289 cases and, to date, the team has finalised 202 cases. The 289 cases, taking account of spouses and connected companies, consist of 300 names. The 289 cases are made up of 179 cases listed on the High Court inspectors' report and 110 similar cases discovered by Revenue or listed on the authorised officer's report.

The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in respect of cases under investigation is now almost 700. Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available. Revenue has made 11 successful applications to the High Court for the production by financial institutions and third parties of books, records and other documentation relevant to liabilities of Ansbacher account holders. Some 220,000 documents have been received under the terms of the High Court orders. Advanced investigative computer software is used in controlling and managing the documentation.

To date, a total of €56.10 million has been received, consisting of settlements and payments on account in respect of 108 cases. This is made up of:

Cases

€ million

Cases involving Ansbacher or Ansbacher type arrangements

85

45.33

Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits

23

10.77

Total

108

56.10

The 202 cases which have been finalised consist of 78 cases which were settled on payments of €44.88 million, included in the amount above, 66 non-resident cases that are covered by the provisions of double taxation agreements, 42 cases where no additional liabilities arose and 16 that were covered by the 1993 amnesty provisions.

Revenue made an application under section 11 of the Companies Act 1990 for a copy of the High Court inspectors' report that was made available to Revenue on 6 July 2002. The information in this report has been carefully considered as regards the tax liabilities of the persons concerned. In addition, Revenue made a further application to the High Court for access to the supporting papers to the report. The High Court order in the matter was granted in June 2004 and perfected in January 2005 and allows for access to documents relating to clients of Ansbacher named in the report and those persons and companies, including members of the board, found by the High Court inspectors to have failed to co-operate with their inquiry. The order also allows for Revenue to make application and grounding affidavit for the obtaining of information and documents relating to any other individual or company.

Access to documents is subject to the direction of the High Court. Revenue has applied on foot of the order for access to documentation in respect of certain cases named in the High Court inspectors' report. Some documentation has been supplied and further documentation is awaited. Revenue has informed me that the investigations are time consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.

State Airports.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

41 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the significant number of flights that arrive at both Cork and Shannon Airports at times when there are no customs officers on duty; if, in view of continuing concerns regarding the drugs problem and particularly the smuggling of cocaine, the Revenue Commissioners will be asked to ensure cover at all times that flights arrive at these airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12377/06]

As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently answered parliamentary questions on this issue, most recently on 21 March 2006 — Parliamentary Question No. 317 in response to Deputy Quinn — when I described the operations of customs staff at Shannon and Cork Airports in some detail based on information supplied by the Revenue Commissioners. While the Revenue Commissioners ended 24 hour rostered coverage in Cork in 2002 and Shannon in 2005, in both cases the reason was the low number of night time flights. Cork Airport is closed between 11.30 p.m. and 5.30 a.m. and Shannon Airport handles no flights between 1.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m.

Cork Airport has no non-EU flights outside of normal hours of attendance of customs officials. For EU flights, the customs section of the Revenue Commissioners may only stop and question people where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion. As this is the case, the great majority of people travelling on EU flights would not be aware of Revenue checks. Almost all night time flights originating in non-EU countries were met and checked by Revenue's 24 hour specialist staff in 2005.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

42 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Consumers Association of Ireland that banks were fleecing consumers as a result of excessive interest rates levied on personal loans; if he intends to take action to provide additional protection for borrowers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/06]

I am aware of the issue recently raised by the consumers association regarding personal loans. My function as the Minister for Finance in looking after the interests of the individual borrower is to provide an appropriate legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector, one that is both comprehensive and robust. I am satisfied that on foot of the progress made over recent years, especially in establishing the Financial Regulator with a particular focus on the interests of the consumer, we have such a framework in place.

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

The Financial Regulator has been very active in informing consumers about the range of interest rates in the market and produced two personal loan cost surveys in September 2004 and September 2005. In 2005, 10,000 consumers requested copies of the surveys that set out the interest charges of a range of lenders in the personal loans market, including lenders charging interest rates higher than the average rates available. The Financial Regulator's surveys highlighted the high cost of certain providers and drew consumer attention to potential savings of up to €1,200 on the cost of a €13,500 loan over five years. The Financial Regulator regularly highlights the importance of shopping around for loans. Both surveys received widespread media coverage. Additionally, the Financial Services Ombudsman offers redress to consumers who are dissatisfied with their treatment by financial institutions in relation to personal loans.

The Consumer Credit Act 1995 applies to all consumer lending. It sets out the form of loan agreement which includes details of the cost of credit. The Act also provides for the regulation of fees and charges imposed by credit institutions. The Financial Regulator requires all regulated credit institutions to notify it of charges to consumers. I fully support the position consistently reiterated by the Financial Regulator in relation to the importance of borrowers acting sensibly and the lending institutions acting prudently.

Decentralisation Programme.

Seán Ryan

Question:

43 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated costs in terms of acquiring and equipping premises and other related costs at the latest date for which figures are available of the original decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004 and the slimmed down version announced in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/06]

The Government is committed to the full implementation of the decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004, involving some 10,300 civil and public service jobs in more than 56 locations across some 60 Departments, offices and agencies. My office is in the process of procuring appropriate properties in the designated locations for the Departments and agencies involved, with much progress having been made to date. Property acquisition negotiations are completed or are significantly advanced at 23 locations.

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

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

Regarding the public private partnership, PPP, approach recommended by the DIG, my office has been developing a comprehensive risk-adjusted costing of project elements to measure the value-for-money of future PPP bids. Expressions of interest will be sought for the first of these major projects imminently. While property solutions will include leasing and fitting out of existing buildings, it is anticipated that in the majority of cases, the accommodation facilities will be provided by the construction of new office buildings and cost estimation can be approached on that basis. However, in advance of actual market testing of any procurement methodology, it is only possible at this time to assign the most general measurements of cost to such a large scale, diverse and complex programme.

It is estimated that approximately 210,000 sq. m. of office space will be required to accommodate the total numbers included in the programme. OPW cost norms in April 2005 in respect of offices would indicate an average build cost to fit-out standard in the range of €1,800 to €2,200 per sq. m. for suburban-rural locations and €2,500 to €3,000 per sq. m. in city-town centre locations. Such figures exclude VAT, professional fees and inflation. In addition, the cost of equipping the accommodation to standard office equipment levels could be estimated at approximately €4,000 per person. This would exclude the cost of information and communication technology and specialised equipment requirements. Such general measurements of cost do not include specialised facility and equipment requirements and other variables which would arise from the spread of possible procurement methodologies. In addition, general cost indicators of this type show a snapshot in time.

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

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Shane McEntee

Question:

44 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Finance the underlying assumptions that he has made regarding the impact of consumption and on saving of the maturing of SSIAs. [12499/06]

Domestic demand, including personal consumption, was the main driver of economic growth in 2005. In the budget 2006 forecasts, my Department forecast that personal consumption will continue to be a major driver of growth over the period 2006-08, supported by strong earnings and employment growth. The maturing of the SSIA accounts is expected to provide some impetus to consumption, particularly in 2007, when the bulk of the proceeds become available. While it is difficult to be certain of the impact of SSIA maturity, economic theory and the experience of other countries suggests that it is unlikely that a once off factor of this nature will have an undue impact on overall consumption patterns. In 2006, growth in personal consumption is forecast to be 5.8%, accelerating to 6.8% in 2007. A slightly lower growth rate of 4.6% is expected in 2008 as the effect of the SSIA scheme unwinds.

Tax Collection.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

45 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if, in regard to the almost €2.5 billion remaining outstanding in uncollected taxes, the proportion of this the Revenue Commissioners expect to recover; if new measures are planned to assist in the collection of outstanding taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12389/06]

I answered identical questions on 5 October 2005 and 28 February 2006 and informed the House then that, according to the Revenue Commissioners, the total tax debt outstanding at 31 March 2005 as reported in Revenue's annual report and in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General was €1.2 billion, not €2.5 billion as quoted by the Deputy.

As with any tax system, there will always be people who pay late, people who try to avoid paying and people who cannot pay. In this context, it is important to note that the debt of €1.2 billion at 31 March 2005 is €146 million or 10.7% less than at 31 March 2004. The figure represents 2.5% of annual gross collection and is one of the lowest percentages of any tax administration internationally. Of this figure, €278 million of the total debt is under appeal with a further €349 million under control or at enforcement. The remainder, €590 million, is under active collection.

It is the goal of Revenue, as stated in its statement of strategy 2005-07, that all debt on record should be less than five years old or the subject of active enforcement or court proceedings. In this context, I am advised by Revenue that it would expect the current collectible tax debt and any additional debt that will arise for periods up to 31 December 2004 through assessments made by Revenue or submission of overdue returns by taxpayers would ultimately be reduced very substantially over the next five years. That reduction will be achieved primarily by collection of the debt due.

Revenue has emphasised the changing element of the debt make-up and the difficulty that this creates in making an estimate of the likely reduction in the debt figure over a five-year period. Revenue's strategies and methodologies adopted to achieve a reduction over a five-year period will be subject to annual review and evaluation that is carried out within the context of its business planning process.

Partnership Agreements.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

46 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the financial commitments envisaged by his Department in the context of a new social partnership programme over ten years. [12505/06]

Talks on a new national partnership agreement to follow Sustaining Progress commenced recently and are ongoing. I am sure the Deputy will realise, therefore, that it would be imprudent to make any statement at this stage about any financial commitments which might arise in the context of a new agreement.

Fiscal Policy.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

47 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his views on the implications for the Irish economy of the recent quarter point increase in interest rates announced by the European Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12375/06]

The Irish economy is projected to grow at around its long-term sustainable growth rate of 4.5% to 5% over the next three years, as per the economic forecasts published in the stability programme update last December. The recent interest rate rise is unlikely to have a significant impact on this outlook.

Question No. 48 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

49 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the status of his proposals to reduce the fees payable at tribunals. [12515/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on this matter on 28 February 2006. The substance of that reply is as follows. In July 2004, the Government approved, on the initiative of the then Minister for Finance, reduced fees for legal representation at tribunals or inquiries established from September 2004 and to the then existing tribunals and inquiries with effect from various dates set in the light of consultations between the Attorney General and the chairpersons of each tribunal or inquiry. The lower rates have applied to the Barr tribunal since June 2005. The dates applicable to those tribunals currently sitting are as follows: the Moriarty tribunal, 30 June 2006; the Morris tribunal, 30 September 2006; and the Mahon tribunal, 31 March 2007.

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

Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Decentralisation Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

51 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance the negotiations which have taken place regarding the placement of persons who do not opt to decentralise with their units or agencies; and the proposals which the Government have made to unions. [12519/06]

The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. To date, in excess of 1,200 staff have been assigned to decentralising posts.

In addition, my Department has been in discussions with the Civil Service unions on further arrangements to facilitate the placement of Dublin-based staff. The Public Appointments Service has commenced the operation of a system which will match Dublin-based posts with people wishing to remain in Dublin. Any decentralising organisation which anticipates that it will have staff wishing to remain in Dublin who cannot be placed within the organisation will engage with the Public Appointments Service in the placement of these individuals. Each individual affected or likely to be affected will be offered the opportunity to indicate preferences on Dublin-based posts.

These arrangements have been recently initiated for general service grades and discussions are continuing in respect of appropriate arrangements for professional and technical grades. It is intended that the arrangements will continue over the full transition phase of the decentralisation programme. Regular discussions are continuing with the unions on the implementation of the entire decentralisation programme, including the details of these arrangements for the staff remaining in Dublin.

Tax Code.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

52 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if reports of a stricter interpretation of tax rules for US parent companies located abroad have been investigated; and the potential impact on Ireland. [12513/06]

As I have indicated in previous replies to questions of a similar nature, the interpretation of domestic tax rules is a matter for the relevant authorities of the country concerned. In respect of the normal administration of taxes in Ireland and the US, the relevant double taxation convention between both countries allows for the exchange of information concerning the taxes covered by the convention.

As I indicated in response to Question No. 129 of 13 December 2005, I understand that there are currently no outstanding issues from the US authorities in this regard. Finally, I understand that the IDA, which regularly monitors international tax changes, is not aware of any recent change in US tax law that has negatively affected Ireland or has resulted in significant concern being raised by existing US companies located in Ireland.

Fiscal Policy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

53 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on progress on reforming the budgetary process since his budget speech in December 2004. [12410/06]

In my budget speech last December, I set out the Government's proposals for reforming the budgetary process. As I promised to do on budget day, I subsequently wrote to the Opposition finance spokespersons and the party Whips on 20 December last to invite them to a briefing on the Government's proposals for reform.

The Fine Gael finance spokesperson has indicated his intention to accept the invitation while stating that he has more proposals of his own in the area. The Labour Party finance spokesperson has indicated that she sees no point in engaging in discussions within the parameters set out in my budget statement and my invitation and has suggested that the recent Committee of Public Accounts report on Estimates reform should be the starting point for discussion. The Green Party spokesperson is of the view that the recent Committee of Public Accounts report should at least be given a shared priority in the context of discussions on Estimates reform. I have subsequently addressed the relevant issues raised in the Committee of Public Accounts report in the minute of the Minister for Finance of 27 March. This minute has been forwarded to the Committee of Public Accounts.

In the meantime, my Department has begun preparations for replacing the traditional economic review and outlook document with the updated three-year economic and fiscal projections with a view to publication in the autumn. My Department has also requested all Departments to formally put in place arrangements to ensure the production of the annual outputs focused statement by the 2007 deadline.

The publication of a revised economic review and outlook document in the autumn will give an updated pre-budget view of the fiscal outlook. This revised document will review and present a pre-budget analysis of the economic and budgetary prospects for the current year and the following two years. As regards Government expenditures, the analysis in the revised document will be based on an update of the overall existing level of services projections published with the previous year's budget. This will significantly improve information available to the Oireachtas in the context of the next Estimates and budget.

The annual output-based statement will significantly revamp the presentation of Estimates to the Oireachtas from 2007 so as to ensure a more meaningful presentation of the annual Estimates and associated output information. It will allow the Oireachtas and the public to assess what is being targeted for delivery through public expenditure from 2007 onwards. From 2008 onwards, Departments will be reporting on what was delivered in the previous year versus the planned output for that year and setting out a target for delivery in the current year. This will represent an important development and will tackle the information deficit in this area. As I said in the budget, once bedded down, these proposals can lay the ground work for consideration of a more unified budget approach in the future.

European Council Meetings.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the ECOFIN meeting of 14 March 2006. [12414/06]

The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, represented Ireland at the ECOFIN Council meeting in Brussels on 14 March 2006. The meeting was attended by representatives of all 25 EU member states and of Bulgaria and Romania. The preparation of the spring European Council meeting of Heads of State or Government of 23-24 March was discussed. Among the issues dealt with were the key issues paper, the European Investment Bank's contribution to promoting growth and employment, better regulation and the joint report on social protection and social inclusion, The Council agreed this key issues paper as a contribution to the European Council meeting. The paper concentrates on implementation of the strategy for growth and jobs laid down by the European Council at Lisbon in 2000 and relaunched in 2005.

The Council adopted a report on proposals by the European Investment Bank, EIB, for reinforcing the contribution by the EIB and the European Investment Fund to promoting growth and employment in the EU and forwarded it as a contribution to the European Council meeting.

The Council held an exchange of views on progress under the EU's better regulation initiative, which is aimed at reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens for businesses, voluntary groups and citizens and at increasing competitiveness and productivity by simplifying legislation, improving transparency and cutting down on red tape. It took note of progress made by the Commission and of a note from the Presidency on reducing the administrative costs of Community programmes and measures and on experiences at national level.

The Council welcomed the adoption by the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 10 March of a joint Council and Commission report on social inclusion and social protection in pensions, health care and long-term care. The report was submitted to the European Council meeting.

The Council adopted opinions on updated stability programmes presented by Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal. The Irish programme was particularly well received. The Council adopted opinions on updated convergence programmes presented by Cyprus, Lithuania, Malta, Poland and the United Kingdom.

The Council adopted a decision, under article 104(9) of the EU Treaty, giving notice to Germany to bring its government deficit below 3% of gross domestic product, GDP, the threshold provided for by the treaty, as rapidly as possible and by 2007 at the latest. Germany's deficit amounted to 3.3% of GDP in 2005, according to the Commission on the basis of provisional data provided by Germany on 24 February 2006.

The Council discussed a communication from the Commission assessing the action taken by Italy in response to the Council recommendation of 28 July 2005 with a view to bringing to an end the situation of an excessive government deficit. The Council shared the view of the Commission that the measures taken by the Italian authorities following the Council's recommendation would, provided they were fully and effectively implemented, ensure adequate progress in 2006 towards the correction of the excessive deficit within the time limit set in the recommendation.

The Council approved by qualified majority a recommendation, to be forwarded to the European Parliament, on the discharge to be given to the Commission for implementation of the EU's general budget for 2004. The Netherlands delegation voted against. The Council adopted a number of conclusions, which will serve as the basis for discussions with the European Parliament and the Commission on preparation of the EU's general budget for 2007. The Council adopted, without discussion, a number of conclusions on the follow-up to the discharge given to the Commission for implementation of the 2003 budget.

In the margins of the ECOFIN, a number of meetings were held. Representatives of the Council, the Commission and the European Central Bank met representatives of the European Trade Union Federation and Employers Confederation for the 14th macroeconomic dialogue meeting at political level. The meeting examined the economic situation and outlook and public policy, in particular as regards the challenges of globalisation.

The Presidency troika — representatives of Austria, Finland and Germany — held a videoconference with representatives of the European Parliament to discuss, in particular, the EU's broad economic policy guidelines, BEPGs, for the 2004-06 period. The Commission decided this year not to propose updating the BEPGs, so the existing guidelines remain valid.

Over breakfast on the morning of the 14 March, Ministers discussed the economic policy challenges of the EU's strategy for growth and jobs laid down by the European Council at Lisbon in 2000 and re-launched last year, on the basis of a paper prepared by Bruegel, a Brussels-based think-tank, and presented by Mr. Jean Pisani-Ferry and Mr. Andre Sapir.

At lunch, Ministers were briefed on the Eurogroup meeting held on 13 March and on a report on preparation of a new external lending mandate for the European Investment Bank and discussed issues related to energy markets on the basis of a green paper from the Commission. It is evident from the above list that the Council completed a very full programme of work at this meeting.

Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Flood Relief.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

56 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the funding available for improving flood defences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9509/06]

The provision in 2006 for flood relief measures is €20 million. In addition, there is a provision of €19.50 million for maintenance of completed drainage and flood relief schemes and for the collection, processing and dissemination of hydrological and hydrometric data. These figures are exclusive of the salary and associated costs of OPW staff engaged directly and indirectly on the flood defence programme.

Tax Collection.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

57 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the progress made by the Revenue Commissioners in regard to measures to deal with the problem of bogus subcontractor and agency worker phenomenon in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12381/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that establishing employee or subcontractor status is one of the areas they specifically concentrate on in their monitoring of tax compliance in the construction sector. On an ongoing basis, Revenue auditors, based on risk assessment, audit the books and records of a considerable number of contractors and subcontractors. The matter of employee or subcontractor status is always examined as a routine part of such audits.

In this regard, I am informed that Revenue do not accept at face value assertions as to subcontractor or independent agent status. The true nature of the relationship between the parties is looked at having regard to factors such as the degree of control, obligation, integration or exclusivity involved in the relationship. These factors are set out in a code of practice in determining employment status that was published by Revenue with the assistance of the ICTU, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

During 2006, Revenue is devoting 25% of its audit and compliance resource to policing building-related sectors. As part of this national project, the issue of misclassification of building operatives as self-employed will continue to be actively dealt with. Revenue also continues to meet with industry representatives and trade unions to ensure compliance in this area and to help the industry to get the status of their workers right. Ongoing improvements to Revenue's computer system used to monitor relevant contracts tax will also assist in targeting cases of likely misclassification of employees as subcontractors.

House Prices.

Phil Hogan

Question:

58 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his assessment of the housing market; and the levels of personal debt and their capacity to destabilise economic progress. [12530/06]

Residential construction has grown rapidly in recent times. Supply of housing has increased in response to strong levels of demand, which, in turn, have arisen from a number of fundamental demographic and economic factors. Total completions in 2005 reached an historic high of about 81 thousand units. Construction employment growth was also particularly strong in 2005 and now accounts for one in eight jobs.

As acknowledged in the stability programme update published with the 2006 budget, the fact that construction currently accounts for an historically high proportion of economic output and employment implies that the economy is vulnerable to any shock affecting this sector.

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

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

Whilst the level of indebtedness of Irish households has been increasing, the Central Bank's most recently published financial stability report concludes that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels in the economy. The report does, however, emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders to factor into their financial decision-making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment. I share the Central Bank's assessment of the importance of maintaining financial and economic stability. In that regard, for my part, I intend maintaining a responsible approach to maintaining stability in our public finances, which will ensure that the strategic direction of our economy will focus on sustainable real improvements in public services, social provision and infrastructure.

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

Question No. 59 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Social Finance.

Liz McManus

Question:

60 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date with regard to the plan announced in budget 2006 for the establishment of a fund for social finance; if the amount of the fund has been agreed; when the fund will be established; the amount which will be contributed by financial institutions; the way in which the money will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12382/06]

As I set out in my reply to Question No. 53 on 28 February 2006, the aim of the Government's initiative that I announced in my budget speech is to give an impetus to the development of social finance in Ireland. This initiative can make a real contribution towards expanding social finance provision in Ireland, thereby complementing the wide range of measures that are currently in place to promote and assist community infrastructure and local development, including the development of micro-enterprises.

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

A key priority is early implementation of the initiative. This will provide the opportunity to market test particular options, which can in turn inform the further development of the social finance initiative. As far as the potential sources of funding for social finance provision are concerned, there has been a positive reaction from the banking community to my invitation to support the initiative. The banks expressed at budget time a willingness to contribute seed capital funding of €25 million to the initiative.

