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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 2006

Vol. 620 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Literacy Levels.

Dan Boyle

Question:

10 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has seen the draft report on adult literacy as recently submitted to the Joint Committee on Education and Science; if she will, in principle, at least quadruple the budget, should the Committee endorse this recommendation in the final report; the factors which would prevent her from doing so; her views on the importance of literacy skills for the benefit of the adults concerned and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19969/06]

The draft report referred to by the deputy is currently being considered by the Joint Committee for Education and Science. The Committee has not yet adopted or finalised the report and as a result I have not seen it.

The Adult Literacy service is organised by and delivered through the VEC Adult Literacy Schemes throughout the country. The service is resourced and managed by the VECs through funding from my Department.

The White Paper on Adult Education, "Learning for Life", published in 2000, identifies adult literacy as the top priority in adult education.

Since 1997, funding from my Department for Adult Literacy has incrementally increased from €1million then to €23million in 2006. As a consequence, the numbers of clients catered for annually have increased from 5,000 to over 35,000 in 2005.

The National Development Plan 2000-2006 committed €93.5 million and anticipated that 110,000 people would participate in the adult literacy programme over the period. This target has been exceeded.

Specially targeted literacy programmes, such as family learning programmes, literacy for non-Irish nationals, programmes for people with special needs,for Travellers and for Gaeltacht people, have been provided. Family literacy groups, involving adults and their children, are running successfully. In recognition of the vital role of parents and other family members in children's literacy development, a new family literacy project within DEIS is currently being developed by my Department.

A new intensive literacy programme has recently been introduced on a pilot basis. This is a joint project led by the Irish Vocational Education Association in partnership with the National Adult Literacy Agency and my Department. It is now on offer to people with severe literacy needs and involves six hours of literacy tuition per week instead of the usual two hours. The programme will be reviewed this summer and a report is expected in the autumn. My Department has provided funding of just over €1million for this pilot programme. The future of the programme will be considered on receipt of the report.

An assessment framework, known as "Mapping the Learning Journey" for the adult literacy service, that will be in line with best international practice is in the course of being introduced as a feature of the literacy services of many VECs. It will eventually be available nationwide. The key focus is how to bring national consistency and objective standards into the initial diagnosis of learners' starting points and subsequent progress. My Department has provided funding of €167,000 to the "Mapping the Learning Journey" assessment framework in 2006.

It should be recognised that these initiatives would take some time to impact on the large target-group of adults with literacy problems, that is 500,000 people. For one reason or another, many people were reluctant to enrol in the public literacy services, even though they knew they had problems. To help these people, my Department commissioned the production of five TV series in literacy awareness and tuition for adults.

For 2006, it is proposed to provide a new two year multi-media literacy tuition initiative. This will be done in partnership with the National Adult Literacy Agency and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and RTE.

Adult literacy will continue to be my top priority in adult education and I shall continue to extend the literacy service as resources permit.

I look forward to receiving the Committee's report in due course.

Proposed Legislation.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

11 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to amend section 29 of the Education Act 1998 in relation to school expulsions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19892/06]

Enda Kenny

Question:

13 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in addition to amending section 29 of the Education Act 1998, any further aspect of the legislation will be amended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19868/06]

Michael Ring

Question:

86 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes she will now bring forward to section 29 of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19867/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 13 and 86 together.

In January 2005 I established the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools. The balancing of rights in Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 was acknowledged by the Task Force as one of the areas which prompted many submissions. While highlighting the fact that the majority of section 29 suspensions and expulsions are going in favour of schools, the Task Force report recommended that the legislation be amended to strike a better balance between the rights of the disruptive student and those of his/her peers to an education. It also recommended that the timeframe involved in these appeals be examined.

With a view to taking account of these recommendations, the Deputy will be aware that an Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill has been included in the Government's Legislation Programme. This will be a focused piece of legislation the principal purpose of which will be to amend section 29 of the Education Act.

I believe that all students have the right to learn and every teacher has the right to teach in a positive environment. To this end, immediately after receiving the report of the Task Force, I announced a series of measures to promote positive behaviour in our second level schools, of which amending the legislation is just one.

Other measures include the setting up of a new Behaviour Support Service with four regional teams to work with schools experiencing particular difficulties with discipline.

Staff, including psychologists, are currently being recruited for these teams and they will be in place from the start of the next school year. They will look at every aspect of the school from the type of community it is serving, to the effectiveness of the code of behaviour, the appropriateness of the curriculum and the level of engagement with parents. They will bring with them an awareness of the strategies that have helped schools facing similar challenges to maintain a positive climate.

The team will be able to identify schools which would benefit from having 'behaviour support classrooms' where students who are seriously misbehaving will be taught in small groups until they are ready to return to the classroom. The emphasis in the special support rooms will be on finding out why students are misbehaving and helping them to change.

Apart from the Behaviour Support Service, there will also be training for teachers that are having difficulties maintaining good behaviour in their classrooms and an increased availability of alternative programmes to the standard Junior and Leaving Cert exams which are more practical and of more interest to some students than the traditional exam routes. The availability of alternative programmes outside the school system such as Youthreach is also being reviewed.

A comprehensive package of different measures is needed and that is what we are providing.

Whole School Evaluations.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

12 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects the first whole school evaluation reports will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19863/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I believe that the publication of school inspection reports will go a significant way to addressing the real needs of parents, students, teachers and others for better information on schools. Inspectors' reports can identify when schools and teachers are working to optimum effect and where improvements are needed. The reports provide a fair analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of schools in a way that can provide a real indication of school quality.

When I decided that these reports would be published, I requested that the inspectorate of my Department conduct oral and written consultations with the education partners in relation to the publication process. Twenty-one organisations participated and the consultations were completed in January 2006. Written guidelines were subsequently produced on the publication of inspection reports. I laid the Education Act 1998 (Publication of Inspection Reports on Schools and Centres for Education) Regulations Act before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 31 January 2006.

As a result of these regulations, all reports arising from WSE inspections commenced on or after 6 February 2006 are subject to publication. Reports arising from inspections commenced prior to that date will not be published by the Department. The procedures provide that the school authorities have an opportunity to verify the facts in the report (period of 10 school days) and the school also has a right of response to the reports (a further 20 school days is allowed for this process). It is intended that both the inspection report and the school response (where this is provided by the school's board of management) will be published simultaneously.

A timeframe of 14 weeks (70 days excluding school holiday periods) is allowed from the time when the in-school activity is completed and the WSE report is placed on the Department's website. If a school appeals a report the process will take longer.

The first WSE reports are expected to be ready for publication before the end of June 2006. At present approximately 32 primary WSE reports and 6 post-primary WSE reports are with schools for either factual verification or school response. It is not possible to say precisely when these WSE reports will have completed all stages of the pre-publication process as this is the first time that schools are engaging in a written factual verification process and an optional school response process as part of the evaluation procedure. However, I anticipate that a significant proportion of the reports will be finalised for issue to schools and published on the Department's website before the end of June 2006.

As the timeframe for the publication of subject inspections is shorter than that for WSE it is expected that a number of subject inspections will be the first reports published and this should occur earlier in June.

Question No. 13 answered with QuestionNo. 11.

Garda Vetting Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

14 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when the discussions between the Department of Health and Children and her Department commenced with regard to the establishment of a pre-employment consultancy service; when such discussions will be concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19874/06]

An Inter Departmental Working Group was established in 2002 to examine the issue of extending Garda vetting, taking account of all aspects of the vetting of persons coming in contact with children and vulnerable persons — be they full-time, part-time, voluntary or community workers or students on placements. My Department was presented on the Working Group.

In the education sector, vetting is currently available in respect of prospective employees of children in detention schools as well as special needs assistants (SNAs) and bus escorts to children with special needs. My colleague Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Children, announced a doubling of the number of staff employed in the Garda Central Vetting Unit — which has been relocated to Thurles under the Government's decentralisation programme — in order to ensure that they can handle a greater volume of requests from employers. The provision of additional staff resources will enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended to all persons working with children and vulnerable adults. This will include teachers, caretakers, bus drivers and others working with children, whether on a full-time or part-time basis.

As a first step in the expansion of services provided by the Vetting Unit, it is proposed that new staff employed in the 2006/07 school year will be vetted. In the case of new teachers, vetting will form part of the process of the registration by the newly established Teaching Council. The Council will be responsible for submitting the applications to the Vetting Unit. In the case of non-teaching staff, it will be the responsibility of the relevant school authorities, including vocational education committees where appropriate, to submit the applications.

Guidelines for school authorities are being prepared and will be issued shortly.

In relation to the issue of the establishment of a pre-employment consultancy service, in their report, the Working Group also recommended that the Department of Health and Children and my Department give consideration to the development of non-Garda, employment-related vetting registers to provide information on those previously dismissed, suspended, moved or made redundant from posts for harming children or vulnerable adults in the health and education sectors, respectively.

Discussions have been held between representatives of both Departments on this matter. In addition, the legal and constitutional issues involved here are being considered by the Department of Health and Children, which has a lead role in advancing this matter, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office.

Education Welfare Service.

John Perry

Question:

15 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the National Education Welfare Board will complete the guidelines for schools on codes of behaviour; when this work was commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19871/06]

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board. Under Section 23 of the Act schools are required to have in place a code of behaviour. The Act requires that each Board of Management formulates a code of behaviour in accordance with guidelines from the NEWB.

The Board, which ensures that children attend school regularly or receive an adequate education, appointed an expert group in November 2005 to draw up a discussion document on the guidelines for schools on developing Codes of Behaviour. This document will form the basis for a widespread consultation process with schools, parents, education partners, organizations working with children, and critically children themselves. The feedback from this consultation phase will inform the final Guidelines. I understand that the Board expects the work will be completed and the guidelines will issue by end of September 2006.

The Guidelines will focus on how schools can deal progressively and inclusively with behavioural issues, thereby helping to support participation in education for all. Poor behaviour impacts on the learning and teaching environment in a school and valuable class time can be taken up managing it and can also be a barrier to good attendance and participation in school activities.

The Board welcomes the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level which are clearly based on a welfare and inclusive approach to education. In particular, the Board welcomes the recommendations aimed at supporting children in a school setting and the acknowledgement of the need for additional help and support for schools and their students.

The Guidelines will apply to all schools covered by the Act. They will take account of the work of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level and focus on supporting the process for the development of policy that promotes positive behaviour by students.

School Transport.

Simon Coveney

Question:

16 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm whether a school bus, which caught fire recently in County Meath, and was destroyed, had a fire extinguisher on board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19836/06]

Bus Éireann informed my Department that there was a fire extinguisher on board the bus in question. The incident happened in County Westmeath on route to Athboy Post-primary centre.

According to Road Traffic Regulations, every bus with more than eight seats, excluding the driver's seat, is required to carry a fire extinguisher.

The cause of the fire in this case is not known but is under investigation at present by both the Gardaí and Bus Éireann. However, I understand that the bus in question passed its annual roadworthiness test last August and that it was also checked as part of its routine maintenance programme last March.

Schools Funding.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

17 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to increase funding for second-level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19837/06]

Significant improvements in the levels of direct funding to second level schools have been made in recent years. Since January 2005, the standard per capita grant has been increased by a cumulative €24 per pupil and now stands at €298 per pupil.

Secondary schools have also benefited under the school services support fund initiative. Introduced with effect from the 2000/01 school year, the school services support grant has been increased since January 2005 by a cumulative €28 per pupil bringing the annual grant from €131 per pupil to €159 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. A secondary school with 500 pupils, for example, now receives annual grants of up to €270,000 towards general expenses and support services. This represents an increase of 83% since 2000.

Budget allocations for schools in the VEC and C&C sectors are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants.

These significant increases in the funding of post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

Psychological Service.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

18 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she has requested that the National Educational Psychological Service not deal with a query from a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas directly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19833/06]

The normal practice in relation to answering queries from members of the Oireachtas is that such queries are processed and replies coordinated through my Office or that of the Minister of State. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is part of my Department and consequently the same arrangement applies to queries from members of the Oireachtas relating to NEPS. Where enquiries to NEPS refer to media reports, such enquiries are referred to my Department's Communications Unit in the first instance.

Stay Safe Programme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

19 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has written to all post-primary schools to ascertain the precise number of schools offering the stay safe programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19857/06]

As the 'Stay Safe' Programme operates in primary schools and not post-primary schools, I am presuming that the Deputy is referring to operation of 'Stay Safe' at primary level.

A questionnaire has issued to all primary schools asking if they are offering the Stay Safe programme. It also includes a needs analysis to ascertain if schools feel that they could benefit from further training being made available in respect of the Programme on top of all the training that has been provided to date. The questionnaire is short and the deadline given for returning it to my Department is within the next few weeks so that the information given in it will be available as soon as possible.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

20 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figures regarding the number of children in primary classes of 30 to 34 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19875/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in primary school staffing in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.

Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

All schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

So, as I have pointed out the general rule in the current school year is that at least one classroom teacher is provided for every 29 pupils. Furthermore, the actual average class size nationally is 24.

Nonetheless, some schools do have classes with more than 30 children in them. The number of children in such classes has, however, decreased significantly under this Government. In the 2004/05 school year, the most recent year for which details are available, there were 99,464 children in primary classes of 30-34 inclusive, a significant drop on the 1997 figure. However, what really puts the decrease in large classes under this Government in context is the fact that in 1996/97 five times more children were in classes of 35+ and ten times more children were in classes of 40+.

It is important to appreciate that there are a number of different reasons why a particular school may have a large class in a given year. Reasons why there are large classes include a significant fluctuation in enrolments from one year to the next and/or a decision by the school principal not to have multi-grade classes.

Regardless of the reason why there is a large class in a particular school one year, it should be noted that in the majority of cases this is not the situation in the following year. In the main, the same schools do not have large classes year after year and so the same children are not in large classes year after year.

Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is often because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Indeed, I often find that when I look into why a particular school has a class of 35 in a particular grade, the answer is because there is another class in the same school with a much lower than average number of pupils in it.

I appreciate that splitting classes may not always be an option for a particular school, because for example there might be a large group in junior infants and a small group in sixth class and so on. But where it is possible, I believe that principals should consider the benefits of having smaller multi-grade classes as against having large differences in class sizes at different levels in the school.

This Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving staffing in our primary schools by hiring thousands of extra teachers in recent years and we will continue to make progress on this issue.

Educational Disadvantage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

21 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals received in relation to inclusion or non-inclusion in the new DEIS programme; the number heard to date; the number decided to date; the number granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19903/06]

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). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

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.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the new School Support Programme. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. I am delighted to say that 833 of the schools invited to join the new School Support Programme have accepted the invitation.

A review process has been put in place for primary and second-level schools that did not qualify for participation in the School Support Programme and that regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday, 31 March, 2006.

Details of this review process were notified by letter in early March to: primary schools not selected for inclusion in the SSP and second-level schools, in the Free Education Scheme, not selected for inclusion in the SSP. Over 360 review applications from schools have been received.

The review process is underway and it is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.

The review process 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 review process applies only to those primary schools that participated in the ERC survey in May 2005 and only to those eligible second-level schools for which data were available from the relevant databases.

Review requests must be evidence-based and based on the variables and reference dates used in the identification process for the SSP. Having completed the process for each school requesting a review, the review group will make a recommendation to my Department in the case of each such school.

School Curriculum.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

22 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the roll-out of the synthetic phonics method of literacy training in teaching children to read in primary schools; and her plans to widely introduce this method throughout primary schools which could benefit them. [19950/06]

The primary curriculum acknowledges that reading is a complex activity and it stresses that a range of approaches is required to teach children to read successfully.

The approaches to reading must also be grounded in the children's oral activity and experience. The curriculum, therefore, provides for the use of a range of approaches to facilitate the development of both word identification and comprehension strategies.

The curriculum recognises the important role that phonological approaches, which include both synthetic and analytic approaches, play in developing children's knowledge of and ability to combine letter sounds in order to identify words. It highlights that in order to be successful these approaches must be used with other strategies such as the development of children's ability to use meaning cues. In addition, children's comprehension skills need to be developed so that they can extract meaning from their reading.

The importance of using a range of approaches, including phonological approaches, to teach reading was highlighted at in-service seminars delivered to teachers across the country during the roll out of the Primary School Curriculum.

Teachers are also able to keep abreast of ongoing developments and provision of resources in relation to literacy through membership of such bodies as the National Reading Association, the Irish Learning Support Association and their association with locally based Education Centres.

I am confident that the implementation of a combination of approaches in our primary schools will enable our children to develop their reading skills so that they can further their learning, critically analyse and respond to their reading material and, above all, read for enjoyment.

School Placement.

Michael Noonan

Question:

23 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to ensure that all primary and secondary school-going children will have a school place from September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19864/06]

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas including the impact of inward migration and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

In planning for school provision to meet these demands my Department has adopted an area based approach which involves a public consultation process involving all interested parties. This leads to the production of a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a timeframe of approximately ten years. The exercise recently completed on the N4-M4 corridor is an example of this and the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin, south Louth and east Meath will be examined this year. This structured process will ensure a more proactive approach to school planning than had been the case in the past.

Apart from the area development planning process my Department is also proactively engaged with local authorities on a continual basis in relation to specific areas. This is being done through improved contacts and communication protocols to ensure that the Department is better alerted about new and expanding residential areas and afforded an opportunity to ensure appropriate zoning provision for educational purposes.

For example in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown my Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think it is one that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

My Department is working particularly closely with Fingal County Council to develop a joint approach to the timely provision of schools in an area of the country subject to extremely rapid development. This work is likely to provide innovative approaches to partnership which I believe can be used to advantage across the country in future.

My Department prioritises school buildings for rapidly developing areas. This is achieved by assigning them a band one priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Whenever possible, my Department implements a standardised design model or a design and build process to fast track delivery of the buildings themselves. Not alone does this result in speedier delivery of projects but it also achieves savings in design fees and land use arising from the use of the two storey design. Among schools completed using one of these processes is Griffeen Valley in Lucan which was completed in a 13 month timeframe.

The level of work being done under the schools building programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment is a central reason for this — €500m this year alone — radical changes in how projects are planned and managed have also made a major difference in ensuring that provision is delivered in line with or ahead of demand.

School Staffing.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

24 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of posts of responsibility currently being held by teachers at primary and post-primary level; the cost of these posts collectively and on average individually; if an analysis has been carried out on the efficacy of such positions; if new posts are proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19972/06]

There are approximately 29,000 teachers holding posts of responsibility in our primary and second level schools. This number of promotion posts provides significant promotion opportunities for teachers.

Posts of Responsibility (PORs) in schools include Principal, Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal and Special Duties Teacher posts. In the case of the posts of Principal and Deputy Principal, the allowances payable are based on the school size and range from €8,662 to €39,513 and from €3,506 to €25,231 respectively. The allowances payable for the Assistant Principal post and Special Duties post are currently €7,927 and €3,506 respectively.

The filling of promotion posts in schools is primarily a matter for the management authority of each school in accordance with appointment procedures agreed between the managerial authorities, teacher unions and my Department.

The Mid-Term Review of Sustaining Progress provided for a review of the in-school management arrangements with a view to ensuring that the system is operating satisfactorily. That review has now been completed and a report will be presented shortly at the Teachers Conciliation Council.

Third Level Education.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

25 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide capital funding for the National College of Art and Design in order that it can upgrade its campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19905/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in November 2004 I announced funding for the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). The funding was targeted at the refurbishment of the fire station in Thomas Street. This funding was approved on foot of the work by the Kelly Review Group on the prioritisation of capital projects across the third level sector in general. To date, this project has not advanced to construction because the College authorities have been assessing existing provision within the College and exploring alternative options for the future development of the College.

At the same time my Department was aware that the College authorities were examining accommodation solutions in relation to the totality of the Thomas Street campus in line with the campus development plan that they had developed.

I understand that An Bord of NCAD recently decided that it wishes to remain at the Thomas Street campus. My Department in association with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is of course willing to consider the implications of this decision in the context of the original campus development plan or any amendment of it that the college authorities decide to put forward.

School Commercial Initiatives.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

26 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the campaign for commercial free education. [19949/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, commercial marketing in schools can take a variety of forms — from educational materials made available to schools by newspapers, to companies offering schemes whereby products are given to the school on the basis of tokens collected by parents.

It is at the discretion of management in individual schools to decide what commercial initiatives they want their school to engage with. Clearly some initiatives can be of great benefit to schools. However, others might be seen as putting undue pressures on parents to shop in particular stores.

I recognise the sensitivities attached to the issue of promotion initiatives linking schools, students and parents to commercial activity. However, it would be inappropriate for me to ban all commercial links with schools. I believe that local school management are best placed to ensure that schools only participate in programmes that are appropriate and benefit the school community.

School management should ensure that such schemes do not place undue pressure on parents in terms of requiring additional expenditure, that students are protected from engagement in inappropriate promotional activity and that the schemes are linked to desirable projects serving national educational initiatives.

Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

27 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a copy of the ASTI survey on special needs 2006; her views on its findings which include widespread delays in securing assessments and resources for children with special needs and lack of training for teachers in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19887/06]

My Department provides a range of supports to second level schools to enable them to cater for students 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.

As the Deputy is aware there has been enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to 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 1,654 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 students 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. Students 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 in relation to special educational provision. The NCSE was formally established as an independent statutory body on the 1st 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/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/ special needs.

The responsibilities of the NCSE include the following:

—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 educational 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.

Since the establishment of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. In common with many other psychological services, NEPS operates a staged model of service to schools, whereby an initial referral usually leads to a consultation and provision of advice to teachers and parents on appropriate teaching and management strategies. Progress is kept under review and only those children who fail to respond to these interventions will need to see a psychologist. This allows psychologists to offer early appointments to children who are in urgent need of support and early advice to teachers in respect to those children whose needs are perhaps less pressing but who still need additional help in school. NEPS is committed to early intervention with pupils with Special Educational Needs in primary schools in order to address the needs of such pupils at the earliest point in their schooling, Support for such students in second level schools is likely to be based on a review of needs rather than a repeat of the formal psycho-educational assessment.

Given the increasing number of children with special needs now availing of the opportunity of a mainstream second level education, my Department has put in place a strategy which involves the provision of training and support at initial teacher education and also the provision of training and support for continuous professional development.

In terms of initial teacher education, the Education Degree and Higher Diploma in Education programmes include elements on the learning difficulties of pupils as part of a general alertness orientation programme.

Separate post-graduate programmes for Learning Support Teachers and Special Education Needs Teachers are provided by seven third-level institutions with the support of my Department. In addition, a new combined post-graduate programme of training for Learning Support and Special Education Needs is being offered to teachers from September 2006. My Department also funds a Masters Programme in Special Education Needs which is offered in St. Patrick's College.

The Special Education Support Service (SESS) was established in 2003 to consolidate, co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of professional development initiatives and support to teachers working with special needs. A very significant expansion of this Service is in progress which will greatly enhance the service provided to schools.

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 measures outlined 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.

Proposed Legislation.

Liz McManus

Question:

28 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when she plans to publish the Student Support Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19894/06]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

85 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science when legislation to regularise third-level student support services will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19838/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 85 together.

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administration system which will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most.

I expect to be in a position shortly to decide on the many complex issues in giving effect to the Programme for Government commitment to the payment of the maintenance grants through a unified and flexible payment scheme. The arrangements to be put in place will involve clearly defined targets for the delivery of a quality and timely service to applicants for maintenance grants, including the expeditious payment of grants to applicants who comply with the terms of the schemes. The arrangements for the future administration will, as I have previously indicated, be provided for in a new statutory framework through a Student Support Bill, for the drafting of which I will be seeking Government approval shortly.

Teaching Qualifications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

29 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who graduated in 2005 including those who pursued undergraduate and postgraduate courses in teacher education colleges and those who graduated through on-line courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19879/06]

The following tables show the number of Primary Teachers who graduated from teacher training colleges and on-line courses in 2005.

Table 1.

Froebel College

61 (B Ed)

29 (Post Grad)

Coláiste Mhuire, Marino

104 (B Ed)

49 (Post Grad)

Mary Immaculate College

382 (B Ed)

104 (Post Grad)

St. Patrick’s College

398 (B Ed)

102 (Post Grad)

Church of Ireland

28 (B Ed)

N/A (Post Grad)

Total

973 (B Ed)

284 (Post Grad)

Table 2.

On-Line Courses

Post-Graduates

Hibernia College

398

The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for, primary teachers while also having regard to available resources. The demand for primary teachers is influenced by a number of factors including: the application of the agreed staffing schedule; demographic trends; the number of teachers opting to take career breaks; the number of secondments approved; and the age at which teachers opt to retire on a voluntary basis. The creation of additional posts in a particular school year and the retention of posts arising from the allocation of the demographic dividend also affect the demand for teachers.

It is considered necessary for my Department to regulate the intake to the colleges as they are fully funded by the taxpayer.

In that context, my Department has capped the number of entrants to the

Colleges of Education through the Bachelor of Education degree programme at 1,000 and the Post-Graduate programme at 280 for the 2005/06 academic year.

Finally, my Department does not have authority to regulate the intake of students to private institutions.

Departmental Funding.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

30 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a request for funding on behalf of the union of school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19893/06]

I met with representatives of the Union of Secondary Students last year and amongst other things, we discussed the question of financial support from my Department for the Union.

I have informed the Union of Secondary Students that I am willing to consider requests from their organisation for financial assistance for specific projects such as their annual general meeting or the hosting of conferences. My Department recently sanctioned grant assistance to support the 2006 annual general meeting of the Union and also provided conference facilities to support the meeting at my Department's offices in Marlborough Street.

I do not think it appropriate for my Department to contribute to the running of a representative body such as USS. My Department does not provide such funding for the Union of Students in Ireland, nor indeed for the teaching unions.

Adult Education.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

31 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, and when, she will re-activate the National Adult Learning Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19898/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

82 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will publish the findings of the strategic review undertaken regarding the role and functions of the National Adult Learning Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19839/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 82 together.

The National Adult Learning Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body under Section 54 of the Education Act 1998. Following the formation of the ad-hoc Council, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for the Council were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the Council, including the establishment of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils.

My Department undertook a strategic review of the role and functions of the Council to address these concerns. The results of this review are being considered and I am awaiting proposals from my Department as to the role and functions of the Council in the light of the review. I expect to be in a position to take a decision in this matter in the near future.

Garda Vetting Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

32 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the guidelines in respect of vetting for school authorities will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19872/06]

Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for the Government, for parents, for agencies that work with children and for society generally and I can assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to do all that we can to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

In the education sector, vetting is currently available in respect of prospective employees of children in detention schools as well as special needs assistants (SNAs) and bus escorts to children with special needs. My colleague Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Children, announced a doubling of the number of staff employed in the Garda Central Vetting Unit — which has been relocated to Thurles under the Government's decentralisation programme — in order to ensure that they can handle a greater volume of requests from employers. The provision of additional staff resources will enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended to all persons working with children and vulnerable adults. This will include teachers, caretakers, bus drivers and others working with children, whether on a full-time or part-time basis.

As a first step in the expansion of services provided by the Vetting Unit, it is proposed that new staff employed in the 2006/07 school year will be vetted. In the case of new teachers, vetting will form part of the process of the registration by the newly established Teaching Council. The Council will be responsible for submitting the applications to the Vetting Unit. In the case of non-teaching staff, it will be the responsibility of the relevant school authorities to submit the applications.

My Department is engaged in discussions with the relevant interests — school management authorities, unions, the Teaching Council and the Vetting Unit — on the procedures and processes which will apply in relation to the vetting of persons in the education sector. Guidelines for school authorities are being prepared and will be issued shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

33 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases currently before the courts against her Department in relation to the education rights of children with special needs; the number settled; the cost thereof in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19909/06]

There are 80 cases involving children with special educational needs currently ongoing in which my Department is a party. 15 cases were settled in 2004 while 7 were settled in 2005. The cost of litigation in this area, encompassing monies for settlement, legal costs and experts' professional fees, were €5,666,380.95 in the year 2004 and €1,627,442.06 in 2005.