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

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

Financial Services Regulation.

Joe Costello

Question:

61 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the recent record profits reported by the main banking organisations; his views on whether there is excessive profit taking in the banks; his further views on whether the banks are making an appropriate contribution to the Exchequer; his plans to seek a greater contribution from this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12374/06]

The financial services sector is a major employer in the Irish economy, employing over 55,000 people both directly and indirectly and making a significant contribution to GNP overall. It supports activity in other economic sectors, contributes substantial tax to the Exchequer and forms an essential part of our economic infrastructure. Strong opportunities exist to grow and develop Ireland's financial services sector. The prospects for the banking sector are positive, with the potential for the sector to provide an increased number of skilled and well-paid jobs for our comparatively young population in line with our future employment needs.

I am aware of the recent bank profit announcements and I am satisfied that the strength of the banking sector is a reflection of the strong performance of the economy overall. It is important to note that the profitability of the banks reflects both their international and domestic business, encompassing wholesale, corporate finance and investment banking, as well as retail banking activities. The contribution of the sector includes significant tax revenues — PAYE, PRSI and taxes on profits, which amounted to €1.5 billion in 2004 and a further tax collection of €112 million in the same year in respect of stamp duties on cheques and charges on cards, etc. To sustain this contribution, the banking sector, in common with the enterprise sector overall, must remain internationally competitive and profitable, generating sufficient income to reward its shareholders and staff and to meet its future investment needs.

The issue of competition in the banking sector was the subject of a comprehensive and detailed study by the Competition Authority published last year. Some important actions have already been taken in line with the recommendations of the report which were intended to increase the banks' responsiveness to customers' needs, thereby increasing choice and the quality of services provided. I am aware of the role that greater competition can play in the domestic market, and in that context, the arrival of new entrants in recent years is welcome.

Additionally, any EU-licensed bank can sell its products throughout the EU through branches in other member states, supervised by its home supervisory authorities, and a number of European banks are active in the Irish market on this basis. This means, for example, that Irish depositors are not restricted to the services of domestic banks.

Public Private Partnerships.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

62 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the measures his Department will take to prevent further abuses of public private partnership arrangements in view of the recent High Court decision terminating the National Aquatic Centre lease due to non-payment of rent and VAT by its operators. [12408/06]

The National Aquatic Centre building was not procured by means of a public private partnership arrangement. We understand that the court proceedings, to which the Deputy refers, concerned issues related to the lease for the operation of the centre granted by an entity which is under the ambit of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, to whom any questions should be directed.

Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Price Inflation.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

64 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the jump in the annual rate of inflation to 3.3%, a level last seen in June 2003, according to the consumer price index. [12409/06]

Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the consumer price index, CPI, was 3.3% in February. Part of the pick-up in the annual inflation rate is due to the rise in interest rates by the ECB. In addition, the price of oil rose throughout most of last year and this had an impact on the annual rate of inflation in February. We have no control over these external factors.

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

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

65 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance when he will make an announcement on the next phase of decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12548/06]

In its report to Government in November, 2004 the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, identified 15 organisations as early movers. This involved 21 projects, 20 locations, nearly 3,500 jobs and the transfer of eight headquarters. The report contained a schedule showing indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The DIG adopted a more individualised approach to State agencies. Although seven of those agencies were selected for early mover status, the group did not include specific timeframes in recognition of this approach and also of the fact that it is the responsibility of the board and senior management of each agency to implement Government policy. Subsequently the DIG submitted a further progress report to me in June 2005 which was approved by the Government in which it recommended that the remaining 24 Civil Service organisations and locations not listed earlier as early movers should advance to a more active stage of preparation for relocation.

The group provided indicative construction completion dates for each of these organisations and locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. To date, property acquisition negotiations have been completed or significantly advanced in 23 locations. I understand that the OPW is currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Strategic Management Initiative.

John Gormley

Question:

66 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if his Department plans to review the way in which State agencies are managed on foot of the recent Institute of Public Administration report. [12413/06]

I have asked officials in my Department to examine this report and assess the implications in consultation with other Departments.

Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 11.

Tax Code.

David Stanton

Question:

68 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if he has or will consider extending the €10,000 income tax exemption for self-employed childminders to other workers in the child care sector in view of the relatively low salaries for persons working in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12546/06]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

80 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to revise upwards the €10,000 tax exemption for childminders caring for up to three children in their own homes in view of the very low level of income these workers would have to operate on to qualify for this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12552/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 80 together.

The new childminding tax scheme allows an individual to mind up to three children in the minder's own home, without paying tax, on the earnings received, provided the amount is not more than €10,000 per annum. If childminding income exceeds €10,000, the total amount will be taxable, as normal, under self-assessment.

The scheme is designed to provide an income disregard to home-based childminders who are self assessed for tax purposes. It is not available to childminders who mind other people's children in the children's own home or in a formal child care facility where their employment status differs in that they are treated as employees for tax purposes and issues of employee-employer tax and PRSI arise. The new relief is not designed to include such employees and I have no plans to extend the scheme to cover these or other workers in the child care sector at this time.

Other workers in the child care sector who are employees are entitled to the PAYE tax credit whereas childminders availing of the new scheme, operating under self assessment, do not have this credit. Thus, taking the personal credit into account, the entry point to the tax system for a single employee is €15,600 whereas the normal entry point to the tax system for a person on self assessment is €8,150.

It is envisaged that this new scheme, as part of the five year national child care strategy which I announced in budget 2006, will help increase supply and accessibility of child care and help parents with affordable child care. As I understand it, many childminders who may wish to avail of this new scheme care for a small number of children in their own home on a part-time and flexible basis and would not, for example, require payment arrangements to cover the full 52 weeks of the year or holiday periods. Accordingly, I consider the upper limit of €10,000 to be adequate and I have no plans at this time to revise it upwards, as suggested by the Deputy. As is the case with all tax schemes, I will, however, keep this scheme under review in the context of future budgets and Finance Bills.

Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

70 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to his contacts with the EU Commission regarding its preliminary opinion that the stallion tax exemption scheme would seem to constitute an aid that was not compatible with the Common Market; if he has received a final opinion from the Commission on this matter; when he expects his discussions with the Commission to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12388/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar parliamentary question from Deputy Costello on 9 November last, which set out the background to this issue in relation to the contacts that have been ongoing with the European Commission.

As regards the future of the tax exemption for stallion fees, I announced in my Budget Statement of 7 December 2005 that this exemption will be discontinued from 31 July 2008, the same end-date as for various property-based tax incentive schemes. The relevant provision is contained in section 22 of the 2006 Finance Bill as passed by the Dáil. A new regime appropriate to the industry will be discussed with the European Commission later this year.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

71 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he has conducted an evaluation in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children of the tax relief for private hospital investment; and if it meets the public policy objectives in the health sphere. [12500/06]

The scheme of capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals was reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property tax incentives in 2005. Indecon consulted widely in the course of its review, including consultations with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. Its report was published on 6 February 2006 and is available on the Department's website. The summary of the main findings from Indecon's analysis is as follows.

There has been an overall increase in planning applications and approvals for private hospitals since 2000 but most have not proceeded to date; most of the extra investment in the sector would either not have been undertaken, or would have taken longer to come on-line in the absence of the tax incentive scheme; while it is too early to provide detailed estimates of the impact of the scheme on the supply and on the costs of hospital beds, Indecon believes the scheme has the potential to address supply shortages in the sector and to reduce costs.

The net cost of this measure to date was estimated by Indecon at €23 million. This will be spread over a number of years. Private health care is a long established feature of the system of health care provision in Ireland and acts as a strong complement to the publicly funded system. Private health care provision spans from general practitioner services through private beds in public hospitals and private hospitals to private nursing homes. The Government is committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity in the health system. The key objective is to provide the required extra capacity, whether this is in the public or private sector.

A number of Government policy initiatives support the co-existence of public and private health care such as: the designation of private and semi-private beds in public hospitals; income tax relief on private health insurance premiums; income tax relief on medical-dental expenses; the National Treatment Purchase Fund sources capacity in private hospitals for public patients; and the Tánaiste's policy direction to the Health Service Executive to build private hospitals on public sites thereby freeing up beds for public patients.

Public Service Employment.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

72 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if, in regard to the allocation in the revised Book of Estimates, providing for an increase of more than 8,800 in public service numbers, the areas to which these staff will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12379/06]

The figures in table 5 of the Revised Estimates Volume are the average public service numbers which are calculated on the basis that they equate to the numbers that underpin the Exchequer pay and pensions bill in 2005 and 2006. They are set out in table 5 on a Vote basis with an increase being recorded from 2005-06 of 8,818. This figure includes provision for filling posts that were vacant in 2005. It is a matter for each Minister to deploy resources within Government policy on public service numbers.

Tax Collection.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

73 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of court prosecution initiated as a result of tax evasion in respect of each year since 1997; the number of cases in which convictions were secured; the number of cases in which prison sentences were imposed; the sentence in each case; if he has satisfied himself with the level of court cases taken having regard to the high level of evasion; if he will report on the work of the investigations and prosecutions division of the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12402/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following information is the up to date position on court prosecutions initiated for tax evasion. In 1997, there was one prosecution and one conviction. A fine of €635 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In 1998, there were six cases and eight convictions; fines totalling €42,854 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of six months suspended and one of two years suspended. In 1999, there were two cases and one conviction. In one case a fine of €19,046 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In the other the defendant was acquitted. In 2000, there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €952 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of two years, reduced to 18 months on appeal, and another of 12 months suspended. In 2001, there were four cases and four convictions. Fines totalling €14,284 were imposed. There were four custodial sentences, one of 12 months, two of six months suspended and another of three months.

In 2002, there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €5,540 were imposed and there was one custodial sentence of six months. In 2003, there were six cases and seven convictions. Fines totalling €29,365 were imposed and there was one custodial sentence of two years suspended. In 2004, there was one case and one conviction. A fine of €5,000 was imposed and 180 hours community service was imposed in lieu of a three months custodial sentence. In 2005, there were eight cases finalised and ten convictions resulted — a prosecution for tax evasion can involve more than one person, or a case may involve both individual and corporate culpability. There were three custodial sentences, one of two years suspended and two of three months each. In a further two cases 240 hours and 120 hours of community service were imposed in lieu of custodial sentences of six months and three months respectively. Fines totalling €199,287 were imposed. In another two cases guilty pleas were entered and sentencing was adjourned. In 2006 so far, there are 12 cases before the courts and a fine of €2,000 has been imposed in respect of a case adjourned from December 2005.

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

The latest figures indicate that this approach is continuing to bear fruit. There are currently 56 cases under investigation for potential prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecutions is considering a further ten cases and has given directions to prosecute in another seven. In another case a bench warrant has been issued for failure to attend court and, as I have stated, 12 cases are currently in the court process. I am satisfied that the above figures vindicate the decision to concentrate Revenue's prosecution resources in one area.

Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Economic Policy

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

75 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance when he last met with the Central Bank to discuss economic policy. [12545/06]

I am aware of the Central Bank's views on economic policy through its various publications, including the quarterly bulletin. I also meet the governor of the bank from time to time to discuss various economic issues. My last meeting with the governor was yesterday.

State Property.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

76 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the planned sale of State property announced; the property sold to date and the amount raised; the way in which the money used has been raised; the properties it is planned to sell during 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12401/06]

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

Disposed of in 2004

Property

Method of Sale

Price

2 Church St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Public Auction

337,000.00

Lad Lane, Dublin 2.

Public Tender

22,5000.00

Blacklion Customs Frontier Post Site — Cavan

Private Treaty to Cavan Co. Co.

21,586.23

72-76 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Public Tender

52,300,000.00

Kilmacthomas G.S., Co. Waterford

Private Treaty to Waterford Co. Co.

100,000.00

14/16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8.

Public Tender

8,780,140.48.00

Thomastown GS, Co. Kilkenny

Public Auction

450,000.00

Total 2004

84,488,726.71

Disposed of in 2005

Property

Method of Sale

Price

Dungloe Former SWO, Co. Donegal

Private Treaty

300,000.00

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

Public Auction

165,000.00

Ashbourne GS — disposal of part of site

Public Auction

2,125,000.00

St. John’s Road site (Westgate)

Public Tender

44,916,551.79

Ballinskelligs Old Garda Station, Co. Kerry

Public Auction

409,693.03

Kilronan CGS, Galway. Sale of site to Údarás.

Private Treaty

1,416.53

Galway — 16 Eyre Square

Private Treaty

9,920.59

26-27 Eden Quay, Dublin 1.

Public Tender

4,205,000.00

Chantilly site, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin

CPO compensation

5,162,202.65

Total 2005

57,294,784.59

Disposed of in 2006

Property

Method of Sale

Price

The former Vet. College, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4

Public Tender

171,558,110.36

Lynch’s Lodge Hotel, Macroom, Co. Cork

Public Tender

2,300,036.08

Total (To-date) 2006:

173,858,146.44

The proceeds of these sales are forwarded to the Department of Finance as extra Exchequer receipts to be offset against funding for decentralisation.Identification of properties surplus to requirements is continuously evolving; premature release of disposal information and timescales would affect the potential income from such disposals.

Properties identified for disposal in 2006 are as follows:

Property for Sale

Method of Sale

Muff Garda Station, Co. Donegal

Public Auction

Bridgend former Customs & Excise Post, Co. Donegal

Public Auction

Knocknagoshel Garda Station House, Co. Kerry

Public Auction

Gardiner St. former SWO, Dublin 1.

Private Treaty

CPO Ballyshannon SWO, Co. Donegal

CPO Compensation

Faculty Building, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Public Tender

Tax Yield.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

77 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an amnesty for old age pensioners against the payment of annual Government automatic teller machine card charges considering the disincentive this charge is providing for pensioners towards using financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12553/06]

Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques etc. was not eroded. The current annual rates of stamp duty are as follows: credit card account and charge card —€40; ATM card without a debit function —€10; debit card without an ATM function —€10; and combined ATM and debit card —€20. The stamp duty applies irrespective of the volume of bank transactions made. I do not believe that these charges are either excessive or act as a disincentive for pensioners using financial institutions. There are no plans to introduce such exemptions to stamp duty for any category of individual.

Section 128 of the Finance Act 2005 contained measures to eliminate a double stamp duty charge on the switching of financial cards and this year's Finance Bill contains provisions to reduce the stamp duty on combined ATM and debit cards to €10, where only one function — either ATM or debit function — is used during the year. Stamp duties on financial cards are significant contributors to the Exchequer and are in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates generally low. In 2005, the stamp duty on ATM, debit and combined cards contributed €37.8 million to the Exchequer while the yield from credit cards was €63.8 million.

Willie Penrose

Question:

78 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected to date by the Revenue Commissioners through special investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12391/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures for the total yield from various special investigations and initiatives by the Revenue Commissioners for the years 1998 to 2005 and updated to 28 February 2006 are set out in the following table. Yield from special investigations up to end February 2006.

Heading

Total yields

€ million

DIRT Audits

225.0

Bogus Non-Resident Accounts

612.2

Offshore Assets

807.7

Single Premium Policies

389.0

Ansbacher

55.9

NIB/Clerical Medical

57.0

Tribunals

36.2

Total

2,183.0

Housing Policy.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the measures his Department has taken to reduce the economy’s exposure to the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12417/06]

The housing sector has performed very strongly over recent years, with housing supply increasing in response to high levels of demand, which, in turn, have been underpinned by a range of fundamental demographic and economic factors. Total housing output for 2005 reached an all-time high of about 81,000 units. Construction employment growth was also particularly buoyant in 2005 and employment in this sector now accounts for one in eight jobs.

As acknowledged in the stability programme update published with the 2006 budget, the fact that the construction sector now accounts for a historically high share of economic activity and also employment implies that the economy is vulnerable to any shock affecting this sector.

In this context, I announced in budget 2006 that a range of property-related tax incentive schemes were to be discontinued, on foot of a comprehensive review of the schemes undertaken by independent consultants in the course of 2005. In line with the recommendations of the consultants, the 2006 Finance Bill provides that the tax schemes in question, several of which include a significant housing component, will be discontinued on a transitional basis, with full tax relief available for qualifying expenditure in 2006, and with decreasing levels of relief available in 2007 and in the period from January to end-July 2008, after which the relief will not be available. The gradual phasing-out of the tax relief schemes is designed to avoid any sudden shock to the construction sector generally, having regard to the important contribution of this sector to Irish economic growth at present. The credit policies of lending institutions also have an important role in ensuring the orderly evolution of the housing market, and in this regard the financial regulator continues to emphasise to lenders the importance of applying high credit assessment standards.

Question No. 80 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Question No. 81 answered with QuestionNo. 15.

Tax Code.

John Deasy

Question:

82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he has received fresh analysis of the tax relief availed of by top earners as revealed by the Revenue study of the 400 highest earners; and if he will indicate the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12495/06]

The Revenue Commissioners' study, Effective tax rates of the top 400 earners: Report for the tax year 2001, was published by my Department in March of last year. I understand that the equivalent report in regard to 2002 is near completion. This will be published by my Department in due course, as in the past.

Freedom of Information.

John Gormley

Question:

83 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if he will act on the recommendation of the GRECO group of the Council of Europe that the Government should reconsider its policy of charging fees for freedom of information requests. [12412/06]

It is not my intention to reconsider the policy of charging fees for freedom of information requests on foot of the recommendation referred to by the Deputy.

Peer Review System.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

84 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance if the promised peer review system for large ICT projects is in place; the way in which same will operate; the threshold of figure above which the peer review system will operate; if the centre for management organisation development within his Department will play a role in the peer review; the number of such projects that have been submitted to peer review to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12385/06]

The centre for management and organisation development, CMOD, in my Department developed procedures for the peer review process and agreed these in meetings with other Departments and offices late last year and the formal peer review process is now operational.

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

However, while I believe that the peer review process is a very worthwhile initiative and is an additional safeguard in the development and implementation of IT projects, it does not in any way override the accountability arrangement in place within organisations. It is envisaged that reviews will be carried out for all projects where the development and roll-out costs exceed €5 million or where the project would be likely to stretch the resources of the sponsoring Department or agency.

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

To date four projects have been submitted to peer review and these include: the Department of Foreign Affairs system to include biometrics in passports which commenced in January 2006; the Health Service Executive hospital inpatient service programme, HISP, which commenced in January 2006; the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Schengen information system which commenced in March 2006 and; the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's automated fingerprint identification system which commenced in March 2006.

Decentralisation Programme.

Seán Ryan

Question:

85 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants who had been decentralised from Dublin to other locations by the original deadline for the completion of the plan of December 2006; his plans to review the scale or scope of the proposal in view of the poor response to the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/06]

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

I do not accept the Deputy's view that there has been a poor response to the programme. On the contrary, the Government is very pleased with the numbers of people who have applied to the central applications facility, CAF. There have been about 10,600 applications so far and new applications are being received each week. The CAF remains open and continues to accept further new applications.

In addition, there has already been considerable movement of staff within and between Departments and offices in preparation for decentralisation with over 1,200 officers already assigned to posts that will decentralise. Departments are continuing their detailed preparations in regard to all aspects of the programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

86 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the progress and cost to date of the Government’s decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/06]

To date, over 1,200 civil servants have been assigned to decentralising posts. This represents 17% of the overall number of approximately 7,200 Civil Service posts earmarked for decentralisation. Many of these staff are located in Dublin for a transition period to enable effective transfer of skills and knowledge and to ensure that quality customer service continues to be delivered as decentralisation is rolled out. A small number of advance moves have taken place to decentralised locations to date, including Sligo, Portlaoise, Athlone, Thurles, Tipperary town and Na Forbacha in Galway.

I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July, 2005 report which identified progress in regard to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie.

The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. I understand the OPW is currently updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

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

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

Tax Code.

Liz McManus

Question:

87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the number and percentage of income earners who are paying tax at the higher rate and the standard rate for 2005; the anticipated figures for each category for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12383/06]

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

Numbers of income earners on income tax record

Year

Standard Rate*

Higher Rate

Number

%

Number

%

2005

641,000

31.59

666,400

32.85

2006**

663,200

32.16

658,100

31.91

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

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

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

The changes made in budget 2006, in particular the widening of the standard rate bands by €2,600, representing an increase of just under9%, will ensure that over 90,000 taxpayers will be removed from the higher rate of tax for 2006. This measure will also ensure that those earning on or below the estimated average industrial wage for 2006 will pay tax only at the standard rate.

I would also like to point out to the Deputy that the Government's tax policies since 1997 have ensured that Ireland now has the lowest tax wedge in the EU, and one of the very lowest in the entire OECD as measured by that organisation using comparative data relating to those earning an average production wage. In addition, after-tax income, adjusted for CPI inflation, for a person on the average industrial wage, is now about 44% higher than it was in 1997. About half of this increase is due to lower taxes.

Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 13.

Special Savings Incentive Scheme.

Mary Upton

Question:

89 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of special savings incentive scheme accounts opened at the latest date for which figures are available; the average amount of savings per investor per month; the definite figure for likely cost to the Exchequer of the specials savings incentive scheme on the basis of such figures; when the first payments will become due; the amount expected to be paid out by the Exchequer in each of the first 12 months after the SSIAs mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on preliminary declarations by all qualifying savings managers, the total number of active accounts at 31 December 2005 was 1,082,265 and the average monthly subscription was €196. This is the latest date for which figures are available.

The net cost of the scheme in 2005 was €597.4 million, with a cumulative cost of €2,181 million to end-2005. The cost of the scheme in the first two months of 2006 was €104.7 million. As indicated in replies to previous questions, it is not possible to give a definitive answer as to the eventual cost of the scheme as it is subject to a number of variables over the remaining period of the scheme, including where participants voluntarily withdraw from the scheme or indeed vary their monthly contributions over the remainder of the scheme.

The first SSIAs commenced in May 2001 and will mature at the end of May 2006. For reasons stated above, it is not possible to state the cost to the Exchequer of the scheme in each of the 12 months after the SSIAs begin to mature.