The Deputy will be aware of the enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers and other supports in our schools which are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced.

School Discipline.

Liam Twomey

Question:

34 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science when the behaviour support classrooms will be in place; the number of such classrooms to be devised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19869/06]

John Deasy

Question:

58 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the posts in the behaviour support teams have been advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19873/06]

Joan Burton

Question:

59 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans and timeframe for the implementation of the task force on student behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19885/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 58 and 59 together.

In launching "School Matters" the final Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, I outlined a package of measures to tackle student behaviour issues. In my view, implementation of the report must be approached in a prioritised and carefully structured way.

The putting in place of a Behaviour Support Team is at the core of many of the Task Force recommendations. I see it as a critical first step in their implementation. The role of this team will span the spectrum from diagnosis of school problems to assistance with remediation. It is expected that this team will be in place in the next school year and will be working with up to 50 schools. This team will work with schools that are experiencing significant discipline problems. It will be staffed by experienced practitioners from across the education sector, including additional psychologists dedicated to this area.

The Behaviour Support Team will become intensively involved in the school over a period of time. The desired outcome of this is an identification, at school level, of those measures and changes which need to be put in place in order to bring about a real and sustained improvement in student behaviour.

I also intended to trial up to 30 Behaviour Support Classrooms in those schools experiencing severe behavioural difficulties with students. Schools chosen to trial a Behaviour Support Classroom will be expected to demonstrate a real commitment to dealing with all causes of the discipline problem in their school.

The recruitment of Behaviour Support Team has already commenced with advertisements appearing in the national press. Allowing for the fact that we will undoubtedly be drawing many of the members of the team from the school system, it is nonetheless my intention that it will be fully operating in the next school year.

The Junior Certificate Schools Programme is a critical intervention in many schools at present and one which is proposed for expansion by the Task Force. It is intended to allow appropriate and focused expansion of this programme where proposals to this effect result from the engagement of the Behaviour Support Team with individual schools.

The Task Force report recommends the expansion of existing Youth Encounter Projects and Youthreach services instead of putting in place a new service of out of school provision. My Department's Regional Offices network will compile a comprehensive list of existing alternative educational provision nationwide, which the Behaviour Support Team will analyse. This will in turn provide a capacity to augment existing provision where gaps exist.

The Task Force also recommended that the Section 29 legislation be amended to stress the rights of the compliant majority to learn while at the same time protecting the rights of the persistently disruptive student to an education. It also recommends that the timeframe involved in these appeals be looked at. I have decided to review existing legislation in order to take account of the Task Force recommendations and to bring forward amending legislation as soon as this review is complete.

The report's recommendations require action and engagement from a wide range of participants in our education system. For my part, as Minister, I have given a clear statement of my commitment to sustained and considered action in dealing with the issue of student behaviour.

Physical Education Facilities.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

35 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with a playing pitch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19859/06]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

88 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with a sports hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19858/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 88 together.

The position in relation to PE facilities in primary schools generally is that the PE curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many primary schools have a general purpose room and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the physical education programme. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

My Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities. The provision of such facilities is an integral part of the design process for new school buildings or where an existing school building is undergoing major refurbishment.

The School Planning Section of my Department is working proactively with some local authorities to explore the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced cooperation has the effect of minimising my Department's land requirements and thus reducing site costs while at the same time providing local communities with new schools with enhanced facilities such as sports facilities, playing pitches etc. The Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Art, Sports and Tourism is currently undertaking a national audit of sports facilities in communities around the country, which will also provide useful information on facilities available to schools.

The Government has never underestimated the scale of the task and the level of capital funding and other resources required to rectify decades of under investment in school infrastructure. However the Government's record school building programme is delivering modern school accommodation, including sports facilities, in schools throughout the country.

Child Care Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

36 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a crèche (details supplied) in County Waterford, which is ready to open, remains idle. [19953/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

77 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a crèche to service an adult education centre in Waterford remains idle, even though her Department funded the crèche to the tune of €78,000. [19956/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 77 together.

In relation to the facility raised by the Deputies, I am endeavouring to ascertain the position and will communicate with the Deputies when I have done this.

School Equipment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

37 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that only a quarter of secondary schools here are adequately equipped to teach science. [19951/06]

I would disagree with the suggestion that only a quarter of secondary schools are adequately equipped to teach science. As part of the multi-annual school building programme my Department has invested heavily in modernising school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science. Additionally I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences.

My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding. Funding is also available this year to schools that have yet to apply for the basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory and for other specified equipment to enable them to provide the new curriculum.

Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2004 and 2005 to refurbish science laboratories. In the application for funding under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme post-primary schools were asked to specifically identify and provide details of any science and technology upgrade or refurbishment projects separate from any other projects being applied for so that consideration could be given to approving these projects for 2006. I approved funding for 26 such projects under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.

School Accommodation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

38 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Gaelscoileanna here; the number that are in temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19889/06]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

63 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Educate Together schools here; the number that are in temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19890/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 63 together.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together Schools in temporary accommodation is not readily available. There are currently 124 Gaelscoileanna and 39 Educate Together schools in the country.

Whole School Evaluations.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

39 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations completed at primary level in 2006; the projected number to be completed over the course of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19860/06]

It is planned that 214 whole-school evaluations will be undertaken in primary schools during 2006. 41 whole-school evaluations commenced before 6th February 2006. The reports on these evaluations will be issued to schools but they will not be published as they were initiated prior to the introduction of the regulations on publication of reports. 25 of these WSEs have been fully completed and the reports have been issued or are currently being issued to schools by the Department. It is expected that the remaining evaluations that are not for general publication will be available for issue to schools before the end of the current school term.

Under the new arrangements for publication of WSE reports there is a minimum period of 14 weeks (70 school days) from the date of the final in-school evaluation activity until the WSE report is cleared for issue to schools and for publication. This period includes time for writing the report, for feedback to the board of management and the teachers, for factual verification and to enable the board of management respond to the report if it so wishes.

At present approximately 32 primary WSE reports are with schools for either factual verification or school response. It is not possible to say precisely when these WSE reports will have completed all stages of the pre-publication process as this is the first time that schools are engaging in a written factual verification process and an optional school response process as part of the evaluation procedure. However, I anticipate that a significant proportion of the reports will be finalised for issue to schools and published on the Department's website before the end of June 2006.

It is projected that 173 whole-school evaluation reports will be published arising from evaluations conducted at primary level between 6 February and the end of December 2006. Because of the 14 week pre-publication procedure some reports arising from evaluations conducted towards the end of 2006 will not be published until early in 2007.

Finally I wish to point out to the deputy that there is an appeal process under Section 13(9) of the Education Act (1998) whereby a teacher or board may request a review of an inspection. Where such a review is initiated this will inevitably delay publication of the report.

Computerisation Programme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

40 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish two reports in relation to ICT in schools; the census of ICT infrastructure which was undertaken by the National Centre for Technology in Education; her Department’s inspectorate evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19883/06]

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) issued questionnaires for its Census of School Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure for both Primary and Post-Primary schools last May. The census follows similar exercises undertaken in 1998, 2000 and 2002 and addresses a range of areas including the extent of ICT equipment, networking and internet access, ICT planning and priorities, professional development and technical support. School responses to the Census have been gathered and compiled by the NCTE and the Education Research Centre was engaged to summarise, tabulate and analyse the data therein. A report on the census results is almost finalised and will be published over the coming weeks.

As part of its evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning, members of the Inspectorate of my Department visited 52 schools, comprising 20 second level schools and 32 primary schools, during the period from October 2005 to March 2006. In addition to the evaluation visits by inspectors, data were collected via a postal survey from over 300 schools. The data collected are being analysed at present. The report of this evaluation is expected to be published in early 2007.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

41 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the recourse which is available to a person who put their name down to go before the Investigation Committee of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in the year 2000 and who has been refused an opportunity to appear before that committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19899/06]

Willie Penrose

Question:

78 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse has decided not to inquire by way of testimony before the investigation Committee in the case of a number of institutions against which complaints have been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19900/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 78 together.

The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse has indicated in its Progress Report and Plan for 2006 that it has conducted a large number of interviews with complainants to the Investigation Committee and will continue to do so until every individual who had indicated a wish to participate in the inquiry will have testified at a private Committee hearing or been interviewed.

The Commission is also hearing evidence on oath from witnesses who have relevant testimony to give and analysing relevant documentary material. When sufficient information has been obtained, the inquiry members will assess the evidential material and come to conclusions. Only the Commission itself when it has the relevant information can decide when it has enough evidence. It can only decide this as the hearing process progresses. Requirements will vary depending on the institution being investigated.

The Commission is independent in its functions and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the manner in which the Commission proceeds with its work. This is a matter for the Commission itself and it is open to any complainant to seek information from the Commission on the processing of their individual complaint.

Education Welfare Service.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

42 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers employed by the National Educational Welfare Board; their geographical location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19850/06]

Bernard Allen

Question:

68 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the average caseload for each education welfare officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19834/06]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

79 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education welfare officers appointed in 2005 and to date in 2006; her proposed timeframe to fully resource the Education Welfare Board and permit them to employ the full cohort of education welfare officers to carry out their statutory duty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19897/06]

Phil Hogan

Question:

80 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional or supplementary funding will be allocated to the national educational welfare board over the remainder of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19849/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 68, 79 and 80 together.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) was established under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

The budget allocated to the NEWB for 2006 is €8.15m. This allocation represents an increase of more than 25% since 2004 to support it in delivering on its key objectives. To discharge its responsibilities, the Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.

The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 senior educational welfare officers and 61 educational welfare officers. This number includes an additional 10 posts which were filled in September 2005. In deploying its service staff, the NEWB has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme providing an intensive full level of service. For all remaining areas the NEWB deploy their staff on a regional basis providing various levels of service.

Towns which have an educational welfare officer allocated to them include Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo, Naas, Castlebar, Longford, Tuam, Tullamore, Letterkenny and Portlaoise. In addition, the Board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Since September 2005 every county in Ireland is served by an educational welfare service.

I have been informed by the Board that the current average caseload of each EWO is 131. This shows a reduction from the number reported in July 2005 when the average was 164. This can be accounted for by the filling of 10 additional EWO posts in September 2005. The Board is continuously reviewing its procedures for prioritising children and families who require intervention, in order to ensure that children with the greatest level of need gain maximum benefit from available resources, and to work with local agencies in prioritising children's and family needs.

In addition to the NEWB personnel there are some 490 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes whose work involves an element of school attendance. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's budget allocation and staffing under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs and in the context of Government policy on public service numbers.

Irish Language.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

43 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if three reports (details supplied) have been completed and published on the Irish language in schools; the actions which will result from these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19902/06]

Field work in relation to a focused evaluation of the teaching of Irish in 45 primary schools and an evaluation of the teaching and learning of Irish in the junior cycle in 75 post-primary schools has been completed by my Inspectorate and individual reports have been issued to the schools concerned. Analysis of the data collected is under way and it is expected that reports based on the findings of these evaluations will be available by the end of 2006.

Preparations for the publication of the Harris report on "Irish in Primary Schools: Long-Term National Trends in Achievement" are at an advanced stage. The design stage is complete. The report will be sent to the printer as soon as the Irish text has been finalised. This is expected in the very near future.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) report on the first phase of its review of languages in post-primary education was published in April 2005 and it is available on the website of the Council at www.ncca.ie. In relation to Irish, this report recommended that a separate syllabus for native speakers of Irish should be developed. As part of the second phase of the review, the NCCA is preparing a discussion paper which will outline the advantages and disadvantages of developing such a syllabus for both junior and senior cycle. This paper will be the subject of a consultation process in the autumn. When the Harris Report, the Inspectorate report and the NCCA advice become available, I will give careful consideration to their conclusions and recommendations.

Psychological Service.

David Stanton

Question:

44 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of assessments carried out under the National Educational Psychological Service in 2005; the number of assessments carried out under the scheme for commissioning psychological assessments in 2005; the cost of same; the budget for National Educational Psychological Service in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19800/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to improve the availability of educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists or other support services to all schools throughout the country; if her attention has been drawn to the long waiting lists for such services at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20030/06]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

50 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists employed by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19854/06]

John Gormley

Question:

70 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason only half of the children who need to be assessed are actually assessed by National Educational Psychological Service psychologists; the efforts which are being made to increase the numbers to ensure that students do not permanently fail to meet their potential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19964/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 47, 50 and 70 together.

First, I wish to point out that the provision of speech and language therapists and of occupational therapists is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children.

All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.

NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies.

Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers. The Public Appointments Service has concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.

Statistical data relating to assessments carried out by NEPS psychologists are maintained on a school year basis. Those data indicate that in the 2004/2005 school year, NEPS psychologists consulted with schools in a total of 5,986 cases. The total number of cases involving a full psychological assessment was 3,409. The balance in the number of cases included other forms of assessment such as testing of attainments, classroom observations, discussion with parents and teachers. Under the SCPA scheme that NEPS administers, 3467 children were assessed in the 2005 calendar year at a cost of €1,144,242 in direct fee payments to the psychologists concerned. Financial provision of €15.425 million has been made for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in the 2006 Revised Estimates Volume provision for my Department. This represents an increase of 10% on the 2005 out-turn for NEPS.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their 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. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention. The General Allocation of resources to primary schools ensures that many children can receive additional teaching without the requirement of psychological assessment.

Children who manifest very special needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will normally be assessed by the psychologist within that school term.

Where schools consider that they have additional problems, they should contact the NEPS psychologist directly or make contact with the NEPS Regional Director for their region. Contact details are available on my Department's website.

Youth Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

45 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the implementation of the Youth Work Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19911/06]

The Youth Work Act 2001 provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, the Vocational Education Committees and national and regional youth work organisations. Section 1 of the Act provides for sections to be commenced at different stages, and to date Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced.

As I advised the House in April, a sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as my Department, has been steadily progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further rollout of the Act in a planned and structured manner. The work of this sub-committee is continuing.

It is my intention that the additional €2.839m secured in 2006 for the main funding line for the youth work sector will be used to develop the youth work service in a strategic manner and will include the progressive roll out of the Youth Work Act 2001. The resourcing of VECs, including the appointment of Youth Work Officers, to carry out the functions set out for them under the Act has been agreed in principle by my Department and the IVEA. My Department is currently finalising the detail involved. This will be a significant step forward which will allow for the development of local youth work plans and ensure co-ordination of youth work programmes and services in the area with education and other programmes for young people.

I identified the capacity development of voluntary youth work organisations to assist them in preparing themselves organisationally for the implementation of the Act as a priority for 2005. To this end I established a Development Fund to help ensure that youth work organisations can achieve the new standards for approval and engage effectively with the new structures arising from the Youth Work Act 2001. Some 30 national and major regional youth organisations received once-off grants amounting to over €300,000 to help develop their ICT capacity in 2005. I am making similar funding available to national and major voluntary youth work organisations in 2006 and my Department is currently discussing priority areas for development with the various youth work interests.

This work, together with other policy and developmental areas including the appointment of an Assessor of Youth Work, the establishment of the National Youth Work Development Unit, and the establishment of a North South Education and Training Standards Committee for Youth Work, will help us build an excellent service that is responsive to the needs of all young people.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Shane McEntee

Question:

46 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figures regarding the number of children in primary classes of 25 to 29 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19877/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in primary school staffing in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc. Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.

Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

All schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. In the 2004/2005 school year, the most recent year for which details are available, there were 155,398 children in primary classes of 25 to 29 pupils inclusive. This Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving staffing in our primary schools by hiring thousands of extra teachers in recent years and we will continue to make progress on this issue.

Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 44.

School Enrolments.

Joan Burton

Question:

48 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures which are in place to ensure that all the children in the Dublin west area will have a school place in September 2006; her plans to address the huge overcrowding in schools in that part of Dublin where more than half of the pupils are in classes larger than 30; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19886/06]

I have stated publicly on a number of occasions that I am acutely aware that Dublin 15 is one of the most rapidly developing areas in the country and, that as a result, there has been a marked increase in the demand for primary school places.

I have also outlined the significant interventions being made by my Department to tackle this issue. These include measures to increase the capacity of existing schools along with the development of new schools to meet the growing demand. All building projects arising from these interventions are awarded a band 1 priority rating under my Department's prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects which means that they will be delivered in the fastest time frame possible.

In the Littlepace/Castaheaney area a new school building has recently been completed at Mary Mother of Hope National School, with an additional project underway with a target delivery date of September 2007. In addition, a new primary school campus is planned for a school site in Ongar which will have a minimum of 32 classrooms. Part of this project will provide a permanent accommodation solution for Castaheaney Educate Together National School. This project also has a target completion date of September 2007.

Over and above this provision significant additional school places will be available this coming September through the expansion of existing provider's facilities. In this regard, Castaheaney Educate Together NS will take an additional class of junior infants and a completely new primary school will commence operation under the Patronage of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. These two developments alone will greatly ease the pressure on school places in the area.

In the Diswellstown area, St. Patrick's National School has recently moved into a new 24 classroom school. This will facilitate an annual 3 stream intake. As an exceptional measure the Board of Management has agreed to take a fourth stream of Junior infants this year. In addition to this, the Board of Management of St. Mochta's National School, which currently has an intake of 3 junior infant classes, has agreed to enrol a fourth Junior Infant class for September 2006. An extension project to cater for this development will also be expedited.

Other developments in the Dublin 15 area include the planned expansion of St. Brigid's National School in Castleknock and extensions to St. Brigid's Boys and Girls National Schools, Blanchardstown. In Tyrrellstown, a new Educate Together school opened in September 2005. My Department has approved the provision of six additional classrooms for September 2006 to cater for new enrolments and Special Education Teachers. It is anticipated that this school will enrol three junior infant classes.

My Department will also be providing additional accommodation for St. Ciaran's National school in Hartstown to cater for its accommodation needs for next September and it will be looking at the long term requirements of the school to provide it with permanent accommodation as quickly as possible.

With regard to class sizes the position is that major improvements in school staffing have been made in recent years with the hiring of more than 5,000 additional primary teachers. This represents the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Today there is one teacher for every 17 children, the lowest pupil teacher ratio in the history of the State.

Aside from decreasing average class size, the unprecedented increase in school staffing in recent years has also greatly improved the services provided for children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas. Under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion that I launched in May 2005, there will be a reduction in class sizes to 24:1 at senior level and 20:1 at junior level in the 180 primary schools serving communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. With more than 600 extra resource teachers put in place in this school year, children with special needs are getting more support than ever before. It should be acknowledged how much progress has been made in this area in recent years.

Recently I announced that I have secured sufficient funding to provide even smaller classes in our primary schools in the next school year, and the Minister for Finance has committed to a further reduction in class size in the following year. Accordingly, over the next 2 years, my Department will put 500 extra teachers into primary schools to reduce class size and to tackle disadvantage.

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. At present 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

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

Third Level Education.

Seán Crowe

Question:

49 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Government will fund the development of the National College of Art and Design to ensure that it remains where it is. [19948/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in November 2004 I announced funding for the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). The funding was targeted at the refurbishment of the fire station in Thomas Street. This funding was approved on foot of the work by the Kelly Review Group on the prioritisation of capital projects across the third level sector in general. To date, this project has not advanced to construction because the College authorities have been assessing existing provision within the College and exploring alternative options for the future development of the College. At the same time my Department was aware that the College authorities were examining accommodation solutions in relation to the totality of the Thomas Street campus in line with the campus development plan that they had developed.

I understand that An Bord of NCAD recently decided that it wishes to remain at the Thomas Street campus. My Department in association with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is of course willing to consider the implications of this decision in the context of the original campus development plan or any amendment of it that the college authorities decide to put forward.

Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 44.

Animal Welfare.

Mary Upton

Question:

51 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps her Department is taking to educate children regarding cruelty to animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18885/06]

At primary school level, social, environmental and scientific education enables the child to learn and practise a wide range of skills; and to acquire open, critical and responsible attitudes, including caring for animals. In particular, the science curriculum seeks to cultivate in children an appreciation of, and respect for, the diversity and interdependence of living things. Children are given opportunities to observe, discuss and identify animals, both in their immediate environment and in other environments, and so come to an understanding of the needs of animals for growth. Through the science curriculum, children also come to recognise that people, plants and animals depend on each other.

At second level, Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE) is a mandatory subject for junior cycle students and it is an examinable subject for the Junior Certificate Examination. Focusing on concepts, attitudes and values, the programme aims to develop the moral and critical values of the student. In the CSPE — Guidelines for Teachers, animals are listed as one of the topical issues in the section dealing with rights and responsibilities. Action projects undertaken by CSPE class groups have dealt in detail with the responsibilities of animal owners.

Also at junior cycle, one of the aims of the Science syllabus is to "foster an appreciation of, and respect for, life and the environment". Derived from this aim, and building on the primary science curriculum, one of the objectives of the syllabus is that "The student will develop a knowledge and understanding of "the nutritional needs of plants and animals and their interdependence".

In the senior cycle, the Biology syllabus affords students the opportunity to continue to explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationship between organisms and their environment. One of the aims of this syllabus is "to enhance an interest in, and develop an appreciation of, the nature and diversity of organisms". The syllabus also aims "to develop in students an ability to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues". Agricultural Science aims to give students an understanding of animal biology and the syllabus contains a section dealing primarily with the welfare of domestic farm animals. In the course of their work, teachers in different disciplines use various support materials produced by bodies such as the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Compassion in World Farming.

School Vending Machines.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

52 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give a commitment that all schools to be progressed under the new public private partnership scheme announced by her recently will ensure that school management authorities have the final say on the location, content and availability of vending machines on school property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19842/06]

Vending machines may be placed in schools at the discretion of the School's Management Authority and are currently installed in many post-primary schools. It is my intention that under my Department's new PPP programme the contract will provide that the school management authorities will have the final say on the location, content and availability of vending machines.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

53 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the use being made of properties which have been transferred to the State under the indemnity deal with religious institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19908/06]

Under the terms of the Indemnity Agreement reached with the religious congregations, the property contribution of the congregations is divided into two separate and distinct schedules of properties as follows:

(A) Properties to be transferred from the congregations to the State, State Agencies or Local Authorities after the date of the signing of the Indemnity Agreement on 5th June 2002: The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the Indemnity Agreement was set at €36.54 million. I can confirm that agreement in principle has been reached with the religious congregations on the transfer of 35 properties under this schedule to the amount of €38.24 million. This figure of €38.24 million includes €4.98 million in cash that was provided by the congregations in lieu of property.

(B) Properties transferring from the congregations to the State, State Agencies, Local Authorities or Voluntary Organisations from the 11th May 1999, the date of the Taoiseach's apology to victims of child abuse: The total value of these property transfers for the purposes of the Indemnity Agreement was set at €40.32 million. I can confirm that transfers of 29 properties to the value of approximately €38.71 million have been agreed in principle under this schedule. This includes a cash payment of €5.75 million made by the congregations in lieu of property.

The properties on lists "A" and "B" below were accepted in principle by the Department following receipt of confirmation from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies that it would be to their advantage to accept title to the particular property. The current or future use of these properties is a matter for each of the transferees. In relation to properties accepted in principle by my Department these will be used to develop school provision.

List A

Properties accepted under terms of Redress Scheme

Address of Property (35)

Transferee

Primary School, Waterpark, Newtown Road, Waterford

Department of Education & Science

Primary School, St. Johns Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Department of Education & Science

Lands at Mullaghmonaghan, Co. Monagahan

Department of Education & Science

Site at Virginia Road, Kells, Co. Meath

Department of Education & Science

Secondary School, Mounthawke, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Department of Education & Science

Site, Doon, Co. Limerick.

Department of Education & Science

3 acre site at Merrion

Dublin City Council

The Vineyard Child Centre, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Eastern Regional Health Authority

Vacant Buildings and land at Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Eastern Regional Health Authority

Goldenbridge Group Homes

Eastern Regional Health Authority

1, Garravogue Road, Raheen, Co. Limerick

Mid Western Health Board

6, Mount Vincent Terrace, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick

Mid Western Health Board

23, Parnell Square (Colaiste Mhuire)

Office of Public Works

Coisceim, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

South Eastern Health Board

Emohruo, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

South Eastern Health Board

Avondale, Smithland North, Kilkenny

South Eastern Health Board

Deenagh House, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Southern Health Board

Airne Villa, Rock Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Southern Health Board

23, Woodlee, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Southern Health Board

24, Westcourt, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Southern Health Board

15, The Willows, Mallow, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

St. Colemans, Rushbrooke, Cork

Southern Health Board

Mount St. Joseph, Passage West, Cork

Southern Health Board

Land and buildings at Lota, Glanmire, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

St. Patricks Upton, Cork

Southern Health Board

Respite Centre, Garretstown, Cork

Southern Health Board

Former Old Schoolhouse, Garretstown, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

Site at Cloughmacsimon, Bandon, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

5, Avondale Drive, Bandon. Co. Cork.

Southern Health Board

Kildron, Roundhill, Old Chapel, Bandon, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

Gentili, Farahoe, Innishannon, Co. Cork.

Southern Health Board

Benvon, 5, Bishopstown Road, Bishopstown, Co. Cork.

Southern Health Board

Roseboro, 2, Firgrove Gardens, Bishopstown, Co. Cork.

Southern Health Board

10, The Priory, Old Chapel, Bandon, Co. Cork

Southern Health Board

4, The Hawthorns, Macroom Road, Bandon, Co.Cork.

Southern Health Board

List B

Properties accepted under terms of Redress Scheme

Already Transferred + alternative properties

Address of Property (29)

Transferee

St. Teresa Temple Hill, Blackrock

Alzheimers Society

Crèche/childcare at Ballymote, Sligo

Ballymote Childcare Association

Two properties at Tuam

Cluid & G.A.M.H.C.

Holy Cross Gardens, Killarney

Cluid Housing

Playing field at Carna. Co. Galway

Dept of Education & Science

Presentation Sec. School Building, Hospital, Limerick

Dept of Education & Science

Moate National School, Co. Westmeath

Dept of Education & Science

Sec School & site at Ennistymon, Co. Clare

Dept of Education & Science

Site at Mohill, Co. Leitrim

Dept of Education & Science

Sen. & Jnr. Schools Portlaoise

Dept of Education & Science

Terenure Secondary School Building

Dept of Education & Science

Site & School at Glenamaddy

Dept of Education & Science

Convent at Barrack Hill, Newport, Co. Mayo

Dominic Housing Association

Site at Dolphin Pk, Crumlin, Dublin 6

Dublin City Council

Gate Lodge at Goldenbridge, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Dublin City Council

Site at Dunardagh, Blackrock

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co.Co.

28, The Woodlands, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Eastern Regional Health Authority

2, Moyle Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Eastern Regional Health Authority

Presentation Convent, Hospital, Limerick

Hospital Vol Housing Ass

Convent land at Barrack Street, Limerick

Irish Wheelchair Assoc

Housing & Services at Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Irish Wheelchair Assoc

59, Hollybank Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

PACE

Cork Street, Dublin 8 (SOPHIA Housing)

Sophia Housing

Sacred Heart Centre, Waterford

South Eastern Health Board

St. Annes Sec. School, Milltown, Dublin 6

St. Vincent de Paul

Site at Long Mile Road, Walkinstown, Dublin

Walkinstown Association

School at Ballina, Co. Mayo

Western Care Association

School & Site at Edgeworthstown

Department of Education & Science

Nursery Building at Goldenbridge

Health Service Executive

Early Childhood Education.

Denis Naughten

Question:

54 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places to be allocated under the early start programme from September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19865/06]

The Early Start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. There are 1,680 places in these centres.

Targeted early childhood education provision is a key element of the School Support Programme (SSP) under the new action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage. As a result of the identification process, 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

The objective in relation to early childhood education is to concentrate actions initially on those children aged from three up to school enrolment, who will subsequently attend the 180 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. My Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner. The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education will provide advice on the future development and direction of pre-school measures for children in disadvantaged communities and the findings of a number of evaluation reports on Early Start prepared by the Education Research Centre will be taken into account in this regard.

In December 2005, the Office of the Minister for Children was established to maximise the co-ordination of policies for children and young people and will have a range of functions previously under the Departments of Health and Children; Justice Equality and Law Reform; and Education and Science. A new Early Years Education Policy Unit has been established within my Department and will be co-located with the Office of the Minister for Children. This Unit will oversee the preparation of plans for phased implementation of the early childhood education dimension of DEIS in the targeted school communities, starting in the next school year, and this will be pursued within an overall strategic policy framework developed by the Office of the Minister for Children.

School Curriculum.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

55 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of recommendations of the task force on physical sciences which have yet to be progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19846/06]

There were some 39 recommendations in the Report of the Task Force on the Physical Sciences, with costed proposals totalling an additional €244 million, of which €66.3 million would be a recurring annual cost. Of the 39 recommendations, 4 are not for the education sector. Of the remainder, progress has been made on implementing 25 of the recommendations and my Department continues to progress the recommendations as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FORFAS and industry.

Significant progress has been made in a range of areas e.g.

•A new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level supported by a resource grant in December 2004 of €1000 per school plus €10.00 per pupil.

•A revised syllabus in Junior Certificate Science was introduced in 2003 and will be examined for the first time in June 2006. Revised syllabi in Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology have also been introduced and examined within the last five years. Work on the revision of the two remaining Leaving Certificate subjects — Agricultural Science and Physics and Chemistry (combined) — is well advanced. The introduction of each of the revised syllabi has been supported by comprehensive in-service programmes for teachers.

•Additional equipment grants have been provided to schools, and laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing school building programme. In that context, €16 million was issued to schools in 2004 to support the implementation of the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus.

•A review of grading of subjects in the Leaving Certificate and initial reports on teacher training have been undertaken.

•A review of mathematics at second level is being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

•Investment in the Programme of Research in Third Level Institutes (PRTLI) is continuing apace to enhance and promote world class standards in research, innovation and development. Between this programme and the various grants to the Research Councils, and other sources, some €102.5 million was invested in third level institutions in 2005.

I have no plans at present to make provision for laboratory technicians at primary and second level. The estimated cost of providing technicians at second level in the Task Force report was €18.8m per annum at 2002 prices. Provision of technicians in this area would undoubtedly lead to demands for similar assistance across other areas of the curriculum where there is a strong practical component. It is my understanding that the availability of laboratory technicians has not been a universal feature of support for science teaching in second level schools and that in some countries that do provide this type of resource it is confined to certain types of schools. However, I will keep the general issue of technical assistance for schools under review in the light of available resources.

The other major measure proposed in the Task Force Report which has not been implemented was the investment of €142.8m capital at 2002 prices in the stock of laboratories and equipment for science in post primary schools. Funds of this order are not available. However the investment of €16m in 2004 enabled schools to implement the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus, and the revised syllabus is now mandatory for all schools except those which have been given a derogation on the basis of inadequate facilities. Only four schools have sought a derogation to date, and their needs are being examined and addressed by my Department's Building Unit.

Damien English

Question:

56 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second-level schools offering biology to leaving certificate level, itemised according to whether they are single or mixed-sex schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19845/06]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

73 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second-level schools offering chemistry to leaving certificate level, itemised according to whether they are single or mixed-sex schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19844/06]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

76 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second-level schools offering physics to leaving certificate level, itemised according to whether they are single or mixed-sex schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19843/06]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

90 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second-level schools offering music to the junior certificate; the number of second-level schools offering music to both the junior and leaving certificate; if she will provide this information according to which schools are single-sex and which are mixed-sex schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19840/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 73, 76 and 90 together.

500 second-level schools offer music in junior cycle. Of these, 199 are single-sex schools and 301 are mixed-sex schools. 535 second-level schools offer music in both junior cycle and senior cycle. Of these, 211 are single-sex schools and 324 are mixed-sex schools. 559 second-level schools offer physics in senior cycle. Of these, 231 are single-sex schools and 328 are mixed-sex schools. 554 second-level schools offer chemistry in senior cycle. Of these, 238 are single-sex school and 316 are mixed-sex schools. 691 second-level schools offer biology in senior cycle. Of these, 255 are single-sex schools and 436 are mixed-sex schools.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Phil Hogan

Question:

57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the recent figures available to her regarding the number of children in primary classes of 40 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19832/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in primary school staffing in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc. Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.

Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

All schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. So, as I have pointed out the general rule in the current school year is that at least one classroom teacher is provided for every 29 pupils. Furthermore, the actual average class size nationally is 24.

In the 2004/2005 school year, the most recent year for which details are available, there were 162 children in primary classes of 40 or more pupils. While this is 162 children more than should be in such large classes, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this is less than a tenth of the number of children that were in such classes in 1996/97, when 1,901 children were in classes of 40 or more.

It is important to appreciate that there are a number of different reasons why a particular school may have a large class in a given year. Reasons why there are large classes include a significant fluctuation in enrolments from one year to the next and/or a decision by the school principal not to have multi-grade classes. Regardless of the reason why there is a large class in a particular school one year, it should be noted that in the majority of cases this is not the situation in the following year. In the main, the same schools do not have large classes year after year and so the same children are not in large classes year after year.

Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is often because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Indeed, I often find that when I look into why a particular school has a class of 35 in a particular grade, the answer is because there is another class in the same school with a much lower than average number of pupils in it.

I appreciate that splitting classes may not always be an option for a particular school, because for example there might be a large group in junior infants and a small group in sixth class and so on. But where it is possible, I believe that principals should consider the benefits of having smaller multi-grade classes as against having large differences in class sizes at different levels in the school. This Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving staffing in our primary schools by hiring thousands of extra teachers in recent years and we will continue to make progress on this issue.

Questions Nos. 58 and 59 answered with Question No. 34.

School Placement.

Dan Neville

Question:

60 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the response to the crisis in school places in parts of the country, particularly in commuter areas close to major cities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19878/06]

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas including the impact of inward migration and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

In planning for school provision to meet these demands my Department has adopted an area based approach which involves a public consultation process involving all interested parties. This leads to the production of a blueprint for schools' development in an area for a timeframe of approximately ten years.

The exercise recently completed on the N4-M4 corridor is an example of this and the rapidly developing areas of north Dublin, south Louth, east Meath will be examined this year. This structured process will ensure a more proactive approach to school planning than had been the case in the past.

Apart from the area development planning process my Department is also proactively engaged with local authorities on a continual basis in relation to specific areas. This is being done through improved contacts and communication protocols to ensure that the Department is better alerted about new and expanding residential areas and afforded an opportunity to ensure appropriate zoning provision for educational purposes.

For example in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown my Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand, and I think it is one that should be adopted by other planning authorities in relation to major new housing schemes.

My Department is working particularly closely with Fingal County Council to develop a joint approach to the timely provision of schools in an area of the country subject to extremely rapid development. This work is likely to provide innovative approaches to partnership which I believe can be used to advantage across the country in future.

My Department prioritises school buildings for rapidly developing areas. This is achieved by assigning them a band one priority rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Whenever possible, my Department implements a standardised design model or a design and build process to fast track delivery of the buildings themselves. Not alone does this result in speedier delivery of projects but it also achieves savings in design fees and land use arising from the use of the two storey design. Among schools completed using one of these processes is Griffeen Valley in Lucan which was completed in a 13 month timeframe.

The level of work being done under the schools building programme is at an all-time high. While increased investment is a central reason for this — €500m this year alone — radical changes in how projects are planned and managed have also made a major difference in ensuring that provision is delivered in line with or ahead of demand.

School Curriculum.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a copy of the ASTI survey on science 2006; her views on its findings which include a perception on the part of students that science is a hard subject, inadequate facilities for science in many schools and only 22% of teachers use information and communications technology in their teaching on a regular basis, mainly due to lack of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19888/06]

I have read the results of the ASTI survey to which the Deputy refers. I note that while 311 teachers participated in the survey there is no indication of the number of schools involved in the survey. Neither is the extent to which these schools formed a representative sample in terms of size, location, etc indicated. I know that 78% of participating schools were in the voluntary secondary sector although only 54% of our schools are in this sector. So, some care must be exercised in drawing conclusions from the results of this survey as presented.

The survey does indicate that there is a general perception among students that the sciences, particularly the physical sciences, are difficult subjects. Similar findings have been reported in other surveys, including those carried out in other jurisdictions. It is widely recognised that students' perceptions are influenced by a variety of factors, only some of which relate to syllabus content and assessment procedures. Notwithstanding the above, a key principle which underpins the work of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the statutory body which has responsibility for developing and revising syllabuses, is that the level of difficulty of each syllabus should be as appropriate as possible to the cohort of students for which the syllabus is intended. The State Examinations Commission also gives due cognisance to appropriate standards when producing examination papers and drawing up marking schemes in the various subjects.

The report presents several statistics in relation to laboratory provision in the schools included in the survey. In the absence of any information on the size of the schools in question, it is not possible to comment on the adequacy of the numbers of laboratories quoted in the report. However, in the context of introducing the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus, schools were given an opportunity to seek a derogation from introducing the revised syllabus on the basis of a shortfall in laboratory space. Only four schools did so. The needs of these schools are being progressed by my Department's Building Unit of my Department. The issues around the timetabling of laboratories for a particular subject alluded to in the report are matters for local school management.

To support the introduction of the revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus my Department provided substantial equipment grants to schools in the Free Education Scheme. All such schools were provided with a grant of €3500 for each junior science laboratory in the school. In addition, schools were invited to apply for an enhanced grant on the basis of their identified needs. In total, some €16 million was made available to schools in 2004 for the purchase of equipment and the refurbishment of school laboratories in the context of the introduction of the revised syllabus.

Since the introduction of the ICT in Schools Initiative in 1998 the Government has made major investment in the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. There has been significant progress in the development of ICT infrastructure in schools, in enhancing teachers' skills and pedagogical practice and in the development of curriculum and learning resources. Since 2004, my Department has issued over €20m to schools to facilitate the development of their school ICT networks. In the current school year all schools are being provided with broadband internet access as part of a joint Government- IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) project. The local schools connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network, supported by HEAnet, and a broadband support service is being managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education. The overall costs of the Schools Broadband Programme, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over three years, are some €30m.

Regarding the use of ICT by teachers, the Inspectorate of my Department is currently undertaking an evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning at both primary and post-primary levels. I look forward to receiving the Inspectorate's report which I expect early in 2007.

Psychological Service.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

62 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19852/06]

Simon Coveney

Question:

71 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary schools covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19853/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 71 together.

All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS.

Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.

NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies.

According to the most up to date information, 1629 primary schools have a dedicated service from NEPS, representing 50% of schools and 60% of the primary school population. 556 post-primary schools have a dedicated service from NEPS representing 74% of schools and 75% of the post-primary school population. In addition, 46 Vocational Education Committee (VEC) schools in Dublin city and county receive direct psychological services from Dublin City and County VECs.

The number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 on establishment to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS and regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers.

Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 38.

School Vending Machines.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

64 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the provision of school vending machines on school property is under the control of the school management authorities in the schools already completed under public private partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19841/06]

In the case of the existing five PPP schools while the Operator is responsible for the vending machines the location, content and availability of the machines were agreed through discussion between the Operator and the School Authorities concerned. For instance, timers are fitted to all of the vending machines to ensure that students only have access to the machines at the times agreed by the school management.

Under my Department's new PPP programme announced late last year the school management authorities will have the responsibility for the location, content and availability of any vending machines being provided.

School Accommodation.

Seán Ryan

Question:

65 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will engage with the parents, local community and planning section of Dublin City Council to assess the educational needs of children currently attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 and future needs in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19906/06]

The school to which the Deputy refers is privately owned and managed by the Christian Brothers. In recent weeks the Order took a decision to close the school with effect from the end of the current school year.

I am already on record as saying that closing the school at such short notice is an extremely unusual decision which is understandably very upsetting and distressing for the parents, staff and pupils involved. It also put my Department in a very awkward position in relation to obtaining alternative placements for the pupils in question for next September.

Having said that my Department pressed on with its efforts to ensure that an orderly closure would ensue. Thanks to the co-operation of another school in the area, I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that this has been achieved. The school in question will now close on a phased basis over the next year.

Given that the decision to close the school was taken by the Christian Brothers, it is a matter for them to inform their parents and staff of the precise details of the new arrangement which will take effect from next September. I understand that this process has commenced.

I want to take the opportunity to record my thanks to the school which is assisting in the new arrangement. It is no easy task for any school to re-organise itself at any time much less with a minimum of notice. I greatly appreciate the willingness with which the school engaged with my Department in this matter and I am happy to provide it with the resources necessary to implement the new arrangement.

Prison Education Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

66 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget for the education of prisoners for each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19910/06]

This information is not available in my Department. The education of prisoners is a matter for the vocational education committees in which prisons are located. Details of such budgets are not maintained centrally.

Psychological Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

67 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools in Limerick covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19856/06]

All primary and post primary schools in Limerick have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website.

There are 37 post primary schools located in Limerick City and County. According to the most up to date information, 11 of those have a dedicated service from NEPS.

The number of psychologists in NEPS has increased from 43 on establishment to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS and Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists, 4 of whom are a priority for the Mid-West Region. This process, when complete, will increase the number of schools in the Mid West served directly by NEPS, though again I stress that all schools not currently served by NEPS can avail of the private scheme.

Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 42.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

69 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on funding for VTOS buildings and maintenance; and if she is satisfied regarding the current system. [19954/06]

VTOS programmes are delivered in VEC premises, adult education centres, and premises rented by VECs specifically for the purpose of delivering the VTOS.

VECs are given an annual non-pay grant to cover the cost of overheads such as light, heat, maintenance of premises, purchase of equipment, and provision of books and materials for students. In January 2006 VECs were given an increase in this non-pay funding from €19,046, to €22,600, for each core group of 20 students. This represents an 18.66% increase.

Since 2001 each VEC who incurred rental costs, has been given a supplement towards such costs. In 2005, this supplement, given to 21 VECs, amounted to just under €1 million. In 2006, approximately €6.2 million will be given to VECs to cover these non-pay items.

Question No. 70 answered with QuestionNo. 44.
Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 62.

Psychological Service.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

72 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools in Tipperary North covered by the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19855/06]

All primary and post primary schools in Tipperary North Riding have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS and full details of which are available on my Department's website. According to the latest figures, one school out of fifteen post-primary schools in Tipperary North Riding currently has a dedicated service from NEPS.

The number of psychologists in NEPS has increased from 43 on establishment to 122 at present. The Public Appointments Service recently concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS and Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists, 4 of whom are a priority for the Mid-West Region. I hope that this process, when complete, will increase the number of schools in Tipperary North served directly by NEPS, though again I stress that all schools not currently served by NEPS can avail of the private scheme.

Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 56.

Whole School Evaluations.

John Deasy

Question:

74 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations completed since February 2006, and issued to schools for comment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19862/06]

It is planned that 271 whole-school evaluations will be undertaken in 2006, 214 in primary schools and 57 in post-primary schools. Reports on 50 of these whole-school evaluations will be issued to schools but will not be published as they were initiated prior to 6th February 2006, the date on which the regulations on publication of reports came into effect.

Under the new arrangements for publication of WSE reports there is a minimum period of 14 weeks (70 school days) from the date of the final in-school evaluation activity until the WSE report is cleared for issue to schools and for publication. This period includes time for writing the report, for feedback to the board of management and the teachers, for factual verification and to enable the board of management respond to the report if it so wishes.

At present 32 primary whole-school evaluation reports and 6 post-primary whole-school evaluation reports are with the school for either factual verification or school response. I anticipate that a significant proportion of these reports will be finalised for issue to schools and published on the Department's website before the end of June 2006.

It is projected that 221 whole-school evaluation reports will be published arising from evaluations conducted in primary and post-primary schools between 6th February and the end of December 2006. Because of the 14 week pre-publication procedure some reports arising from evaluations conducted towards the end of 2006 will not be published until early in 2007.

Finally I wish to point out to the deputy that there is an appeal process under Section 13(9) of the Education Act (1998) whereby a teacher or board may request a review of an inspection. Where such a review is initiated this will inevitably delay publication of the report.

School Staffing.

David Stanton

Question:

75 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of full-time school chaplains in second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19801/06]

Ex-quota chaplain posts are allocated in respect of Community and Comprehensive Schools and designated Community Colleges. Discussions have taken place between officials of my Department and the relevant authorities in relation to the allocation of ex-quota chaplain posts to other second level schools. However, the allocation of such posts must be considered in the context of priority needs and available resources.

Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Question No. 77 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 41.
Questions Nos. 79 and 80 answered with Question No. 42.

Third Level Fees.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

81 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether under the current system fees, persons need to be relatively well off to enter college on a part-time basis. [19955/06]

Seán Crowe

Question:

83 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on abolishing part-time fees for students; and if she has had discussions with any of the relevant parties involved. [19947/06]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

102 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has given consideration to providing free fees to part-time third level students who have not previously studied at third-level; if so, the cost to the Exchequer of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19880/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 83 and 102 together.

I have no plans at present to extend the free tuition fees schemes to include part-time students.

I wish to advise the Deputy of the provisions under Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. This provides tax relief for eligible persons, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and postgraduate courses in non EU countries.

Tax relief for courses of at least two years' duration at undergraduate level extends to approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in the State and any other EU Member State and approved full/part-time courses operated by Colleges in any EU Member State providing distance education in the State.

In 2001, Section 29 of the 2001 Finance Act amended the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 to provide for:

(a) The amalgamation of the then existing four tax reliefs for third level education fees

(b) The section also extended the relief by removing the restrictions

•For repeat years

• On individuals undertaking more than one course,

•On individuals already holding a third level qualification and

•The exclusion of certain courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and teacher training

(c) The relief is also extended to postgraduate fees paid for third level education in private and publicly funded third level colleges in non-EU countries.

(d) Tax relief for undergraduate fees is also now available in EU countries for duly accredited private third level colleges.

Tax Relief on tuition fees is claimed directly from the Tax Office using an I.T. 31 Form. Details of approved colleges and courses are also available on Revenue's Internet site at www.revenue.ie.

Question No. 82 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 81.

Higher and Further Education.

Joe Costello

Question:

84 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will implement the recommendations of the McIver Report on Further Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19884/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

96 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if any of the recommendations of the McIver Report will be progressed in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19866/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 96 together.

Government commitment to the PLC sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant.

We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. Indeed, the number of PLC places approved for 2005/2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188.

We also extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived.

PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005.

In addition, capital funding for works at eleven post-Leaving Certificate Colleges in 2006 has been agreed.

Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification under the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the development of progression links with higher education in the Institutes of Technology.

The McIver Report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub-recommendations. It has been estimated, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million. This level of additional provision cannot be considered in isolation from other areas of education.

I want to invest in educational opportunity for learners in Further Education by providing the necessary system supports that will allow the sector as a whole to fulfil its important potential.

The non-teaching educational tasks particular to PLC teachers, the demands on the management side and the challenges presented by the variation in size of the 200 plus PLC providers are under very active consideration by officials at present. I expect to receive these proposals shortly. It is intended to table concrete proposals for discussion on the way forward. The positive engagement of the main partners will be sought to advance this agenda.

Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 28.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 11.

Whole School Evaluations.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

87 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of whole school evaluations completed at post-primary level to date in 2006; the projected number to be completed over the course of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19861/06]

It is planned that 57 whole school evaluations will be undertaken at post-primary level in 2006, 29 in the period January to June 2006 and 28 in the period September-December 2006. 9 of these WSEs commenced prior to 6 February 2006. The reports on these evaluations have been issued to schools or are about to be issued to schools. The reports will not be published as they were initiated prior to the introduction of the regulations on publication of reports.

Under the new arrangements for publication of WSE reports there is a minimum period of 14 weeks (70 school days) from the date of the final in-school evaluation activity until the WSE report is cleared for issue to schools and for publication. This period includes time for writing the report, for feedback to the board of management and the teachers, for factual verification and to enable the board of management respond to the report if it so wishes.

At present 6 post primary WSE reports are with the schools for factual verification or school response. It is not possible to say precisely when these reports will have completed all stages of the pre-publication process as this is the first time that schools are engaging in a written factual verification process and an optional school response as part of the evaluation procedure. However, I anticipate that most, if not all, of these reports will be finalised for issue to schools and published on the Department's website before the end of June 2006.

It is projected that 48 whole-school evaluation reports will be published arising from evaluations conducted at post-primary level between 6th February and the end of December 2006. Because of the 14 week pre-publication procedure some reports arising from evaluations conducted towards the end of 2006 will not be published until early in 2007.

Finally I wish to point out to the deputy that there is an appeal process under Section 13(9) of the Education Act (1998) whereby a teacher or board may request a review of an inspection. Where such a review is initiated this will inevitably delay publication of the report.

Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 35.

Early School Leavers.

Dan Neville

Question:

89 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who fail to make the transition from primary to secondary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19848/06]

There is no up to date research on the number of children who do not transfer from primary to post-primary education on an annual basis.

My Department is currently planning the development of a Primary Pupils Database, which will facilitate the collation of much more accurate and comprehensive data on transfer rates in the future. Together with the current Post-Primary Pupil Database, this will allow much improved tracking of where children go after primary school.

Measures designed to improve school completion include the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board in 2002 with a remit to monitor school attendance and tackle the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving, which includes the transfer of pupils from primary to post primary.

Working with parents to promote school attendance is an important part of the work of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) and in addition to this, a key component of the School Completion Programme (SCP) is developing strong links between primary and post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas.

The School Support Programme under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion 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 €40m on full implementation.

As a result of the identification process, 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new Programme. These comprise 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

The key principle of early intervention, to identify and help children at risk of leaving school early is a major component of DEIS, with a continuing emphasis being placed on the development of effective transfer programmes for pupils making the transition to second-level, by building on the existing work of the HSCL scheme and the School Completion Programme in this area. Initiatives such as Familiarisation Days and week-long transfer programmes for new entrants to second level have been shown to have very positive results in helping children to make a smooth transition to their new school and I am anxious that a strengthening of such programmes be prioritised under the new Action Plan. The additional guidance counselling provision, being made available for second-level schools having the highest concentrations of disadvantage, will also assist in this regard.

Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 56.

School Works Scheme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

91 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the funding limits on school building devolved grants in view of the experience of many schools that the amount does not cover the actual cost of the works required and local fund-raising has to make up the balance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19891/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have increased funding for the schemes this year by an average of 20% for the Permanent Accommodation Scheme and by an average of 10% for the Small Schools Scheme. These increases follow-on from increases of up to 25% in 2005.

Devolving funding to school management authorities allows them to have control of their projects, assists in moving projects more quickly to tender and construction and can also deliver better value for money.

The two Devolved Schemes, the Small Schools Scheme and the Permanent Accommodation Scheme, were originally introduced on a pilot basis in 2003 and due to the positive feedback from schools were extended to cover more schools over the last two years.

The Schemes are not structured on the basis that the Department funding must be supplemented by local fundraising. They do however allow a school to supplement the funding from local resources if they so wish. The critical element is that with devolved authority the school must set the scope of works to match the funding allocated. The Department does not define the precise works to be carried out. A school can make choices within the budget allocated.

Setting the scope of works is the critical first step. Clearly where a school has a known level of resources apart from the Department funding or knows its capacity to raise additional resources it is open to that school to extend the scope of works to include additional facilities. However if the scope of works is not set appropriately from the outset based on the budget available there is a risk that the school will be faced with a funding gap when the project is at construction.

The choices to be made within these devolved schemes rest with the school and that is the cornerstone of any policy of devolution. The school authority knows the budget and must decide what it is capable of building with that budget. The time to identify a problem is at the outset before entering any contract. Schools can raise with my Department any site specific problems or unusual planning stipulations that impose additional costs and these will be examined. Otherwise schools must reduce the scope of intended works so as to remain within budget.

A school does not have to accept the invitation to participate in a devolved scheme and instead be considered for inclusion in the mainstream school building programme in line with the project's priority band rating.

The feedback has in general been very positive, the number of schools participating has increased year on year and many schools are anxious to be included. I order to maintain this momentum; I have invited over 210 additional schools to participate in these schemes in 2006.

Student Databases.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

92 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans and the timeframe for the introduction of a data-base of primary and post-primary school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19896/06]

My Department is developing a Primary Pupil Database which will monitor the progression of individuals through the education system. The database will be a very useful tool for the Department in evaluating the effectiveness of educational initiatives and I am anxious that it be developed as soon as is practicable. However, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the project must be developed carefully to ensure that the final product meets the needs both of schools and of the Department. A Post-Primary Pupil Database already exists. That database records actual enrolments in each second-level school as of the 30th of September in each school year.

Caighdeán agus Úsáid na Gaeilge.

Dan Boyle

Question:

93 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Boyle den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an féidir léi a rá go bhfuil caighdeán agus úsáid na Gaeilge i measc scoláirí meánscoile sna Gaeltachtaí chomh maith agus a bheadh caighdeán na Gaeilge i roinnt meánscoileanna lán-Ghaeilge i mBaile Átha Cliath mar shampla. [18164/06]

Níl aon taighde déanta a léireodh comparáid idir scoileanna Gaeltachta agus scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge ó thaobh caighdeán agus úsáid na Gaeilge i measc scoláirí de. Mar sin ní féidir ceist an teachta a fhreagairt le cinnteacht. Ar na deacrachtaí is mó a bhaineann le scoileanna Gaeltachta a bheith ina scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge tá teaghlaigh nach í an Ghaeilge a rogha teanga ach arb í an scoil Ghaeltachta an scoil áitiúil acu.

School Staffing.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

94 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the cap on the number of support teachers for children whose native language is neither Irish nor English in order that schools with a large number of such children can get necessary support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19904/06]

In order to ensure that children who do not have English or Irish as a first language are not at a disadvantage in educational terms, my Department gives additional support to schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional temporary teacher posts or portions of teacher posts.

The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of non-English speaking students enrolled. In the current school year, 541 whole-time equivalent language support teachers are in place at primary level and 262 whole-time equivalent teachers are in place at second level to support such pupils, representing an investment of €46.5 million. This compares to 149 and 113 teachers respectively in the school year 2001/02.

However, I am aware that schools with significant numbers of children who do not have English or Irish as a first language need extra supports over and above those already provided and I am currently working on proposals in relation to this. Among other matters, the proposals will address the issue raised by the Deputy.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Billy Timmins

Question:

95 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figures regarding the number of children in primary classes of 35 to 39 children inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19876/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in primary school staffing in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.

Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

All schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

So, as I have pointed out the general rule in the current school year is that at least one classroom teacher is provided for every 29 pupils. Furthermore, the actual average class size nationally is 24.

Nonetheless, some schools do have classes with 35-39 pupils in them. However, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of children in such classes from 50,289 in 1996/97 to 8,931 in 2004/05, the latest year for which figures are available.

It is important to appreciate that there are a number of different reasons why a particular school may have a large class in a given year. Reasons why there are large classes include a significant fluctuation in enrolments from one year to the next and/or a decision by the school principal not to have multi-grade classes.