Tax Yield.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

90 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid to date to the Revenue Commissioners in respect of settlements made in connection with its investigation into the use of life assurance policies for tax evasion; the progress made to date in regard to the second phase of its investigation which commenced on 23 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12400/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that payments totalling €391 million have been made to date. As the Deputy is aware, the Revenue Commissioners are conducting their investigation into the use by taxpayers of life assurance investment products for the purposes of tax evasion in two stages. In the first stage of these inquiries taxpayers who invested undisclosed and undeclared funds in life assurance products were given until 23 May 2005 to advise Revenue of that. That part of the disclosure stage has now been successfully completed and about 10,000 notices of intention to make a disclosure were received from taxpayers or their agents. Some of these notices were protective. Correspondence was received from others indicating that no liabilities arose.

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

Joe Sherlock

Question:

91 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the amount repaid by the Revenue Commissioners to individual taxpayers in respect of overpayments of tax in respect of each of the years 2002 to 2005; his plans for information campaigns to ensure that taxpayers are made fully aware of all their entitlements and are claiming all credits and allowances provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12399/06]

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

Year

PAYE Income Tax (employees)

PAYE Income Tax (employers)

Non-PAYE Income Tax

Corporation Tax

VAT

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

2002

242 (approx)

41

453

279

2,500

2003

265

104

488

382

2,605

2004

278

133

452

372

2,918

2005

332

96

522

500

3,449

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

In the case of PAYE, repayments arise as a general rule in response to claims made by taxpayers containing specific information not previously known to Revenue and the level of repayments shows that many taxpayers are aware of the tax credits and reliefs to which they are entitled and of the necessity to make the claim.

The Revenue Commissioners are conscious of their responsibility as contained in their customer service charter to provide taxpayers with the necessary information and all reasonable assistance to enable them to clearly understand and meet their tax and customs obligations and to claim their entitlements and credits. Revenue has always been proactive in ensuring that PAYE taxpayers in particular are made fully aware of their rights and are facilitated in claiming repayments due. For example, the tax credit certificate sent to each PAYE taxpayer at the start of the tax year is accompanied by a detailed leaflet setting out a wide range of information in regard to: main personal tax credits available for the year in question with comparative figures for the preceding year; tax rates and tax bands for the year in question; exemption limits for single, widowed and married persons and; how to claim an adjustment to the tax credit certificate.

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

In regard to PAYE, as the Deputy will be aware, Revenue have procedures in place so that many reliefs need not be claimed at all as they are given at source, for example mortgage interest, pension contributions, permanent health insurance and medical insurance. Others need only be claimed once and are automatically carried forward from year to year, for example, basic tax credits, PAYE credit, age credit for the over 65s and trade union subscriptions. The only reliefs that need to be claimed on an ongoing basis are those that are expenditure related, such as for medical expenses, certain dental expenses, third level tuition fees and rent relief.

While a wide range of information channels have been used to put details regarding taxpayer entitlements into the public domain, I would emphasise that the primary responsibility for ensuring that Revenue has the most up to date information on a taxpayer lies with the taxpayer him or herself.

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

Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 12.

Garda Stations.

Joe Costello

Question:

93 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to the refurbishment of Dunmanway Garda station; when he expects work to commence on the said refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9761/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

131 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to negotiations with the adjoining landowner regarding the acquisition of a plot of ground required to facilitate the extension and refurbishment of the vacant Garda station in Dunmanway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12874/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 131 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently at an advanced stage of negotiations with an adjoining landowner regarding the acquisition of a plot of land to the rear of Dunmanway Garda station. Following the acquisition, the commissioners will proceed immediately with the proposed refurbishment works to Dunmanway Garda station, in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Care of the Elderly.

David Stanton

Question:

94 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of grants awarded to elderly persons for home improvement grants by the Health Service Executive and health boards by county in the most recent complete calendar year for which data is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12625/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

95 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average amount awarded by the Health Service Executive and health boards by way of home improvement grants; the main types of improvement covered by such grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12626/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

96 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average time taken to process home improvement grants awarded to the elderly by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12627/06]

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.

Health Service Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

97 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists and physiotherapists employed in different regions by the Health Service Executive who work mainly in supporting the needs of the elderly who are not in institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12628/06]

Employment information collected by my Department relates to grades and employing authority rather than to specific areas of responsibility for individual staff. As the information requested by the Deputy relates to the delivery of health and social care services and human resource management issues which are matters for the Health Service Executive, the parliamentary affairs division of the executive has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to the information sought.

The Deputy may wish to note that the employment information collected by my Department shows that the number of occupational therapists employed in the public health service increased from 287.5 to 761.68, an increase of 474.18 or 165%, between 31 December 1997 and 30 September 2005. The number of physiotherapists employed increased from 592.89 to 1,213.44, an increase of 620.55 or 105%, over the same period. Included in these figures are Health Service Executive-health board staff employed by voluntary hospitals and staff employed by intellectual disability agencies. A breakdown of the figures, including information on Health Service Executive-health board staff by region, is given in the following tables. All figures are given in whole-time equivalents.

Occupational Therapists — all grades

Area

31/12/1997

30/09/2005

Increase

% Increase

Health Service Executive Employees Only

Eastern

71.42

153.95

82.53

116%

Midland

16.00

61.10

45.10

282%

Mid-Western

11.44

27.00

15.56

136%

North-Eastern

24.46

56.75

32.29

132%

North-Western

17.21

57.02

39.81

231%

South-Eastern

14.30

47.70

33.40

234%

Southern

19.52

70.32

50.80

260%

Western

18.22

57.08

38.86

213%

Total

192.57

530.92

338.35

176%

Intellectual Disability Services

28.16

82.48

54.32

193%

Voluntary Hospitals

66.77

148.28

81.51

122%

Total1

287.5

761.68

474.18

165%

Physiotherapists — all grades

Area

31/12/1997

30/09/2005

Increase

% Increase

Health Service Executive Employees Only

Eastern

59.93

141.21

81.28

136%

Midland

27.09

76.05

48.96

181%

Mid-Western

25.45

74.25

48.80

192%

North-Eastern

35.90

88.88

52.98

148%

North-Western

44.81

73.40

28.59

64%

South-Eastern

48.87

91.90

43.03

88%

Southern

46.99

125.10

78.11

166%

Western

40.88

93.87

52.99

130%

Total

329.92

764.66

434.74

132%

Intellectual Disability Services

20.74

90.91

70.17

338%

Voluntary Hospitals

242.23

357.87

115.64

48%

Total1

592.89

1,213.44

620.55

105%

Source: Health Service Personnel Census.

Note 1: Includes all Health Service Executive and Voluntary Hospital Staff together with the Staff of certain Disabilty Sector Agencies.

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

98 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average interval that a person can expect to wait before receiving services from occupational and physiotherapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12629/06]

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

Nursing Home Subventions.

David Stanton

Question:

99 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive does not make allowances for VHI, BUPA and so on contributions in assessing the means of applicants for nursing home subvention; if the elderly are wise to continue making such contributions in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive view such contributions as not allowable under various means tests operated by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12630/06]

The rules governing the assessment of means of applicants for nursing home subvention are set out in the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993, SI 227 of 1993. The regulations state that in calculating the means of a person in respect of whom a subvention has been sought, the HSE shall take all sources of income into account, including wages, salary, pension, allowances, etc. The regulations go on to state that means will be assessed net of pay related social insurance, statutory contributions and statutory levies. Therefore contributions to private health insurers such as VHI and BUPA are not taken into account as part of the means test. It is a matter for each individual to decide whether or not to pay into private insurance.

David Stanton

Question:

100 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportions of applications for nursing home subvention that are typically deemed as high, medium and maximum dependency by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12631/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

101 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proportion of applications for nursing home subvention that qualifies for more than 50% of the maximum possible allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12632/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

102 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the maximum rate of nursing home subvention available on 1 June in each year since 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12633/06]

The Fourth Schedule of the Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations 1993, SI 227 of 1993, set the maximum weekly rates of subvention, as assessed under the dependency assessment procedures. These rates were: medium dependency —£70 per week; high dependency —£95 per week; maximum dependency —£120 per week. These rates were increased by 25% in the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2001, SI 89 of 2001, to: medium dependency —£90 per week or €114.30; high dependency —£120 per week or €152.40; maximum dependency —£150 per week or €190.50. However, the HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of this provision in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention within resources. In general, the average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates.

David Stanton

Question:

103 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average number of persons receiving nursing home subvention each year since 1994; the number of persons who received a subvention at any time since 1994; and the number of applicants for nursing home subventions in that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12634/06]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

104 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding recent improvements on residential, day care and respite waiting lists for people with intellectual disabilities who are awaiting treatment. [12635/06]

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

105 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the waiting list for appointments with the pain specialist in Galway; the number on the waiting list for each county in the western Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12636/06]

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

106 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no pain specialist in County Mayo; if this issue will be urgently reviewed and a pain specialist appointed in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12637/06]

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.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

107 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of bereavement counselling services provided by the State in the north Kerry area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12638/06]

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.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

108 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [12639/06]

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.

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

109 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be given their medical records in relation to their attendance in Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12640/06]

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.

Care of the Elderly.

Finian McGrath

Question:

110 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no funding available for a home care package for a person (details supplied); and the location of the so called extra money for the elderly. [12645/06]

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.

Health Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

111 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if consideration has been given to embarking on a campaign where free nicotine gum will be offered to help people give up smoking; and her views with regard to actions needed to combat smoking particularly among young people. [12646/06]

Nicotine replacement therapies are available to medical card holders on foot of recommendations made by the cardiovascular health strategy group and the advisory forum established to support the task force in the implementation of strategy. Evidence shows that lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of smoking and spend a higher proportion of disposable income on tobacco. Accordingly, it was considered that this group is in greatest need of assistance in helping them to quit the habit.

A common list of reimbursable medicines is in place for the general medical services and drug payment schemes to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. In order for a product to be reimbursable under the two schemes, it must satisfy a number of criteria, including that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only by medical prescription and that it should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Nicotine replacement therapies belong to a category of products that would not normally satisfy these criteria, in that they are generally available over-the-counter, and may be advertised directly to the public. However, in light of the recommendations that were made, it was decided, as an exceptional measure, to make the full range of nicotine replacement therapies, including nicotine gum, available on prescription to medical card holders.

It is important that smoking prevalence and particularly smoking by young persons is tackled in a comprehensive manner. This includes legislation, regulation, health promotion and education.

Following on from the results of the first national health and lifestyles survey, 1999, my Department launched an awareness-raising campaign that specifically targeted young women. Through television, radio and outdoor advertising, the campaign NICO delivered a simple message that smokers are less attractive. The advertisement was evaluated and achieved unprecedented recognition and awareness scores among the target audience. The campaign was extended in 2004 with the development of a second advertisement, NICO's Crib, targeting young people in general. Future awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of smoking are being considered by the Health Service Executive in line with its wider awareness-raising commitments.

Education and health promotion in relevant settings is another key objective in reducing the numbers of young people who smoke. The cardiovascular strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, recommended that an annual module on smoking should be included in the social, personal and health education curriculum now being delivered in all schools. Smoking is examined in the context of all substance uses and is part of a programme designed to educate and empower young people to make good health and lifestyle choices.

Recent research commissioned by the health promotion unit and the Office of Tobacco Control show downward trends in the number of young people smoking. Despite this, my Department and the wider health services are committed to further reducing these figures by continuing to discourage young people from starting smoking and ensuring that adequate information and support are available for those wishing to quit.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

112 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position concerning the delivery of an orthodontic treatment programme to primary schools in County Galway; if there are vacancies on the dental staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12669/06]

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:

113 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12670/06]

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.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

114 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of neurological services in Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12671/06]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

115 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a screening programme for bowel cancer for 60 to 69 year olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12672/06]

National population based screening programmes for cancer are considered where clear evidence exists of benefit to the health of the whole population to be screened. There is evidence in relation to some specific cancers which show that population based screening can improve population health in terms of survival, morbidity and quality of life. Population based screening programmes for two specific cancers, breast and cervical, have demonstrated their efficacy and planning is underway for the national rollout of these two programmes to all regions in the country.

I received the Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland 2006 from the chairman of the National Cancer Forum in January this year. As part of this work, the forum developed a framework for evidence based decision making in relation to the introduction of population based screening programmes and applied the agreed criteria to colorectal cancer screening. I am currently examining the strategy with a view to bringing proposals to Government. I expect to have the strategy published shortly.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

116 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received from persons with County Roscommon addresses seeking repayment of overcharges in State-run nursing homes; and if this figure will be analysed between living and deceased applicants. [12673/06]

As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme, inquiries relating to the scheme are referred to the parliamentary affairs division of the executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

117 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received from persons with County Leitrim addresses seeking repayment of overcharges in State-run nursing homes; and if this figure will be analysed between living and deceased applicants. [12674/06]

As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the national repayment scheme, inquiries relating to the scheme are referred to the parliamentary affairs division of the executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

118 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application for subvention will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12689/06]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

119 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12690/06]

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

Pat Breen

Question:

120 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12692/06]

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:

121 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of inspectors allocated to carrying out inspections in public and private creches; the number of inspections which have been carried out in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12697/06]

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 Allen

Question:

122 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the circumstances as to the way in which access to a building construction site through Health Service Executive land at Shanakiel, Cork has been granted to a building developer especially in view of concern for psychiatric patients who have to walk through what is now a road frequented by heavy construction equipment and vehicles. [12719/06]

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.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

123 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a recent NCCRI report which states that some general practitioners activity discourage patients from minority ethnic grounds, in particular Travellers and asylum seekers, from attending their surgeries; her views on this report; the steps she is taking to eliminate this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12772/06]

The report of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, NCCRI, referred to in the Deputy's question has not been formally presented to my Department. I understand it was to be launched yesterday, 29 March 2006, at a conference in Belfast. I understand that the report states that most general practitioners are inclusive in their approach, while noting that the NCCRI has anecdotal evidence that some GPs actively discourage patients from minorities, in particular Travellers and asylum seekers, from attending their surgeries.

Publicly funded GP services are provided without charge to eligible patients under the general medical services, GMS, scheme. Under the GMS scheme a general practitioner will hold a contract with the Health Service Executive to provide services to those medical card and GP visit card patients who have been assigned to that doctor's patient panel. The terms of the GMS GP contract were agreed by my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation, which represents contracting GPs. A GMS GP is required, under the terms of his or her contract, to provide services to public patients on the same basis as to private patients. Furthermore, the contract provides that in instances where eligible persons experience difficulty securing the services of a GMS GP, the HSE may assign those persons to a contracted GP in the area.

My Department, the Health Service Executive and the IMO have worked together on the issue of the provision of general practitioner services to asylum seekers and non-EU nationals. GMS GPs are paid an initial registration fee in respect of each person on their GMS patient panel who is an asylum seeker or non-EU national. In addition, the HSE makes available funding to assist GMS GPs in addressing the particular needs of GMS patients who are asylum seekers or non-EU nationals. In the past my Department has also provided funding to the Irish College of General Practitioners to develop resource material and to provide training workshops for GPs on delivering services to people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

124 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo received the domiciliary care allowance. [12773/06]

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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

125 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 with their medical card and disability allowance problems. [12774/06]

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.

David Stanton

Question:

126 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for medication which has been prescribed to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has Parkinson’s disease to be covered under the long-term illness assistance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12775/06]

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the long-term illness scheme, LTI. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The Deputy will be pleased to note that Parkinsonism is one of the conditions included under the LTI scheme. In order to avail of services under the scheme, patients must apply to their local office of the Health Service Executive.

David Stanton

Question:

127 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 26 January 2006, if the additional occupational therapy support and speech therapy support has been made available to the person concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12776/06]

With regard to the matters raised by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 49, I understand that the Health Service Executive replied to the Deputy on 8 February 2006. The Deputy's current question also 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:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has taken place in the case of two juveniles out of home without permission, one under the influence of an older person; if contact has been made by her Department with the objective of co-ordinating efforts to deal with the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12791/06]

The case referred to by the Deputy has been referred to the Health Service Executive which, under the Health Act 2004, has statutory responsibility for the provision of services under the Child Care Act 1991, as amended. I have asked the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to look into this matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

129 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13141/06]

The Department of Health and Children had no employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005.

Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 93.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

132 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has imposed restrictions on the right to obtain interest relief on borrowings on properties purchased overseas for renting or for occupation. [12574/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the same way as interest relief is granted for Irish rental property, interest relief is granted on money borrowed that is used for the purchase, improvement or repair of rental property outside the State. However, no interest relief is available for individuals on money borrowed to purchase property outside the State as a residence or holiday home, with one exception. The exception arises where an individual purchases a qualifying residential premises that is situated in Northern Ireland or Great Britain; and such premises is used by that individual, or by his or her separated spouse, as that person's sole or main residence, For a non-first time buyer who qualifies for this exception, tax relief is due, at the standard rate, that is at 20%, on interest paid subject to the following limits: for a married couple on joint assessment, a maximum relief of €5,080 at 20%; for a widowed person, a maximum relief of €5,080 at 20%; and for any other individual, a maximum relief of €2,540 at 20%.

The exception covers mainly the situation of a Northern Ireland resident individual who is employed and works full-time in the State, for example, a cross-Border worker.

State Property.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

133 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Finance when the north linear park along the Liffey near Chapelizod will be transferred to Dublin City Council (details supplied). [12575/06]

The transfer of the property in question was completed on 2 March 2006.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

134 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Finance if he will have the Office of Public Works acquire Liffey Vale House, on the Liffey near the Army Rowing Club, for the State in order that the people of Chapelizod can enjoy it as part of the linear park (details supplied). [12576/06]

Liffey Valley House is owned by the Minister for Finance on behalf of the State and the Commissioners of Public Works are considering its development potential. A planning application is under preparation. The Commissioners of Public Works will consider all options for the property once the planning application has been determined.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

135 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for P21s to be issued to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12577/06]

The Revenue Commissioners have advised that P21s issued for the years 2003 and 2004 on 24 February 2006 in accordance with income and tax credit details held on computer record. A P21 for 2005 issued on 27 March 2006 following the provision of pay and tax details on 24 March 2006 by the taxpayers. These details were not already held on computer record. These actions are in accordance with commitments given in response to a similar query raised in a question, reference number 7760/06, on 28 February 2006.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

136 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the long delay in amending the tax affairs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to reflect the fact that the person is paying weekly reckonable maintenance payments of €250 to their former spouse; and if their mortgage interest relief will be reinstated due to the fact that their principal private residence has changed; and if he will ensure that this is done as soon as possible. [12644/06]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person contacted Revenue with the relevant details on 12 August 2005. His tax credits were amended accordingly on 19 October 2005. However due to a processing error the certificate of tax credits giving effect to the revised credits for 2005 did not issue. The Revenue Commissioners regret this error.

As 2005 has now passed and as the person is also self-employed, it will be necessary for him to file a return for 2005 before Revenue can review his tax position for that year, taking account of both his self-employment income and the maintenance payments. If he wishes, this can be done immediately so that Revenue can review his liability.

The person called to the central Revenue information office on 18 February 2006 with a letter giving details of his maintenance payments. His tax credits for 2006 have now been amended to include the maintenance payment and a certificate of tax credits will issue shortly.

He and his partner have also received tax relief at source in respect of their current home for 2003. For 2002 he is due a refund of €289.59 in respect of additional mortgage relief. A cheque will issue shortly.

Jack Wall

Question:

137 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if the tax affairs of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare are up to date; if a tax rebate is owed to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12684/06]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the income tax affairs of the taxpayer are up to date. Unfortunately, the certificate of tax credits for 2006, which issued to the taxpayer on 8 February 2006, was received too late for update by her employer for her February 2006 salary. As her February 2006 salary also included salary arrears, income tax of €809.88 was deducted from her total salary for the month. The position has been rectified by the employer for her March 2006 salary and a tax refund of €302.52 has been made to her.

Computerisation Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a full statement on the ongoing problems with the computer system in the tax offices here. [12685/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they introduced an entirely new computer system for PAYE last October — the first total redesign of the system in 40 years. This major new development was necessary not only to modernise the whole PAYE computer system, which was overdue, but also to allow for the provision of on-line services for PAYE taxpayers, which will become available later this year.

I am advised that there were some initial difficulties with the changeover to the new system, and in the recent "bulk issue" of 2.2 million tax credit certificates, the entitlements of a small minority of cases were affected. Revenue assures me that it had a very active process of identifying any such customers and, where appropriate, automatically issued amended notices to employers to enable them to immediately adjust the payroll deductions. Amended tax credit certificates also subsequently issued to the individuals concerned.

Tax Code.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

139 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance his views on the possibility of providing a rebate for farmers and others who normally use, and are so entitled to do so, marked diesel; if, in that context, he agrees with Northern Ireland that only clear diesel would be available; his further views on whether this would automatically end the outrageous black market going on in washed diesel and simplify the whole system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12686/06]

Currently there exists a two-tier rate structure for diesel, which is taxed at €368.05 per 1,000 litres in respect of auto use and at €47.36 per 1,000 litres for other use. Currently, there are no plans to introduce a single rate for diesel with a rebate for use in agricultural or construction machinery.

The low rate diesel is marked with a chemical and dye, which gives it a green colour, and is known as marked gas oil, MGO. While it is used in agricultural machinery and tractors, it is also widely used for commercial and domestic central heating, and in off-road vehicles, special purpose vehicles, trains, boats and industrial and construction machinery.

Under the current system misuse of MGO in vehicles can be detected by means of a visual check of colour and a laboratory check for the chemical marker. There were 173 convictions obtained for marked oil offences in 2005 and fines totalling €175,704 were imposed. A further 1,326 offences were settled on payment of compromise penalties totalling €986,720.