Regardless of the reason why there is a large class in a particular school one year, it should be noted that in the majority of cases this is not the situation in the following year. In the main, the same schools do not have large classes year after year and so the same children are not in large classes year after year.

Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is often because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Indeed, I often find that when I look into why a particular school has a class of 35 in a particular grade, the answer is because there is another class in the same school with a much lower than average number of pupils in it.

I appreciate that splitting classes may not always be an option for a particular school, because for example there might be a large group in junior infants and a small group in sixth class and so on. But where it is possible, I believe that principals should consider the benefits of having smaller multi-grade classes as against having large differences in class sizes at different levels in the school.

This Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving staffing in our primary schools by hiring thousands of extra teachers in recent years and we will continue to make progress on this issue.

Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 84.

Health Education.

Michael Noonan

Question:

97 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has considered the implications for her Department arising from the report from Engineers Ireland, A Picture of Health 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19847/06]

I am aware of the report on Engineering the Future of Health and Medicine, published in April this year. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of future needs in the health care sector, in terms of the interface between science and engineering, pharmaceutical, medical devices and information and communications technology sectors, and the role engineering professionals can play in supporting innovation in this area. The report makes a range of recommendations to strengthen science, engineering and technology at second and third level, and to promote and support a collaborative research development and innovation infrastructure at third and fourth level.

My Department is examining the detail of the Report at present and will be progressing the recommendations as appropriate in the light of the resources available in the context of the forthcoming Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation and the National Development Plan for the period 2007 to 2013.

Teaching Qualifications.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

98 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers who qualified in EU States other than Ireland who took up appointments in primary schools for the current academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19912/06]

The Board of Management of a school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of teachers. The Deputy should note that my Department's function in this regard is to ensure that the particular appointment is warranted by reference to the approved staffing level of the school concerned, that the person being appointed is qualified for the post and that agreed appointment procedures have been followed.

According to my Department's records, 63 teachers, who qualified in EU States other than Ireland, took up appointments in primary schools in the 2005/06 school year.

Teachers trained outside the jurisdiction of the State, whose qualifications have been assessed and accepted by my Department, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification, are granted a five year period of provisional recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools. During this period these teachers are expected to obtain their Irish language qualification in order to become fully recognised.

Departmental Agencies.

Joe Costello

Question:

99 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on including a representative of students of Dublin Institute of Technology on the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19881/06]

Seán Ryan

Question:

259 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to meet the demands of Dublin Institute of Technology Students Union with regard to attaining a seat for students on the Grangegorman Development Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20072/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 259 together.

The relocation of DIT, which is currently spread over 30 different sites in Dublin, to a 65-acre campus in Grangegorman is a major priority for this Government. The move will enable the Institute to provide better academic and support services for its nearly 20,000 students. It will also allow for much greater academic and social interaction between students of many different disciplines, providing a dynamic environment for a broad third level education in the heart of Dublin city centre.

It also has great potential to regenerate an underdeveloped area of the North Inner city.

I recently announced the appointment of Mr. John Fitzgerald, City Manager, Dublin City Council as Chairman of the Grangegorman Development Agency and I am now actively considering the other appointments to the Agency.

The general aim of the Agency is to oversee the Development of the lands at Grangegorman on behalf of the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Health Service Executive.

The Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005 provides for a total membership of 15 in the agency including the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. There is no specific provision for a student or staff representative from the DIT. The legislation does provide that 2 ordinary members of the agency will be nominated by the President of DIT and it is clearly a matter for the President to determine who to nominate having regard to the functions of the agency set out in the Act and its governance role in relation to the development.

The legislation recognises the student body of DIT specifically among the stakeholders that should be represented on the Consultative Group provided for in Section 22 of the Act. Up to 2 members of the Consultative Group can come from the student body.

My officials recently met the President of DIT Students' Union and explained how the Consultative Group will give the stakeholders an opportunity to outline their views and participate fully in the Grangegorman development. The Act also provides for the Consultative Group to hold as many meetings as may be necessary to maintain an adequate communications strategy concerning the development of the Grangegorman site. The Consultative Group reports to the Chairperson of the Agency.

School Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Question:

100 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to her Department of the purchase and rental of temporary pre-fabricated accommodation units in the last school year for which information is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19895/06]

Financial data relating to the operation of the School Building Programme are maintained on a calendar year basis. The information which I am providing below reflects this position in the calendar year to December 2005.

Capital expenditure of €6.468 million was incurred in respect of the purchase of prefabricated buildings at primary and post primary level in 2005. This expenditure included the supply and installation of prefabricated buildings, associated site works and related costs such as compliance with planning permission conditions, professional fees, and connections for water, electricity and sewage. This expenditure represents 1.29% of the €501.262m expenditure on school buildings in 2005.

Current expenditure on rental of temporary school premises, which includes the cost of renting prefabricated buildings, in 2005 was €15.75m or less than 3.2% of the total expenditure on school buildings in the same period.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

The focus within my Department is to empower schools to resolve their accommodation needs, wherever possible, in a permanent manner rather than relying on temporary accommodation. In order to reduce the amount of temporary accommodation at primary level a new initiative was launched in 2003. The purpose of this initiative is to allow primary schools to undertake a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs and to achieve the best value for money.

My Department has also used other innovative solutions to deliver urgently required permanent accommodation for schools in rapidly developing areas. An example of this is the new 16 classroom primary school for Griffeen Valley Educate Together National School, Lucan, which was delivered through the use of a design and build contract within 13 months.

Irish Language.

Willie Penrose

Question:

101 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made in her Department in response to the 2006 inaugural report of the Irish Language Commissioner which called for a review of Irish language education in primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19901/06]

A range of actions that focus on improving students' competences in spoken and written Irish and on increasing the attractiveness of the language to all learners in our schools has been taken and plans are in place for further actions to take effect in the near future.

At primary level, a revised curriculum in Irish has been implemented in all schools since September 2003. A communicative, task-based approach to language learning is at the heart of this curriculum which places emphasis on enjoyment and on using the language in activities such as games, conversations and drama. Its implementation has been supported by an extensive programme of in-service training for all primary teachers.

For Leaving Certificate Irish, a revised literature course was introduced in September 2004 which will be examined for the first time in June of this year. This has been widely welcomed as it allows literature to be taught using modern communicative approaches that appeal to young people and it affords a high level of choice to students and teachers. For example, film is now an option for the first time. A comprehensive set of guidelines to support teachers in delivering the revised course has been issued.

Significant improvements are being made in regard to the provision of materials and resources for the teaching of Irish. An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta has been established to progress this area and to provide support services for schools. Funding has been provided to An Chomhairle to support this task.

I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the statutory body which advises on curriculum, to make proposals to me as soon as possible on how the syllabuses in Irish at post-primary level should be reformed and, in particular, how greater emphasis can be placed on oral competence in the language. I am determined to ensure that Irish is taught in our schools in a way that is interesting and relevant and will promote a positive attitude to the language among our young people.

Recently, I announced my intention to appoint additional personnel to support the teaching of Irish in our schools. Progress has already been made on recruiting 30 cuiditheoirí to work with primary teachers and a national co-ordinator along with a team of regional development officers to support second level teachers. It is planned that these people will take up their appointments in the autumn.

I have arranged that part of the drama in-service training planned for primary teachers in the next academic year will be ‘Dramaíocht trí Ghaeilge'. This will assist teachers enormously in making the learning of Irish fun for children.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 81.

School Enrolments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

103 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on denominational schools which are oversubscribed putting children of other denominations or none at the end of the queue, where the ethos of the school is not under threat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19913/06]

The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age and Rule 64 (1) of the Rules for National Schools provides that a child must be at least 4 years of age before she/he may be enrolled in a National School. Children of compulsory school-going age must have a place in a National School and overall there are more than enough places available.

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission or the terms or conditions of admission of a person as a student to the school.

Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.

National Lottery Funding.

John Cregan

Question:

104 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a further payment is to be made from her Department to a group (details supplied) in County Limerick in addition to the €60,000 which was received by the group from her Department in January 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20079/06]

The organisation in question submitted an application for a €60,000 grant from National Lottery funding in May 2003. A grant of €60,000 was paid from the Fund in December 2003. This lottery grant allowed the organisation to submit a further application for Leader funding through West Limerick Resources Limited. My Department is not aware of any further application for funding submitted by the organisation.

Hepatitis B Incidence.

Sean Fleming

Question:

105 Mr. Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adults here with hepatitis B, which is a notifiable disease; and the best practice on the way in which to prevent infection of people who are in constant contact with people with Hepatitis B. [20081/06]

The following figures supplied by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) are for the total number of previously unreported cases of Hepatitis B notified each year.

Table 1. Number of cases of hepatitis B notified to the HPSC, 1990-2006 (up to 23/05/2006)

Year

Number of cases

1990

11

1991

15

1992

13

1993

11

1994

20

1995

11

1996

11

1997

31

1998

157

1999

158

2000

187

2001

342

2002

457

2003

546

2004

736

2005

851

2006 up to the 23/05/06

290

Total 1990-2006

3,847

Table 2. Number of cases of hepatitis B notified to the HPSC, 2004-2006 (up to 23/05/2006), by age group

Year

<= 18 years old=<

> 18 years old

Age unknown

2004

49

677

10

2005

56

791

4

2006 up to the 23/05/06

16

272

2

Preventative measures for hepatitis B include:

•Vaccination of persons at increased risk

•Screening of pregnant women, with vaccination of infants of hepatitis B positive mothers

•Screening of blood donors for hepatitis B antigens and antibodies

•Use of standard precautions when handling human blood and body fluids and in situations where needles and other skin piercing equipment are used

•Use of safe sex practices

•Needle exchange programmes for injecting drug users.

Health Service Allowances.

Jack Wall

Question:

106 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not in receipt of diabetic allowance despite the fact that the person has submitted two applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20082/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

107 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if suitable alternate accommodation will be found for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20092/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

108 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements which were put in place during the period of the recent breakdown of the CT scan machine at Cavan General Hospital; the number of ambulatory journeys undertaken as a result; the hospitals involved; the cost of same; her views on whether patient inconvenience and cost would have been kept to a minimum if the promised CT scan machine for Monaghan General Hospital had been installed; when same will be requisitioned and delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20093/06]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

109 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will enhance the out of hours general practitioner services, rapid access clinics, community intervention teams, primary care teams and home care packages in order to develop the health service here; and if assistance will be given in resolving the crisis at accident and emergency departments here. [20094/06]

People need to be able to obtain, in an integrated manner, the services most appropriate to their particular health and personal social service needs. In the vast majority of cases, it is appropriate that these services be provided within the primary care or community setting and that people have recourse to the acute hospital system only where their condition requires it.

General practitioner co-operatives provide the means for patients, both medical card and private, to access appropriate qualified medical care out of hours, including domiciliary visits where deemed appropriate, by dialling a lo-call number. Out-of-hours co-operatives are now in place in all HSE areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. It is estimated that over two million people are currently covered by out-of-hours co-operatives and that additional funding provided in 2006 should allow for up to 350,000 additional persons to be covered.

I am committed to the further development of GP co-ops so that, ultimately, such services will be available to all of the population. The putting in place of appropriate arrangements for large urban areas, including Dublin, is a particular priority in this regard.

The main objective of Community Intervention Teams is the prevention of avoidable hospital admission and the facilitation of early discharge from hospitals. These services are additional to existing mainstream community services and will enable the fast-tracking of non-medical care or supports for an interim period, while mainstream services are being arranged for the patient. This service is focused on the adult population and 85%+ of the anticipated cohort of patients to be supported will be in the population over 65 years old. The phased implementation of this model is being introduced first in Cork City and will then be introduced into Dublin South, Dublin North & Limerick.

The 2006 Estimate for the HSE includes an additional €10 million in revenue funding to enable the establishment of up to 100 new primary care teams. This will enable the provision of some 300 additional frontline personnel to work alongside GPs in order to provide integrated and accessible services in the community. Work by the HSE to establish these teams is underway. In planning for the establishment of these teams, the Executive intends to concentrate where possible on areas of disadvantage and with significant health inequalities.

I am encouraged to learn that in excess of 1,000 general practitioners have responded positively to an invitation from the HSE seeking expressions of interest in becoming involved in the further development of primary care services. In carrying out this development of services, the HSE will be focusing on the reorganisation of the resources already available to the health service and on developing new ways of working in line with the interdisciplinary service model described in the Primary Care Strategy.

The Government has provided additional funding for services for older people amounting to €150 million in 2006, with almost three-quarters of this being committed to community care supports. The funding provides for a number of community and home-based initiatives including Home Care Packages, the Home Help service, Day and Respite Centres, Meals-on-Wheels and Sheltered Housing, among others.

Home Care packages have been piloted successfully in several regions in recent years, with just over 1100 provided to people at the end of 2005. In Budget 2006 a further €55m was committed to this area, of which €30m has been provided in 2006 and a further €25m will be provided in 2007. This will allow for the phased introduction of a further 2,000 packages by the end of this year. The HSE has advised that 249 new Home Care packages were commenced in the first quarter of this year.

Home Care packages are delivered through the HSE, by a range of providers including the Health Service Executive itself, voluntary groups and the private sector. The scheme is intended to be as flexible as possible and highly responsive to the real needs of the individual. These packages are multidisciplinary and may include services such as nurses, home care attendants, home helps and the various therapists including physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Tackling the current difficulties with A & E is the Government's top priority in health. The service being provided to some patients in A & E is unacceptable and must be improved.

Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

The HSE is continuing to implement the 10-Point Action Plan. In addition, it has been agreed with the HSE that a number of additional measures will be implemented by the Executive. These include in particular the setting of performance targets for individual hospitals. In terms of implementation, the HSE is taking the following approach:

•Tackling the issue on a hospital-by-hospital basis

•Developing hospital-specific time-based targets in relation to A & E and delayed discharges

•Development of financial incentives linked to performance in these areas

•Development of additional targeted initiatives aimed at delivering an immediate and sustained impact.

In the immediate term, the HSE is introducing a series of measures to improve facilities for patients and staff in A & E departments. Long-term care beds are being secured from within the private sector to facilitate the discharge of patients who have completed the acute phase of their care. The acute beds that become available as a result of this initiative will be ring fenced for those patients awaiting admission in A & E departments. Funding is being made available within the capital programme to develop admissions lounges to ensure that patient privacy, dignity and comfort are preserved while awaiting admission to an acute bed.

The HSE has established a dedicated Task Force to oversee the implementation of the framework for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services in A & E departments. The Task Force will support individual hospitals in identifying specific problems and addressing them. It will work with hospitals to introduce a system of "whole hospital" performance measures to improve the patient's journey not alone through the A & E department but through the hospital system from admission to discharge.

I am confident that by improving hospital processes and procedures, by providing additional step-down beds for those patients who do not require acute hospital care, and by expanding and enhancing primary and community care services we can achieve a sustained improved in our A & E services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

110 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a place will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if she will ensure that they get 24-hour day residential services as a matter of priority. [20095/06]

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.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

111 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to have ileostomy bags made available to patients on long-term illness cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20100/06]

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 conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.

Home Help Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

112 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department intends to change the zero hour contracts in place for home helps; and her views on whether this is an unrealistic expectation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20118/06]

The Deputy's question relates to human resource management issues within the Health Service Executive. As these are matters for the Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have them investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Funding.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

113 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional budgetary controls which have been put in place in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the expected budget overrun; if additional funds will be provided to these hospitals in view of the significant increase in population in County Louth and the demand for new services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20133/06]

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

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

114 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if minor surgical services for children under 14 will be restored to the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20134/06]

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.

Medical Cards.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

115 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards held in County Louth for each year since 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20135/06]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

116 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for doctor-only medical cards in County Louth processed to date; the number granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20136/06]

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.

Home Help Service.

John McGuinness

Question:

117 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if home help hours will be increased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a positive response. [20157/06]

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

118 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card which was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be reviewed; if a decision will be taken in their case given their medical history and the fact that their health has deteriorated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20158/06]

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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

119 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that operations involving trailing a spinal cord stimulator are covered by the National Treatment Purchase Fund as those requiring such operations are usually in great pain; and if not, the reason for same. [20163/06]

My Department has been advised by the Chief Executive of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) that the NTPF currently provides procedures for patients requiring spinal cord stimulators subject to patient suitability and having regard to the arrangements made by the NTPF with relevant public and private hospitals.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

120 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when a decision will be made on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20169/06]

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 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:

121 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the housing aid for the elderly for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; when a decision will be made on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20170/06]

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 Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

122 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures which are being taken in relation to the introduction of a national newborn hearing screening service; and the policy of her Department in relation to this issue. [20191/06]

My Department has recently received a copy of the Report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Working Group and is in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the medical card will be retrospectively used to cover treatment at a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that their entitlement to the card pre-dated their treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20247/06]

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

Disabled Drivers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if primary certificate will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to facilitate the purchase of a specially adapted motor vehicle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20248/06]

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.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20249/06]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Richard Bruton

Question:

126 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the waiting lists and waiting times recently published meet the targets set by her Department; and the hospitals and the specialties where the targets have not been achieved. [20267/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

128 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reports she has achieved on the Government’s target that all persons will be given an appointment for treatment within three months of referral; the average waiting time; and the proportion of appointments later than three months. [20269/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.

The Health Strategy set as a target that no public patient should wait longer than three months for in-patient treatment in hospital following referral from an out-patient department. Responsibility for the collection and reporting of data on waiting times now rests with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). It has developed the Patient Treatment Register (PTR), which provides, for the first time, verified information on actual patients on public in-patient and day-case waiting lists. The PTR allows the NTPF to contact patients waiting more than 3 months directly with an offer of treatment. Nineteen hospitals are currently included in the PTR. It is intended to complete the roll-out of the PTR to all acute hospitals by the end of this year.

The latest figures from the PTR show that for the 20 most common surgical procedures, 85% of patients are waiting less than 6 months for treatment. A copy of the Report on the Patient Treatment Register, April 2006, is being provided separately to the Deputy. This report sets out in detail the position regarding waiting times by the hospital, specialty and for the 20 most common surgical procedures for adults and for the 10 most common surgical procedures for children.

I am satisfied that the NTPF has made very significant progress in reducing waiting times for hospital treatment. The NTPF is advising anyone waiting for more than three months for an operation to contact it as, in most instances, treatment can be arranged for them.

Hospital Accommodation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

127 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she expects to achieve the mid-way target at the end of 2006 for 1500 new hospital beds in accordance with the National Health Strategy. [20268/06]

The Health Strategy contained a commitment to increase the number of acute hospital beds by 3000 over a ten year period. The Strategy did not set a mid-way target or a target of beds to be provided by year.

In 2001, the year of the publication of Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available for treatment of patients in public acute hospitals was 12,145. Hospital returns for 2005 show that this number has risen to 13,255, an increase of 1,110 in-patient beds and day places. 90% of treatment places in acute hospitals are overnight in-patient beds. In addition, a further 450 acute beds/day places are in various stages of planning and development under the Capital Investment Framework 2005-2009.

In July 2005, I announced an initiative to have private beds built on the campuses of public hospitals. The aim of this initiative is to enable up to 1000 beds in public hospitals, which are currently used by private patients, to be re-designated for use by public patients. The HSE recently advertised for expressions of interest to construct private hospitals on the sites of 11 publicly funded hospitals. These additional in-patient beds/day places will mean that our commitment to increase total acute hospital capacity will be virtually complete.

Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 126.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

129 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20307/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

130 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within her Department or of agencies under her Department will be completed. [20321/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

131 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under her Department. [20335/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

132 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20357/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 132, inclusive, together.

As previously advised to the Deputy in my reply to his Parliamentary Question (No. 6666/06) of the 21st February, 2006, my Department is not one of the Departments earmarked for decentralisation under the Civil Service Decentralisation Programme. It may be of interest to know that 34 staff in my Department have formally accepted offers to transfer to other Departments which are decentralising.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

133 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will seek an explanation from the Health Service Executive as to the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 must pay €3,328 per month for their keep in a nursing home but only receives subvention of €34.72 per week in view of the fact that the person’s home is valued at less than €500,000; if she will request that the subvention amount being altered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20371/06]

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.

Exchequer Revenue.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

134 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the figures for non-tax revenue as a percentage of GDP for each of the past ten years. [20078/06]

The figures for non-tax revenue as a percentage of GDP for the past ten years are as follows:

GDP

Non-Tax Revenue

NTR as % GDP

€m

€m

%

1995

53,147

422

0.8

1996

58,806

551

0.9

1997

68,071

426

0.6

1998

78,679

463

0.6

1999

90,612

529

0.6

2000

104,379

529

0.5

2001

117,114

811

0.7

2002

130,515

2,230

1.7

2003

139,097

1,056

0.8

2004

148,556

802

0.5

2005(e)

160,322

595

0.4

Decentralisation Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

135 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in relation to the decentralisation of Government Departments and associated agencies to Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/06]

Decentralisation to Drogheda encompasses a total of five organisations, including the transfer of around 750 posts. Three Ministers have responsibility for these organisations as follows:

Minister

Organisation

Approximate No. of Posts

Environment, Heritage & Local Government

Local Government Computer Services Board

90

Social & Family Affairs

Department Staff

556

Comhairle

47

REACH

11

Transport

Department Staff

47

The Minister for Transport is answering in respect of his Department. I am asking my colleagues the Minister for Social & Family Affairs and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to communicate directly with the Deputy in relation to their Departments and Organisations.

Overall, I understand that good progress is being made across the three Departments in relation to the staffing, property and business aspects of relocation. In recent months the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) met with the Secretaries General of these three Departments and the Chairman has stated that he is satisfied with the level of progress to date. I understand that the DIG are undertaking a series of meetings with the CEOs of State Agencies to evaluate progress.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

136 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when tax relief in respect of rent paid on rented accommodation will be credited to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20155/06]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a review for the person for the year 2005 will issue shortly allowing credit for rent paid. As the Revenue Commissioners' records show that no tax was paid, no refund is due for that year.

No credit for rent has been allowed for 2006 as the Revenue Commissioners' records show that mortgage interest relief has been allowed since January 2006. If rent has been paid for 2006 it will be necessary to complete form Rent 1 for that year. The form is available on the Revenue web site www.revenue.ie.

Tax Collection.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

137 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of people with incomes of over €100,000 who paid tax at an effective rate of 20% of less in 2005. [20156/06]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent basic data on incomes available from which information of the type requested by the Deputy could be derived are in respect of the income tax year 2003. If the effective rate of income tax for each income earner with gross income in excess of €100,000 in 2003 is calculated as the percentage of total tax liability to total income, some 6.7 per cent of income earners in this income category had an effective tax rate of 20 per cent or lower. The corresponding percentage for income earners with gross income in excess of €100,000 in 2002 was 7.5 per cent. These figures take account of Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid.

To arrive at the figure for total income the gross income is reduced by various relevant deductions and allowances such as capital allowances, losses, allowable expenses and retirement annuities.

It might be noted that for 2003, the tax liability of those earning over €100,000 (gross income) represents 30.3% of the total income tax liability for 2003. In addition, the effective rate for those earning over €100,000 in 2003 is 32.5%. This compares with an effective rate for those earning €100,000 or less in 2003 of 13.2% and an effective rate for all income earners in 2003 of 16.1%. A married couple who have elected or have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

State Property.

Barry Andrews

Question:

138 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works have had discussions in relation to the disposal or use of the former Shanganagh Prison with other State bodies or developers; and the covenants as are attached to its use. [20168/06]

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland have not had discussions with other State bodies or developers in relation to the disposal or use of the former Shanganagh Prison and have not investigated what if any covenants attached to its use.

Tax Yield.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

139 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if the report of the tax forecasting methodology group has been revisited or updated since the original report was published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20244/06]

The report of the Tax Forecasting Methodology Review Group was published by my Department in 1998 and is available on the Department's website. The findings and recommendations of the report were taken on board by my Department, including the key recommendation that the process whereby taxes are forecast on an individual tax head basis should be supplemented by a top-down macroeconomic test by which the forecast growth in nominal GDP is compared with the forecast growth in aggregate tax revenues.

There has been no formal updating of the Review Group's report. However, my Department continually reviews its methodologies for forecasting tax revenues. As part of this ongoing review process, an informal working group was set up in 2002 made up of officials of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners, with occasional input from other Departments and State Agencies. The purpose of this informal working group is to examine issues which may have an impact on tax yield with a view to improving our tax forecasting methodologies on an ongoing basis rather than as a once-off exercise.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

140 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the elasticities with respect to GNP or GDP that are currently being applied by his Department in forecasting tax returns for budgetary purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20245/06]

Tax revenues are forecast by my Department on an individual tax head basis using, among other things, relevant macro-economic indicators and elasticity factors, where appropriate. For example, forecasts of PAYE revenues are constructed using projected increases in non-agricultural earnings and employment together with estimated elasticity factors for both (elasticity factors in this instance represent the relationship between the estimated percentage increases in PAYE tax likely to arise from average increases of 1% in earnings and employment, respectively). The current elasticity factor of PAYE tax with respect to earnings is 2.1 while the elasticity factor for new employment is 0.7. These factors can change over time.

As a top-down check on the validity of the aggregate tax revenue forecast constructed on an individual tax head basis, a comparison is made with the forecast increase in the level of nominal GDP. This is known as the elasticity of tax revenue growth with respect to economic growth. In general, a long-run one to one relationship between the percentage change in nominal GDP and the percentage change in tax revenues is likely to be observed. However, this one to one relationship need not hold from year to year and can be influenced by factors such as the composition of economic growth and the impact of Budget changes.

In Budget 2006, tax revenues were forecast to increase by 7.3% on an underlying basis (when one-off and similar effects were removed) as compared with a projected increase of 7.9% in nominal GDP. This represents an estimated elasticity of tax revenue growth with respect to economic growth of 0.92 which was a reasonable reflection at that time of what the relationship between tax growth and economic growth might be expected to be in 2006, having regard to the factors which can influence the observed long-run relationship from one year to the next.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

141 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the terms of the agreement which he has negotiated with public service unions on the share of promotion opportunities which will be confined to staff who are decentralising and the share which will remain open; and if similar terms will apply in State agencies. [20246/06]

Promotion practices in the public service are being managed in a way which facilitates the achievement of the decentralisation programme in an efficient manner. In the Civil Service agreement has been reached with the general service unions that all interdepartmental promotions for general service grades will be made on the basis of the appointee agreeing to move to a post in a decentralising unit or decentralising Department or Office. In addition, any appointments from open competitions are being made on the same basis.

At present 40% of all general service promotion posts are filled through inter-departmental competition. This proportion will rise to 50% on 1 March next. All posts earmarked in the normal promotions sequence to be filled through inter-departmental competition will have a decentralisation clause attached. Where one of those interdepartmental vacancies arises in relation to a Dublin-based post, the post is filled by an officer who wishes to remain in Dublin and the vacancy is transferred to a decentralising department. In addition, where an organisation is moving in full, all internal promotions will include a decentralisation condition in the period of 52 weeks prior to the move. Where an organisation is moving in part, 50% of all internal promotions will include a decentralisation condition in the period of 52 weeks prior to the move taking place. These arrangements allow for a proportion of all promotions arising in civil service general service posts in the normal course to have a decentralisation condition.

A parallel proposal in respect of professional and technical grades in the Civil Service is currently being discussed with the unions representing those grades.

In the State agency sector, there are a range of human resource issues, including promotions, which will need to be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. In the absence of agreement with staff interests, the management and boards of agencies have a responsibility to use all available opportunities to progress the Government policy on decentralisation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

142 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made on site acquisition or procurement of a building and the latest estimate of the completed acquisition, building and kitting out cost of each of the new locations of units within or agencies reporting to his Department. [20271/06]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Richard Bruton

Question:

143 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the buildings and sites which will be vacated by his Department in Dublin as a result of the decentralisation; and when they will be vacated. [20294/06]

Any decisions on disposing of Dublin space will depend on a range of factors including the following:

the particular requirements of the Department remaining in Dublin;

the specific circumstances associated with each building including location, quality and design, tenure, office area and whether it is leasehold or freehold;

prevailing market conditions which directly affect the timing of property disposals;

the timing of the relocation of staff to decentralised offices.

Because of the above factors; it is not considered appropriate to identify at this stage exactly which buildings will be vacated in Dublin as a result of decentralisation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

144 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20308/06]

The Central Applications Facility provided for 131 posts to decentralise to Tullamore and 33 posts to decentralise to Kildare. In the case of 77 posts, staff have either been reassigned within the Department of Finance, have left the Department to decentralise with other Departments, have resigned, retired or have been promoted and transferred to other posts. In the case of a further 37 posts, the post holder has chosen to decentralise with the Department of Finance or the post was vacant at the time of the announcement of decentralisation. A total of 34 now remain to be reassigned from posts decentralising to Tullamore and 16 from posts decentralising to Kildare.

As 91 staff of the Department have applied to decentralise with other organisations it is expected that these transfers in the coming weeks and months will facilitate the reassignment of the remaining 50 staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

145 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20322/06]

I would refer the Deputy to the Decentralisation Implementation Group's July, 2005 report which identified progress in relation to property, implementation planning, numbers of applicants and human resources and industrial relations issues.

In line with the Group's approach to phasing, the report provided indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie. The final construction dates can only be confirmed when the tender process has been completed in respect of each location and are contingent on the level and quality of market interest in respect of sites, successful negotiation of contracts, receipt of acceptable planning permissions, timely completion of briefs and successful acquisition of suitable sites. This whole issue is kept under constant review by the Office of Public Works and I understand that they are currently reviewing the position on the property aspects of the Programme in light of experience to date.

The agencies under the aegis of my Department are working towards the indicative dates given in the Decentralisation Implementation Report. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my own Department is on course to decentralise to Tullamore in July of this year.

Richard Bruton

Question:

146 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20336/06]

The following tables give a breakdown of the number of posts of specialist skills which are planned to decentralise and the number of people who have indicated a willingness to move with their post, for my Department and agencies under the aegis of my Department.

However, the figures following do not include specialised staff who have accepted decentralising posts in the period since the initial announcement.

Department of Finance

Tullamore

Kildare

Number of posts of specialist skills

20

31

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

3

4

Office of Public Works

Trim

Claremorris

Kanturk

Number of posts of specialist skills

119

22

22

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

29

0

2

Valuation Office

Youghal

Number of posts of specialist skills

50

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

3

Ordnance Survey Ireland

Dungarvan

Number of posts of specialist skills

177

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

36

Public Appointments Service

Youghal

Number of posts of specialist skills

0

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

0

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Kilrush

Newcastle West

Listowel

Kildare

Athy

Number of posts of specialist skills

0

0

0

214

0

Number who have indicated a willingness to move with their post

0

0

0

34

0

Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of a new site for the Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare; if the procedures have been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20351/06]

A site for a new Garda Station at Leixlip, Co. Kildare was acquired in October, 2002. A decision by the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to Planning Consultation under Part. 9 is imminent.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

148 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20358/06]

The following table shows the number of people in my Department who have been assigned for Tullamore and Kildare, those who are new recruits and those who are moving on promotion.

Tullamore

Kildare

Number of persons assigned

97

15

Number of new recruits

12

0

Number moving on promotion

15

11

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

149 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a drift net licence held by a person recently deceased can be transferred to another person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20106/06]

The issue of commercial salmon fishing licences is an operational matter for the regional fisheries boards in accordance with the provisions of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 2005 (S.I. No. 72 of 2005). I have no function in the matter.

Harbours and Piers.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

150 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money spent on piers and harbours here in each of the past three years including details of the individual projects and amounts. [20164/06]

Details of expenditure on fishery harbours for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 are set out in the following tables.

Fishery Harbour Expenditure 2003

Location

Project

Total Cost 2003

DCMNR Cost

DONEGAL

Killybegs FHC

Harbour development project

24,272,450.53

24,272,450.53

Killybegs FHC

Safety and maintenance

293,508.43

293,508.43

Killybegs FHC

Construction wages

601.69

601.69

Greencastle

Design work

199,241.64

149,431.23

Burtonport

Dredging

337,281.03

252,960.77

Buncrana

Pier improvements

28,966.60

21,724.95

Portaleen

Repairs to pier head

22,941.26

17,205.95

Portaleen

Purchase of crane

10,500.00

7,875.00

Portmore

Pier extension

1,196,162.99

45,000.00

Port Arthur

Strengthening of Pier

13,363.00

13,363.00

GALWAY

Rossaveel FHC

Safety and maintenance

265,426.63

265,426.63

Rossaveel FHC

Development

20,390.13

20,390.13

Tir an Fhia

Pier repair works

267,815.32

200,861.49

Ceibh na gCasla

Widen pier access/extend pier

166,540.69

124,905.52

Inishboffin

Pier and slipway

2,518.88

1,889.16

Tra Bhan

Pier and slipway

8,882.89

6,662.17

Killary

Plant hire

2,171.64

1,628.73

Ceibh Ailwee

Pier improvements

22,930.08

22,930.08

Ceibh na hAirde

Quay Repairs

35,400.60

35,400.60

Barna

Improvement works

18,379.96

18,379.96

Aughrasmore, Claddaghduff

Pier improvements

182,690.04

182,690.04

Clifden Harbour

Improvement works

40,781.25

40,781.25

Kilbricken

Improvement Works

1,200.00

1,200.00

Cleggan

Install crane on pier

58,605.00

58,605.00

Cleggan

Minor works

4,354.00

3,266.00

Derryinver

Interim repairs

20,736.61

15,552.46

SLIGO

Mullaghmore

Harbour breakwater works

899,436.00

674,577.00

MAYO

Killala

Slipway

152,524.00

114,393.00

KERRY

Dingle

Fender repairs

4,390.89

4,390.89

Dingle

Navigation light, add. Pontoon

12,000.00

12,000.00

Dingle

Breakwater

8,738.45

8,738.45

Cromane

Pier development

2,420.00

1,815.00

Bunanear

Slipway

22,016.78

16,512.59

Dromatoor, Ballyheigue

Pier improvement works

179,525.18

134,643.89

CLARE

Kilkee

Slipway upgrading

27,447.39

20,585.54

Liscannor Pier

Safety, works

6,406.00

4,805.00

LOUTH

Clogherhead

Port Oriel design

255,523.00

191,642.25

Clogherhead

Replace crane, provide handrails

100,000.00

75,000.00

DUBLIN

Howth FHC

Safety & maintenance

106,197.64

106,197.64

CORK

Castletownbere FHC,

Dinish Wharf extension, mainland quay upgrading, safety & maintenance, Auction Hall upgrading

1,114,130.49

1,114,130.49

Schull

Pier wave wall repairs

82,695.53

62,021.65

Keelbeg

Dredging works (sediment sampling)

399.49

299.47

Cape Clear

Replace crane

65,340.00

16,335.00

Cape Clear

Safety & maintenance

6,104.50

6,104.50

Cape Clear

Subsidence of Duffy’s Pier

24,264.11

24,264.11

WATERFORD

Dunmore East FHC

Safety & maintenance, cliff Stabilisation: Dock Rd/Island Road, Engage consultants, security cameras, Road surfacing

602,240.37

602,240.37

WEXFORD

Courtown

Purchase of plant equipment

40,000.00

30,000.00

Misc.

Piers, Lights & Beacons

39,139.25

39,139.25

TOTALS

31,244,779.96

29,334,526.86

Fishery Harbour Expenditure 2004

Location

Project

Total Cost 2004

DCMNR Cost 2004

DONEGAL

Killybegs

Harbour Development

8,593,896.94

8,593,896.94

Killybegs

Safety & Maintenance

270,833.33

270,833.33

Greencastle

Harbour Dev. Project Design/Planning

113,638.11

85,228.58

Ballyederland

Raising deck level of pier

84,951.44

63,713.58

Buncrana Pier

Dredging at pier

170,000.00

127,500.00

Mulroy Bay

Navigational Aids

25,000.00

18,750.00

Ballyshannon

Navigational Aids

50,000.00

37,500.00

Portsalon

Remedial Works

70,000.00

52,500.00

Burtonport

Provision of fenders

12,000.00

9,000.00

GALWAY

Rossaveel

Development

40,868.82

40,868.82

Rossaveel

Safety and Maintenance

292,938.66

292,938.66

Rossaveel

New storage Unit at RV-Advance Works

16,093.00

16,093.00

Rinville Pier, Oranmore

New slipway, breakwater, pier deck

102,311.79

76,733.84

Kilbricken

Repairs

13,625.25

13,625.25

Ceibh na hAirde

Quay repairs

54,557.61

54,557.61

Tir an Fhia

Pier repair works

114,778.34

114,778.34

Derryinver

Repairs

16,533.33

16,533.33

MAYO

Blacksod

D/CRGA project

500,000.00

500,000.00

CLARE

Ballyvaughan

New slipway, Berthage clearance, pier repairs

16,299.81

12,224.11

Seafield, Quilty

Raise storm wall, place rock armour

191,721.19

143,790.89

Liscannor

Car Parking, surfacing & ladders

33,165.33

24,873.99

Doolin

Study

1,875.50

1,875.50

KERRY

Dingle

Dredging Site Investigations

201,026.77

201,026.77

Dingle

Weighbridge

84,932.42

84,932.42

Cromane

Pier Development Design Review Rd Access

83,923.82

62,942.86

Scraggane

Survey

7,730.53

5,797.90

Oysterbed, Sneem

Working/storage area

81,385.07

61,038.80

Tahilla, Sneem

Pier works

108,758.77

81,569.08

Knightstown

D/CRGA project

63,567.99

63,567.99

Tarbert

Pier repairs

81,915.08

61,436.31

Reenard

Slipway underpinning

41,035.25

30,776.44

Dromatoor, Ballyheigue

Channel marking

20,486.65

15,364.99

Portmagee/ Caherciveen

Pier-Repairs to fenders/ladders

15,177.29

11,382.97

LOUTH

Clogherhead

Detailed design stage, Preparation of statutory permissions

299,373.00

224,529.75

DUBLIN

Howth FHC

Safety & maintenance

184,683.21

184,683.21

CORK

Castletownbere FHC

Safety & maintenance Mainland quay rehabilitation Effluent treatment upgrade, Dinish Wharf extension, Auction Hall Upgrading

1,941,042.89

1,941,042.89

Keelbeg

Repairs to HI-Mast lighting and service blocks

13,237.51

9,928.13

Tragumna

Slipway & access Road

155,793.27

116,844.95

Cape Clear

Safety & maintenance

7,145.93

7,145.93

Cape Clear

Harbour development

9,371.38

9,371.38

Cape Clear

Duffy’s Pier

3,037.93

3,037.93

WATERFORD

Dunmore East FHC

Safety & maintenance, Harbour development, Harbour development, Security Infrastructure

909,257.64

909,257.64

WEXFORD

Kilmore Quay

Hydrographic Survey

15,219.00

11,414.25

Misc.

Piers. Lights & Beacons

50,466.49

50,466.49

TOTALS

15,163,656.34

14,715,374.85

Fishery Harbour Expenditure 2005

Location

Project

Total Cost 2005

DCMNR Cost 2005

DONEGAL

Killybegs FHC

Safety & maintenance

173,500.24

173,500.24

Killybegs FHC

Harbour Development

3,590,303.87

3,590,303.87

Ballyederland

Raising Deck Level of Pier

231,589.92

173,692.44

Dungloe Pier

Construct slipway and turning circle at pier

28,525.63

21,394.22

Buncrana Pier

Improvement works

104,000.00

78,000.00

Buncrana Pier

Temp. Lifeboat Mooring

19,500.00

14,625.00

Bundoran Pier

Pier Improvement Works

40,000.00

30,000.00

Castleport Pier

Provision of electrical lighting

4,700.00

3,525.00

Mulroy Bay

Navigation Aids

40,000.00

30,000.00

Portmore Pier, Malin Head

Works to address siltation problem

41,460.06

31,095.05

Rathmullen Pier

Pier Improvements

66,667.00

50,000.00

Tullyillion Pier

Provision of electrical lighting

6,000.00

4,500.00

Portaleen Glengad

Upgrade crane

30,000.00

22,500.00

Burtonport Harbour

Rock Excavation

220,308.21

165,231.16

GALWAY

Rossaveel FHC

Development & minor works

3,983,070.25

3,983,070.25

Blackweir

Breakwater/holding tank

79.13

59.35

Rinville Pier, Oranmore

New Slipway

324,813.43

243,610.07

Kilbricken, Rosmuc

Repairs

1,785.68

1,785.68

Cleggan

Pier extension & dredging, SI and design

29,401.44

22,051.08

MAYO

Killala

Silt Study

50,000.00

37,500.00

Rosmoney

Preliminary Report

50,000.00

37,500.00

LOUTH

Clogherhead

Port Oriel Upgrade & Extension

4,923,836.00

3,692,877.00

SLIGO

Raghley

Pier Upgrade

14,178.86

10,634.15

DUBLIN

Howth FHC

Safety & maintenance

181,741.33

181,741.33

CORK

Castletownbere FHC

Safety & maintenance

212,542.47

212,542.47

Castletownbere FHC

Mainland Quay extension

147,568.04

147,568.04

Castletownbere FHC

Effluent treatment

417,195.76

417,195.76

Castletownbere FHC

Dinish Wharf extension & offices

1,306,995.22

1,306,995.22

Keelbeg

Miscellaneous

7,040.73

7,040.73

Schull

Relocation of services block & new lighting

3,639.68

2,729.76

Tragumna

Slipway & access road

34,245.03

25,683.77

Cape Clear

North Harbour development

457,660.31

457,660.31

Cape Clear

Safety & maintenance

2,568.95

2,568.95

Garnish Pier

Pier Improvement works

60,000.00

45,000.00

CLARE

Ballyvaughan

New Slipway

451,693.88

339,722.32

Ballyvaughan

Repairs

11,448.21

8,586.16

New Quay

Pier Repair

104,655.93

78,491.95

Doonbeg

Pier Extension

81,718.56

61,288.92

Seafield, Quilty

Repairs

21,200.15

15,900.11

Liscannor

Harbour works

1,512.49

1,134.37

KERRY

Dingle

Dredging works

18,941.41

18,941.41

Dingle

Weighbridge

10,302.27

10,302.27

Tarbert

Structural assessment

1,210.00

907.50

Cromane

Pier Development

2,622.20

1,966.65

Tahilla

Pier Improvement Works

10,899.27

8,174.45

Oysterbed, Sneem

Working Storage Area

25,372.41

19,029.31

Scraggane Pier

Survey of Pier

1,089.00

816.75

Renard Pier

Study of repairs

142,398.00

106,798.50

Coonana

Repairs

78,767.96

59,075.97

Kells Pier

Safety Works & Concrete decking

11,316.19

8,487.14

LIMERICK

Kilteery Pier

Provision of Bollards

28,989.50

21,742.12

WATERFORD

Dunmore East FHC

Safety & maintenance & minor works

541,907.89

541,907.89

Ardmore

Raising deck level of pier

63,542.48

47,656.86

Blackwater

New Slipway

132,486.20

99,364.65

WEXFORD

Kilmore Quay

Hydrographic Survey

82,582.50

61,936.88

Misc.

Piers, Lights & Beacons

11,380.76

11,380.76

TOTALS

18,640,954.50

16,747,793.84

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

151 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20309/06]

One hundred and twenty staff members of my Department have registered their interest to remain in Dublin. Four staff members have transferred to Dublin posts in other Departments/offices and a further twelve Dublin PAS list system transfers are in progress.

Richard Bruton

Question:

152 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20323/06]

The Government's programme involves the relocation of the Department's Headquarters to Cavan and the Seafood and Coastal Zone functions to Clonakilty. In addition, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) are relocating to Clonakilty, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to Dundalk and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) to Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) has set out an indicative timetable for completion of the Department and BIM facilities, in Clonakilty in 2007. The DIG's timetable for relocation to Cavan is 2009. SEI's move to Dundalk is scheduled for 2007.

As the Deputy will appreciate, physically relocating functions depends on providing accommodation in the decentralised locations and the complex processes involved and this is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The Department is working closely with the OPW towards delivering on the indicative timetables. In this regard, a site has been secured in Clonakilty for both the Department and BIM, and OPW are currently assessing tenders for a design-build solution in that location. In addition, a site was secured earlier this month for the Cavan bound functions and the Department is to provide a detailed specification of requirements to OPW. Liaison with OPW on a property solution for SEI in Dundalk is also ongoing.

In the meantime the Department is making good progress on relocating some functions to Cavan and Clonakilty in the near future and well in advance of the permanent moves.

The lack of suitable property solutions, thus far in Carrick-on-Shannon is a particular challenge for OPW and a definitive timetable for the CFB decentralisation has not yet been finalised. The Department and the Agency continue to work with OPW on this issue and some possible options have recently been identified.

Richard Bruton

Question:

153 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20337/06]

Seventy-eight professional and technical posts within my Department are scheduled to relocate to Clonakilty and Cavan under the Government's decentralisation programme. Twelve staff members currently serving in these posts have expressed a priority first preference application on the Central Applications Facility to decentralise with their units.

Twenty-six specialist skills posts in Sustainable Energy Ireland are due to decentralise to Dundalk. Thirteen specialist post holders have applied to relocate with their posts on the Central Applications Facility.

Twenty-two specialist skills posts in the Central Fisheries Board are due to decentralise to Carrick-on-Shannon. The number of specialist post holders who applied on the Central Applications Facility to relocate with their posts is not currently available.

Sixty posts in Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) that require specialist qualifications or specialist skill/knowledge are due to decentralise to Clonakilty. No applications have been received on the Central Applications Facility from BIM staff opting to relocate with these posts.

Richard Bruton

Question:

154 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20359/06]

The Government's decentralisation programme provides for the relocation of Seafood and Costal Zone divisions of my Department to Clonakilty in 2007 and all remaining divisions to Cavan in 2009. To date, fifty-one individuals have formally committed to decentralise to Clonakilty and forty-one to Cavan. Included in the Cavan figure are fourteen new recruits and thirteen civil servants who have committed to relocate on promotion.

Visa Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

155 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a holiday visa will issue to a person (details supplied). [20142/06]

As indicated in my letter of 22 May to the Deputy, applications for visas in this case should be submitted to the Visa Office of the Embassy in London, 106 Brompton Road, SW3, telephone +44 207 225 7700, with the appropriate documentation. As I also conveyed in my letter, such applications would normally be referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for decision.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

156 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20310/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

157 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20324/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

158 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20338/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

159 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20360/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 159, inclusive, together.

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters and currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick. This is scheduled to take place during the first half of 2007 and will involve the relocation to Limerick of 124 posts.

Already, a total of 35 posts in Irish Aid Headquarters, including that of Director General, are filled by officers who have signalled their intention to decentralise to Limerick. Nine of these officers were already serving within the Department and the remainder is made up of 18 officers who have been recruited from other Departments and Offices via the Central Applications Facility, five officers who have been assigned from inter-Departmental promotion panels and three newly-recruited officers. Sixteen officers who are serving elsewhere in the Department, mostly abroad, have also applied to decentralise to Limerick and will be taking up duty in Irish Aid.

The above total of 51 represents some 41% of the posts being transferred to Limerick. The process of recruiting staff via the Central Applications Facility is ongoing. It is envisaged that the staff in general service grades, some 65 officers, who are not decentralising to Limerick, will move to other sections within the Department on a phased basis, as incoming staff who wish to do so are assigned.

There are three categories of development specialists assigned to Irish Aid: Principal Development Specialists, Senior Development Specialists and Development Specialists.

Three Principal Development Specialists serve in Irish Aid headquarters in Dublin. None of the three has applied to decentralise to Limerick.

There are twelve Senior Development Specialists in Irish Aid headquarters. None of the twelve has applied to decentralise to Limerick. Two Senior Development Specialists originally applied to decentralise to Limerick, but subsequently withdrew their applications.

There are nine Development Specialist posts in headquarters. Five Development Specialists are scheduled to decentralise. Of these, four commenced employment since the announcement of the decentralisation programme in December 2003, and one applied via the Central Applications Facility.

Discussions are ongoing centrally and locally with the trade union IMPACT about the issues involved in decentralisation, many of which have a wider Civil Service dimension. It would be my hope that a greater number of specialists will, in time, volunteer to decentralise to Limerick.

I should say finally that there are 18 specialists in our Aid Embassies abroad, which embassies have of course a crucial role in the implementation of the programme.

Sports Capital Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

160 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position of an application for a capital sports grant for a club (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20071/06]

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 levels. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on November 27th and 28th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20th 2006. A total of 1,338 applications for projects costing €670 million and seeking funding of €312 million were received. All of these applications, including one from the club in question and ranging in project cost from €500 to €25 million are currently being evaluated against the programme's detailed 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.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

161 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20311/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

162 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20325/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

164 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20361/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 162 and 164 together.

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, excluding the National Archives, comprising approximately 130 posts, will be transferring to Killarney under the Government's Decentralisation programme. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, my Department was designated by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as one of the "early mover" Departments. It is expected that a planning application will be lodged by the end of this week, and construction of the new building in Killarney is expected to commence in August 2006, with an anticipated completion date in the last quarter of 2007. The number of applications received under the Central Applications Facility (CAF) for relocation to Killarney exceeds the number required for most of the grades. My officials are currently in the process of transferring these persons into the Department. Of the staff serving in my Department 9 members have indicated that they wish to relocate to Killarney and a further 16 staff have now been transferred in from other Departments. This process will proceed on a phased basis in order to facilitate a smooth transition to the new location and appropriate training for staff. No staff have been assigned to date to the decentralised location.

The remaining members of staff currently serving in the Department who do not wish to relocate to Killarney will transfer to other Departments remaining in Dublin or to Departments that are scheduled to decentralise to other locations. To date 13 officers have been reassigned to Dublin based posts in other Departments and a further 6 officers have transferred to decentralising Departments in order to relocate to their preferred location. This process will proceed on a phased basis until all officers not transferring to Killarney are transferred to other organisations. While three of the agencies operating under the aegis of my Department have also been selected to decentralise, viz the Sports Council to Killarney, Fáilte Ireland to Mallow and the Arts Council to Kilkenny, they were not included in the list as early movers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

163 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20339/06]

Of the 130 posts in my Department that are relocating to Killarney, there is only one specialist post, that of an accountant which is currently vacant. A significant proportion of the post holders in the three organisations under the aegis of my Department that have been designated for decentralisation, i.e. the Sports Council (Killarney), the Arts Council (Kilkenny) and Fáilte Ireland (Mallow), could be regarded as having specialist skills. While the detailed arrangements associated with the decentralisation process are matters that fall within the responsibilities of the Agencies themselves, I understand that the number of such officers in these organisations who have applied to relocate is small.

Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 161.

Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Jack Wall

Question:

165 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a delay of 55 weeks for the Employment Appeals Tribunal to hear cases in the Limerick area; his plans to address these serious delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20073/06]

The Employment Appeals Tribunal is an independent body under the aegis of the Department. I understand that there are 106 cases currently awaiting hearing in County Limerick, the earliest of which was notified to the Tribunal on 23rd June 2005, and that the average waiting period for a hearing is 55 weeks. The Tribunal has scheduled hearings in County Limerick on five separate occasions this year and further hearings are scheduled to take place in the immediate future. I am concerned that such delays in providing the services of the Tribunal have become unduly long and I have asked the Secretary General of my Department to examine the issue in consultation with the Chairperson of the Tribunal and to bring forward proposals for a resolution.

Job Creation.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

166 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created and the investment by job creation agencies for each year since 2000 for Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and rural parts of County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20128/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

167 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost each year since 2000 for Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and rural parts of County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20129/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

Data on employment in agency supported companies is recorded at county level. The tabular statement that follows this response gives the figures of full-time jobs created and lost in Co. Louth from 2000 to 2005 in companies supported by the enterprise development agencies. Job creation and job losses are a feature of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market demand for goods and services, competitive forces, restructuring and technological change. State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Both Agencies are actively promoting and encouraging new investments and jobs for County Louth and are also working with existing clients in the county with a view to helping them expand and or move their activities up the value chain.

Enterprise Ireland's investment in client companies in Co. Louth 2001-2006 (end April) totals almost €10m invested in 190 individual company projects. In addition Enterprise Ireland provides a range of services from technology and HRD support to access to our international office network to facilitate companies intelligence gathering and strategy formulation. The tabular statement that follows this reply gives the totals of payments to Enterprise Ireland client companies between 2001 and 2006, taken at the end of April. While figures are not yet available in respect of 2005, between 2000 and 2004, IDA invested, through grant payments, in excess of twenty two million euro in companies in County Louth. IDA Ireland will continue to actively market County Louth for Foreign Direct Investment. Among its investments in the County are:

•Drogheda Business Park where the first 23,000 sq ft office building is now substantially completed;

•serviced offices at Knockbrack House on Matthews Lane, Drogheda;

•Finnabair Business Park, Dundalk, in which it has recently invested circa €5 million and on which a new 30,000 sq ft office facility was completed in 2005, a further 30,000 sq ft building will be completed in August 2006 and a third is at an advanced stage of construction;

•Its strategic site at Mullagharlin, Dundalk where it is due to invest heavily in capital works during 2006 to make the site available for bio pharma and other process related activities.

IDA also markets property provided by private developers in the County. In addition, Louth County Enterprise Board (CEB) was established in October 1993 to provide a source of support in the Louth area for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. From 2000 to 2005 Louth CEB has paid out over €1.4m in grant aid to 172 projects in Co. Louth which has assisted in the creation of 504 jobs in the region. The Board has also organised 128 training programmes over the same period in which 1,536 people participated. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the Development Agencies in Louth, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Louth.

Full-time Job Gains and Losses in Agency Supported Companies in Co. Louth

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Jobs gains

1253

774

447

271

657

612

Jobs losses

-1,354

-1,678

-1,231

-961

-634

-338

Payments made to Companies in Co. Louth 2001-2006 (end April 2006) (€000's)

Town

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Total

Dundalk Investment €

1,361

743

598

542

456

251

3,952

No. Companies

21

19

19

17

12

8

96

Drogheda Investment €

1,047

391

403

343

1,201

28

3,414

No. Companies

15

12

11

11

10

4

63

Ardee Investment €

19

101

13

322

6

461

No. Companies

1

2

1

4

1

9

Other Investment €

727

194

150

291 4

94

21

1,478

No. Companies

5

3

2

4

5

3

22

Total Investment €

3,155

1,429

1,164

1,176

2,074

307

9,305

No. Companies

42

36

33

32

31

16

190

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

168 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20312/06]

12 members of staff who have opted to remain in Dublin have been reassigned from decentralising sections. A further 176 members of staff who have opted to remain in Dublin remain to be reassigned.

Richard Bruton

Question:

169 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20326/06]

My Department has been making good progress in implementing its decentralisation programme. The Office of Public Works has completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre. The Office of Public Works, in conjunction with its legal advisers and the National Development Finance Agency, is finalising the documentation which is required in order to seek expressions of interest from developers in relation to the design, build, finance and maintenance of new office accommodation and car parking for the Department in Carlow. The OPW expects to be in a position to commence this stage in the process before the end of May 2006. On completion of this stage, a short-list of developers will be drawn up from whom tenders will be invited. Following the tender evaluation process the preferred tenderer will be requested to seek suitable planning permission. On obtaining this, the OPW will formally award the contract and construction will commence. The OPW expect construction to begin early in 2007 and the construction phase may take up to 24 months. In order to accommodate staff who wish to move earlier than the projected building completion date, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, are actively exploring the option of an earlier move to Carlow, subject to securing, high quality temporary accommodation. This latter option could allow for the movement of some decentralising staff to Carlow during the first half of next year.