Where the chemical marker and dye is illegally removed from MGO to facilitate illegal use as auto diesel, it can still be identified as MGO on the basis of its sulphur content, which is higher than that of auto-diesel. In 2005 a total of 127 detections of laundered oil were made, including 21 at retail and distribution outlets and 71 involving hauliers. Over 300,000 litres of fuel and five tankers were seized. Prosecutions in 2005 for laundered oil included eight filling stations, and ten hauliers are among those involved in 25 other cases reported for prosecution. Six convictions were obtained in 2005 and penalties totalling €5,950 and one custodial sentence, of 18 months suspended for three years, were imposed.

A change from the two-tier rate system supported by oil marking to a single rate system with repayment, could only be considered if the UK were to do likewise, as most laundered oil is produced from UK MGO — red diesel — which is cheaper than our MGO. I am not aware of any UK proposal to change to a single rate system. Even if the UK does make such a change, there are other serious drawbacks involved.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment system would involve an enormous burden on their administration and audit resources, because of the very large number and diversity of MGO users. In addition, all users of low rate diesel would suffer the cash flow burden of a requirement to pay the full rate in the first instance, would have to keep records for Revenue audit purposes, maintain systems to claim repayments and suffer the delays consistent with an appropriate level of checking such claims. This would be a disproportionate impact on those who are tax compliant.

Furthermore, in Revenue's experience, unless they are micro-controlled, repayment regimes are inherently vulnerable to abuse and are liable to be exploited by criminal elements, such as those currently involved in oil laundering. A scheme on the lines suggested would be vulnerable to extensive fraud by opening new possibilities for diversion to high-rate auto use that would be extremely difficult or even impossible to detect and prosecute.

I wish to assure the Deputy that Revenue is continuing to take a vigorous approach to the problem of oil laundering and a major national project, which will target mineral oil retail outlets and large-scale users and focus on identifying the supply chain, is being put in place this year.

Site Acquisitions.

Joan Burton

Question:

140 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the transfer of a site from Cork County Council to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the number of meetings the Office of Public Works has had with the vendors of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12687/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works act as an agent on behalf of the Department of Education and Science in the acquisition of sites for new school facilities. Agreement has been reached, subject to contract, in respect of a site for Gaelscoil Cloich Coilte. Conveyancing details are currently being finalised.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

141 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [12699/06]

My Department did not have any employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005. In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the following is the position:

Department/Office

Employees suspended on 31 December 2004

Employees suspended on 31 December 2005

Revenue Commissioners

NIL

1

Ombudsman

NIL

NIL

Valuation Office

NIL

NIL

State Laboratory

NIL

NIL

Office of Public Works

1

2

Commission on Public Service Appointments

NIL

NIL

Public Appointments Service

NIL

NIL

Ordnance Survey

NIL

NIL

It is not my Department's policy to comment publicly on personnel issues.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

142 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer’s tax credit in each of the years since its introduction; the numbers availing of this credit in each of the years since its introduction for which figures have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12715/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the home carer's tax credit, formerly an allowance but converted to a tax credit in 2001, and the associated numbers of income earners availing of it are as set out in the following table.

Home carer's tax credit — cost to Exchequer and numbers availing of it.

Tax Year

2000/01

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Cost to Exchequer

€88.6 m

€57.9 m

€73.7 m

€75.6 m

€75.8 m

€76.2 m

Numbers availing

111,300

108,000

100,800

104,200

104,000

104,100

Figures for years 2003, 2004 and 2005 are provisional and subject to revision.

It should be noted that as PAYE taxpayers were charged to tax on their earnings in the period from 6 April to 31 December 2001 and self-employed taxpayers were assessed to tax for the short "year" on 74% of the profits earned in a 12 month accounting period, the figure of Exchequer cost shown for 2001 will not be directly comparable with the costs for earlier or later years.

The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the home carer's tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the home carer's credit. The numbers availing of the credit are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate. A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Flood Relief.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to discussions with Kildare County Council in the matter of the alleviation of flooding at the Mill Lane, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12743/06]

Officials from the Office of Public Works are due to meet officials from Kildare County Council on 31 March 2006 in order to discuss the Leixlip flood relief study.

Money Laundering.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has identified instances whereby organised crime has utilised or infiltrated the banking system with potential threat to the integrity and stability of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has in mind proposals to augment the relevant legislation to prevent the use of the financial services by organised criminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12745/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that adequate safeguards exist to prevent the use of the financial services by way of e-technology by those involved in illicit financial transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12746/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if adequate restrictions are in place to prevent the infiltration of the financial services sector by money-launderers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12747/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that adequate restrictions are in place to deter or discourage money-laundering through the financial services sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12748/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 148, inclusive, together.

Irish legislation on money laundering is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended. Primary responsibility for legislation in this area rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This legislation and relevant regulations made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform implemented the EU money laundering directives of 1991 and 2001 in Ireland. The procedures for the prevention of money laundering in the financial system primarily involve the requirement on financial institutions, and other designated bodies, to identify their customers, to have adequate anti-money laundering procedures in place, including staff training, to keep records and to report suspicions of a money laundering offence to the Garda Síochána and to the Revenue Commissioners.

The Financial Regulator requires all institutions which it supervises to comply with the anti-money laundering legislation and relevant sectoral guidance notes, and to have in place the necessary procedures and controls to ensure such compliance. The adequacy of such systems is reviewed by the Financial Regulator in the course of its ongoing supervision of institutions and requirements for improvement are advised to institutions as necessary. Furthermore, in accordance with its legal obligation under section 57(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, the Financial Regulator is obliged to make reports to the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners where in the course of its supervision it suspects that an institution has breached the relevant money laundering provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

The Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners regularly receive reports from financial institutions and other designated bodies where they suspect that a money laundering offence is being or has been committed. All such reports are investigated and progressed as appropriate by the relevant authorities.

The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, FATF, the international standard setting body in this area, recently published a report on Ireland's systems to combat money laundering and terrorist funding. Ireland is one of seven countries evaluated to date in the FATF third round of mutual evaluations. Its overall ratings are comparable to those obtained by the other countries evaluated.

The revised FATF money laundering recommendations of 2003 — the standard against which Ireland's compliance was assessed — have been embodied in the third EU money laundering directive which came into force in December 2005 with a transposition deadline of December 2007. Ireland opted to be evaluated early in the third round of mutual evaluations because this would be of considerable assistance in planning the transposition of the third EU money laundering directive into Irish law. Many of the FATF recommendations on which Ireland is currently assessed as either partially compliant or non-compliant will be addressed in the transposition into Irish law of the third EU money laundering directive. These include additional measures in relation to customer due diligence, measures relating to the identification of foreign politically exposed persons, the strengthening of the sanctions for breaches of money laundering rules and the regulation of non-financial entities.

On publication of the FATF report my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and I jointly undertook to examine the report's recommendations thoroughly and gave a commitment to further strengthen Ireland's anti-money laundering mechanisms. The process of reviewing and updating the Irish legal framework to meet both our domestic needs and international obligations is already under way.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to take steps of a taxation nature to discourage job relocation to low cost economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12749/06]

Ireland today must compete in a world where rapid globalisation is providing multinational companies with a myriad of choices as to where to locate their businesses. Ireland is leading the way in attracting these businesses through low direct tax rates, both in personal and corporate taxes. The Government actively pursues tax policies to encourage job creation and retention. It's corporation tax policy is designed at maximising the employment and economic benefits of industrial development by creating an attractive climate for business as well as a positive environment for encouraging investment.

We have made significant reforms in our taxation system aimed at encouraging an enterprise culture at both company and individual level. In this respect at corporate level Ireland offers one of the most beneficial corporate tax environments in the world. Our 12.5% corporation tax rate continues to support the necessary stable enterprise environment which Ireland has so carefully nurtured down through the years. This long-standing policy of our corporation tax has been one of the main elements in the attraction and development of top quality investment here. This legislation sets out the future tax regime for business in clear and unambiguous terms and we do not envisage the rate being amended. I have no doubt that our 12.5% corporation tax rate has significantly helped to create and safeguard record levels of investment and employment here and will continue to do so.

The Government has also established targeted tax incentives to ensure Ireland can compete in this dynamic and knowledge based economy. The new tax credit of 20% for research and development will help to enhance our competitiveness as a location for a new internationally mobile research related investment. It will also encourage existing overseas and indigenous firms to add research functions to their operations in Ireland or to increase their level of research activity.

In an international context, the most recent data available from the OECD shows that, in 2004, for a single person on an average wage, Ireland had the lowest tax wedge in the European Union and one of the lowest in the OECD. A low tax wedge makes it easier for employers to take on new employees. The fact that our unemployment rate is half the EU average is no coincidence.

Tax Yield.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue accruing to the Exchequer on foot of various forms of motor taxation including vehicle registration tax, excise duty, direct or indirect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12750/06]

Revenue receipts for 2005 from fuel excise duty, vehicle registration tax, VAT on vehicles and road tax amounted to approximately €4,961 million. The following table details receipts from each tax:

Tax

2005

€ million

Mineral Oil Tax

1,923

Vehicle Registration Tax

1,148

VAT (estimated)

1,088

Motor Tax

802

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has identified hidden inflationary tendencies which seem to activate job relocation to lower cost economies; the action he proposes to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12751/06]

The director general of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI. Inflation, as measured by the CPI, is forecast to average 2.7% this year. The harmonised index of consumer prices, the EU measure of inflation, is forecast to average 2.0%, broadly in line with rates in our major trading partners.

The level of employment is at an all time high and the unemployment rate is the lowest in the EU. The Deputy's concerns, therefore, are misplaced. None the less, it is vital to retain competitiveness and this Government's policies are aimed at this, via correct fiscal policies, no excise increases and the progressive removal of barriers to competition in the economy which will be reflected, in due course, in prices at retail level.

Decentralisation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the acquisition of all accommodation or other requirements associated with the Government’s decentralisation programme to date since the scheme was first announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12752/06]

To date property acquisitions relating to the Government's decentralisation programme have been completed or significantly advanced in 23 locations. The particular solutions in these locations include State owned existing sites, sites purchased from local authorities, private individuals and purchases and leases of existing buildings. The estimated total committed expenditure in these 23 locations is €36.3 million, exclusive of VAT. Of this amount, approximately €13 million is in respect of sites acquired from local authorities and State agencies.

Suitable solutions have been identified in another 15 locations and negotiations to acquire these are ongoing. The overall site acquisition cost of the entire decentralisation programme is expected to be in the region of €75 million to €100 million, excluding VAT. The prices paid to date for sites are considered by the OPW to be in line with market prices.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants so far relocated under the Government’s decentralisation scheme; the locations and Departments to which they have been deployed; when he expects the programme to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12753/06]

To date more than 1,200 civil servants have been assigned to decentralising posts. I will forward the Deputy full details of the Departments and offices to which these staff have been assigned. Many of these staff are located in Dublin for a transition period to enable effective transfer of skills and knowledge and ensure that quality customer service continues to be delivered as decentralisation is rolled out. A small number of advance moves have taken place to decentralised locations to date, including the Department of Social and Family Affairs to Sligo, the Department of Agriculture and Food to Portlaoise, the Department of Education and Science to Athlone, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Thurles and Tipperary town and the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs to Na Forbacha in Galway.

In line with the timeframes set out by the decentralisation implementation group in its June report I expect that up to 1,000 posts will have decentralised by end the of 2006 or early 2007. As regards the programme as a whole, I refer the Deputy to the decentralisation implementation group's July 2005 report which identified progress on property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues. In line with the group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie.

The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. To date, property acquisition negotiations have been completed or significantly advanced in 23 locations. I understand the OPW is updating the position on the property aspects of the programme in light of experience to date.

Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to the provision of the proposed new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare; if all the investigative procedures have been concluded and complied with; if agreement has been reached with all participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12754/06]

An independent architectural report has just been obtained in response to the submissions received in respect of planning consultation under Part 9. It is being considered by the Office of Public Works and it is expected that a decision to proceed or not will be made in a matter of weeks.

Tax Collection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the reason approximately €900 was retained by Revenue from a person (details supplied) relating to a tax issue; the further reason this person was never contacted regarding same or regarding a possible repayment plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12769/06]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax retained from the taxpayer's February 2006 pension cheque was due to an unfortunate computer payroll error. The inspector of taxes was not made aware of the problem by the pension provider until 21 March 2006. The matter was immediately rectified by fax from the Office of the Inspector of Taxes. The company has since made a refund to the taxpayer of the tax overpaid in the sum of €1,177.52, dated 23 March 2006.

Port Development.

Ivor Callely

Question:

156 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if ownership has been established regarding the area of Dublin Bay which the Dublin Port Company wishes to reclaim; and if not, the work which has been done to establish ownership. [12591/06]

Ivor Callely

Question:

157 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the environmental impact assessments which have been carried out regarding the potential infill of 52 acres of Dublin Bay; and the results of same. [12593/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

Dublin Port Company applied in March 2002 for approval for the proposed reclamation of an area of some 21 hectares in Dublin Bay. The port company made the application under section 10 of the Foreshore Act 1933 on the basis that it owns the foreshore in question. Certain issues arose concerning the company's title to the area in question and these have been addressed in detail in correspondence between the State's legal services and the company's legal advisers. A response on the matter from the company's legal advisers is being examined by the State's legal services and I await a report.

An environmental impact statement — EIS — was submitted with the company's application and has undergone an initial evaluation by consultants engaged by the Department. It will be examined further when the legal issues concerning the foreshore in question have been resolved. Full consideration of the port company's application would also involve a process of public consultation comprising the making available of the EIS and other information concerning the application and an opportunity for interested persons or bodies to make submissions or observations on the proposal. The proposed development will also require planning permission.

Marine Safety.

Martin Ferris

Question:

158 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of navigational lights which are in place in Mulroy Bay; if more are to be installed; the cost incurred; if all funding has been spent; and the various Departments from which funding was granted. [12688/06]

Mulroy Bay is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. I have been informed by Donegal County Council that there are four navigation lights installed and the council has plans to install one more navigational light at Mulroy Bay.

In 2004, under the small fishery harbours programme, €18,750 was allocated for funding towards navigational aids at Mulroy Bay costing a total of €25,000. Last year I allocated funding of €30,000 towards the provision of navigation aids at Mulroy Bay costing a total of €40,000. The grant aid was provided by the Department with a 25% contribution from Donegal County Council.

Telecommunications Services.

John Perry

Question:

159 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas in County Sligo which have broadband facilities in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/06]

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

It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. For this reason, my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed fibre based broadband networks in association with the local and regional authorities in the major towns and cities. These metropolitan area networks — MANs — are open access fibre based trunk networks which will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. Nineteen MANs are now completed and a further six are under construction, including the Sligo town MAN.

My Department also administers a group broadband scheme which delivers broadband to many under-served areas. Under this scheme, broadband projects have been approved for Rosses Point, Strandhill, Ballygawley and Collooney in County Sligo. These schemes are now operational and providing broadband service. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

160 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13142/06]

Two employees of my Department were on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005. It would not be appropriate to provide details of the cases concerned in view of their confidential nature.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

161 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13143/06]

One member of the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs was on suspension with pay on 31 December 2005. The officer's suspension relates to a matter which is being investigated by the Department under the terms of the Civil Service grievance and disciplinary procedures — Department of Finance circular 1/92. No officer was on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004.

Sports Capital Programme.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

162 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the assistance which is available for a club (details supplied) to buy minimalist basic equipment to ensure the safe continuation of the club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12570/06]

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 Friday, 20 January. All applications received before the deadline are 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. An application for funding under the 2006 programme was not received from the organisation in question.

I assure the Deputy that it is my intention to announce another sports capital programme later in the year and at that stage it will be open to the club in question to apply for a grant towards equipment.

Tourism Promotion.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

163 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views, in view of the fact that the number of nights spent outside Dublin by overseas visitors has fallen by 9.2 million since 1999, that investment to increase the nation’s tourism industry has to be increased evenly across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12664/06]

As I previously advised the House, individual actions and measures relating to tourism promotion or development in so far as specific areas of the country are concerned are day-to-day functions of the State tourism agencies. The report on the regional spread of tourism, published last year by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, outlines the variations in regional tourism performance in recent years, including a reduction of 2.5 million in the number of bed nights spent by overseas holidaymakers in areas outside of Dublin between 1999 and 2004.

Arising from the new horizons policy review, national tourism policy has seen a particular emphasis on putting measures in place to achieve a wider regional spread of tourism business. This is especially important as the increase in shorter breaks and urban tourism continues to bite in rural areas. In 2006, Fáilte Ireland will invest more than €60 million in supporting regional tourism, from local festivals to building capability and strengthening the tourism product. The authority will channel in the region of €10 million of this sum directly into the regional tourism companies to strengthen and enhance their operational and marketing capabilities this year. This investment is designed to ensure both high quality visitor servicing at key tourist information offices and also a strong overseas promotional effort.

Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland will roll out some innovative schemes this year to heighten the regional impact of Ireland's marketing activities both nationally and overseas. The super regions initiative launched last month is one of these. The agencies will also have at their disposal an opportunities fund of €1 million to allow them to respond to regional opportunities which may arise during the course of the year and are not anticipated in current programmes. Fáilte Ireland has also announced a new €1 million local area marketing fund to support the industry in generating additional business in 2006 and 2007. In addition it has an innovation fund of about €1 million up and running whose immediate priority is to encourage innovation and investment across a range of new products, with a strong emphasis on products designed to attract and hold visitors outside the mature urban tourism areas.

Recognising the importance of home holidays at regional level, Fáilte Ireland will invest €4 million to sustain the recent remarkable growth in the home market. It also plans to advertise domestic holidays and short breaks 44 weeks a year in order to reach and stimulate the impulse market. Fáilte Ireland's website, www.ireland.ie, generated half a million direct sales leads to the tourism industry during 2005.

Furthermore, on the basis that activities and attractions — things to do and see — are central to increasing spend per visitor, Fáilte Ireland will continue to assist in product development including developing and promoting looped walks, angling, festivals, cycling routes, equestrian, golfing and water based activities. The recruitment and training of people to work in tourism remains a key issue for the industry across all regions. In response, Fáilte Ireland has decided to deliver 80 return to work programmes in 55 locations and four temporary training centres will also be set up to attract approximately 500 local people into tourism. The programmes run at these workshops have proved to be extremely popular as a means of providing training relevant to the needs of local employers.

Fáilte Ireland also recognises the particular pressures on small tourism businesses and, in response, is establishing tourism business networks in every county as a practical step to helping small businesses address their own development needs. Tourism Ireland for its part will invest an estimated €5 million in 2006 specifically to support promotion of the regions of Ireland overseas and will engage in additional, co-operative marketing with all regions. Key activities include presenting and promoting a series of all-island tourist theme trails or rainbow routes to help tourists get the most out of their visit. Themes will include music, gourmet, literature, history, Christian heritage and houses and gardens and will be cross-regional; and further promoting and supporting regional access development as well as reinvigorating the car touring sector.

As the Deputy will appreciate, visitors cannot be forced to go to a particular location against their will. The responsibility primarily lies with the individual communities and operators in the regions to present and market compelling attractions, facilities, accommodation and experiences which deliver value for money and quality service. The Deputy will be aware that the initiatives I have outlined are being undertaken against a backdrop of a restructuring and refocusing of the delivery of tourism at regional level which will effectively lead to the provision of a one-stop-shop for the tourism industry in the regions, with strong regional representation.

This revision of regional tourism structures, which I have fully endorsed, is based on the PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Travers reports on how best Fáilte Ireland might carry out its development mandate countrywide. The PWC report highlights the need for a much wider and strategic brief for regional tourism. It recommends a greatly increased emphasis on targeted marketing, product development and enterprise support and suggests establishing an integrated linkage between regional tourism strategy and national policy and exploiting avenues to leverage increased resources.

An implementation group chaired by Mr. Finbarr Flood was established to assist Fáilte Ireland in implementing the recommendations of the two reports. This group undertook an extensive process of engagement with relevant parties, including the existing regional tourism authorities and industry representative groups, to smooth the process of implementation and I understand it will submit its report to Fáilte Ireland shortly.

In tandem with this, Fáilte Ireland has begun the process of gearing up its internal structures. A new senior management position of director of regional development has been created and applications to fill the post are being processed. A due diligence process has commenced with each of the RTAs. Fáilte Ireland expects that these changes will impact on the regions by the middle of the year.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

164 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13144/06]

There were no employees in my Department on suspension with pay as at 31 December 2004 or 31 December 2005.

Work Permits.

John Deasy

Question:

165 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications received in each of the past five years for work permits in respect of farriers from non-EU States; the number of those applications that have been successful; the number of training places that were available to farriers in each of the past five years; his plans to increase the number of such places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/06]

The work permits section of my Department will consider granting an employer a work permit for highly skilled and highly paid positions and applications in respect of farriers would have to meet that criteria. The section does not keep figures on the number of work permits issued in respect of specific employment positions at present. FÁS runs a foundation in farrier training local training initiative course at the RACE centre, Kildare town. The number of training places on this course is eight and it has been running once a year for the past three years. There are no plans to expand the number of places available. FÁS is in negotiations with the Irish Master Farriers with a view to converting the course to an apprenticeship.

Employment Rights.

Jack Wall

Question:

166 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to seek and obtain payments for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12572/06]

It is unclear from the details supplied if the amount being claimed is an improper deduction or an underpayment. Improper deductions from wages or non-payment of wages should be referred by the employee to a rights commissioner under the Payment of Wages Act 1991. A rights commissioner will give both employer and employee an opportunity to present any evidence relevant to the complaint and shall give a decision in writing. If the rights commissioner finds that the complaint is well-founded, he or she will order the employer to pay compensation as deemed reasonable. Complaints must be presented to the rights commissioner service within six months beginning on the date of contravention or, in exceptional circumstances, such further period not exceeding six months as the rights commissioner considers reasonable.

More detailed information on the unfair dismissal legislation and copies of the relevant application form for bringing a claim to the rights commissioner may be obtained by contacting the employment rights information unit of the Department at 65a Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 or by telephoning the unit at 01 631-3131, lo-call 1890 220222, where staff would be happy to assist. The Labour Relations Commission document supplied by the Deputy has not yet been received in the Labour Relations Commission.