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to move its head office to Birr, County Offaly. FÁS is one of the seven State agencies identified as early movers by the Decentralisation Implementation Group from among the 30 agencies covered by the programme. The relocation, involving 383 staff, has a target date for Easter 2009. Negotiations with regard to the purchase of a site for FÁS in Birr are at contract stage, and are expected to be finalised shortly.

The Government has decided that the Headquarters of Enterprise Ireland, including 300 posts, will relocate to Shannon as part of the Decentralisation programme. The most immediate implementation step for Enterprise Ireland is to provide for a new HQ building, designed to meet the business needs of the organisation. Enterprise Ireland, working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW), has identified but not yet acquired a preferred site from the submissions received by the OPW in relation to the Shannon location. The preferred site is a 13-acre site owned by Shannon Development. In addition, and in co-operation with Shannon Development and OPW, the site was valued and a feasibility study carried out. The site occupies a prime position near the centre of Shannon and is considered suitable for a major landmark building or civic structure related to the town centre. It is too early to comment definitively on a timescale for the transfer of Enterprise Ireland's headquarters to Shannon. The factors of significance in this regard will be the acquisition of property and the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants. It will also be affected by progress made at a central level with regard to inter-agency transfers.

In regard to premises for the Health and Safety Authority in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, site procurement is in the final stages, and based on this, the HSA is estimating that the decentralisation move will take place by end 2008. The Authority is also actively seeking an interim base in Kilkenny city to accommodate circa 25 staff who are in the process of recruitment for the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) strategy and some serving staff who wish to move in advance of the Thomastown premises being available. All staff that may move in the interim to Kilkenny city will transfer to Thomastown when the premises are complete.

Finally, NSAI are working closely with OPW in identifying and securing suitable office accommodation in the Arklow area and the NSAI anticipate a target date of April 2009 as the completion date of its decentralisation plan.

Richard Bruton

Question:

170 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20340/06]

My Department is required to move 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme and has been making good progress in implementing its programme. The Office of Public Works has completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre and is finalising the documentation required to seek expressions of interest from developers in relation to the design, build, finance and maintenance of new office accommodation for the Department in Carlow. Construction is expected to commence in early 2007 and the construction phase may take up to 24 months.

In order to accommodate staff who wish to move earlier than the projected building completion date, my Department is actively exploring the option of an earlier move to Carlow, subject to securing, high quality temporary accommodation. This latter option could allow for the movement of some decentralising staff to Carlow during the first half of next year.

There are approximately seven specialist skills posts included for relocation to Carlow and the position with regard to these posts is as follows: One Legal Adviser post in my Department is planned for relocation to Carlow. No Legal Adviser from my Department has to date expressed an interest in relocating to Carlow.

In addition, approximately six I.T. posts will be relocated to Carlow. There are currently two people with specialist I.T. skills who have indicated a willingness to relocate to Carlow. However, a number of staff from elsewhere in the Public Service seeking to decentralise to Carlow have I.T. skills.

My Department currently has 101 Carlow-bound applicants assigned to decentralising posts and we expect to have all decentralising posts filled in sufficient time to ensure that staff are adequately trained in advance of the move to Carlow.

Agency Decentralisation

Four of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are due to decentralise as follows:

FÁS is to move 383 posts to Birr, Co. Offaly;

Enterprise Ireland is to move 292 posts to Shannon;

The Health and Safety Authority is to move 110 posts to Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, and

The National Standards Authority of Ireland is to move 132 posts to Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

The following outlines the position regarding the posts of specialists skills for relocation in respect of each agency:

FÁS

FÁS is scheduled to relocate its Head Office to Birr by Easter 2009. 383 FÁS posts are scheduled for relocation. There is no sub-category for specialist posts.

Enterprise Ireland

The Government has decided that the Headquarters of Enterprise Ireland, including 300 posts, will relocate to Shannon as part of the Decentralisation programme. Of these posts, some 107 are in the technical and professional grades, while 25 are senior managers in general administrative grades with specialist skills and experience, giving a total of 132 posts in all.

The most recent information from the CAF indicates that 19 Enterprise Ireland staff have applied for decentralisation to Enterprise Ireland in Shannon. Of these,

•seven are in technical and professional grades, based in Dublin, and in posts which have been identified for relocation to Shannon;

•four are in technical and professional grades and are based outside Dublin and/or in posts that have not been designated for relocation to Shannon.

Health and Safety Authority

All specialist posts based in the Dublin Headquarters of the Health and Safety Authority i.e. inspector positions, are earmarked for decentralisation, but as part of their decentralisation plan the HSA have noted the need to maintain an office in Dublin to service the Dublin region which would require 34 specialists.

Currently the Authority has approximately 100 inspectors of whom in excess of 60% are based in Dublin. Of these, 7 have applied through CAF (Central Application Facility) to relocate. In addition, a number of specialist posts have also been filled on promotion on the basis of the final location of the post being Thomastown. 9 new inspectors have been recruited on the basis that their eventual location will be Thomastown.

In addition new staff in the course of recruitment for REACH (Registration Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) will be based in Thomastown.

NSAI

Finally, in relation the National Standards Authority of Ireland, a total 132 staff are to be relocated to Arklow. NSAI has 74 posts of specialist skills planned for relocation under the decentralisation move to Arklow.

Currently 8 holders of these specialist posts have expressed their willingness to transfer with their posts to Arklow.

Richard Bruton

Question:

171 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20362/06]

No staff members have been assigned to my Department's decentralising location (Carlow), to date. However, there are currently 101 staff in the Department who are relocating to Carlow; 13 of whom are new recruits; none of whom are relocating on promotion.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Ryan

Question:

172 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the fact that income bands for deserted wives benefit have not been increased since 1992 he proposes to increase the bands and thus address this anomaly. [20104/06]

An earnings limit was introduced for deserted wife's benefit in 1992. The limit, which applied only to new claims after August 1992, was set at EUR12,697.38 a year (gross earnings). Where earnings are in excess of EUR12,697.38 a year, there may be entitlement to a reduced rate of payment of deserted wife's benefit, provided gross earnings do not exceed EUR17,776.33 a year. Following the introduction of the one parent family payment in 1997, the deserted wives benefit scheme was discontinued with effect from 2 January in that year. However, existing entitlements already acquired in August 1992, when the earnings limit was introduced for new claimants, and in 1997, when the one parent family payment scheme was introduced, have been preserved. The upper income ceiling applying to deserted wife's benefit of EUR17,776.33 (gross) in 1997 has not changed since then and I consider that it remains appropriate to the scheme.

With over 80,000 unmarried and separated parents with caring responsibilities receiving support under the one parent family payment, I was glad to be able to increase the earnings ceiling for the one parent family payment in this year's budget from EUR293.00 per week to EUR375.00 per week or EUR19,500 a year (gross earnings). Recipients of deserted wife's benefit with dependent children may transfer to the one parent family payment if it is beneficial for them to do so. In March of this year, I launched a major Government discussion paper, ‘Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents' which addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by low income families and their children. The report puts forward radical proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new Parental Allowance for low income families with young children. A range of views has been expressed as this report is debated and I will give serious consideration to all of them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are workable and equitable, it will be my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in the course of this year.

John McGuinness

Question:

173 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [20159/06]

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 relation to decisions on individual claims. The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned has been provided with an application form for rent supplement. It has further advised that it will make a decision in relation to her entitlement upon receipt of the fully completed application form.

Pat Breen

Question:

174 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for respite care grant will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20182/06]

There is no record in my Department of having received an application for the Respite Care Grant from the person to whom the Deputy refers.

As soon as the completed application form has been received, the application will be processed as soon as possible.

Pat Breen

Question:

175 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for respite care grant will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20260/06]

There is no record in my Department of an application having been received from the person to whom the Deputy refers.

I am arranging for a form to be forwarded to the person concerned. As soon as this is completed and returned to my Department, it will be processed as soon as possible.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

176 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20313/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

177 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20327/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

178 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20341/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

179 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20363/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 179, inclusive, together.

Under the Government decentralisation programme announced in Budget 2004, this Department is due to decentralise all of its Dublin based headquarters sections, involving some 1,300 staff, to six locations throughout the country.

Only a limited number of posts will remain in Dublin. In addition, the Combat Poverty Agency and Comhairle, agencies under the aegis of the Department, will be relocated to Monaghan and Drogheda, respectively.

The following are the indicative construction start and finish dates for each of the locations to which the Department will be moving:

Location

Indicative Construction Start

Indicative Construction Completion

Carrick-on-Shannon

Under way

Q4 2006

Drogheda

Q1 2007

Q1 2009

Sligo

Under way

Q3 2006

Buncrana

End 2007

Early 2009

Carrickmacross

End 2007

End 2008

Donegal

End 2007

Mid 2009

To date, 20 staff have been relocated to Sligo under the programme. All of the posts were filled by applicants on the Central Application Facility (CAF). 24 staff have been assigned to Sections that are due to decentralise early next year and a further 215 people have accepted offers of transfer under the programme. The CAF will remain open for new applications until the full decentralisation programme is complete.

There are currently 22 professional/specialist skill posts in this Department and a number of such posts in the agencies under its aegis that are due to decentralise. None of the staff currently employed in these positions has indicated an interest in decentralising in their current role.

To date, no-one serving in another decentralising Department/Office, who has opted to remain in Dublin, has been re-assigned to this Department. According to information available to the Department from the CAF, 1,549 staff in this Department have not applied to relocate outside Dublin. However, in view of the normal on-going turnover of staff, it is not anticipated that a surplus of Dublin staff will arise in the short-to-medium term. In the event of surplus arising, it will be dealt with in accordance with the agreed arrangements.

Rail Services.

David Stanton

Question:

180 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he expects to receive a report on the causes of the rail stoppage which occurred on 15 and 16 May 2006; if he has arranged for, or asked for, an independent investigation to be carried out into the causes of the dispute and stoppage; [20119/06]

My Department has no function in relation to this matter. Industrial relations in Iarnród Éireann are a day-to-day operational matter for the company itself and the trade unions concerned.

I am pleased that the issue have been resolved and that passengers on the Dublin to Cork rail service are availing of the increased standards provided by the new Mark IV trains.

Driving Tests.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

181 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will establish a driving test centre for Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20143/06]

There are no plans to open a driving test centre in Drogheda. The existing centres in Dundalk, Navan and Finglas provide for the demand in Drogheda and the general area.

Rail Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

182 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the position on the provision of the Arrow service to Athy and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/06]

Commuter services from Carlow and Athy to Dublin are currently provided by a combination of local and InterCity trains.

In March 2006 the service was improved by the addition of an extra morning peak service to Dublin. Morning services for commuters from Carlow to Dublin depart at 06.30, 07.18 and 08.45. Return evening services to Athy and Carlow leave Dublin at 16.25, 18.25 and 19.45.

With the introduction of a new fleet of railcars by 2008, to be based at a new depot in Portlaoise, further improvements to the frequency of services from Carlow and Athy will be made.

Rail Network.

Jack Wall

Question:

183 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the position of the proposed upgrading of the Dublin to Kildare rail line; the funding his Department has allocated or ring-fenced for this project; if changes have been made in regard to the original plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/06]

The Kildare Route Project involves the four-tracking of a critical section of the Kildare line between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch. The project will allow separation of long distance and commuter services and improve speed and capacity for commuter, regional and intercity services.

Having completed detailed planning and design, CIÉ applied for a Railway Order in October of 2005. I received the Inspector's report of the public inquiry in relation to the Railway Order for the Kildare Route Project on Friday 5 May 2006 and the report was published on 23rd May 2006. It is available on my Department's website at www.transport.ie.

In making my decision as to the granting of the Railway Order, I am obliged under Section 43 (1) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, to consider the report of the Inquiry as well as the submissions I received in respect of the project, CIÉ's application for a Railway Order, and the draft Order and documents that accompanied the application. I am currently considering the inspector's report and the other documents mentioned above and I will make a decision in the matter when I have completed that consideration.

Subject to the outcome of the Railway Order process, construction work on the project will begin towards the end of 2006 and is due for completion at the end of 2010.

Iarnród Éireann has made no changes to their plans for upgrading the route.

Transport 21 includes a financial provision to cover the projected cost of this project. However, I do not propose to release this commercially sensitive information until the public procurement process for this project is completed.

Rail Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

184 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to Iarnród Éireann’s review of ticketing and rail practices as stated in Parliamentary Question No. 488 of 21 March 2006; if the review is in progress or if it has been completed; the present stage of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20149/06]

The structure of rail fares is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.

I understand that the company is currently engaged in a review of all fare structures. It is expected that this review will be completed by the end of the year.

Jack Wall

Question:

185 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the proposals in Transport 21 in regard to the proposed changes in the national mainline services will provide for and address the facility of the Arrow service to Athy and Carlow and improve the Dublin to Waterford service; the cost of this aspect of Transport 21 to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/06]

Commuter services from Carlow and Athy to Dublin are currently provided by a combination of local and InterCity trains.

In March 2006 the service was improved by the addition of an extra morning peak service to Dublin. Morning services for commuters from Carlow to Dublin depart at 06.30, 07.18 and 08.45. Return evening services to Athy and Carlow leave Dublin at 16.25, 18.25 and 19.45.

By 2008 a new fleet of railcars is to be introduced across all intercity routes at a cost of €324.3 million. Services on the Waterford route will be boosted significantly when they begin operating from 2007. This will allow Iarnród Éireann to increase frequency to every 2 hours each way, with high quality carriages offering greater comfort.

Legislative Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

186 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of statutory instruments made in 2005; and his views regarding the number and cost in the context of the Government White Paper Regulating Better. [20151/06]

Twenty-seven Statutory Instruments were signed by me in 2005. I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ number 505 of Tuesday, 21st March 2006 regarding the details of these Statutory Instruments.

In relation to the Government White Paper "Regulating Better", my Department is now working towards implementing the principles set out therein for good regulation in accordance with the Government decision in 2005.

Road Network.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

187 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he has sanctioned non-tolled public private partnership roads; if he intends to sanction such roads; and if so, the way in which they would operate. [20188/06]

Transport 21 contains no proposals for non-tolled public-private partnership road projects. Any proposals for such projects would have to be considered in the context of the capital envelope for Transport 21.

Road Safety.

David Stanton

Question:

188 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has reviewed the operation of the national car test; the redress available to members of the public who disagree with decisions of the national car test; the further functions the national car test have been given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20189/06]

The contract with National Car Testing Service Limited (NCTS) provides for a mid-term review of the service by the Minister after the mid-point of the 10-year car testing contract. The purpose of the mid-term review is to review, in detail, the performance of NCTS and assess a range of strategic issues including the location and number of NCT test centres, the content of the test, the quality of the service, and the responses to a public consultation process on the review. The review was carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers for my Department last year and their report is currently being considered by my officials. I expect shortly to be in a position to make a decision on the report.

As part of the car-testing contract, NCTS operates a complaints and appeals procedure for customers aggrieved by a decision on a test. This procedure includes provision for an appeal against the result of a test. The grievance procedure was enhanced in 2004 with the introduction of a fully independent appeals procedure for considering unresolved complaints that have exhausted the internal NCTS appeals machinery. The independent assessment of appeals is carried out by the Automobile Association. In addition, it is open to a car owner to appeal a decision of NCTS to refuse a test certificate for a vehicle to the District Court, which may either refuse the appeal or direct that a new test be carried out.

The original contract provided for the Company to carry out periodic roadworthiness testing on passenger cars (including small public service vehicles). Subsequently, the contract was modified to include the carrying out of suitability tests on vehicles for the purposes of licensing as small public service vehicles. In accordance with the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the regulation of small public service vehicles is now the responsibility of the Commission for Taxi Regulation.

Rail Network.

Dan Boyle

Question:

189 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if the North Esk rail freight yard in Cork remains connected to the rail network following the forthcoming resignalling of the Cork to Cobh line. [20190/06]

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the works planned on the Cork-Cobh line will have no impact on the North Esk freight facility and the freight yard will remain connected to the rail system.

Driving Tests.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

190 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the data available to him on the profile of driving test applicants in respect of proximity to test centre choices, sex, age and other categories; and the details of same in respect of those currently waiting. [20262/06]

Any person may apply for a driving test to be conducted at a driving test centre of their choice. Information on the gender and age of applicants is only compiled once driving tests are completed.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

191 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the data available to him on the profile of provisional licence holders in respect of proximity to test centre choices, sex, age and other categories; and the details of same in respect of those currently waiting. [20263/06]

A profile of provisional licence holders in relation to their proximity to test centres and those currently awaiting tests is not available.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who hold and administer the National Driver File has advised that the breakdown of provisional licence holders by sex and age at 31st December, 2005 is as follows:

Age

Female

Male

Under 17

116

2,337

17-19

25,142

34,701

20-24

62,769

53,557

25-29

44,557

34,863

30-34

27,712

23,245

35-39

16,981

15,098

40-44

12,161

9,315

45-49

8,828

5,878

50-54

6,912

3,803

55-59

5,290

2,492

60-64

3,051

1,069

65-69

1,633

590

70-74

801

393

75-79

365

207

80-84

102

92

85 and over

33

172

Road Traffic Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

192 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which driver retraining or rehabilitation may be applied by the courts as an alternative penalty for road traffic violations; and his policy in increasing the options open to the courts in respect of such offenders. [20264/06]

The Road Traffic Acts establish a range of offences and penalties that can be applied for breaches of legislation. These range from the payment of a fixed charge or an on-the-spot-fine in respect of specified offences in lieu of court proceedings, to a fine, imprisonment or driver disqualification on conviction in Court. I have received no proposals for adding to the Road Traffic Acts other types of penalties for road traffic offences.

The extent to which driver retraining or rehabilitation may be applied by the Courts, in addition to the types of penalty mentioned above, is a matter for the Courts.

Driving Tests.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

193 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the funding available in 2006 for the upgrade of the driving test application software in Ballina; and the way in which this compares with the expected cost of the full upgrade. [20265/06]

The intention is to fully upgrade the IT delivery of the driver testing service over the coming 18 to 24 months. The first step is the improvement of the IT infrastructure to underpin the business needs of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA will have responsibility for the driver testing service, for which a sum of €380,000 has been provided for the 2006 costs associated with this upgrade.

In the context of the establishment of the RSA, detailed needs assessments will be carried out and an overall project cost will be established on this basis.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

194 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff currently employed in processing driving test applications; the typical throughput per week; and the operational capacity for processing driving test applications. [20266/06]

There are currently 51 staff working in the administration of driving tests.

The current average number of applications received is over 4,000 per week; approximately 4,500 tests are currently scheduled each week; and up to 1,500 tests are cancelled and re-arranged each week. In addition the staff are currently handling up to 3,000 telephone calls per week.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

195 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20314/06]

A small number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin have been reassigned from decentralising offices. However, priority is being given to establishing the transport office in Loughrea and the necessary reassignment of all these staff is expected to take place by year-end.

Richard Bruton

Question:

196 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20328/06]

It is expected that the move to Loughrea will be completed by 1st quarter 2007. The position with the move to Drogheda is less advanced and it is not possible to give a completion date at this stage.

The Agencies under the aegis of my Department have not been identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as early movers and this is a matter for the Agencies themselves to pursue.

Richard Bruton

Question:

197 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20342/06]

There are approximately 150 specialist skill posts due to be decentralised from this Department or its agencies. Priority is being given to finalising the decentralisation to Loughrea and the need to seek indications from individuals with specialist skills of their willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under my Department has not arisen. This will arise with subsequent planned moves.

Richard Bruton

Question:

198 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20364/06]

Ten staff have been assigned to-date, 1 to go to Loughrea and 9 to go to Drogheda. There have been no new recruits and nobody has moved on promotion.

Regarding the decentralising Agencies under the aegis of my Department, implementation issues such as the assignment of staff is a matter for the Agencies themselves to pursue.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

199 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in relation to the decentralisation of Government Departments and associated agencies to Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20438/06]

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 837, answered on 25th January, 2006 where I set out the position in full. The situation remains the same.

Richard Bruton

Question:

200 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20315/06]

To date 16 staff of my Department have been reassigned to Dublin posts with a further 5 reassignments being arranged at present, leaving an estimated balance of 94 assignments to be made over the next two years. This latter figure does not, of course, take account of the normal dynamics of staff movements such as recruitment, retirement, transfer on promotion etc.

Richard Bruton

Question:

201 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20329/06]

The Department's headquarters is to be relocated to Knock Airport while some 10 posts are to be relocated to the Department's offices at Na Forbacha in Galway. The date of completion of the relocation of the headquarters is dependent on the construction of a new building at Knock Airport. The latest information we have is that construction is to be completed in mid-2008.

Of the 140 posts due to transfer to Knock Airport, some 65 will transfer to temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry from mid-2006. When the new headquarters is ready for occupation, the Tubbercurry posts and those posts still remaining in Dublin at that stage will transfer to Knock Airport.

As regards Na Forbacha, 7 of the 10 posts due to transfer there from Dublin are now assigned with the balance of the transfer to be completed next year.

The completion of the transfer of Pobal posts to Clifden is dependent on the completion of new offices there. The indications are that these will be completed in early 2008. Of the 40 posts to transfer there, a total of 21 will be in place shortly in Clifden in temporary accommodation.

The Board of Foras na Gaeilge has been asked to bring forward firm proposals in relation to a phased relocating of precise sections, functions and posts in Gaoth Dobhair. I understand that this is in hands and will be available shortly.

Richard Bruton

Question:

202 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20343/06]

Of the 8 specialist posts in my Department, a final decision has been made in respect of two posts, both of which are currently vacant. These are being filled by open recruitment and on a decentralised basis. The position in relation to the other posts will be finalised in due course. The issue does not arise at this stage in relation to Pobal or Foras na Gaeilge.

Richard Bruton

Question:

203 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20365/06]

To date, 7 (out of a total of 10) officers have been assigned for decentralisation to Na Forbacha and 47 officers (out of a total of 140) have been assigned for decentralisation to Knock Airport.

Of the officers assigned, 3 are new recruits and 8 have been assigned on promotion.

Of the Pobal decentralisation to Clifden, 21 (out of a total of 40) staff have been assigned, of which 20 are new recruits and 1 promoted person.

The Board of Foras na Gaeilge has been asked to bring forward firm proposals in relation to a phased relocating of precise sections, functions and posts in Gaoth Dobhair. I understand that this is in hand and will be available shortly. In the meantime, the information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Question No. 204 withdrawn.

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

205 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an appeal lodged in respect of the single payment scheme national reserve 2005 for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20107/06]

The person named applied for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A, which caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. The National Reserve application submitted by the person named has not yet been fully processed by my Department. A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as processing is completed. My Department has no record of an appeal being received from the person named.

Phil Hogan

Question:

206 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of the national reserve under section C for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20113/06]

My Department's records indicate that the appeal submitted by the person named was received on 27 April 2006. The Independent Payment Appeals Committee will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review. It should be noted that to date the National Reserve section of my Department has received 802 appeals.

Michael Lowry

Question:

207 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for refusal of single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if an increase in entitlements will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20123/06]

On 12 August 2004, the person named submitted an application under Category B of the Force Majeure provisions of the Single Payment Scheme. Category B provides for those farmers who suffered long term professional incapacity. Having examined the circumstances and documentation submitted, it was deemed that the application did not satisfy the criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, determining Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances. The person named was notified of this decision on 31 August 2004. On 9 September 2004, the person named appealed this decision to the Single Payment Appeals Committee. Following consideration by that Committee, the person named was informed on 4 November 2004, that the appeal was disallowed. Subsequently, on receipt of further documentation from the person named, the case was again reviewed. However, it was determined that there were no grounds to change the original decision.

The person named was notified accordingly and advised of the right to appeal to the Office of the Ombudsman if dissatisfied with this decision. The person named did approach the Office of the Ombudsman. That Office reviewed the case and advised the person named on 21 November 2005 that the case was considered closed. The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve, under category D. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002, or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named did not satisfy the criteria for an allocation of entitlements under National Reserve as he commenced farming in 2002 and received direct payments from my Department in respect of that year.

Following this decision the person named submitted an appeal to my Department enclosing additional documentary evidence in support of his application. My Department will now re-examine the National Reserve application in light of the new evidence provided and if the original decision is unchanged following this re-examination, the case will then be forwarded to the Single Payments Appeals Committee, who will carry out a review of the case. The person named will be notified of the outcome.

Michael Lowry

Question:

208 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if additional resources will be allocated to Teagasc to meet the exponential rise in demand for services arising from farm waste management grant applications, REP scheme planning, and single farm payment; if her attention has been drawn to the number of staff allocated to these duties at each county Teagasc office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20124/06]

Teagasc has over 1,300 permanent staff, comprising advisers, teachers and research scientists with appropriate supporting services. These are complemented by some 250 contract staff, as well as teaching staff in the private agricultural and horticultural colleges. Teagasc staff carry out their functions from more than 90 locations. Teagasc's operating budget for 2006 amounts to about €162m. Advisory services make up the biggest budget item (38% of expenditure), followed by production research (30%), training programmes (18%) and food research (14%). My Department's provision to Teagasc for capital and non-capital purposes in 2006 amounts to €133m. The amount for non-capital purposes is €129m and for capital development purposes the allocation is €5m. By any standards these are substantial resources and are a clear indication of the Government's continuing commitment to supporting Teagasc activities. It is the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority to prioritise activities and to allocate its funding accordingly. This it has done over the years in accordance with the needs of clients, EU and Government policy and industry needs. I am satisfied that in doing so it has provided a first class service to Irish farmers. Any request for extra resources will be dealt with in the usual manner.

EU Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

209 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the EU funding which has been drawn down for beekeeping in the past five years by her Department; the use this funding was put to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20162/06]

The EU provides part-financing for national apiculture programmes carried out in Member States. EU funding for Ireland's programmes amounted to €88,500 in the period from 2001 to 2005. These funds were used towards the analysis of beekeepers' samples for varroa disease and on research on the varroa mite, Irish honey analysis, the purchase of equipment for the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Association and the publication of educational literature. In 2003, some training costs of FIBKA certified lecturers, who travel throughout the country disseminating information to beekeeping associations on various aspect of beekeeping, were also paid.

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if and when the single farm payment will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20239/06]

The person named submitted an application requesting consideration in respect of the New Entrant measure of the Single Payment Scheme. However, as his lands had been leased out since 1996 he had established no entitlements during the reference years 2000-2002, and therefore his application was unsuccessful. In addition, the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category D. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. This case has been processed to completion and the person named has now been granted an allocation. A formal letter setting out the details of this allocation has been issued. If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision he will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

211 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry against the decision to refuse them single payment entitlements under the 2005 national reserve scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20241/06]

My Department's records indicate that the appeal submitted by the person named was received on 27 April 2006. The Independent Payment Appeals Committee will carry out a full review of the case and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review. It should be noted that to date the National Reserve section of my Department has received 802 appeals.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

212 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20316/06]

There are approximately 400 Dublin-based staff that have not applied for decentralisation. 127 of these have applied to the Public Appointments Service Dublin List to be reassigned in Dublin. To date, 5 have been reassigned. A number of the Dublin-based staff have expressed an interest in relocating to Backweston, Co. Kildare, to which 70 posts are to be relocated.

Richard Bruton

Question:

213 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within her Department or of agencies under her Department will be completed. [20330/06]

The Government decision on the decentralisation of this Department is that our headquarters will move to Portlaoise, the local office in Cork city will move to Fermoy and the laboratories in Cork and Limerick will move to Macroom. An Bord Bia is scheduled to relocate to Enniscorthy. The Decentralisation Implementation Group's report of June 2005 indicated the following timeframe for completion of my Department's decentralisation moves: Portlaoise end 2008, Fermoy and Macroom early 2009. An Bord Bia was not included in the list of organisations to be included in the first phase of the government's decentralisation programme. The Decentralisation Implementation Group has not included a specific timeframe for the completion of the Bord Bia move.

Richard Bruton

Question:

214 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under her Department. [20344/06]

The Government decision on the decentralisation of this Department is that its headquarters will move to Portlaoise, the local office in Cork city will move to Fermoy and the laboratories in Cork and Limerick will move to Macroom. Some 50 headquarters staff in specialist grades are due to be located in Portlaoise. Staff are currently being assigned to 18 of these posts and the filling of the remainder of these posts is in train. The following table shows the number of posts as published on the Central Applications Facility and the number of my Department's specialist staff in Macroom and Fermoy who have applied to relocate:

Fermoy

CAF Posts

Applications

Agricultural Inspector

3

2

Assistant Agricultural Inspector

2

4

Superintending Veterinary Inspector

1

2

Veterinary Inspector

13

11

District Superintendent

6

1

Supervisory Agricultural Officer

4

3

Technical Agricultural Officers

17

14

Forestry Inspector Grade 2

1

0

Forestry Inspector Grade 3

1

0

MACROOM

Senior Research Officer

3

0

Research Officers

4

3

Sen. Lab Technicians

5

2

Lab Technicians

13

8

Serological Assistants

36

15

Agricultural Inspector

6

1

Assistant Agricultural Inspector

3

3

Dairy Lab Assistant

1

0

Supervisory Agricultural Officer

2

0

Lab Attendants

11

0

With regard to An Bord Bia, 46 of the 67 Bord Bia posts scheduled for transfer to Enniscorthy are classified as specialist and of these, 21 have indicated a willingness to transfer to Enniscorthy.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

215 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food Ireland’s position on the redrafting of Council Regulation 2092/91; her position on allowing the EU Commission greater control of organic standard setting; her position on the role of independent bodies to claim higher quality standards than those set down by the EU; her further position on allowing food containing up to 0.9% of genetically modified product to be labelled as organic; her position on the transfer of certification control; her further position on the absence of a very precise list of items that may be used in an organic system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20356/06]

I support the general thrust of the proposed Regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products and I believe that it is a step in the right direction towards the simplification of controls and procedures. There have been extensive discussions at Council Working Group level during the current Presidency. The proposed Regulation was debated at the Council of Ministers this week and while no decision was sought there was broad general agreement among the Ministers on the approach being adopted by the Commission. A number of areas remain to be clarified.

In relation to the setting of organic standards being controlled by the European Commission, the existing practice is that this work is done by a regulatory committee comprised of experts from the Member States. I am not in favour of the proposal to replace this regulatory committee with a Management Committee. The majority of my fellow Ministers take the same view. On the other hand, I fully support the harmonisation of organic standards throughout the EU. Under the Commission's proposals, claims that a particular set of private or national standards is superior to the rules laid down in the Regulation will not be allowed. That will of course not affect the right of a member state to set additional standards, as Ireland has already done.

The proposed Regulation continues to prohibit the deliberate use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in organic production and processing, and that products cannot be labelled both organic and GMO. I fully support this position. While organic farming prohibits the deliberate use of GMOs, there is some risk that they may be introduced unintentionally to organic crops from time to time as a result of events over which producers have no control. The existing horizontal Regulations regarding the labelling of food and feed state that a product with an adventitious presence of GMO of more than 0.9% must be labelled as GM. The draft Regulation on organic production proposes to adopt the same threshold. While a final decision on this issue must involve some degree of pragmatism, the actual threshold for GMO in organic food is a matter that the Council will consider further. As far as certification controls are concerned, I am happy that the existing system works well in Ireland and I do not support unnecessary changes. Detailed implementing rules will be finalised before the proposed new Regulation comes into effect in January 2009. The issue of a precise list of items will be discussed in that context.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

216 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20366/06]

The number of persons assigned for decentralisation to Portlaoise is 177. Of this number, 4 are new recruits and 47 promoted staff members have committed to moving. The number of persons assigned for decentralisation to Fermoy is 18. The number of persons assigned for decentralisation to Macroom is 22.

Registration of Title.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

217 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite a dealing item for registration (details supplied) as a major urban renewal project cannot proceed until the necessary registration takes place. [20083/06]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact her directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.

Legal Aid Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid out of the criminal legal aid scheme to defence solicitors in each of the respective counties as per an appendix (details supplied) for the year 2005. [20085/06]

I can inform the Deputy that the amount paid to solicitors operating under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme was €21.472m in 2005. Statistics are not compiled in such a manner as to readily identify the amount paid to solicitors on a county by county basis.

Visa Applications.

Michael Noonan

Question:

219 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the C visa granted to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal allows them to remain here for more than 90 days in order that they can pursue an application for residency based on marriage to an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20097/06]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to his Question No. 412 of 16 May 2006 in connection with the person in question. An Irish visa merely allows a person to travel to the State, it does not grant permission to enter the State or to remain in the State. A ‘C' visa merely indicates that the holder may remain for up to a maximum of 90 days in the State. A ‘C' visa was granted to the person in question to enable her to travel to the State to pursue an application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish citizen. In this regard, an application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in March 2006. Applications of this type, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately fourteen months to process. Marriage to an Irish national does not grant any automatic right to residency in the State solely on that basis. Neither does it grant an automatic right to Irish citizenship following the coming into force of the Immigration and Citizenship Act 2001 which abolished the previous system of Post Nuptial Citizenship.

The Irish Nationality and Immigration Service of my Department has growing experience of marriages being entered into for the sole purpose of enabling the non-national in question gain entry to the State. Frequently in these circumstances the Irish national may be totally unaware that this is the primary intention of the non-national and will feel aggrieved by the perception that the immigration authorities are interfering with their private life in refusing to allow their spouse to enter or remain in the State. On occasion the Irish national may be a willing party for their own personal benefit. "Convenience" marriages for the purpose of circumventing normal immigration controls are experienced by immigration jurisdictions worldwide and, in this regard, holiday and internet romances would feature frequently. In order to prevent abuses of the system, in so far as is possible and without unduly interfering with the Irish citizen's private circumstances, the Immigration Division will seek to establish various matters. These include the context in which the marriage took place, the validity of the marriage and whether the couple are residing in a family unit. This may involve requesting supporting documentation as evidence of the relationship or an interview by the immigration authorities of either or both parties. No further period of legal residency will be granted to the person concerned until the application for leave to remain based on marriage to an Irish national is fully considered.

Dan Neville

Question:

220 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason some groups bringing children here for holidays from Belarus receive visa exemptions while others do not. [20101/06]

The requirement to hold a valid visa prior to entering the State was waived in recent years for certain persons travelling from Belarus with Chernobyl childrens' organisations. This practice was discontinued on 1st January, 2006. Changes in visa policy and the introduction of legislation including the Children Act, 2001 and the Immigration Act, 2003, necessitated a return to previous practice in relation to issue of visas. However, an interim arrangement currently exists for one long established group to continue to operate under the visa waiver scheme. It is envisaged that the arrangement with this group will cease to operate on 31st December, 2006.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

221 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of closed circuit television in Finglas village; and when he expects the cameras to be installed. [20138/06]

As the Deputy is aware, a key issue to be addressed in the installation of the Finglas Town Centre CCTV system is the provision of suitable accommodation to house the monitoring equipment. It was initially hoped that this could be accommodated in Finglas Garda station. However, the present station premises are not suitable for this purpose. I have already stated that immediate priority is being given to providing a new Garda station in Finglas. I am advised that the Office of Public Works are currently in negotiations with the owners of a local premises with a view to leasing the necessary accommodation for the monitoring of the CCTV cameras in Finglas until such time as the proposed new Station is built. I can assure the Deputy that this project will be progressed as soon as humanly possible.

Garda Equipment.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

222 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate funds will be provided to the gardaí in County Louth for the provision of speed cameras on the approach roads to the towns of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee. [20139/06]

The Government Road Safety Strategy for the period 2004-2006 proposes that 11.1 million vehicle speeding checks be carried out per year by the end of the Strategy. In order to enable this target to be achieved, the Strategy proposes that An Garda Síochána enter into arrangements for the engagement of a private sector concern for the purpose of the provision and operation of a nationwide programme for the detection of speeding offences.

My colleague the Minister for Transport and I presented proposals to Government in July 2005 for the outsourcing to the private sector of the provision and operation of speed cameras under the supervision and direction of the Garda Síochána. Our proposals were accepted by Government. The proposals will require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts. The Department of Transport is currently preparing legislative provisions necessary to support those recommendations.

The Garda authorities inform me that the safety camera project will commence with approximately 500 — 600 locations countrywide (about 15-20 locations per local authority area). Speed checks will take place at these locations at times decided by a matrix which will link the checks to speed related collision data. The number of locations will be increased as necessary to achieve the targeted road safety objectives of increasing compliance with speed limits across the entire road network, reducing the speed of vehicles at locations that have a speed related collision history and acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive speed. A mix of mobile and fixed cameras will be used.

I am confident that adequate funding will be provided to implement the project. To retain public support for the safety camera project there will be no linkage to the revenue that may be collected as fixed charges or court fines. The project will focus on its primary objective of reducingexcessive speed and thereby reducing death and serious injury.

Garda Strength.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

223 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí based in each Garda station in County Louth for the years 2000 to date in 2006; if he intends to increase the numbers in any location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20140/06]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

224 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full-time gardaí based in Ardee in 2000 and 2006; if he will increase the number of gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20141/06]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2006 was 12,439. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,737 (or 16.2%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda personnel in each Garda Station, including Ardee, in County Louth as at 31 December each year from 2000 to 2005 (inclusive) and as at 31 March 2006, was as set out in the table hereunder:

Station

00

01

02

03

04

05

31/03/06

Drogheda

90

89

89

90

89

93

93

Castlebellingham

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

Clougherhead

3

3

3

2

2

1

2

Dunleer

3

3

4

4

4

4

4

Dundalk

97

99

96

97

101

101

105

Carlingford

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

Hackballscross

15

14

14

14

13

12

12

Dromad

14

14

13

12

11

9

9

Omeath

12

13

14

14

15

10

9

Louth

2

2

1

2

1

2

2

Blackrock

4

4

4

4

4

5

5

Ardee

10

9

9

10

10

10

10

Collon

1

3

2

2

2

2

2

It should be noted that the necessity for a disproportionately large Garda presence in the border counties has significantly diminished since the Good Friday Agreement. Notwithstanding this, Garda management advise that an additional 10 Gardaí are due to be allocated to the Louth/ Meath Division in conjunction with the next allocation of Probationer Gardaí on 9 June 2006.

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

I should add that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March and a further 275 newly attested Gardaí will do so every 90 days thereafter. 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 County Louth will be given the fullest consideration.

Deportation Orders.

Tony Gregory

Question:

225 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 678 of 21 March 2006 (details supplied) if a decision has yet been made in this case. [20160/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to his Dáil Question No. 678 of 21 March 2006 in relation to this case and would like to advise the Deputy that I signed a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned on 12 May 2006. Notice of the Deportation Order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on Friday 9 June 2006 in order to make arrangements for his deportation from the State. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Finian McGrath

Question:

226 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the medical expenses of a person (details supplied) from the Remembrance Commission; and if he will ensure that they get the maximum support as a victim of the Dublin bombings in 1974. [20161/06]

I am informed by the Remembrance Commission that payments have been made in respect of a number of applications which were submitted by the person in question and which fell within the terms of the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. A number of other applications are being processed by the Commission, and contact is ongoing between the person and the Commission with regard to these. Any further applications submitted by the person in question which fall within the terms of the Scheme will, of course, be met, and the person will receive full support from the Commission.

Prison Building Programme.

Barry Andrews

Question:

227 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for Shanganagh Prison and the associated lands. [20172/06]

Part of the property at Shanganagh has been sold to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. It is intended that the remainder of the site will be placed on the open market later this year. The proceeds of both transactions will be offset against the costs incurred in the context of the development of major prison-related capital projects.

Garda Ombudsman Commission.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

228 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a definitive date has been set for the Garda Ombudsman Commission to begin its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20174/06]

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commissioners were appointed by the President on the 10th February 2006, following nomination by the Government and recommendations by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Commission is in a preparatory stage at present. I understand that the initial work of the Commission has involved study visits to their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK and initial meetings with the various stakeholders involved in the Garda complaints system, such as Garda management, the Garda representative bodies and officials of my Department.

This process is aimed at enabling the Commission to establish principles regarding its approach to investigating complaints and to work on the development of operational protocols with the Garda Síochána. Consultations are also on-going between the Commissioners, my Department and the Department of Finance in regard to staffing matters. The Commission is aiming to be in a position to receive complaints as soon as possible in 2007.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

229 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if premises have been acquired or staff recruited for the Garda Ombudsman Commission; the details of such premises or staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20175/06]

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission with the help of the Office of Public Works is in the process of identifying suitable premises for their Dublin Headquarters. Work is also underway to put in place regional offices in Longford and Roscrea. The Commission is in consultation with my Department and the Department of Finance regarding the numbers and grading of their required staff. The Commission has also had preliminary meetings with the Public Appointments Commission on the mechanisms required for recruiting these staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

230 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the proposed annual budget for the Garda Ombudsman Commission giving details of salaries and consultancy fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20176/06]

This year's Estimates have allocated a provision of approximately €10m for the initial requirements of the Ombudsman Commission in 2006 which I believe will adequately meet their needs. Of this allocation, approximately €3.5m is provided for salaries with the balance being in respect of accommodation, Information Technology and general operating expenses. The annual budget for the Ombudsman Commission will be determined each year in consultation with the Minister for Finance as part of the annual Estimates process.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

231 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a detailed schedule of all expenses incurred to date in setting up the Garda Ombudsman Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20177/06]

This year's Estimates have allocated a budget of approximately €10m for 2006 to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. It is envisaged that the main demands on this provision will be pay, accommodation and Information Technology. The following table sets out the schedule of all expenses incurred by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission from 1 January to 30 April 2006.

Expenditure

Amount (€)

Salaries and PRSI

99,639.65

Official Entertainment

251.25

Staff Training & Development

700.00

Publication, Reports & Periodicals

1,036.18

Travel & Accommodation

2,041.60

Catering Expenses

261.46

Telecommunications/Postage

5,697.81

IT Maintenance

34,987.61

IT Hardware

35,743.10

IT Software

7,058.50

Stationery

4,059.27

Office Equipment & Furniture

26,516.44

Premises Expenses

671.99

Heating & Lighting

1,875.91

Sundry Expenses

1,599.48

Office Cleaning Expenses

4,505.01

Total

226,645.26

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

232 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases that will be assessed by the Garda Ombudsman Commission in its first full year of operation; if he has set targets in this respect for the Commission; the structures he has put in place or will put in place to monitor the efficiency of the Commission’s work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20178/06]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to directly and independently investigate complaints against members of the Force. It may also refer complaints to the Garda Commissioner for investigation with or without supervision. The Ombudsman Commission is empowered to investigate any matter, even where no complaint has been made, where it appears that a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings. It is also empowered to investigate any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints. The Ombudsman Commission can also have complaints referred to them from either myself or the Garda Commissioner.

It is not possible to estimate the number of complaints which the Ombudsman Commission will receive, but the last figure that the Garda Complaints Board have given, in their 2005 annual report, has shown that they received a total of 1173 complaints in that year. It will be a matter for the Ombudsman Commission to determine the number of complaints which they will investigate directly and the number they will refer to the Garda Commissioner for investigation. Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 sets out the procedures governing the Commission's accountability to the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Oireachtas. As the Commission is funded by my Department, the Secretary General of the Department, as Accounting Officer, is accountable for such expenditure through all the usual mechanisms of the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts.

Asylum Applications.

Dan Boyle

Question:

233 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status here of a person (details supplied); and when correspondence from his Department was last sent to this person. [20192/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 October, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 30 September, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Citizenship Applications.

Willie Penrose

Question:

234 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to ensure that citizenship is granted to a person (details supplied) as set out in correspondence furnished to his Department on 3 February 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20208/06]

The position is that the great-grandchild of a person born in Ireland can obtain Irish citizenship by registering in the Foreign Births Register provided either of his/her parents was an Irish citizen at the time of his/her birth. There is one exception to that rule. If the child's parent had registered in the Foreign Births Register prior to 31 December, 1986, the person can register even if the parent had not registered at the time of that person's birth.

In this particular case, the person referred to in the Deputy's question registered in the Foreign Births Register in 2004 on the basis of having a grandparent born in Ireland. However, as he did not exercise his entitlement to Irish citizenship prior to the birth of his children, and was not therefore an Irish citizen at the time of their births, the children are not entitled to register. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended was enacted by the Oireachtas, and the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs are obliged to administer it. A challenge to the constitutionality or otherwise of the Act, would be a matter to be settled by the Irish courts. A reply is due to issue shortly to the letter received from the person concerned.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20250/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 18 April, 2003 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 14 February, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or the Office of the Refugee Application Commission of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal studied the documentation submitted by the various referees in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if their particular case was examined by a person alleged to have never granted refugee status to an applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to his Dáil Question No. 165 of 11 May 2006. The position in the State of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.

Representations for temporary leave to remain in the State pursuant to Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) were submitted on behalf of the person concerned by the Refugee Legal Service and from various third parties and were duly considered before a decision was taken to issue a Deportation Order in his case. As I have previously advised, the enforcement of such an Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. These representations were not considered by either the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) as these representations were submitted only after the asylum claims of the person concerned had been independently refused by both of those bodies. The Deputy should note also that the statutory brief of both of those bodies, as set out in the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) is to examine asylum claims, at first instance in the context of the ORAC and, on appeal, in the context of the RAT, and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in each individual case, as to whether each applicant should or should not be declared to be a refugee. The person concerned had his asylum claims examined by both bodies, both of whom concluded that he did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Deputy will appreciate that these bodies are not charged with responsibility for considering applications for permission to remain in the State pursuant to the provisions of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended).

Furthermore, the Deputy should note that the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body, independent in the performance of its functions under the provisions of sections 15 and 16 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). The effective management of the Tribunal is the responsibility of the Chairperson who in accordance with the section 14 of the second schedule of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) shall endeavour to ensure that the business of the Tribunal is managed efficiently and that the business assigned to each division is disposed of as expeditiously as may be consistent with fairness and natural justice. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 11 May 2006 and previous parliamentary questions and the replies thereto, the way in which he is satisfied that the case in question has been properly decided in view of serious evidence to indicate a substantial threat to the lives and well-being of persons in the event of their return to their homeland; if his attention has been drawn to the UN concerns regarding the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20252/06]

I would refer the Deputy to my many previous and comprehensive Replies in this matter. As previously stated, the persons concerned arrived in the State on 7 March 2005 and 1 July 2005 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following the consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. As the Deputy is aware, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is a statutory body, independent in the performance of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Similarly the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body, independent in the performance of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of sections 15 and 16 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended).

The persons concerned, following refusal recommendations by both the ORAC and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal on their asylum applications, were informed, by letters dated 27 September 2005 and 16 January 2006, 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 i.e. why they should not be deported.

Their cases were examined having regard for the eleven factors specified in 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. Their cases were also considered having regard for the provisions of Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Refoulement, in essence, relates to the safety of returning a person to their country of origin. After their cases had been comprehensively assessed under all the relevant headings, 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 persons concerned 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 on that occasion, as required, and were thus classified as evading their deportation. They should, therefore, present themselves to the GNIB without delay. The effect of these Deportation Orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State.

The asylum claims and the applications for temporary leave to remain in the State made by the persons concerned have been considered comprehensively and fairly. Consequently I see no reason to alter my decision to issue Deportation Orders in these cases. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders remains an operational matter for the GNIB.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the passport deemed invalid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin needs to be validated; the procedure to be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20253/06]

The passport submitted by the person in question was deemed invalid as it failed basic authenticity tests. However further documentation provided by this person has enabled the Department to grant permission to remain to in the State under the revised arrangements for non-national parents of Irish-born children born before 1 January 2005.

The passport has now been forwarded to the Garda Síochána for the purposes of further authenticity tests.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency or citizenship status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24, having particular regard to the medical needs of the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20254/06]

The lady in question arrived in the State on 30 May 1999 and sought asylum. She withdrew her application before a decision was reached and sought permission to remain on foot of her parentage of a child born in Ireland on 16 June 1999. Such permission was granted in November 1999.

The husband of the lady in question arrived in the State in November 1999 and also sought asylum. That application was refused in September 2000. An appeal was lodged in October 2000 but was subsequently withdrawn. Permission to remain on foot of his parentage of the child born in Ireland on 16 June 1999 was granted in November 2001.

Both of the persons in question initially applied for naturalisation in 2002. I considered the applications in 2004 and decided to refuse both applications. The persons concerned were informed of my decision at the end of 2004. Both submitted new applications in August 2005.

The first element of the assessment process involves determining if the applicant meets the statutory residency requirement set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. 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, including having 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. 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.

At the time of her application, the lady in question did not have the necessary reckonable residence as set out above. She was informed of this determination in December 2005 and given a copy of my officials' calculations. It appears that she now meets the residency requirement.

The lady's husband did not have the necessary reckonable residence at the time he applied for naturalisation. However, it appears that he will not meet the residency requirement until October 2006.

Any further applications by the couple will be assessed against the statutory criteria in operation at the time of receipt of the applications. The legal representatives of the persons in question have submitted documentation in relation to a medical situation in the family. I will, of course, take these matters into account in considering future applications from the couple.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that all of the circumstances indicating a life threatening situation in the event of a return to their homeland in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 are groundless, in view of the fact that their application for refugee status has been refused and having particular regard to international opinion regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20255/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 24 February, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 13 September, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, having particular reference to their health needs and the treatment required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20256/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 19 March, 1996 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by Asylum Division and, on appeal, by the Appeals Authority.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, she was informed by letter dated 2 May, 1999, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 14 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, or leaving the State before an order is made. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

It must also be noted that the last correspondence received on behalf of the person concerned was in November, 2004. In the circumstances, the Deputy may wish to note that a letter recently issued to the person concerned giving her the opportunity to make further representations on her own behalf. Once these representations have been received, an assessment of her case as it currently stands can be made.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision shortly thereafter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the citizenship or residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20257/06]

The two persons referred to by the Deputy in the details accompanying his Question are husband and wife. The wife has already been naturalised and the husband has submitted an application on the basis that he is the spouse of an Irish citizen. The reference number quoted by the Deputy refers to the husband's application.

I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 150 on 26 January 2006 that the husband's case would be finalised in or around July 2006.

Processing of the application is due to commence in the next few months but, in view of the increasing volume of applications for naturalisation being received, I cannot be certain at this stage if it will be finalised by July.

I will be in touch with both the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision in the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has taken place in the application for reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8, in view of the fact that the Court has struck out the alleged fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20258/06]

The person concerned made an application in 2003 for Family Reunification on behalf of his wife and his children. Documents submitted in support of the application were examined and found not to be genuine.

The person was arrested on suspicion of commission of an offence contrary to Section 26 Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 and charged with the offence of possession of a false instrument. He pleaded guilty before Kilmainham District Court and was fined €100.

The Family Reunification application by the person in question was refused and their legal representative was notified of this decision on the 10 February 2005.

It should be noted that the person concerned was naturalised in August 2004 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. As such the person in question has no longer any entitlement to make an application for Family Reunification.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/06]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the case of the person concerned falls under the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003. Consequently, I wish to preface my Reply by briefly explaining the workings of this Regulation.

The Dublin II Regulation is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Member State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one State. At the same time it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had pertained in Europe prior to the introduction in 1995 of its predecessor, namely the Dublin Convention. Under the Dublin Convention, and now the Dublin II Regulation, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) can, on the basis of relevant criteria, request another State to accept responsibility for an asylum application and have it processed in that other State.

The person concerned lodged an asylum claim in this State on 13 April 2005. Following investigation, it was determined by the ORAC that, pursuant to the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, the United Kingdom was the appropriate State to process the application as the person concerned had previously lodged an asylum claim in that State, on 4 March 2003, albeit under a different name and date of birth. The person concerned was offered an opportunity to appeal the determination of the ORAC, to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which she duly did on 7 July 2005. Following consideration of the Appeal, the Tribunal upheld the determination of the ORAC i.e. that the person concerned should have her asylum claim examined in the United Kingdom and she was formally notified of this decision by letter dated 8 September, 2005. The person concerned was kept informed of developments throughout the course of her asylum application in this State and was made aware as soon as it was possible to do so that her case came under the terms of the Dublin II Regulation.

The United Kingdom accepted responsibility for the case of the person concerned with the consequence that a Transfer Order was signed in respect of her on 29 June 2005. This Order was issued to the person concerned on 1 July 2005, requiring her to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on 11 July 2005 to make arrangements for her transfer to the United Kingdom. She failed to present, as required, and is therefore classified as having evaded her transfer. Consequently, she is now liable to arrest and detention. She should therefore present herself to An Garda Síochána without further delay so that travel arrangements can be made to effect her transfer to the United Kingdom.

In accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, the United Kingdom, and not Ireland, is responsible for examining the asylum claim of the person concerned. As a result, it is not my intention to grant the person concerned any period of leave to reside here. Given that the person concerned lodged her initial asylum claim in the United Kingdom, it is entirely appropriate that she be transferred to that State.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 11 May 2006, his attention has been drawn to the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; if his attention has further been drawn to the concerns of the UN and various other bodies regarding the human rights situation there; if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be deported to their homeland given the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20285/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 151 of Thursday, 11 May, 2006 (ref: 17743/06), and 326 of Thursday, 6th April, 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Recognition of Marriage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed to obtain a declaration that the traditional marriage entered into by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is valid and recognised, having regard to documentation already submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20286/06]

Information received by my Department suggests that the marriage of the person referred to in the Deputy's question is not valid.

Correspondence issued on 17 January 2006 explained that a person may make an application to the courts for a declaration their marriage is valid under Section 29 of the Family Law Act, 1995 which can be arranged through their legal representatives.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will extend the residency offered to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will update the green card issued but now out of date so that they can return to work; if his attention has been drawn to the extenuating circumstances of this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20287/06]

A letter has recently issued to the legal representative of the person in question extending his permission to remain.

On receipt of the letter the person in question should present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case with a view to extended residency of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, in view of the instability of the situation in their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20288/06]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 10 November, 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 5 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. This letter was re-issued on 12 May, 2006. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 11 May 2006 and his subsequent decision on 12 May 2006, if he has received confirmation that a return to their homeland will not constitute a threat to the life or well being of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the UN or other bodies regarding the situation in Angola with a view to extension of residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20289/06]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of Thursday, 11 May, 2006 (ref: 17821/06) and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the request to transfer a person (details supplied) in County Kildare as requested in view of the fact that the Rotunda Hospital has clarified the situation in regard to their medical requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20290/06]

I wish to inform you that the individual concerned is being offered a transfer to Newlight House, St. Margarets Road, Dublin 11 following receipt of up-to-date correspondence from the Rotunda Hospital in support of her request for transfer.

Transfers of this nature, where supported by medical evidence, are arranged on an ongoing basis to ensure that asylum seekers in direct provision have access to specialist medical attention.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

251 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will supply the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 6 April 2006. [20291/06]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to identify the number of provisional licence holders prosecuted and the number convicted for driving unaccompanied.