EU Directives.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

167 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is expected that the unfair commercial practices directive, which increases protection for consumers across the EU and outlaws the establishment, operation or promotion of pyramid promotional schemes and which was adopted in May 2005 will be transposed into Irish law so that its protections will be made available to consumers here. [12701/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

168 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of the law on pyramid schemes commenced; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos.167 and 168 together.

Legislation transposing the unfair commercial practices directive must be adopted by 12 June 2007 and applied by 12 December 2007. I hope to introduce a Bill in the last quarter of the year that will transpose the directive, update and consolidate the domestic legislation within its domain and establish the national consumer agency. No separate review of the legislation on pyramid schemes is in progress. The Pyramid Selling Act 1980 is being reviewed along with other relevant consumer legislation in the context of the need to adopt the unfair commercial practices directive and to ensure that our domestic legislation is in line with the provisions of the directive. This wide-ranging review of a large body of consumer legislation commenced in late 2004 and I expect it to be completed by the third quarter of this year.

In the meanwhile, I have instructed my officials to contact the deputy Garda commissioner responsible for the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to seek his views on any difficulties being experienced under current legislation and to determine whether he has any suggestions as to how the legislation might be improved, based on his experience dealing with the sort of practices employed by the people who devise and promote such schemes

Job Creation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

169 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs that have been created in County Wexford through the direct involvement of Enterprise Ireland or the IDA during the lifetime of the current Government and the previous administration. [12704/06]

The issue of job creation in any given location by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland is a day-to-day matter for the agency concerned and not one in which I have a function. The Forfás annual employment survey is the indicator used to record jobs gained and lost in Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in any one year. The survey collates data on employment at county level. The 2005 survey, which provides figures for the period 1996-2005, is now complete and will be published in the coming months.

Using the figures from the survey, indications are that the total number of full-time jobs created in client companies by Enterprise Ireland and its predecessors in County Wexford in the period 1997 to 2005 amounts to 3,173. In the case of IDA Ireland, using the figures from the Forfás employment survey for 2005, indications are that the total number of new jobs created in client companies in the period 1997 to 2005 amounts to 1,283.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

170 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State employees on suspension with pay as of 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13145/06]

No staff of my Department were on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004 or 31 December 2005.

Social Welfare Code.

David Stanton

Question:

171 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the various recommendations made in the October 1998 report, Review of the Carer’s Allowance; the recommendations which have been accepted as valid by him or his predecessors; the status of the progress made or planned for each of the recommendations so accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12624/06]

As part of the expenditure review initiative, a review of the carer's allowance scheme was completed by my Department and published in October 1998. Of the main recommendations of the review, an amendment to the PRSI system to preserve the carer's social insurance record while caring was implemented in April 1999. The payment of an additional annual flat rate payment to all recipients of the allowance as a contribution towards respite care was implemented in June 1999. A relaxation of the residency requirements was implemented in August 1999. A relaxation of the full-time care and attention requirements was implemented in August 1999. An extension of the scope of the scheme to allow carers of children in receipt of domiciliary care allowance to apply for the allowance was implemented in August 1999. An extension of the scope of the scheme to include care recipients between the age of 16 and 65 who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment was implemented in August 1999. An extension of the telephone allowance to all recipients of the allowance was implemented in August 1999. An amendment to the means test to give income disregards to all carers in their own right was implemented in August 1999. An extension of the household benefits package of schemes to all carer's allowance recipients was implemented in October 2000 and a carer's benefit scheme for carers was introduced in October 2000. Other issues discussed in the review include the introduction of a system of needs assessments, a new PRSI scheme for care recipients and a continual care payment.

As the Deputy is aware, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and I established the long-term care working group in January 2005 to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care. The issues of needs assessments and using a social insurance model to finance long-term care were considered by the group. The report of the working group is currently being considered by Government. The review group considered a proposal on the introduction of a cost of care allowance to be within the remit of the Department of Health and Children. It is similar to the requests for a cost of disability payment which the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities recommended that the Department of Health and Children should introduce.

Supports for carers have been continually improved and extended in successive budgets since the publication of the review of the carer's allowance. For example, in 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full-time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their means. I also made provision for care sharing to be accommodated in the carer's allowance scheme.

In June, I will increase the number of hours that a carer may work while still receiving a carer's allowance, carer's benefit or respite care grant from ten to 15 hours per week. I have also extended the duration of the carer's benefit scheme from 15 months to two years. The duration of the associated carer's leave scheme is also being extended to two years. In addition, I have substantially increased the weekly rate of the carer's allowance and the level of the income disregards on the carer's allowance means test.

I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. I will continue to bring forward proposals that recognise the valued and valuable contribution of carers in a tangible way.

Michael Ring

Question:

172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people currently in receipt of the living alone allowance; the weekly cost of same to his Department; and when this allowance was last increased. [12713/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

173 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the living alone allowance; the estimated cost of increasing the cost of this allowance to €10 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12714/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.

The living alone allowance is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The allowance is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone and was last increased in 1996.

The latest figures available show that 149,163 people were in receipt of the living alone allowance at the end of December 2005 at a cost of about €1.15 million per week. The cost of increasing the living alone allowance to €10 per week is estimated at €18 million per annum.

For many years, the policy on supports for pensioners has been to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension rather than focusing on payments such as the living alone allowance. This approach ensures that resources are used to improve the position of all pensioners. The Government is committed to increasing the basic State pension to €200 per week by 2007. Significant progress towards achieving this target was made in budget 2006, which provided for increases in pensions of up to €14 and €16 per week. The maximum rate of the old age contributory pension is now €193.30 per week with the non-contributory pension paid at €182 per week, whereas two years ago, the corresponding rates were €167.30 and €154.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when full rent support will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been informed that the social welfare increase in budget 2006 would result in rent support reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12733/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.

The budget 2006 increase in one parent family payment did not lead to a reduction in the level of rent supplement payable in this case or for any other person on one-parent family payment. In response to a previous question by the Deputy on 21 March 2006, I indicated that the Health Service Executive had advised that the person concerned had been awarded a rent supplement payment of €904.50 per month based on her income from her one parent family payment and maintenance. The executive further advised that this amount was calculated following a review of her entitlement on foot of information that the person concerned was receiving weekly income by way of maintenance payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12735/06]

Rent supplements are available to eligible people through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in determining entitlement in individual cases.

The Dublin and mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the persons concerned. If the persons concerned wish to make a claim for rent supplement, they should contact the community welfare officer at their local health centre so that their entitlement can be determined.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an increase in supplementary welfare allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.

The Dublin and mid-Leinster area of the HSE has advised that the person concerned is an asylum seeker in receipt of a direct provision allowance of €19.10 granted to her when she resided at accommodation provided previously through the reception and integration agency of the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform. The HSE has further advised that, in view of her move from direct provision accommodation, the payment of this allowance is currently under review and the executive will notify the person concerned directly of the position.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be fully restored to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12740/06]

In my reply to a previous question from the Deputy on 21 March 2006, I informed him that the Health Service Executive was satisfied that the correct amount of rent supplement was payable in this case but that it was open to the person concerned to appeal the decision. The executive has now advised that an appeal to the rate of rent supplement awarded was received from the person concerned on 21 March 2006. The executive further advises that a decision on the appeal will be made in due course and the person concerned will be notified of the position.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when mortgage support was terminated without notice in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/06]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.

A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. The executive has advised that payment of mortgage interest supplement to the person concerned was discontinued in December 2005 on the grounds that the interest portion of the mortgage loan had been discharged. The executive further advises that the person concerned met with the local community welfare officer in the past week and has been requested to submit any documentation that would support her claim for continued payment of mortgage interest supplement.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

179 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13146/06]

There were no staff in my Department on suspension with pay on 31 December 2004. One member of staff was on suspension without pay under section 13 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956. On 31 December 2005, three staff of the Department were on suspension without pay under the section of the Act referred to above. There were no staff members on suspension with pay on that date. A payment for the mitigation of hardship, as provided for under section 14 of the Act, is being made to one of the suspended members of staff. Two of the three cases are currently the subject of investigations under the Civil Service disciplinary code and comment would be inappropriate. There were no employees on suspension in any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department on either of the dates specified.

Road Traffic Offences.

Pat Carey

Question:

180 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the legislation which governs the enforcement of measures to deal with the menace of quad bikes and motor bikes being raced in the enclosed parks in the Finglas area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12667/06]

For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, "public place" means any public road and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge. Road traffic law does not extend to the use of mechanically propelled vehicles in private property. The Garda Síochána, under section 20 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, can perform an examination of the roadworthiness of any vehicle being used in a public place.

Section 41 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act and the Road Traffic Act 1994 (section 41) Regulations 1995 set out the law relating to the detention of vehicles by an Garda Síochána in a public place. Three grounds are set out in these regulations and the second and third grounds expressly refer to vehicles that are registered in the State. The regulations provide for detention of vehicles where: the person driving the vehicle refuses or fails to produce there and then a driving licence then having effect and licensing him or her to drive the vehicle and the garda is of opinion that the person by reason of his or her age is ineligible to hold a driving licence to drive the vehicle; the vehicle is registered in the State and the garda reasonably believes that a policy of insurance is not in place for the vehicle; or the vehicle is registered in the State and motor tax has not been paid in respect of a continuous period of three months or more immediately prior to use.

The Road Traffic Act 2004 makes it an offence to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a person under 16 years of age. Mini-motorised scooters, micro-motorcycles and quadricycles come within the definition of a mechanically propelled vehicle for road traffic law purposes and that supply includes giving a gift. As a result, it is illegal to supply such a vehicle to a person under 16 years of age.

A vehicle when in use in a public place must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. These regulations prescribe the requirements for essential equipment, such as brakes, steering, mirrors, safety glass, wipers, headlamps, rear lighting, indicators and reflectors.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, a driving licence is required in order to operate a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. A person under 16 years may not hold a driving licence or a provisional licence. The minimum age for a driving licence for vehicles of category M, which covers mopeds and small motorcycles, is 16 years, while for a category B licence, which includes quadricycles, the minimum age is 17 years. It is a further requirement of road traffic law that to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place, the driver must have third party insurance cover to meet any personal injury and property damage caused by negligent driving.

The penalties for breaches of the road traffic law in respect of the above mentioned requirements are fines not exceeding €800 in the case of a first offence, fines not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a second or subsequent offence and fines of €1,500 or terms of imprisonment not exceeding three months or both in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months. A person convicted of driving without insurance incurs five penalty points on his or her driving licence.

In addition to the requirements of road traffic law, a mechanically propelled vehicle for use in a public place is required to be registered and liable to motor tax, which are matters for the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, respectively.

Port Development.

Ivor Callely

Question:

181 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the measures which have been taken to investigate the development of alternative ports in order to accommodate increased demand and activity in the greater Dublin area and to remove the requirement for reclamation of the Dublin Bay area. [12594/06]

A process is currently underway in my Department to examine future port capacity requirements, particularly for unitised trade. This process arises from the Government's ports policy statement published in January 2005. The statement identified the provision of adequate port capacity as a key challenge for the future and set out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.

In September 2005, the Department appointed a firm of consultants expert in this field, Fisher Associates, to invite detailed project submissions from the commercial ports with unitized trade expansion plans and to evaluate the submissions. Fisher Associates has recently received seven submissions from ports around the country. A number of these were from ports on the east coast that currently serve the greater Dublin area. These submissions are being evaluated and it is intended to finalise the report over the coming months.

The purpose of this process is to provide reassurance to the Government that the anticipated capacity requirement for our growing economy will be met through the successful advancement and implementation by the port sector of some combination of the various proposals currently under development in the sector.

Ivor Callely

Question:

182 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport if a map of the ownership of the land banks in Dublin Port and the Dublin Bay area will be supplied; and the areas of ambiguity regarding ownership. [12595/06]

The ownership of land within Dublin Port's estate is an operational matter for Dublin Port Company, a State-owned company with a statutory commercial mandate. With regard to the ownership of land in general in the Dublin Bay area, the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds is responsible for the registration of property transactions in Ireland.

Road Safety.

Denis Naughten

Question:

183 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding provided to each local authority to facilitate the metrification of speed limits; the budget allocated on an annual basis for the implementation of special speed limits outside schools; the funding provided to date to local authorities for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12596/06]

Special funding arrangements were made from Exchequer funds for the provision of the full range of speed limit signs to implement the changeover to the metric system on 20 January 2005 as a one-off measure in view of the fact that over 59,000 signs had to be provided and installed by that date. The provision of the traffic signs required to implement the metrication of speed limits on the public road network in January 2005 was handled centrally through the National Roads Authority.

The cost of the provision and delivery of metric speed limit signs to each local authority amounted to €4.088 million. Of this sum, €1.468 million for signs on national roads was met by the National Road Authority, NRA, and €2.617 million for signs on non-national roads was met by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In addition, contributions were made by the NRA and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government towards local authority costs for the installation of these signs.

In the normal course of events, the provision of traffic signs on national roads is a matter for the NRA and, on non-national roads, is a matter for each road authority to fund out of their own resources supplemented by the annual discretionary maintenance and improvement grants or out of low cost safety grants allocated to the individual authorities by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department does not collate details on expenditure incurred by local authorities on special speed limit signs or any other types of traffic signs.

National Car Test.

John Deasy

Question:

184 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the operation of the national car test complies with the competition and monopoly laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12597/06]

The contractor delivering the NCT service was selected following a full Departmental tendering process and my Department has verified that this contractor complies in full. I am therefore satisfied that the operation of the national car test complies with the competition and monopoly laws.

Taxi Regulations.

Seán Crowe

Question:

185 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he has looked into the setting up of a driving standards authority for taxi drivers. [12598/06]

I understand the Commission for Taxi Regulation has recently published a detailed action plan for 2006 to 2007, Driving Forward, which sets out the changes the commission proposes to make over the next two years with regard to the control and operation of taxis, hackneys and limousines, and their drivers. I understand that among the specific proposals being developed by the commission is a new mandatory driver skills development programme for all new and existing small public service vehicle drivers. Further details are available directly from the Commission for Taxi Regulation or on their website at www.taxiregulator.ie.

Rail Network.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

186 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress to date in re-opening the railway station in Dunleer, County Louth. [12694/06]

The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. The company informs me that it has examined the case for re-opening Dunleer station on a number of occasions in the past. A review of the Dublin suburban rail strategy, conducted on behalf of Iarnród Éireann, concluded that the station would only have very modest daily boardings given the population of the area. The case for re-opening Dunleer will be re-examined if major development takes place close to the line and funding can be provided, by developers, for the construction of the station.

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

187 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the penalty that currently applies for non-display of a valid national car test certificate; the specific statutory instrument where this penalty is set out; the previous levels of this penalty since the year 2000; and the specific dates when they applied. [12718/06]

The Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2003 require that a current test disc be displayed on the front windscreen of a car liable to testing. The penalties for non-compliance with this requirement are covered by section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 1984 as amended by the Road Traffic Act 2002.

From 2000 to 2002, the penalties were a fine not exceeding £150 in the case of a first offence, a fine not exceeding £350 in the case of a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of not exceeding £350 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or both in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months. These fines were increased under the Road Traffic Act 2002 to not exceeding €800 in the case of a first offence, not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a second or subsequent offence, and not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months.

Rail Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

188 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that CIE and Iarnród Éireann appear to be closing down all remaining rail freight facilities in Cork; the discussions he has had with Iarnród Éireann on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12771/06]

Following on from the strategic rail review the strategy of Iarnród Éireann is to develop and expand, where possible, viable rail freight business in all parts of Ireland, including Cork. Iarnród Éireann has informed me that the company currently provides a rail freight service for Irish Cement Limited transporting bulk cement from Platin in County Meath to its silo in Penrose Quay, Cork. Iarnród Éireann has also advised me that it is in discussion with third parties regarding the development of the Penrose Quay site. If agreement is reached to develop the site, and planning permission granted by Cork City Council, the area adjacent to the passenger station would be developed initially.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the area where the silo is located, at the opposite end to the passenger station, will also eventually be developed. In that context Iarnród Éireann will discuss all the alternatives for the silo with their customer. Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

189 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13147/06]

There are no employees in my Department on suspension with pay as of 31 December 2004 or 31 December 2005. The issue of employees on suspension with pay in the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day matter for those agencies

Departmental Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

190 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications to his Department for funding (details supplied); the result of such applications; the number of successful applications; the number of applications refused; the reason for refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12650/06]

The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following appendix.

Athy Applications

The Community Development Programme

Under this programme, long-term funding is provided to locally-based voluntary and community groups involved in anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives through the Community Development Programme. Athy is one of two projects in County Kildare currently funded under this Programme. Core funding to Athy Community Development Project is currently set at €111,200 for 2006. In addition to core funding, applications are invited each year from community development projects for once-off grants towards limited capital costs, purchase of equipment, and towards programme activities. Decisions on such applications are taken on the basis of resources available. I can confirm that an application has been received this year from Athy CDP under the above scheme to offer development of, and training to, men's groups. This application is currently under consideration.

RAPID

The RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment & Development) Programme targets 45 of the most disadvantaged areas in the country. It aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within those areas, through targeting State resources available under the national development plan. The programme also calls on Departments and State Agencies to bring about better co-ordination and closer integration in the delivery of services. Athy Town is listed as one of the smaller towns under the RAPID Programme and there is generally a whole town approach adopted for these towns in this category but with the greatest emphasis being given to areas of concentrated disadvantage within the town. Under the RAPID Leverage scheme Athy has received the following allocations.

Scheme

D/CRGA Amount

Cofunding Department Allocation

Total

Playground Scheme 2004

30,000

30,000

60,000

Playground Scheme 2005

33,000

33,000

66,000

Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement Scheme (LAHEES) 2004

20,000

24,450

44,450

LAHEES 2005/2006

45,000

55,000

100,000

LAHEES 2007/2008

45,000

55,000

100,000

Traffic Measures

22,500

22,500

45,000

Traffic Measures 2006/2007

45,000

55,000

100,000

Sports Capital Programme Top-Up Funding 2004.

RAPID Area

Project Title

D/CRGA Top-Up Funding

Athy

Athy Town AFC

6,200

Clonmullion Football Club

20,000

St. Michael’s Boxing Club

64,400

Sports Capital Programme Top-Up Funding 2005

RAPID Area

Project Title

D/CRGA Top-Up Funding

Athy

Athy Rowing Club

2,100

Athy Rugby Football Club

60,000

Athy Sports and Acrobatics Club

1,500

Health Sector Co-Fund: funded on a 50-50 basis between the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Department of Health and Children through the Health Service Executive, the Department approved the following allocations in 2005.

RAPID Area

Project Details

D/CRGA Allocation

Athy

St. Vincent’s Hospital — materials for recreational room

28,500

Health Centre — Create a more child and family friendly atmosphere

4,000

Health Centre — Improve Patient Privacy

6,000

Additional Funding for RAPID community-based CCTV: The community-based CCTV scheme was launched by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Successful applicants from RAPID areas will receive additional funding towards the capital cost of the scheme from Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Athy has one project that has been recommended for funding under Stage 2 — Operation Funding of this Scheme.

The Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP)

LDSIP aims to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion through the provision of funding and support to local partnerships. It is administered by Pobal (formerly Area Development Management Ltd.) on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and is funded through the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006. It is delivered at local level by 38 Partnerships, 31 Community Partnerships and 2 Employment Pacts in their designated areas.

The Kildare Community Partnership (formerly Action South Kildare) covers a large portion of south Kildare including Athy. This group has been allocated an annual budget of €649,765 in 2006.

Responsibility for the scheme of community support for older people and for the programme of grants for locally-based voluntary and community groups transferred to my Department in June of 2002.

A list of all groups approved for funding under these schemes from 2003 onwards is available on the website of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

From the details available in my Department, applications made by associations and organisations in Athy under each of these schemes is as follows:

Scheme of Community Support for Older People

Year

No. of Applications

No.of Groups Approved

Number Disallowed

Name of Group

2003

1

1

0

Athy & District Care of the Elderly

2004

1

1

0

Athy & District Care of the Elderly

2005

0

0

0

—-

Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Voluntary & Community Organisations

Year

No. of Applications

No. of Applications Approved

Number of Applications Disallowed

2003

6

4

2

2004

9

8

1

2005

9

7

2

In relation to disallowances under the programme of grants for locally-based voluntary and community organisations, the reasons ranged as follows:

Three of these applications were outside the remit of the Programme, and two of the applications in question were assessed against the published criteria for the scheme but were not recommended for a grant.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Decisions on the disbursements of funds from dormant accounts under the initial round of funding were a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Pobal, formerly Area Development Management Ltd. — ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf, which involved the disbursement of up to €60 million from the Fund.

I understand that seven applications for funding from organisations in Athy, County Kildare were received by Pobal. The board approved funding in respect of five of these projects totalling €321,033.00, including one application from Athy Town Council. A breakdown of these approved projects is provided in the table below. Two applications did not satisfactorily meet all the appraisal criteria and therefore were not approved for funding.

Name of Group

Grant

Board of Management, Scoil Phadraig Naofa

41,000.00

Athy Youth Project

58,775.00

Athy Travellers’ Support Group Ltd

50,420.00

Athy Town Council

70,838.00

Action South Kildare (on behalf of ASSET)

100,000.00

Jerry Cowley

Question:

191 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available from his Department for youth groups and organisations; if his attention has been drawn to a group (details supplied) and the fact that the youth of Westport town have no place to meet; his views on whether this is an essential area which needs funding in many small towns across County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12662/06]

Youth groups and organisations can access funding across my Department's wide range of schemes and projects. Some youth groups in Mayo have already benefited, as indicated in the following appendix. More detailed descriptions of the programmes and schemes are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

The Community Development Programme (CDP)

Under the CDP, my Department provides core funding to locally-based voluntary and community groups involved in anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives. There are nine CDP projects across County Mayo, though there is none in Westport itself. These projects are in based in Clare Island, Claremorris, Achill Island, Charlestown, Erris, Kiltimagh, Louisburgh, Ballina and Moygownagh. Many of these community development projects include young people as a target group for their programmes. Funding of €816,500 will be allocated to these projects this year.

The Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP)

LDSIP is a series of measures designed to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion. This Programme is funded by my Department and managed on my Department's behalf by Pobal. Young people at risk are a target group under LDSIP. Meitheal Mhaigheo delivers LDSIP in County Mayo. Funding of €18,169 was allocated through Meitheal Mhaigheo to five projects in the Westport area last year. Two of these targeted young people, and were allocated €8,000.

Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations

This programme offers three schemes of once-off grants to locally-based community and voluntary organisations, especially those addressing disadvantage in their communities. The scheme of equipment grants and the scheme of refurbishment grants provides essential physical supports for the local community and voluntary sector. Grants up to €10,000 are available for the purchase of equipment while grants of up to €40,000 are available for refurbishment. The scheme of education, training and research grants is aimed at enhancing the capacity of local communities and grants of up to €10,000 are available towards education, training and research proposals.

Gaeltacht areas

In regard to Gaeltacht areas generally, the position is that Údarás na Gaeltachta has played a role in promoting youth activities for many years. Such activities have normally centred on clubanna óige, youth clubs, with emphasis on social and cultural activities. In the past year Údarás has taken this matter a step further with the establishment of Óige na Gaeltachta Teo., an independent company funded by Údarás and administered by youth leaders with a mandate to promote youth centred activities in the Gaeltacht. In regard to the County Mayo Gaeltacht specifically, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh and Acaill in particular, Údarás is involved in many youth-based activities, including the establishment of new youth clubs, drama groups, language promotion and after school activities.

Dormant Accounts

Details were announced on 4 January 2006 concerning the allocation of €24 million in 2006 from the dormant accounts fund for the purpose of supporting programmes and types of projects tackling economic and social disadvantage. Details of the announcement are available on the website of my Department. Among the funding measures proposed is one to provide once-off small scale equipment grants for youth groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups. The specific operational arrangements for this funding measure are currently being developed and it will be rolled out when these arrangements have been finalised.

Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF)

The young peoples facilities & services fund, YPFSF, was established in 1998 to assist in the development of facilities — including sport and recreational facilities — and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. To date, the main focus of the Fund has been in the 14 local drugs task force, LDTF, areas, which were established in the areas experiencing the worst levels of drug misuse, particularly heroin. However, recognising that the drug problem is not confined to LDTF areas, funding was also allocated to four other urban areas — Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Carlow. Approx. €99 million has been allocated to support over 450 facility and services projects in LDTF areas and the four other urban centres under the YPFSF. Many of the projects for which funding has been allocated to date are also located in RAPID areas. There are no plans at present to extend the YPFSF beyond the areas outlined above.

Community Development.

Richard Bruton

Question:

192 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has schemes through which a plan could be developed to take over a swimming pool which has been an enormous asset to the community, but in which the religious order which owns it wish to divest their interest, with the possible participation in that plan of local swimming pool clubs, local schools and the local authority (details supplied). [12759/06]

My Department has no such scheme to facilitate a plan to divest a swimming pool by the religious authorities, as detailed by the Deputy.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

193 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13148/06]

There were no such cases within my area of responsibility.

Milk Quota.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

194 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the owner of milk quotas allocated to farmers who qualified under the reserve; and if these farmers have the right to retain the quotas indefinitely. [12587/06]

The allocation of milk quota from the national reserve to dairy producers is made subject to the provision that it is only available to recipients while they remain in milk production. In general, such quota cannot be sold with land or without land by the person to whom it was allocated. Where a producer who has received an allocation from the national reserve ceases milk production, that allocation is returned to the reserve. However, if a farmer transfers his own milk quota to a family member, any allocations from the national reserve are reallocated to that family member while that person remains in milk production.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

195 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has not received his dairy premium; when same will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12589/06]

An application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2005. He also submitted a private contract clause application seeking to have entitlements transferred to him by way of a lease agreement. This application was successfully processed and the land and entitlements have been transferred. The single payment application of the person named is now being further processed, with a view to payment at an early date.

Joe Walsh

Question:

196 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if payment of the single farm payment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [12652/06]

An application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. Following initial processing of the application, certain issues were highlighted which were required to be resolved before payment could be made. Officials of my Department have been in direct contact with the person named on numerous occasions in an effort to resolve these issues, most recently by letter dated 1 March 2006, a reply to which is still awaited. Immediately on satisfactory resolution of the outstanding issues, the application of the person named will be further processed, with a view to payment as soon as possible.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

197 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application for the dairy premium in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12663/06]

An application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2005. Payment in respect of transferred entitlements issued to him on 18 January 2006 and arrangements are being made to have the decoupled dairy premium element of the single payment issued shortly.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

198 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is losing part of his single farm payment; the appeal mechanism which is available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12706/06]

The person named submitted an application for the transfer of entitlements under the single payment scheme by way of inheritance or gift. The applicant has been notified that his application was successful. The outstanding payment will issue to the named person shortly. Applicants dissatisfied with my Department's decisions in respect of the establishment or transfer of entitlements under the single payment scheme are entitled to appeal the decisions to the single payment appeals committee.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

199 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received payment under the EU single farm payment scheme. [12708/06]

The person named submitted a private contract clause application form under the single payment scheme 2005 to lease his lands and entitlements to a third party. This application was successfully processed and the entitlements have been transferred to the lessee. As a result of the transfer, the person named now holds no entitlements and declared no lands in 2005. Therefore he is not entitled to payment under the single payment scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

200 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a dairy premium 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. [12779/06]

An application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2005. Payment in respect of transferred entitlements issued to him on 6 January 2006 and arrangements are being made to have the decoupled dairy premium element of the single payment issued shortly.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

201 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of the EU farm single payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [12780/06]

The person named submitted an application under the single payment scheme on 15 May 2005. The applicant applied to have his entitlements consolidated under the consolidation measure of the scheme on 19 September 2005. The processing of the consolidation application required the case to be dealt with through the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. This processing is now completed and arrangements are in place to issue payment amounting to €9,392.48 shortly.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

202 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13149/06]

As on 31 December 2004 there were three officers suspended from duty who were being paid within the provisions of the appropriate regulations. One of these officers was dismissed by the Government in October 2005. On 31 December 2005 the other two officers were the only officers suspended and being paid within the provisions of the appropriate regulations.

Garda Stations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

203 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the construction of a new Garda station to be located in the Knocklyon area in Dublin; his further proposals for the construction of a new Garda station in any other part of south Dublin. [12599/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans for the construction of a new Garda station in the Knocklyon area of County Dublin. As part of the ongoing Garda building programme the position with regard to Garda stations in south County Dublin is as follows: at Dundrum, the Office of Public Works is seeking a site to construct a new Garda station; at Kill O' the Grange, a revised sketch scheme is awaited from the OPW and it is hoped that construction work will commence before the end of the year; at Dún Laoghaire, the accommodation requirements are to be revised by the Garda authorities in light of the new station being constructed in Kill O' the Grange; at Irishtown, tender documents for the construction of a new Garda station are being prepared by the OPW and work is expected to commence soon; at Kevin Street, there are plans to construct a divisional headquarters station; and at Tallaght, there are plans to build a new divisional headquarters station on the site of the existing station and the OPW has been asked to prepare a sketch scheme.

Garda Strength.

Richard Bruton

Question:

204 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in Garda stations (details supplied) for each of the years ending 31 December 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and the number of community guards with regard to each station in each year. [12600/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743 or 16.3% in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period. I have been further informed that the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Rathfarnham, Dundrum and Donnybrook Garda stations from 31 December 2000-04, inclusive, and as at 20 March 2006 was as set out in the following table.

Station

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

20/03/06

Rathfarnham

63

67

74

71

76

71

Dundrum

53

62

69

65

68

75

Donnybrook

120

116

114

123

125

124

The number of community gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Rathfarnham, Dundrum and Donnybrook Garda stations from 31 December 2000-05, inclusive, was as set out in the following table:

Station

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Rathfarnham

3

4

4

5

5

6

Dundrum

4

3

4

6

6

5

Donnybrook

3

3

3

4

5

4

The division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and other specialised units.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel among and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. The allocation of such resources is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. The Garda authorities state that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Vehicle Sales.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

205 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the practice by the SIMI by which they exclude the courts from having jurisdiction in disputes pertaining to motor vehicles; if, in the circumstances, in view of the fact that there are specific implied conditions on the sale of motor vehicles imposed on the industry by section 13 of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, his views on whether this is an unfair practice against consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12601/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

206 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if a person goes to arbitration in a dispute pertaining to the SIMI and motor vehicles, there is no right of appeal on the facts from the decision of the arbitrator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12602/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.

As a general principle, the law of arbitration is concerned with procedures for deciding disputes outside the ordinary courts system. It is an essential characteristic of the arbitration process, in this jurisdiction as in others, that the decision of the arbitrator is intended to be final and binding upon the parties. This does not, however, preclude a limited supervisory role for the courts in certain circumstances. Matters relating to the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 come within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Garda Strength.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

207 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda in Ballyfermot; and the proposals the Garda Commissioner has for increasing the complement (details supplied). [12603/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength, all ranks, of Ballyfermot Garda station as at 31 December 1997 and 28 February 2006 was 72 and 81, respectively. This represents an increase of 9, or 12.5%, in the number of Garda personnel allocated to Ballyfermot Garda station during that period. In addition, the policing of the Ballyfermot sub-district is further augmented by additional patrols by gardaí from the divisional crime task force, the divisional traffic unit and the district unit as part of their regular duties.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel among and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. The allocation of such resources is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. The Garda authorities state that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Ballyfermot Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Martin Ferris

Question:

208 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of extra or new gardaí that have been deployed in the Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland divisions since 2002; and the comparative figures covering those years. [12604/06]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland Garda districts which form part of the Kerry division. I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period. The combined personnel strength of Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland Garda stations on 20 March 2006 was 128, compared to 106 in June 1997. This represents an increase of 22, or 20.75%, over the June 1997 figures.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí, all ranks, allocated to the Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland Garda districts from 31 December 2002-04, inclusive, and as at 20 March 2006 was as set out in the following table:

Division

2002

2003

2004

20/3/06

Tralee

86

83

83

89

Listowel

31

30

30

30

Castleisland

9

10

10

9

The division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and other specialised units.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel among and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. The allocation of such resources is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. The Garda authorities state that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006.

The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Garda districts referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.

Finian McGrath

Question:

209 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at Clontarf, Coolock, Santry and Raheny stations in 2005; and the numbers in 2006. [12605/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period.

I have been further informed that the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed at Clontarf, Coolock, Santry and Raheny Garda stations as at 31 December 2005 and 29 March 2006 was as set out in the following table:

Station

31/12/05

29/03/06

Clontarf

63

64

Coolock

88

92

Santry

119

121

Raheny

59

63

Therefore, the total number of gardaí assigned to these stations as of 29 March 2006 was 340. This compares to a total of 291 gardaí serving in these stations in June 1997. This is an increase of 17% from when I took up office in 2002. The division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and other specialised units.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel among and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. The allocation of such resources is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. The Garda authorities state that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.

As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context the needs of the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Departmental Funding.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

210 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Minister of State told the Fathers for Justice group that it would receive essential funding in January 2006; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cross-party Deputies constantly send constituents to this group which is finding it impossible to provide the essential service without funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/06]

My information from the Minister of State is that he made no such commitment to this group. As indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 9 March 2006, there are no moneys available in my Department out of which funding can be made available to the group.

Road Traffic Offences.

Pat Carey

Question:

211 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures which can be taken and are being taken by the Garda Síochána in the Finglas area to deal with the menace of quad bikes and motor bikes being raced in the enclosed parks in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12667/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that gardaí in Finglas are aware of the problems caused by quad and motor bikes being driven in enclosed parks in that area. A number of initiatives have commenced in the division which utilise the services of the Garda air support unit, the divisional task force, traffic units and district community policing personnel. These initiatives target the public parks in the district, and have resulted in a number of such vehicles being seized by members of the Garda Síochána. Such initiatives will continue to be implemented on a regular basis by local Garda management.

Visa Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

212 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) would be given a student visa to study English here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12668/06]

The requirements for issue of a study visa can be found on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. The guidelines are intended to assist frequent and high volume users of the student visa scheme. The principal criteria applied are that the prospective student should have enrolled in a full-time course of study which requires physical daytime attendance of at least 15 hours a week, should have paid the fees for the course, should have evidence of sufficient funds to fully support themselves during their stay in the State and should be able to show that they will leave the State and return home on completion of their course of studies. There is no application on record in respect of the person in question.

Pat Breen

Question:

213 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 682 of 21 March 2006, the status of an appeal application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12691/06]

The appeal referred to by the Deputy was received in the visa office in New Delhi on 27 March 2006. The appeal is currently awaiting examination by a visa appeals officer and a decision is expected in the near future.

Garda Deployment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

214 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans for a 24-hour Garda station in Carndonagh in north Inishowen, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/06]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that at present Carndonagh Garda station is a sub-district station of the Buncrana district and does not operate on a 24-hour basis.

I am further informed by Garda management that the establishment of a rural community policing initiative in north Inishowen is currently being examined. The proposed administrative headquarters for this initiative is Carndonagh Garda station. It is anticipated that this initiative would also provide 24-hour cover for the north Inishowen area.

The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the north Inishowen area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda areas throughout the country.

Judicial Appointments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

215 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of judges of the Supreme Court, High Court, Circuit Court and District Court; and the number of those who, immediately before appointment, were solicitors and barristers in respect of each court. [12700/06]

The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice and seven ordinary judges, together with the President of the High Court as an ex-officio member. The statutory maximum number may be exceeded by one when a judge of the Supreme Court is serving as president of the Law Reform Commission, as is currently the case. All of the judges of the Supreme Court were barristers immediately prior to their appointment to judicial office.

The High Court consists of the president and 31 ordinary judges, together with the Chief Justice and the president of the Circuit Court as ex-officio members. The statutory maximum number may be exceeded by one when a judge of the High Court is serving on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission or when a judge of the High Court, who previously served as president of the Law Reform Commission, returns to the court. Both conditions are currently satisfied and, accordingly, the statutory maximum number may be exceeded by two. Of the 31 judges who have been appointed to the High Court, one was a solicitor at the time of his appointment to judicial office while 30 were barristers.

The Circuit Court consists of a president and 33 ordinary judges. The president of the District Court is an ex-officio member. The number of judges who have been appointed to the Circuit Court is 33, of whom eight were solicitors prior to their appointment to judicial office and 25 were barristers. The District Court consists of the president and 54 ordinary judges. Of the 55 judges appointed to the court, 46 were solicitors immediately before their appointment, while nine were barristers.

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

216 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions in each of the years from 2000 to the present for a breach of an article of SI 395 of 1999; the amount accruing to the State in each of the years since and including 2000 arising from penalties imposed due to such breaches; and the Garda enforcement levels of this provision of road traffic law. [12717/06]

The Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations, 1999, SI 395 of 1999, which came into force on 4 January 2000, introduced the offences of use of a vehicle without a national car test certificate, failure to produce a national car test certificate and not having a valid national car test certificate displayed. I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and have been informed that the number of breaches of the regulations are as set out in the table below. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures for 2000 are not readily available as PULSE electronic recording of summons only commenced during 2000.

Number of Proceedings for Breaches of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 1999

Year

Proceedings

2001

98

2002

2,871

2003

8,503

2004

11,421

2005*

16,801

2006* (to 28 March)

2,120

* Figures for 2005, and 2006 are provisional, operational and liable to change.

Penalties for offences under the regulations are imposed by the courts. The Courts Service is an independent agency set up under the Courts Service Act, 1998, with direct responsibility for the day to day management of the courts, including the processing of penalties. Under the Act, the provision of information on the courts system, including information on the amount accruing to the State from penalties, is a matter for the Courts Service.

Sexual Offences.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no action was taken following a report of alleged sexual abuse, reported by or on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in 1996 and on subsequent occasions since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12728/06]

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in respect of the matters concerned and I will revert to the Deputy when this report is to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/06]

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that 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.

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 in question arrived in the State in November 1999 and claimed asylum. She later withdrew that application and was granted permission in January 2002 to remain in the State on foot of her parentage of an Irish born child. She applied for a certificate of naturalisation in October 2004. I decided to refuse the application on 7 March 2006 on the basis that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency criteria and that it was not a case where I considered it appropriate to exercise my absolute discretion to waive the residency requirement. The person in question was notified of my decision and the reasons for that decision on 13 March 2006.

The person concerned will meet the statutory residency criteria in January 2007, provided that she has maintained her permission to remain without any gaps since January 2002 and continues to do so until January 2007.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

219 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal were fully conversant with the personal circumstances, persecution, torture or possible threat to life in the event of deportation to their homeland in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; his likely response in the event of misadventure after deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12730/06]

I refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to parliamentary questions concerning this couple, specifically Parliamentary Question No. 155 on 26 January 2006 and Parliamentary Question No. 191 on 9 March 2006 concerning the husband together with Parliamentary Question No. 185 on 9 March 2006 concerning the wife.

There is a statutory framework governing the asylum determination process in Ireland set out in the Refugee Act 1996. 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, ORAC, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, RAT.

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 both 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.

ORAC and RAT also consider how well-founded each individual applicant's claim is and 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 ORAC and RAT to decide whether the applicant's account is credible and whether they have a well-founded fear of persecution. Issues of relevance in assessing credibility include contradictions and inconsistencies, the plausibility of the applicant and the 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 Deputy should also be aware that 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. The persons concerned arrived in the State on 1 July 2005 and 7 March 2005, respectively, and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The persons concerned were informed, by letters dated 16 January 2006 and 27 September 2005 respectively, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them and afforded them three options under section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of deportation orders or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Their cases were examined under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, including consideration of representations for temporary leave to remain in the State lodged on their behalf by their legal representatives. In addition to the 11 factors contained in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, I must also have regard for section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, on the prohibition of refoulement before signing a deportation order. This means in essence that the safety of returning a person to their country of origin, or refoulement as it is referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order. Refoulement means that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, in evaluating, in each individual case, the safety of making returns to Nigeria, as is the case here, and other third countries.

On 27 February 2006, I signed deportation orders in respect of the persons concerned. Notice of the deportation orders was served by registered post requiring the couple to present themselves to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB, on Thursday, 9 March 2006 in order to make arrangements for their deportation from the State. The persons concerned failed to present themselves as required and were thus classified as evading their deportation. They should present themselves to the GNIB without delay. The effect of the deportation orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the deportation orders remains an operational matter for the GNIB.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

220 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/06]

The person who is the subject of this question made an application for family reunification in respect of family members in April 2002. The application was refused on 5 June 2003. Following a re-examination of the application, it was noted that the person concerned was naturalised in July 2001 and became an Irish citizen at that time. Under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 only refugees may apply to have family members join them in the State. The legal representative of the person concerned was informed of this on 14 March 2005. It is open to the family members of the person concerned to make visa applications to their nearest Irish embassy outlining the purpose and intended duration of their visit to the State.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

221 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residential status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12732/06]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 2 March 2006 in this matter. The position remains that the person concerned made an application for permission to remain in Ireland on the basis of being the parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, under the revised arrangements announced by me on the 15 of January 2005. The application, which was submitted in March 2005, is still under consideration and I will notify the Deputy when a decision has been reached, which is expected to be made in the near future.

David Stanton

Question:

222 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his policy to treat both parents of Irish born nationals who themselves are foreign nationals in an equal way when deciding on residency here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12777/06]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the conditions under which the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January 2005 are granted residency in the State. The Deputy will be aware that children born to foreign national parents on or after 1 January 2005 are not automatically entitled to Irish citizenship.

I announced details of new arrangements to deal with the outstanding claims to reside in the State on the basis of the parentage of an Irish born child on the 15 January 2005. Under the IBC/05 scheme applications were accepted from the non-national parents of Irish born children who wished to remain in this State. Almost 17,000 people were granted permission to remain in Ireland under the terms of this scheme. The two parents of an individual child are treated equally in so far as they both satisfied the terms of the scheme in regard to residence in the State and are both active in the family unit.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

223 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a plan to deal with anti-social behaviour at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 17 will be put in place; and if assistance will be given to the person. [12778/06]

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in respect of the matters concerned and I will revert to the Deputy when this report is to hand.

School Absenteeism.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has taken place in the case of two juveniles, out of school and home without permission, one under the influence of an older person; if contact has been made by his Department with the objective of co-ordinating efforts to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12789/06]

As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 9 March 2006 matters relating to school attendance and child care and protection issues are the responsibility of the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children respectively. However I requested a report from the Garda authorities in respect of the persons concerned. I have now been informed by the Garda authorities that it would not be appropriate for them to comment on the persons concerned as they are juveniles.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

225 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13150/06]

There are approximately 22,000 staff, including gardaí, prison officers, courts staff, departmental headquarter staff and Land Registry officials on the payroll of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. On 31 December 2004 30 staff were on suspension with pay. On 31 December 2005 the figure was 36. These figures amount to 0.13% and 0.16% of total staff respectively. The Deputy may wish to note that provision is made in section 14(4)(b) of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 for payment of a proportion of salary in circumstances where the loss of salary while suspended pending the outcome of an investigation is creating undue financial hardship.

Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

226 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the existing services that are available for second level education for children with Asperger’s on Dublin’s northside; her plans for the further development of this service; the resources and supports available at a school (details supplied); and the potential for further development at this school. [12579/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them to cater for pupils with special educational needs including pupils with Asperger's syndrome. The supports in question include remedial and resource teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment.

The precise model of provision made available will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some students are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with resource teacher and-or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios.

My Department also supports arrangements whereby students attached to these special classes are facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible. In the case of the school in question, my Department has allocated one whole-time equivalent teaching post and two special needs assistant posts to cater for the special educational needs of pupils enrolled in the school's unit for pupils with Asperger's syndrome.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over key functions from my Department in relation to special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on 1 October 2005 under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2005. The council acts under the broad policy direction of my Department but has the resources and the remit to play the leading role in the delivery of education services to children with disabilities or special needs.

The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities or special needs. The responsibilities of the NCSE include deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level, deciding on applications for special needs assistant, SNA, hours and processing applications for school placement in respect of children with disabilities with special education needs.

Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on additional teaching and SNA support, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made.

In addition, my Department's teacher education section has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of personnel working with children with special educational needs. This involves a major expansion of the range of post graduate professional training programmes available to teachers in the special needs area and the ongoing development of the special education support service, SESS, to support schools staff locally.

My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of children with special needs. I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require, when and where they require it.

Psychological Service.

John Perry

Question:

227 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will waive the fees for the psychological educational assessment report on a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact that they need extra help with their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12580/06]

I understand from my Department's National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, that the school in question is assigned a NEPS psychologist but that the school has not prioritised the pupil in question for assessment. The NEPS psychologist will be happy to discuss the pupil's needs if prioritised by the school for consultation.

There is no charge for a consultation with NEPS or for an assessment carried out by a NEPS psychologist. Unfortunately, my Department is not in a position to reimburse parents for expenditure incurred in respect of assessments arranged privately.

School Accommodation.

Shane McEntee

Question:

228 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for the replacement of dilapidated prefabricated classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Meath. [12581/06]

My Department is in receipt of an application for both additional temporary accommodation and the replacement of existing prefab accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is currently under consideration in the school planning of my Department. Contact will be made directly with the school authority as soon as a decision is made.

Shane McEntee

Question:

229 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for the provision of appropriate physical education facilities, canteen facilities and extra classrooms to meet the critical needs of a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12582/06]

My Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. However, this application refers to the provision of a physical education hall only. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. It has been assigned a band four rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

230 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a special needs assistant and additional resource hours for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12583/06]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which was established recently, and which has been operational since 1 January 2005, is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports. In this case, an application for resource teaching and special needs assistant, SNA, support was made to the relevant special educational needs organiser, SENO, of the NCSE. The application in question did not meet the criteria for resource teaching and SNA support and this decision was conveyed to the school authorities by the SENO.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

231 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12584/06]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is operational since 1 January 2005, and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. I am advised by the NCSE that the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, an officer of the NCSE, has not yet received an application for resources for the child in question. The relevant school may apply to the local SENO for resources as appropriate and the matter will be considered.

Departmental Programmes.

Dan Neville

Question:

232 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Limerick which have been invited to participate in the new school support programme. [12585/06]

Some 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new school support programme under DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan. These comprise 640 primary schools, 320 urban or town schools and 320 rural schools and 200 second-level schools. Letters of invitation were issued to all 840 schools in late February with a request to complete and return an acceptance form by 10 March 2006. Some 22 primary schools, 18 urban or town, four rural, and 11 second level schools in County Limerick have been invited to participate in the new school support programme.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Dan Neville

Question:

233 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in primary schools in County Limerick in class sizes of between 25-30 and in classes of over 30 students. [12586/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, the average class nationally in 2004-05, the latest year for which data are available, was 23.9. The average class size in both Limerick city and Limerick county were below the national average in that year. Both areas have also benefitted from a significant drop in average class size as a result of the extra teachers that have been put in place in our primary schools by this Government.

The average class size in Limerick City in 2004-05 was 22.4, down from 27.1 in 1996-97. In Limerick county the average class size in 2004-05 was 23.7, down from 25.9 in 1996-97. The number of children in classes of over 30 has also been dramatically reduced in both Limerick city and county and indeed has almost halved in the city under this Government.

Mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, which is issued annually to all primary schools. The general rule is that the schedule provides at least one classroom teacher for every 29 pupils in the school. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school.

Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. It should also been noted that the average class size in the 30-35 group nationally was 32 in 2004-05.

At the time of the 2006 Estimates, I announced that this general rule of providing at least one teacher for every 29 pupils, would be improved to provide in general that there would be at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the 2006-07 school year and at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children in the 2007-08 school year.

At explained above, even with the fact that all schools are staffed at present on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 pupils, some schools will end up with more than 30 pupils in a class. The data available to my Department show that in 2004-05, 4416 pupils in Limerick county were in classes of 25-29 and 3,198 pupils were in classes of 30 or more. The average class size in the county was 23.7.

This Government's commitment to improving the staffing in our primary schools has been unprecedented. We have put over 5,000 more primary teachers in our schools in the last few years. These have been targeted at pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas to ensure that they are getting the extra help that they need to reach their potential. This has resulted in a major improvement in the pupil-teacher ratio, which counts all the teachers in a school, including special needs teachers and school principals. In 1997 the pupil-teacher ratio was 22:1, meaning that there was one teacher for every 22 primary school children in our schools. By 2004-05 we had reduced this to 17:1, or one teacher for every 17 pupils.

Significantly smaller class sizes have been introduced in disadvantaged schools involved in the giving children an even break programme and the breaking the cycle programme, with approximately 47,700 pupils in 243 participating schools availing of reduced class sizes of either 15 or 20 pupils per class. Under the new action plan for tackling disadvantage published last May, more children in disadvantaged schools will be in smaller classes in the current school year. With the more than 600 extra resource teachers put in place this school year, children with special needs are getting more support than ever before.

In speaking about staffing in our schools, we have consistently said that priority would be given in the first instance to children in disadvantaged schools and those with special needs. We have done this. In line with the Government commitment, mainstream class sizes are also being reduced.

Disadvantaged Status.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

234 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her officials will be asked to make contact with schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the way in which the particular needs of these schools in a disadvantaged RAPID area will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12641/06]

DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. This standardised system replaces all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support programme has been completed.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools, serving communities with high concentrations of disadvantage, have been invited to participate in the new programme. These comprise 640 primary schools, composed of 320 urban or town schools and 320 rural schools, and 200 second-level schools. Letters of invitation were issued to all 840 schools in late February with a request to complete and return an acceptance form by 10 March 2006.

The schools to which the Deputy refers have both accepted an invitation to participate in the first band of the school support programme and my Department will be in contact with the schools on their entitlements to supports under the first phase of SSP shortly.

School Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

235 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for an extra classroom to facilitate the school’s full-time learning support teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12653/06]

The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for the provision of an additional classroom in September 2005. On foot of this application, the school was advised that its needs could be met from within its existing provision. Following an appeal of this decision, the school has been asked to outline why this approach is not possible. The application will be considered further when its response is received.

Disadvantaged Status.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

236 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she has invited a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which has had disadvantaged status since 1994 to participate in the DEIS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12660/06]

DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. This standardised system replaces all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support programme has been completed.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools, serving communities with high concentrations of disadvantage, have been invited to participate in the new programme. These comprise 640 primary schools, composed of 320 urban or town schools and 320 rural schools, and 200 second-level schools. Letters of invitation were issued to all 840 schools in late February with a request to complete and return an acceptance form by 10 March 2006.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support was managed by the Educational Research Centre, ERC, on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the inspectorate. In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.

The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socioeconomic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the school support programme. The variables involved were percentage of unemployment, local authority accommodation, lone parenthood, Travellers, large families of five or more children and pupils eligible for free books. The school to which the Deputy refers is not among the 640 primary schools selected for participation in the school support programme. However, this school is among the schools receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing concentrated disadvantage and will retain these supports for 2006-2007. The efficacy of these supports will be kept under review.

As well as the provision being made under the new school support programme for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed. This support will be based on the results of the new identification process and the arrangements which will apply in this regard will be notified to schools early in the autumn. A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the school support programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. This mechanism will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The school to which the Deputy refers has requested a review and a review form was issued to the school on 7 March 2006. The closing date for receipt of review applications is 31 March 2006.

School Enrolments.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

237 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the practice of English language schools in Ireland charging foreign students for attending secondary schools, including non-fee paying schools here; if these arrangements are in contravention of any laws or regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12661/06]

The Department of Education and Science provides for and funds education in primary schools and second-level schools in the free education scheme. Existing policy is that students up to 18 years of age are admitted to schools irrespective of their nationality or status. However, student visas are only allowed in respect of attendance at fee-paying schools. It has recently become apparent that a number of institutions in the language sector are offering "junior high school programmes" offering placement in a second-level school and that there are students from non-visa-required countries outside the EU attending such schools in the State sector. As no visas were required, the immigration authorities were not in a position to prevent such entry.

This is not illegal and there are at present no rules which preclude such arrangements. However this is not a process the Government would wish to encourage, either in terms of the guardianship issues which arise, or the potential for additional burden on the State. It should be borne in mind that under the Equal Status Act, schools may not discriminate in their admission policies except where this is necessary to maintain the religious values or ethos of a school. The Act does provide for differential treatment on fees for further and higher education persons who are not nationals of an EU member state. There is no such condition specified in regard to second-level schools. My Department is examining this issue at present in consultation, as appropriate, with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to see how best it should be addressed in the future, taking account of equality legislation.

School Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

238 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if school transport will be provided for persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12675/06]

The family referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy should apply to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department.

Higher Education Grants.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

239 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if financial assistance by way of increased higher education maintenance grant will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12676/06]

Under the means test provisions of my Department's maintenance grant schemes a candidate, other than an independent mature candidate, is assessed on his or her income and the income of his or her parents proper to the previous tax year, that is for the 2005-2006 academic year a candidate's reckonable income for the purpose of the higher education grant scheme is the income proper to the 2004 tax year reckonable income for the year ended 31 December 2004. The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except in exceptional cases where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

There is provision under the schemes of student support for an adverse change in circumstances regarding reckonable income. As per the change in circumstances provision of all four of the Department's maintenance grant schemes, the eligibility of a person may be assessed or re-assessed by the grant awarding body in the event of changes in circumstances regarding, inter alia, the reckonable income which is likely to be permanent. Where an adverse change in reckonable income occurs, the assessment is based on the current income annualised, as necessary, rather than the actual income for the tax year in question.

My Department has contacted Galway County Council, the awarding body responsible for assessing the grant applications for the students referred to by the Deputy. Galway County Council has confirmed that the candidates referred to were awarded the NA3 rate of maintenance grant plus a grant for the student services charge, €775 in both cases. My Department understands that the candidates have not submitted compelling proof regarding any permanent change in reckonable income. Should such proof be provided by the candidates, Galway County Council will be able to review the grant applications for the current academic year.

School Accommodation.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

240 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given with the provision of a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12677/06]

The facility referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of facilities, operating on a pilot basis, that use alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum. Generally speaking, where new facilities or schools are established and gain temporary recognition from my Department, the school authorities are responsible for securing interim accommodation. The cost of such temporary accommodation is grant aided by my Department. The question of the acquisition of a site or the provision of permanent accommodation under my Department's capital building programme does not arise until such time as permanent recognition has been secured. This is to ensure that the school is sustainable on a long-term basis before capital is invested. Officials in my Department remain available to discuss any concerns that the authorities of the facility in question may have on existing or future accommodation needs.

School Enrolments.

Pat Carey

Question:

241 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science in view of the information contained in correspondence (details supplied) from the principal of a school in Dublin 11 concerning the changed profile of the student intake, the supports her Department can make available to address this exceptional situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12678/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second-level school management to enable schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports in question include remedial and resource teaching support, special needs assistant support and funding for the purchase of specialised equipment. There has been enormous progress made over the past number of years on increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. At second level, approximately 1,653 whole-time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole-time equivalent learning support teachers and approximately 1,102 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants, SNAs, in our second-level schools.

The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some pupils are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and-or special needs assistant support. In other cases, placement in special dedicated classes or units attached to the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil-teacher ratios. Pupils attached to these special classes may be facilitated in attending ordinary subject classes on an integrated basis wherever possible.

With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over key functions from my Department regarding special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on 1 October 2005 under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2005. The council acts under the broad policy direction of my Department but has the resources and the remit to play the leading role in the delivery of education services to children with disabilities or special needs.

The NCSE co-ordinates with the health services, schools and other relevant bodies regarding the provision of education and related support services to children with disabilities or special needs. The responsibilities of the NCSE include deciding on applications for additional teaching support in respect of children with disabilities with special educational needs at second level; deciding on applications for special needs assistant, SNA, hours; and processing applications for school placement in respect of children with disabilities with special education needs.

Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. It is important to note that in the case of decisions on additional teaching and SNA support, the SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made. I am confident that the advent of the NCSE will prove of major benefit in ensuring that all children with special educational needs receive the support they require, when and where they require it. In addition, my Department's teacher education section has developed a strategy designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of personnel working with children with special educational needs. This involves a major expansion of the range of post-graduate professional training programmes available to teachers in the special needs area and the ongoing development of the special education support service, SESS, to support schools staff locally.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's national educational psychological service, NEPS, provides direct contact and services to children and young adults who need the support of an educational psychologist. NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with its assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.

A NEPS psychologist is assigned to the school in question and has responsibility for providing psychological services to the school. This psychologist has been attending the school regularly since 2002, is working with the special needs team in the school and is liaising with NEPS colleagues who give psychological service to feeder primary schools all of which should address concerns. My Department will continue to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for the education of children with special needs.

School Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

242 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the gross overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the general practitioner’s room had to be used as a classroom; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the learning support teacher has to take the class in the local community hall; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the roof is leaking, the toilets are inadequate, the electric wiring needs to be updated; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this school can expect to get an extra teacher in view of the fact that the numbers are likely to increase to as high as 120 in the next year or two; the status of the application for an extension and refurbishment of this school. [12679/06]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the school's long-term requirements is underway in school planning section of my Department. When this assessment is completed, a decision will then be made on how best to meet the school's current and emerging accommodation needs. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-2010.

John Perry

Question:

243 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 800 students attending a school (details supplied) in County Sligo which is a college of the National University of Ireland, Galway; when the €13 million will be allocated for the priority work of their development plan for renovation of the food science laboratory phase two provision of additional temporary building, extension to canteen, extension to science laboratory, new car parking, multipurpose facility to accommodate examinations, conferring and reception and teaching facilities as outlined in correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12695/06]

Officials of my Department have arranged to meet shortly with the management authorities of the college in question. All relevant infrastructural issues relating to the college will be discussed at this meeting.

School Enrolments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

244 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students currently attending a school (details supplied) in County Wexford from outside the catchment area that would have come from other schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12696/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available.

Languages Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

245 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of An Chomhairle Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta with regard to the establishment of the National Education Centre for the Irish Language in Baile Bhuirne as outlined in its most recent submission to her Department; the way in which and when this submission was ratified; if it is recorded in the minutes of the relevant An Chomhairle Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta meetings at which the issue was discussed; if it represents a fundamental change of policy from the publicly stated position of An Chomhairle Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta; the way in which and when her Department became aware of this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12703/06]

The recent submission of an chomhairle setting out its views in regard to the National Education Centre for Irish in Baile Bhúirne was submitted by e-mail to my Department on 30 January 2006. In November 2003 an chomhairle had written to my Department highlighting the overlap between the role proposed for the centre and that of an chomhairle, and proposing that, for optimum synergy and benefit, the centre should be managed through the structures of an chomhairle. Questions regarding the minutes of meetings of an chomhairle and the conduct of its business are a matter for that organisation. On the Baile Bhúirne proposal generally, further deliberation and discussions with the relevant interests are needed before a definitive decision on the project can be made. It is intended that these discussions will be completed as quickly as possible.

Departmental Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

246 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has schemes through which a plan could be developed to take over a swimming pool which has been an enormous asset to the community, but in which the religious order which owns it wishes to divest its interest, with the possible participation in that plan of local swimming pool clubs, local schools and the local authority (details supplied). [12760/06]

There are no plans at present for my Department to contribute towards the cost of developing or taking over swimming pools. The priority is to apply all capital funding allocated to my Department to school and college development. The Deputy may wish to pursue this matter with the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and-or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Disadvantaged Status.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

247 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason schools applying for disadvantaged designation under DEIS are asked for social welfare details, such as lone parent family rates of pupils attending; when such information could be gleaned from the PPS numbers of children, that being data which is already provided to the Department; the level of co-operation between her Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to the exchange of such information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12763/06]

The two key provisions of DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, are for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support was managed by the Educational Research Centre, ERC, on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the inspectorate. In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved. The future development of pupil-student databases at primary and further education level and the continuing development of the existing post-primary pupils database and student databases in higher education institutions, all using the personal public service, PPS number, will further enhance the identification process for future planning cycles. In particular, the primary pupil database will, when developed, facilitate co-operation with other Departments and agencies, including the Department of Social and Family Affairs, in identifying levels of disadvantage in primary schools. The next identification process will be carried out in the school year 2009-10 to allow time for the phased implementation of the action plan and the process will continue thereafter on a three-year cyclical basis, in line with the proposed three-year planning cycle for schools participating in the school support programme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

248 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the number of non-national pupils is not one of the criteria applying to the qualification of schools for the DEIS programme in view of the enormous strain on teaching resources such pupils typically make. [12764/06]

The needs of children whose first language is not English are met through a separate programme of language support. Under this scheme, there are currently over 800 additional teachers at primary and second level helping children to improve their English language skills. My Department is currently reviewing provision in this area with a view to determining the appropriate educational response to the needs of non-Irish national children, with particular reference to their language needs.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

249 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the criteria used to determine qualification for the DEIS programme was arrived at. [12765/06]

DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. This standardised system replaces all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support programme has been completed.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools, serving communities with high concentrations of disadvantage, have been invited to participate in the new programme. These comprise 640 primary schools, composed of 320 urban-town schools and 320 rural schools, and 200 second-level schools. Letters of invitation were issued to all 840 schools in late February with a request to complete and return an acceptance form by 10 March 2006.

The school support programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage. The new action plan is being introduced on a phased basis, starting during the current school year. It will involve an additional annual investment of €40 million on full implementation. In addition, supports will continue to be provided for schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support was managed by the Educational Research Centre, ERC, on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the inspectorate. In the primary sector the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved. The ERC advised my Department as to which socioeconomic and other variables should be used to identify schools for participation in the school support programme.

School Accommodation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

250 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; her proposals and schedules for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12766/06]

The project for permanent accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards. In the meantime, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently approved the provision of temporary accommodation to meet the schools needs for September 2006.

Departmental Programmes.

Finian McGrath

Question:

251 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on creating 50 more places for a group (details supplied) in the Coolock area of Dublin; and if the maximum support and assistance will be given with its excellent work. [12767/06]

Youthreach is a programme of education and training targeted at unqualified early school leavers in the 15 to 20 age group. The programme is an integrated response by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to address the needs of young people who leave school early with minimal or no qualifications. It is designed to meet the particular educational and training needs of the target group and was initiated in 1989. The programme is delivered in out-of-school centres run by the VECs and by FÁS through their community training workshops, CTWs.

My Department has criteria governing the recognition and funding of Youthreach centres. A district approach is implemented in the allocation of places. It involves consultation with VECs, FÁS, area-based partnerships and other statutory-voluntary training providers in the vicinity on local needs. The district approach ensures, as far as possible, complementarity with the activities of the different agencies and avoids duplication. My Department has received no proposal from City of Dublin VEC to provide any additional Youthreach places in the above area.

School Transport.

Denis Naughten

Question:

252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will secure the retention of a school transport service (details supplied); if she will meet a group of parents representing the pupils in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12768/06]

A report has been received from the transport liaison officer for County Westmeath, outlining the outcome of his recent meeting with a group of concerned parents. When this report has been fully considered, my Department will contact the Deputy directly to outline the position and also to confirm whether it is considered that a meeting with parents would be useful to clarify matters further.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

253 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will increase the resource hours for a person with a disability (details supplied); and if she will make this a priority case as five hours per week is not at all adequate. [12788/06]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been operational since 1 January 2005 and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs, SEN, supports through its network of special educational needs organisers, SENOs.

The pupil in question is currently in receipt of five hours per week of resource teaching support and I can confirm that this is the maximum number of hours that can be sanctioned by a SENO in line with my Department's criteria for the allocation of resource teaching support for pupils with special educational needs.

School Absenteeism.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has taken place in the case of two juveniles out of school without permission and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12790/06]

The Government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that all children get all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to complete their education. Measures designed to improve school completion include the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board in 2002 with a remit to monitor school attendance, help parents to get a school place for their child and run promotional campaigns on the importance of regular attendance and finishing school.

In areas of disadvantage a key component of the work of the home-school-community liaison co-ordinator is promoting school attendance to parents while the school completion programme fosters the development of strong links between primary and post-primary schools to assist pupils with the transfer to and retention at second level.

This Department also supports youth encounter projects, YEPs, that provide educational facilities to young people who have become alienated from the conventional school system and is promoting increased integration between the work of second level schools and training opportunities, such as Youthreach centres, catering for young early school leavers.

The Deputy's question concerns two young people and their non-attendance at school. In response to a question raised by the Deputy last week, concerning the same issue, I requested the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, to respond directly to the Deputy. I have been informed by the NEWB that correspondence has been issued in relation to this matter.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

255 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13151/06]

There was one officer of my Department on suspension with pay as at 31 December 2004 and none on 31 December 2005. The officer concerned was subsequently reinstated, upon completion of the process to deal with the issue.

Such matters are dealt with in accordance the agreed procedures set out in the disciplinary code. As this code places an obligation on the Department to protect the dignity of the employee concerned, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to provide any further details.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

256 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13152/06]

There were no employees of this Department on suspension with pay as of 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005.

Architectural Heritage.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

257 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the necessary funding will be provided to enable the ground chamber of Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry, to be fully restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12770/06]

A scheme of conservation and structural consolidation works has been carried out at Carrigafoyle Castle. This cost €850,000, which was spent over the period 2001 to 2005. These works have facilitated safe public access and enhanced the visitor experience. Further restoration of the castle is not envisaged at this stage.

House Prices.

Richard Bruton

Question:

258 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his assessment of trends in the housing market. [12757/06]

A new record of almost 81,000 housing completions was achieved in 2005, almost two and a half times the 1996 level, continuing a strong performance in housing output over the past decade. The very large increase in housing output has also helped to restrain house price increases in the face of growing demand and increased mortgage lending. On the other hand, some macro-economic commentators now express concern at the significantly increased level of dependence of the Irish economy on the housing sector.

The Government will continue to prioritise effective action to maintain current high levels of supply in the housing market. In particular, the Government will accelerate measures to assist those who cannot access affordable housing without assistance. It is now proposed that 15,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered in the three-year period 2006 to 2008. This represents a doubling of the rate of output of affordable housing over the past three years and will significantly increase the supply of affordable homes and make an important contribution to addressing affordability problems.

Significantly increased output of affordable housing is likely to come on stream this year, particularly through Part V and the affordable housing initiative, and will continue progressively through the three-year period. We will also be streamlining the affordable housing schemes and in the meantime, eligibility and subsidy levels under the various schemes were increased in January 2006.

Legislative Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

259 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of sections of the Local Government Act 2001 which have not been enacted; the timetable for their enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12607/06]

The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal. The Act is being brought into operation on a phased basis; 199 of its 247 sections have been commenced. I am currently considering the steps necessary to commence the remaining provisions, a number of which are enabling provisions which will replace legislation currently in force.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

260 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that the Liffey catchment area is incorporated into the study for the greater Dublin strategic drainage system, as the safe development of Chapelizod depends on this study (details supplied). [12609/06]

The greater Dublin strategic drainage study was undertaken by Dublin City Council on behalf of the Dublin area local authorities. The study, which was completed in 2005 with funding from my Department's water services investment programme, included the Liffey catchment.

The study is a high-level strategic assessment of regional waste water requirements. The selection of individual infrastructural schemes for inclusion in my Department's water services investment programme is also informed by local authority assessments of needs that identify and prioritise individual project proposals. My Department has recently asked all local authorities to undertake new assessments of needs in 2006 as an input to future project selection under the water services investment programme. I anticipate that the recommendations of the greater Dublin strategic drainage study will be taken into account by the relevant local authorities.

Road Network.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

261 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans in place to widen the four bridges on the main Milford and Carrigart road R247 (details supplied); and the timeframes which are in place for the work to be carried out. [12611/06]

I assume the question refers to the R245, the Milford to Carrigart road. The provision and improvement of non-national roads in County Donegal is a matter for Donegal County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department.

In August last year, my Department sought applications from road authorities for funding under the 2006 EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is a matter for road authorities. Donegal County Council submitted a number of applications but these did not include applications for works on the bridges on the R245 Milford to Carrigart road referred to in the question. My Department will again be seeking applications under the EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme later this year and it will, of course, be open to the council to submit applications for consideration for funding under this scheme in 2007.

Local authorities may also use their discretionary improvement grant allocations from my Department to fund eligible road and bridge improvement schemes. The 2006 discretionary improvement grant allocation to Donegal County Council is €1,642,000, which is an increase of 7% on the initial 2005 discretionary improvement grant allocation to the council. The selection of works to be funded from this allocation is entirely a matter for the council.

Election Management System.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

262 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the serial number of each of the electronic voting machines owned by the State; the location of each of these machines; the past movements of each machine; if this information will be made available to Deputies in electronic format as well as on Dáil Éireann record; the details of these machines which have been damaged, repaired or destroyed; the number of machines purchased by the State; the number currently in the possession of the State; his plans to scrap or recycle these machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12612/06]

A programme of further assessment, testing and validation of the electronic voting and counting system is underway to address issues raised by the Commission on Electronic Voting and demonstrate that the system operates reliably, securely and accurately. The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the progress made with this work and the ongoing work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, the associated decisions arising in this regard, and the dates at which future polls may be held.

A total of 7,504 voting machines has been purchased and information in relation to the location of the machines is set out in the following table. In the interests of the security and integrity of the electoral process, it is not appropriate to make available the further detailed information referred to in the question.

Constituency

No. of Voting Machines

Location of Storage Premises

Carlow

115

Mortarstown

Kilkenny

135

Cavan

148

Monaghan Town

Monaghan

140

Clare

200

Ennis

Cork County

425

Togher

Cork City

505

Ballygarvan

Donegal

295

Letterkenny

Dublin City

777

Ballycoolin

Dublin County

768

Finglas

Galway

310

Galway City

Kerry

310

Tralee

Kildare

275

Clane

Laois

100

Portlaoise

Offaly

120

Limerick

335

Limerick City

Longford

90

Longford Town

Roscommon

142

Roscommon Town

Louth

180

Dundalk

Mayo

370

Castlebar

Meath

265

Navan

Sligo

130

Sligo Town

Leitrim

100

Carrick-on-Shannon

Tipperary North and South

408

Clonmel

Waterford

195

Waterford City

Westmeath

175

Mullingar

Wexford

240

Drinagh

Wicklow

245

Kilcoole

DoEHLG

6

Custom House, Dublin

Total

7,504

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Question:

263 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve to the planning stage budget the submission made by Limerick County Council in relation to the Dromcollogher sewerage scheme. [12613/06]

Dan Neville

Question:

264 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve to the planning stage budget the submission made by Limerick County Council in relation to the Bruff sewerage scheme. [12614/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.

The Dromcollogher and Bruff sewerage schemes, which are being advanced as part of a grouped project, have been approved to advance through planning in my Department's water services investment programme 2005-07.

In June 2005, I approved Limerick County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a preliminary report for the grouped project. The council's proposals in relation to the consultants' fees and planning stage budget for the scheme were received in my Department earlier this month and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Housing Grants.

Michael Ring

Question:

265 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the essential repairs grant is available to elderly couples where only one person is over 65 years of age and their dependent spouse is under the age of 65 years; if the scheme is confined to people over the age of 65 years or if it is open for applications from elderly people with the term elderly not being specifically defined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12642/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

266 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the qualifying criteria set by his Department for the essential repairs grant administered by local authorities; if the criteria are applied identically in all local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12643/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.

The regulations governing the essential repairs grant scheme, which is operated by local authorities, do not specify an age qualification. The scheme is designed to enable elderly people whose houses cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost to have basic repairs carried out. In determining priority as between grant applicants, local authorities would have regard to relative means and needs and they generally restrict payment of essential repairs grants to elderly persons. The administration of the scheme in individual cases is a matter for the local authority concerned within the framework laid down in the regulations, which as far as is practicable, is designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to authorities at local level.

Persons who do not qualify for assistance under the essential repairs grant scheme may be eligible for assistance under the housing aid for the elderly scheme, operated by the Health Service Executive, or under the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing. Full details on these options, including application procedures, can be obtained from local authorities.

Turbary Rights.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

267 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason proceeds of a sale of bog contained in a special area of conservation have not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the state of the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12665/06]

The original offer to purchase this land, subject to contract, was made to the person named on 5 April 2005. The vendor then decided to sell turbary rights rather than the freehold title and a revised offer was made on this basis on 5 July 2005. However, a contract for sale on this basis has yet to be submitted to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor by the solicitor acting for the person named.

Register of Electors.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

268 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will commission An Post to deliver a blank electoral registration form to each house in the State for completion and return to the local authority within three weeks, which would be part of a national campaign to encourage voters to register. [12693/06]

In law, the preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. Their work in this area includes the carrying out of house-to-house enquiries, delivery of registration forms and running local awareness campaigns.

I share the concerns that have been expressed on the quality of the register. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government wrote to registration authorities on 14 July 2005 and requested them to take all necessary steps to secure significant improvement in the quality of the register. A national awareness campaign was conducted in November 2005 associated with the work on preparation of the register underway at that stage. Also in November 2005, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government completed work on new and updated guidance for registration authorities on preparing and maintaining the register. The aim of the guidance is to secure significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register by setting out clearly the legal requirements in this complex area, and identifying best practice for registration authorities in their work on the register.

The draft guidance has been circulated for comment to all registration authorities and returning officers and to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government, which discussed the guidance in December 2005. Following this consultation process, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is now finalising the guidance. However, in view of the importance of securing improvements in the register, registration authorities have also been asked to proceed to implement the draft guidance with immediate effect. While the guidance does not envisage action on the lines referred to in the question, I will continue to keep these important issues under close review.

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

269 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the concession or grant aid which is available from his Department for persons whose private dwelling house roof needs to be disposed of and replaced. [12707/06]

No such grants are available from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Waste Management.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

270 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he treats or proposes to treat solid waste landfill sites as carbon sinks and to take credit for the carbon stored in them, notwithstanding that atmospheric carbon is not extracted and sequestered in landfill and that both carbon dioxide and methane are emitted by such sites; the information he has or proposes to gather as to the role of landfill sites in the net reduction of greenhouse gases, account being taken of such emissions; his response to research indicating that the carbon storage associated with landfills could be of a magnitude as to cause them to be considered net carbon sinks with respect to greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12716/06]

Accounting for sequestered carbon in national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions must follow guidelines provided by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At present, neither the Environmental Protection Agency, which is responsible for Ireland's national inventory, nor other EU national administrations treat landfill sites as carbon sinks in this context. However, I expect that the EPA will keep abreast of any EU and wider international developments on carbon contained in solid waste landfills and if necessary adjust our accounting practice.

Election Management System.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

271 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Department staff who are engaged on an ongoing basis on the e-voting project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/06]

The franchise section in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for a range of matters relating to the electoral system, including the relevant legislative codes; the provision of advice and guidance to registration authorities and returning officers, including relating to the register of electors; implementation of the electronic voting and counting system; the servicing of the Constituency Commission as required; and the provision of electoral information to the public. At present, three staff in the section work on, inter alia, matters relating to the electronic voting and counting system.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

272 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of external consultants who have to date been retained on the e-voting project; the costs to date and projected future costs of any consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/06]

Since 2000, 14 organisations have been engaged by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to undertake consultancy work relating to the electronic voting and counting system, including assessment and testing of the system, and awareness and education activities. The cost of this work is €3.55 million. There are no specific proposals for further consultancy work at this stage, pending completion of the work being undertaken by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Commission on Electronic Voting regarding the system and the associated decisions arising in this regard.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of affordable houses provided or to be provided in County Kildare on foot of development in hand or concluded; if in all such developments affordable housing is being provided in accordance with the regulations and Planning Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12722/06]

The figures supplied by Kildare County Council to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government indicate that up to the end of 2005, a total of 778 units have been provided through the various affordable housing schemes. This comprises 683 under the shared ownership scheme, 52 under the 1999 affordable housing scheme and 43 under Part V.

Regarding future activity, 171 approvals in principle have issued under the shared ownership scheme with 19 units in progress. A further 53 units are proposed under the 1999 affordable housing scheme with 54 units in progress. Some 124 units are proposed under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004.

Information on all of the individual locations of affordable houses is not compiled by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. However, information on the location of houses which received subsidy under the 1999 affordable housing scheme is set out in the following table.

Year

Location

No. of Units

2004

Caragh Road, Naas

52

I am not aware of any instances where affordable housing is not provided in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Local Authority Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures whereby local authority officials are permitted or encouraged to attend political meetings in official capacity after normal business hours; when it was decided to allow such practices; if this is in accordance with their terms of employment with particular reference to the need to preserve the apolitical status of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12723/06]

The conditions of employment of local authority employees are matters for the local authority in accordance with section 158 of the Local Government Act 2001. In the performance of their duties, local authority employees must have regard to and be guided by the Code of Conduct for Employees published in June 2004 which is an integral part of the ethical framework for the local government service.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the conditions under which building sites are allocated to Respond; the cost to the taxpayer and the price paid by Respond; the conditions under which capital funding is provided for the construction of housing units; the extent to which the public sector has control over the enterprise thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12724/06]

Under the low-cost sites scheme local authorities can provide sites to approved voluntary, co-operative and other non-profit housing groups to construct houses. The level of low-cost site subsidy provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to a local authority under the low-cost site scheme varies from location to location depending on factors including the acquisition and development costs of the sites. The price at which the local authority intends to sell such sites to voluntary groups is a matter to be determined by individual local authorities.

Capital funding is available to approved voluntary housing bodies through two separate funding schemes, the capital assistance scheme which addresses the special housing needs of persons such as the elderly, disabled, homeless and elderly returning emigrants and the capital loan and subsidy scheme which provides housing for families in need. The Department's involvement relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the schemes and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the schemes are the responsibility of the appropriate local authority, which also ensures continuing compliance with the conditions of the schemes on an ongoing basis in each project within its area.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which estate management companies are authorised to charge exorbitant fees in local authority housing estates for work for which the local authorities have primary responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12725/06]

The management and maintenance of their rented dwellings is the responsibility of the housing authority concerned. While local authorities are empowered to make arrangements, including for the charging of fees relating to the management and control of their dwellings, I am not aware of authorities engaging estate management companies to provide services in local authority housing estates.

In some cases authorities may acquire properties in a private estate for letting where a management company may already be in place. In such cases, as indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 682 of 15 November 2005, the intention of the Oireachtas, as set out in section 14 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, is that housing authorities should be permitted to take account, in the determination of rents or other payments from tenants, of costs incurred by the housing authority for insurance or any management services provided to the dwelling. However, the degree of any impact on rents would also depend on the operation of the differential rents scheme in the local authority area concerned. A Law Reform Commission working group is examining a range of legal issues relating to management of multi-unit structures. The Government will consider any recommendations the final report makes including the necessity for new legislation in this area.

Local Authority Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the commitments given by him to the Houses of the Oireachtas during the passage of the legislation to abolish the dual mandate are being observed in the spirit and the letter by the various local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities are ignoring his commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12726/06]

As indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 8 March 2006, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is gathering information from local authorities on the practical application of the arrangements for the supply of specified information to Oireachtas Members under the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003. Based on the information received so far, I understand that local authorities are, for the most part, complying with these arrangements. However, when the review is complete, I intend to issue any necessary supplementary guidance to local authorities taking account of their responses.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the revised planning guidelines issued by his Department are being observed by the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12727/06]

I assume the question refers to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing which came into effect on 13 April 2005. These guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites in rural areas for persons who are part of, contribute to or have links with the rural community should be accommodated. The guidelines thus affirm a presumption in favour of quality one-off housing for rural communities, provided proposals meet normal standards in relation to matters such as the proper wastewater disposal and road safety. Following the publication of the guidelines, planning authorities were asked to review their development plans with a view to incorporating any changes necessary to ensure that development plan policies are consistent with the policies set out in the guidelines.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government held two seminars last year for local authority planning officials on the implementation of the guidelines. The seminars dealt with the overall objectives of the guidelines and provided practical advice on the implementation of their core provisions, including preparation of development plan policies, providing better support and advice to applicants and more efficient and comprehensive consideration of planning applications.

In September 2005, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government also held discussions on implementation of the guidelines with the planning committee of the County and City Managers Association. These discussions focused on the need to embed regard for the guidelines, as required by section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, in the performance by local authorities of their relevant functions that is in making or reviewing their development plans, in providing planning services to applicants or potential applicants and in deciding on planning applications. County managers have also been asked to report on the measures taken to date to implement the guidelines and on their impact. The indications from reports received to date are that planning authorities have already considered any necessary changes to their development plans in order to give full effect to the guidelines. Reports from county managers will be repeated periodically. I intend to continue closely monitoring the effectiveness of the guidelines.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

279 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policies of local authorities, as supplied to him, regarding management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12782/06]

Following a request for information from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I understand that the majority of planning authorities do not attach conditions to planning permissions requiring management companies to be set up in the case of housing estates. However, a number avail of the powers provided to them under planning legislation to attach such conditions; they do this in specified circumstances, for example, where there is a shared wastewater treatment plant between a number of houses.

Tax Yield.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

280 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount collected by local authorities in commercial rates in 2004 and 2005; the rate at which these payments were made during the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12783/06]

Based on data supplied to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government by local authorities, income from commercial rates is estimated to amount to €908 million in 2004 and €1 billion in 2005.

Rates are legally payable in two moieties; the first moiety and arrears are payable on the date of the making of the rate and the second moiety is payable on 1 July. Within this framework, it is also possible for arrangements to be agreed for payment of rates in instalments. The timing of the payment of rates to individual rating authorities may therefore be influenced by a number of factors, including the timing of the making of the rate, any instalment arrangements entered into with ratepayers, and the level of recovery of rates from defaulting ratepayers.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

281 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount collected by each local authority in the form of development levies in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/06]

The following table, which is based on information supplied by planning authorities, sets out the estimated development contributions collected by local authorities in 2005.

Development Contributions 2005

County Council

Carlow

3,826,306

Cavan

2,571,730

Clare

6,064,000

Cork

38,739,433

Donegal

4,998,423

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

23,000,000

Fingal

50,780,348

Galway

12,354,285

Kerry

7,100,000

Kildare

18,000,000

Kilkenny

10,900,000

Laois

12,907,000

Leitrim

217,495

Limerick

12,675,000

Longford

2,845,302

Louth

19,500,000

Mayo

13,531,000

Meath

38,000,000

Monaghan

2,608,157

North Tipperary

3,653,190

Offaly

3,786,399

Roscommon

6,389,417

Sligo

2,391,151

South Dublin

31,566,815

South Tipperary

3,045,000

Waterford

3,322,730

Westmeath

6,150,000

Wexford

30,000,000

Wicklow

31,413,167

Total Counties

402,336,348

City Council

Cork

11,043,400

Dublin

58,403,217

Galway

5,400,000

Limerick

7,687,886

Waterford

6,450,605

Total Cities

88,985,108

Town Council

Arklow

95,000

Athlone

2,188,049

Athy

1,620,462

Ballina

1,674,223

Ballinasloe

299,475

Birr

275,817

Bray

1,389,753

Buncrana

n/s

Bundoran

116,227

Carlow

1,152,920

Carrickmacross

1,299,670

Carrick-on-suir

300,000

Cashel

385,000

Castlebar

3,465,781

Castleblayney

1,414,838

Cavan

334,240

Clonakilty

n/s

Clones

251921

Clonmel

1177000

Cobh

n/s

Drogheda

2802955

Dundalk

5,807,387

Dungarvan

1,721,571

Ennis

2,380,659

Enniscorthy

155,448

Fermoy

n/s

Kells

98346

Kilkenny

2641275

Killarney

3,309,191

Kilrush

194,428

Kinsale

n/s

Letterkenny

306,000

Listowel

262,605

Longford

729,010

Macroom

n/s

Mallow

n/s

Midleton

n/s

Monaghan

3,151,319

Naas

600,000

Navan

1,708,331

Nenagh

2,323,889

New Ross

1,500,000

Skibbereen

n/s

Sligo

2087959

Templemore

106,066

Thurles

830,129

Tipperary

320,000

Tralee

1,433,427

Trim

323,511

Tullamore

1,135,377

Westport

372,045

Wexford

469,063

Wicklow

482,256

Youghal

n/s

Total Towns

54,692,623

Overall Total

546,014,079

n/s: Not Supplied.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

282 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of motor tax collected by each local authority in the years 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12785/06]

The amount of motor tax collected by each local authority, including on-line by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in the years 2004 and 2005 is set out in the following table.

Motor Tax Receipts (including on-line)

2005

2004

Carlow

9,577,446

9,402,684

Cavan

10,925,797

10,906,522

Clare

18,764,979

18,297,206

Cork

75,681,713

78,414,745

Donegal

23,283,121

22,327,970

Galway

35,296,681

34,681,775

Kerry

22,903,422

23,138,196

Kildare

27,319,360

28,599,476

Kilkenny

14,447,027

14,622,592

Laois

10,956,887

10,746,912

Leitrim

4,862,364

4,791,631

Limerick Co

21,856,230

21,843,480

Longford

5,976,239

5,850,989

Louth

15,631,421

15,637,852

Mayo

20,002,308

19,905,815

Meath

26,632,321

26,160,983

Monaghan

10,376,392

10,308,018

Offaly

11,385,231

11,155,395

Roscommon

10,390,089

10,024,417

Sligo

9,887,747

9,937,089

N. Tipperary

11,884,832

11,833,302

S. Tipperary

15,207,443

15,085,443

Waterford Co

10,142,982

9,939,460

Westmeath

12,711,338

12,712,499

Wexford

23,853,757

23,428,248

Wicklow

19,413,820

19,909,530

Dublin City

141,456,983

153,777,447

Limerick City

6,425,748

6,460,482

Waterford City

7,044,134

7,117,909

On-line

168,068,030

100,238,775

Total

802,365,839

747,256,842

Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

283 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the Residential Tenancy Act 2004 whereby local authorities are to take over the rental accommodation scheme for people in rented accommodation for more than 18 months; if landlords of health board tenants do not wish to be part of this scheme they can opt out; the position regarding disabled people or old age pensioners who are in receipt of a rent allowance and are in suitable accommodation for their needs but their landlords do not want to take part in the scheme; if there will be exemptions in their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12792/06]

Under the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, local authorities will enter into arrangements with private landlords to provide accommodation to certain persons in receipt of rent supplement who are deemed by the local authority to have a long-term housing need. All private rented tenancies under the RAS will continue to be governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

Landlords are not obliged to participate in the scheme. Local authorities will seek to secure alternative suitable accommodation for tenants whose landlords do not wish to participate. In the meantime eligible RAS households will continue to be in receipt of rent supplement. Where prospective RAS households are offered accommodation they can refuse it. However, if a tenant refuses three offers of housing within a set period of 18 months, it could affect his or her entitlement to rent supplement for a period of 12 months. Subject to these conditions the local authority has discretion under the scheme to take into account the particular circumstances of individual cases.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

284 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of State employees on suspension with pay as on 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2005; and the details of same. [13153/06]

On 31 December 2004 no employees in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government were on suspension with pay. At 31 December 2005 one employee was on suspension without pay. However, this employee is in receipt of part payment of salary to alleviate hardship pending a continued investigation under the disciplinary code.

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