The number of prosecutions and convictions for no driving licence in each of the years since 2000 to date is set out in the following table:

Year

Charges/Summonses

Convictions**

2005*

25,330

3,000

2004

24,231

5,444

2003

26,066

6,789

2002

30,819

7,852

2001

12,332

3,651

2000

483

329

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

It should be noted that motorists who fail to produce their driving licence in a Garda station named by them within ten days as required are as a consequence subsequently prosecuted. On the day of the court hearing the driving licence is produced by the driver in the majority of cases and as a result no conviction ensues.

The enforcement of the law on licences is an ongoing activity of members of An Garda Síochána through both scheduled checkpoints and unscheduled checks.

Prison Building Programme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

252 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the building of a prison on Spike Island, Cobh, in view of the significant history of the island where St. Carthage founded a monastic settlement in the sixth century; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the building of a bridge to the island will destroy the historical and heritage significance of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20292/06]

I do not propose to change my plans for a new prison development including a bridge at Spike Island. I do, however, note the concerns raised in relation to heritage aspects which arise in the context of this development. I have been assured that such concerns can be met by sensitive architectural treatment and design. I will ensure that there will be full consultation with the relevant authorities in relation to these aspects.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

253 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20317/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

254 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20331/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

255 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20345/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

257 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20367/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 255, inclusive, and 257 together.

My Department's decentralisation programme runs from 2005 to 2009 and involves the transfer of over 900 posts from agencies and units under the aegis of my Department to seven locations around the country. To date, in respect of these 900 posts, 251 people have either transferred to the organisations concerned or have indicated a willingness to move to the decentralised locations. There are a range of posts which can be described as non-general service grades and to date, seven people have applied to move with their posts. Due to the varying timescales involved in my Department's programme and the fact that the Central Applications Facility remains open for business, these figures will be subject to change as the programme is rolled out. I fully anticipate that the numbers will rise as the programme develops.

At this stage in the implementation of the programme, the emphasis has been on the "early movers", namely the transfer of the Irish Prison Service to Longford, as well as the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to Portarlington and sections of Garda Headquarters to Thurles. In the course of this particular exercise, 103 officers have opted to remain in Dublin, 43 of whom have been assigned and 60 people are in the process of being re-assigned within my Department.

As the Deputy will be aware, the precise timetable for my Department's decentralisation programme has been published in the most recent Report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group to the Minister for Finance, dated 30th June 2005. I am pleased to report that all these moves are on target and, indeed, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner will now move to Portarlington before the end of 2006 instead of in 2008. The Private Security Authority has, of course, been operational in Tipperary Town since October, 2004.

The Deputy will also be aware that there has already been an advance move of the Garda Central Vetting Unit to Thurles in November 2005. Other advance moves to Thurles are also planned for this year which will bring the total number of posts in Thurles up to almost one hundred.

As regards assignments, the following table sets out the assignments to-date, together with the promotion and recruitment statistics.

Location

Assignments

Recruits

Promotions

Thurles

32

0

0

Portarlington

19

0

2

Longford

100

1

9

Roscrea

28

0

0

Tipperary

12

0

2

Navan

1

0

0

Roscommon

59

4

1

Total

251

5

14

Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to the opening of the new Garda station at Carbury, County Kildare; the proposed future use or disposal of the old station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20349/06]

Following the hand-over of the new Station at Carbury/Derrinturn by the Office of Public Works, some necessary works were identified that require attention before the station can be occupied. This matter is being attended to by the Office of Public Works and the contracting builder. When the works are completed the station can be occupied and be fully operational. No decision has been made on the future use of the old station at Carbury.

Question No. 257 answered with QuestionNo. 253.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

258 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the purpose built classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for children with autism spectrum disorder remain closed years after they were constructed; the number of children who are on a waiting list for the places at this school; the resources which are being sought by the school to enable them to open the unit; the resources her Department are offering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20110/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress following her Department’s correspondence to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in March 2006; when the autism unit will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20221/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 291 together.

The Deputies will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs. The unit referred to by the Deputies which is designed to cater for up to 12 pupils was completed in 2003. Such an enrolment would attract a staffing allocation of 2 full time teachers and 4 Special Needs Assistants. Officials in my Department are liaising between the BOM of the school, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Health Services Executive (HSE) to progress the opening of the unit. Staffing ratios, the provision of appropriate therapies by the HSE, grant aid to address administration costs are amongst the issues under active negotiation.

I share the Deputy's desire to see this purpose built facility for children with autism utilized to full potential and given the commitment of all concerned to the unit I am confident of a future resolution of remaining issues.

Question No. 259 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Richard Bruton

Question:

260 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if persons who undertake part-time or temporary teaching, who are within her Department’s superannuation scheme, are debarred from getting a full class A social insurance contribution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20099/06]

The criteria for determining the PRSI class applicable to individuals are laid down by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and implemented by my Department. Teachers appointed in a permanent pensionable capacity prior to 6 April 1995 pay PRSI contributions at the Class D rate. All Teachers including casual and non casual, under the age of 66 appointed for the first time on or after 6 April 1995, pay PRSI contributions at the Class A rate.

Any teacher under age 66 appointed prior to 6 April, 1995, who paid PRSI contributions at the Class D rate and resigns from their teaching post shall on return be liable for PRSI contributions at the Class A rate. In accordance with Department of Social and Family Affairs regulations, teachers over the age of 66 pay contributions at Class J rate. There are a small group of Eligible Part-Time teachers who commenced employment prior to the sixth April, 1995 and who have continuous service since, who are liable for PRSI contributions at the Class A rate pending appointment in a permanent capacity. There is a requirement for this group to pay PRSI contributions at the Class D rate on appointment to a permanent full time post provided that there is no break in their service.

Schools Refurbishment.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

261 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in regard to the summer works programme in primary schools, the local contribution of five percent and the relevant capped sum in respect of schools designated disadvantaged continues to apply; if she will confirm that her Department has issued a circular advising school authorities that in respect of a further sanctioned project within five years at the same school, no further local contribution is required and if that provision continues to apply; her views on the hardship involved for schools and communities where a further local contribution is now being sought by her Department, and the reason such demands are being made notwithstanding her circular of 2005; and to exempt schools designated disadvantaged, in particular, from the contribution payment in light of the circular and the hardship involved in raising large sums locally in the most disadvantaged communities. [20115/06]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

262 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department is seeking a second local contribution in respect of a further summer works programme project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22, despite the Department circular to the effect that no such second contribution would be sought within a five year timeframe; her views on the difficulties raising such money causes locally in a disadvantaged area; if she will waive the contribution in accordance with the stated terms of her circular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20116/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.

In 2004 my Department initiated the Summer Works Scheme as a devolved method for carrying out refurbishment works on a phased basis in schools during the summer holiday periods. The Scheme has been extremely successful and has received very positive feedback from school management authorities. To date, almost 2,000 projects at a total cost of €184.2 million have been delivered under this scheme. Notwithstanding this success, my Department is conscious of the additional burden that the phasing of projects under the Summer Works Scheme can place on school communities. In response to this, this year's circular on the scheme states that "Schools that have projects approved under the Summer Works Scheme in more than one year will have the amount of local contribution required capped at the relevant maximum level of €31,500 (or €12,500 for special or disadvantaged primary schools) over a rolling 5 year period".

The projects approved for 2006 under the Summer Works Scheme are the first year of this rolling 5 year period. Schools that have projects approved under next year's scheme will be advised of how this will apply in the case of their own application for that year and the history of their applications.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

263 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are currently supports available either from her Department or any other Departments to support wind energy programmes in schools that would complement environment works currently taking place under green flag initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20117/06]

My Department has no specific programme currently in place for wind generation by Schools. It would encourage schools to consider the use of wind generated electricity which is available nationally through the National Grid. This in effect allows the school to benefit from the environmental and lower cost benefits of wind generated electricity without being exposed to operating and maintenance issues and reliability of supply.

My Department is reviewing renewable options for energy generation in schools through a number of research projects including, Tory wind turbine project, Interreg solar hot water heating projects and Biomass wood pellet / wood chip boiler and solar projects. The Tory Island project involves the supply and installation of two wind turbines to provide electrical energy to serve the existing community facility and Vocational School situated on Tory Island.

With respect to energy programmes that would complement environmental work currently taking place under the green flags initiative for the past eight years the Planning and Building Unit within my Department have been using a process called the DART approach (Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology) to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. The policy is driven by technical guidance documents, informed by building unit professional and technical staff, external partnerships and updated by continued energy research and development.

Rather than develop a unique focus on energy design my Department has taken a more holistic approach and have developed their technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents. These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception is encouraged. The incorporation of low energy design has been done on a hybrid basis by maximising natural resources and utilising technologies. This involves focusing on areas such as natural ventilation, passive solar design, day lighting and reducing infiltration, enhanced insulation, lighting and heating controls and water efficiency.

The focus to date on sustainability in schools has been to reduce the energy demand in schools. This has proven quite successful with modern day schools typically using three times less energy than schools built ten years ago and also using less than half the energy than what is termed as good international practice for schools.

Schools Recognition.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

264 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for recognition by her Department of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the uncertainty surrounding a completion date for the review of this application is causing great anxiety to parents who have enrolled their children in the school; when a final decision on the application will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20152/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently made an announcement giving recognition to six new Primary Schools with effect from September, 2006. As part of that announcement, I indicated that I had deferred a decision in relation to three other schools including the one to which the Deputy refers. My Department is in correspondence with the patron about a matter of concern raised by the New Schools Advisory Committee relating to the possible impact on enrolment in an existing school of similar type in the same general area as the proposed interim accommodation for the school referred to. As soon as these matters have been fully considered I will announce my decision on the application.

School Placement.

Seán Crowe

Question:

265 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which she intends to ensure that the right of school children to an education through Irish is upheld in west Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the situation regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow and the future of the children enrolled there. [20153/06]

A decision will be made on the application to establish a new Gaelscoil in West Wicklow by the end of the month. The reason the decision was deferred at the time that the list of new schools was announced was to allow for consideration of the impact that recognising this school would have on the existing schools in Blessington, plans for the expansion of which are well advanced. The New Schools Advisory Committee recommended in their report to me that this issue be considered. The Chairperson of the Commission on School Accommodation is carrying out a review and further analysis of key data in relation to the population projections for the Blessington area and this will be completed by the end of the month. I am very conscious of the need for a decision to be made as soon as possible so that parents know what the situation will be for September and that is why I have put a deadline on issuing one.

Education Provision.

Barry Andrews

Question:

266 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the provision of a new or relocated secondary or primary school in the area of Shankill, County Dublin; and if she will assess the viability of using the former Shanganagh Prison building and lands as a school. [20165/06]

There are two primary schools in Shankill. Enrolments in these schools are stable. Neither school has applied to my Department for additional accommodation. At post primary level, there are enough spare places in the existing second level schools in the vicinity of Shankill to accommodate all students from Shankill for the foreseeable future. The schools in Bray, Loughlinstown and Cabinteely are just a very short bus journey from Shankill, on the 7, 45, 45A and 84 bus routes and indeed many students from Shankill walk or cycle to these schools also. The all-girls' schools in Rockford Manor and Sion Hill have always served the Shankill area and have the capacity to continue to do so. Rockford Manor can be reached by the 45 bus, while Sion Hill is easily reached by both DART and bus services from Shankill.

Whether or not a new school is provided in any given area depends on the availability of places in the existing schools in that area and whether future population growth is likely to require more places than are available. The 2002 census showed that the population of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown electoral area grew by just 0.9% as a whole between 1996 and 2002, with some parts of the area growing considerably while other parts showed a marked decline in population. The population of the area is also getting older. To date there have been plenty of places available both in the existing primary schools and in the second level schools in the vicinity of Shankill to accommodate the increase in the number of people of school going age in the Shankill area, and given the number of spare places available in these schools this is likely to be the case for some time.

Obviously the development of Cherrywood and the Rathmichael area will create demand in the future which will have to be considered. My Department will continue to closely monitor population statistics for Shankill and other parts of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to ensure that any new schools that might be required will be put in place in good time.

Schools Building Projects.

Barry Andrews

Question:

267 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the relocation of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 to a larger site or for the replacement of prefabricated buildings on the current site. [20166/06]

In recognition of the need for a larger site for the school referred to by the Deputy, the Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a site for the school. When a suitable site has been acquired, the school development can then be further considered in light my Department's Schools Building and Modernisation Programme 2006 — 2010.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20193/06]

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been included in my recently announced list of 40 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction on a rolling basis over the next 12 to 15 months. My Department's Building Unit have arranged a general information meeting for Tuesday 30th May in Tullamore for these schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

269 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20194/06]

A formal letter of acceptance of the tender for the new 16 classroom building at the school referred to by the Deputy, will issue on 25 May, 2006. It is envisaged that the contract will be signed shortly and that the project will commence on site as soon as the contract is signed. Once the project goes on site it is estimated that it will take 12 to 15 months to complete.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

270 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20195/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20203/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20205/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20206/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

298 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20228/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20229/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

300 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20230/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20232/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 278, 280, 281, 298 to 300, inclusive, and 302 together.

The School Planning Section of my Department has received applications for major capital funding from the management authorities of the schools to which the Deputy refers. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

271 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20196/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a letter issued to the school Authorities on 16 March 2006 giving approval to proceed to stage 3 (detailed plans / costs) of architectural planning. When a response is forwarded to my Department, my Officials will then be in a position to further progress this project.

Physical Education Facilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20197/06]

I am pleased to inform the deputy that a contract was placed in February to provide additional specialist accommodation and a PE Hall for the school in question.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

273 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20198/06]

As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide additional permanent accommodation.

The initiative allows Board of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project. I understand that the Board of Management have received planning permission and expects that the project will be on site in the next few weeks. My Department has no request for any further facilities for this school.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20199/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a letter issued from my Department on the 19th May 2006 to the School Authorities giving them approval to proceed to stage 3 (detailed plans / costs) of architectural planning.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

275 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20200/06]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Officials from my Department visited the School in question in June of last year to carry out a Technical inspection of the existing accommodation and to assess the needs of the pupils attending the School.

The School authorities have embarked on a major redevelopment programme which is currently at a very early design stage. They are assessing the needs into the future of the residents with special needs on the campus and outreach facilities and the many support services and industries around them.

The School's Design Team are currently preparing a development control plan for the site, of which this school forms part and my Department are awaiting their response before the project can proceed further. In the meantime a member of my Department's Inspectorate has drafted a schedule of overall accommodation to reflect the current educational needs of the pupils attending the school.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20201/06]

The school building project referred to by the Deputy has been included in my recently announced list of 40 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction on a rolling basis over the next 12 to 15 months.

My Department's Building Unit have arranged a general information meeting for these schools to guide them through the process involved in moving projects to tender and construction. This meeting is arranged for Tuesday 30th May in Tullamore and all the schools on the list, including the school in question, have been invited to attend.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20202/06]

No application, for extra facilities, has been received by my Department, from the School Authorities in question.

Question No. 278 answered with QuestionNo. 270.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20204/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the provision of a prefabricated unit was recently approved for the school to which he refers to cater for its needs for next September.

Questions Nos. 280 and 281 answered with Question No. 270.

Special Educational Needs.

Willie Penrose

Question:

282 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been diagnosed with dispraxia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20207/06]

The Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs (SEN) supports.

I understand that the contact has been made with the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) regarding the child in question. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that no application for special needs assistant support was made to the SENO. It is open to the school to contact the SENO regarding any special education needs that the pupil may have.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the allocation of extra teaching staff at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20209/06]

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.

The revised staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year (Circular 0023/2006) has been issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website. According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30th September, 2005 was 248 pupils. On the basis of this figure, the mainstream staffing for the 2006/07 school year will be a Principal and 9 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule circular. They are also available in Circular 0024/2006 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.

The first meeting of the Appeal Board will be held on the 25 May, 2006. Further meetings will be held in July and October, 2006. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 12 May, 24 June and 18 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website.

The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent Appeal Board.

Bullying in Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of incidents of school bullying reported in each of the past five years; the action taken arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20210/06]

Individual school management authorities are not required to report to my Department on incidents of bullying. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.

I can assure the Deputy of my concern that any child would feel upset in school because of bullying — be it physical, verbal or cyber and am anxious that all schools have effective practices in place both to prevent bullying and to deal with cases that may arise.

Each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The process involves the drawing up of a draft framework/discussion document for the guidelines, which is being used as a basis for consultations with the key stakeholders including school management, teachers, parents, and children. The Board has established an expert working group for this purpose. Work on the guidelines is at an advanced stage and is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year.

Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour". This review will take into account issues such as legislative developments, the involvement of the support services available to schools, technological advancements such as use of the Internet, e-mail, mobile phones and camera phones and the latest developments in International best practice on dealing with bullying behaviour.

These guidelines, on top of those that are already in place, will provide vital guidance for schools in fulfilling their responsibilities in relation to this issue. The Deputy may also be interested to know that dealing with bullying has also been incorporated in training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme. I have also stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not just having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with.

The Deputy will also be aware that the education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum provides for the development of personal and social skills including self-awareness, respect for others, self-esteem and communication skills, all of which are important elements in addressing the issue of bullying.

So, while responsibility for tackling bullying naturally falls to the level of the individual school, a wide range of measures are in place to support schools in this area.

School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to inquire into the safety of the school transport service with a view to meeting optimum safety standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20211/06]

The safety of children travelling on the school transport service has been top of my agenda since coming into office. I have effected a range of measures to improve the quality and safety of school transport services both in the vicinity and on school buses. In January, 2005, I launched a Warning Flashing Light Project on 22 buses in Ennis, Co. Clare. In July, 2005, Minister Hanafin and myself announced a package of measures to enhance the safety of school transport operations. The measures included: the phasing out of "3 for 2" seating on post-primary services by end December, 2005; the phasing out of "3 for 2" seating on primary services by end December, 2006; the acquisition of additional buses by Bus Éireann and the hiring in of additional private vehicles to meet the consequential capacity shortfall; and the immediate fitting of seat belts on the Bus Éireann school bus fleet and setting a target date of December, 2006 for private buses in the scheme to be fitted with approved seat belts.

To ensure ongoing safety and roadworthiness, my colleague, the Minister for Transport has requested an independent review to be carried out within Bus Éireann of the arrangements and systems in place for the management, operation and maintenance of the fleet, both owned and contracted by Bus Éireann. I understand that Minister Cullen has requested that the review be completed, as soon as possible and that a copy of the report be forwarded to him as soon as it is available. Separately, the Minister for Transport has requested the Chief Executive designate of the proposed Road Safety Authority to undertake a fundamental review of the arrangements for the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. As part of that review, the matter of Bus Éireann undertaking such roadworthiness tests on their own vehicles will be examined. Officials of my Department will liaise with the Department of Transport regarding the outcome of the review.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabricated classrooms in operation throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20212/06]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, if the Deputy wishes to request details on a specific school, my officials will provide the required information.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.

The focus within my Department is to empower schools to resolve their accommodation needs, wherever possible, by way of permanent accommodation. In order to reduce the amount of temporary/prefabricated accommodation at primary level and to upgrade existing facilities, two new initiatives, the Permanent Accommodation Initiative and the Small School Initiative, were launched in 2003 on a pilot basis. The purpose of these initiatives was to allow primary schools to undertake a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs and to achieve the best value for money as opposed to the provision of temporary accommodation.

The feedback has in general been very positive, the number of schools participating has increased year on year and many schools are anxious to be included. In order to maintain this momentum I have invited 210 schools to participate in these schemes in 2006. As a result of these initiatives the amount spent on the purchase of prefabricated buildings has been significantly reduced.

Psychological Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to bring the educational psychology services up to requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20213/06]

All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website.

NEPS provides assistance to all schools and school communities that experience critical incidents, regardless of whether or not they have a NEPS psychologist assigned to them. Also, in relation to all schools, NEPS processes applications for Reasonable Accommodation in Certificate Examinations and responds to queries in relation to individual children from other sections of my Department and from the specialist agencies.

Since the establishment of the NEPS in 1999, the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from 43 to 122 at present. Any increase in the number of psychologists in NEPS will depend on the availability of resources and must also take account of Government policy on public sector numbers. The Public Appointments Service has concluded a new recruitment competition for the appointment of Educational Psychologists to NEPS. Regional panels have been established to allow my Department give greater priority in filling vacancies to areas with the greatest need. My Department is currently in the process of recruiting a further 9 psychologists.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has to target schools with a high pupil/teacher ratio to bring them into line with the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20214/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at both primary and post-primary level in recent years. Next September there will no less than 4,000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. Not only is the average class size in our primary schools down to 24, but there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.

Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.

As you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children. 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 and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children in the school. Next year this is being reduced to 28 children per classroom teacher and in 2007/2008 it will be reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.

A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools in Kildare has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year, as is the case in many schools in Kildare. 170 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2005/06 school year, compared to 105 in 2004/05.

At second level too major progress has been made. The pupil:teacher ratio at second level has been reduced from 16:1 in the 1996/97 school year to 13.4:1 in the 2004/05 school year. This reduction has been achieved through the creation of almost 1,800 posts and the retention of over 2,000 posts that would otherwise have been lost due to falling enrolments.

This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.

School Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department have discovered any deficiencies in respect of safety of the school transport fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20215/06]

The school transport services are operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf. All school buses with more than eight adult seats and which are more than one year old, are required to pass the Department of Transport's annual roadworthiness test.

In addition, Bus Éireann vehicles are subject to a routine scheduled maintenance programme to ensure that the highest safety standards are achieved. Bus Éireann check their buses every 12 weeks. Private operators employed by Bus Éireann are contractually obliged to keep their nominated vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times.

To ensure ongoing safety and roadworthiness, my colleague, the Minister for Transport has requested an independent review to be carried out within Bus Éireann of the arrangements and systems in place for the management, operation and maintenance of the fleet, both owned and contracted by Bus Éireann. I understand that Minister Cullen has requested that the review be completed, as soon as possible and that a copy of the report be forwarded to him as soon as it is available. Separately, the Minister for Transport has requested the Chief Executive designate of the proposed Road Safety Authority to undertake a fundamental review of the arrangements for the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. As part of that review, the matter of Bus Éireann undertaking such roadworthiness tests on their own vehicles will be examined.

Officials of my Department will liaise with the Department of Transport regarding the outcome of the review.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the re-location of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to extend its capacity to 1,000 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20220/06]

The management authority of the school in question, County Kildare Vocational Education Committee, is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupils. A formal planning application has been lodged with the Local Authority. That Authority has asked for further information, which the Committees consultants are now in the process of providing.

Question No. 291 answered with QuestionNo. 258.

Site Acquisitions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the provision of a new site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20222/06]

As the Deputy is aware, a suitable site for the school in question has been identified. The Conveyancing of the site is being addressed by the Chief State Solicitor's Office at present.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

293 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to achieve optimum requirements in terms of speech and language therapy in the various schools throughout the country; the areas most in need with a view to meeting their requirements at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20223/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

295 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she expects to improve the remedial, resource or special needs teaching facilities in main stream education throughout the country in respect of both teachers, special needs assistants or other facilities required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20225/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 295 together.

The Deputy is aware of the enormous progress made over the past number of years in relation to increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with Special Educational Needs. At primary level there are now approximately 5,000 teachers in our primary schools working directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. Indeed, one out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs.

At second level approximately 1,654 whole time equivalent additional teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to approximately 200 teachers that were in place in 1998 for such pupils. In addition, there are 532 whole time equivalent learning support teachers.

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. 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.

Enormous progress has also been made in relation to increasing the number of Special Needs Assistants who specifically cater for the care needs of children with special educational needs. There are over 7,300 whole time equivalent SNAs in primary and second level schools supporting children with special needs.

My Department also provides funding for the purchase of assistive technology and/or specialised equipment where appropriate.

All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS. Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. Details of this process and the conditions that apply to the scheme are available on my Department's Website.

I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education and the education partners, ensure that all children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

I wish to advise the Deputy that responsibility for the provision of therapy services rests with the Health Service Executive.

Education Welfare Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

294 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to provide sufficient staff to ensure the workability of the educational welfare service throughout the country; the number of staff to date deployed on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20224/06]

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

To discharge its responsibilities, the Board is developing, on a continuing basis, a nationwide service that is accessible to schools, parents/ guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been appointed and deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.

The total authorised staffing complement of the Board is 94 comprising 16 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 12 Senior EWOs and 61 EWOs. Five regional teams are in place with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. In deploying its service staff, the NEWB has prioritised the provision of services to the most disadvantaged areas and the most at-risk groups. This deployment includes areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme where an intensive full level of service is provided. For all remaining areas the NEWB deploy their staff on a regional basis providing various levels of service. Since September 2005 every county in Ireland is served by an educational welfare service.

The Board is continuously reviewing its procedures for prioritising children and families who require intervention, in order to ensure that children with the greatest level of need gain maximum benefit from available resources, and to work with local agencies in prioritising children's and family needs.

In addition to the NEWB personnel there are some 490 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes whose work involves an element of school attendance. My Department is anxious to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from these substantial personnel resources. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

I will be keeping the issue of the NEWBs staffing under review in light of the roll-out of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs and in the context of Government policy on public service numbers.

Question No. 295 answered with QuestionNo. 293.

Radon Gas.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

296 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if excessive radon levels detected in certain schools throughout County Kildare have been made known to the parents, teachers and boards of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20226/06]

In 1998 my Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools. In addition, in June 2001 circular letter M46/01 issued to all Boards of Management informing them of the Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation.

During the course of the survey, 4,072 schools were invited to participate. A report published by the RPII in May 2004 showed that approximately 7% of schools tested in County Kildare had radon levels in excess of 400 Bq/m3. The RPII wrote to each of these schools, enclosing a copy of the test results, and advising that the results of the survey be made available to all staff and parents. It was also recommended that a copy of the results be filed in the school's Health & Safety Manual for future reference.

The radon reference set for the workplace under the "Radiological Protection Act, 1991 ((Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000" (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000)) is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3, the Department issues grants to schools for the installation of suitable vents in classrooms where radon levels are between 200 Bq/m3 and 400 Bq/m3.

Schools with levels above 400 Bq/m3 are advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect/engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works and these works are fully funded by the Department.

Following completion of remediation works, post remediation measurements are carried out by the RPII to determine if the remediation has been effective. This process is ongoing and the RPII continue to carry out post remediation testing in schools. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

297 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the provision of a new site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20227/06]

As the Deputy is aware, a suitable site for the school in question has now been identified and an agreement on price, subject to contract, has been reached. The Office of Public Works is awaiting receipt of the relevant Contract documents.

Questions Nos. 298 to 300, inclusive, answered with Question No. 270.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

301 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20231/06]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that provision of a prefabricated unit has been approved for the school to which he refers to cater for its needs for next September.

Question No. 302 answered with QuestionNo. 270.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20233/06]

The school project referred to by the Deputy was one of 63 projects announced by me in January last to commence architectural planning in 2006. The project will provide a new 16-classroom school building using the generic repeat design process. The appointment of consultants to the Design Team is at an advanced stage and this exercise will be completed shortly. This team will then be instructed to progress the project through the initial site suitability and planning permission phases to the point where the project is ready to go to tender and construction, as soon as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

304 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20234/06]

The school project referred to by the Deputy was one of 63 projects announced by me in January last to commence architectural planning in 2006 and will see the construction of a new 16-classroom school building using the generic repeat design process. The appointment of consultants to the Design Team is at an advanced stage and this exercise will be completed shortly. This team will then be instructed to progress the project through the initial site suitability and planning permission phases to the point where the project is ready to go to tender and construction, as soon as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

305 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20235/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently approved an extension project for the above school to commence architectural planning. The next step in the process is the appointment of a Design Team. An advertisement seeking Design Team consultants will be posted on the public procurement portal, www.etender.gov.ie, shortly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

306 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the relocation of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to extend its capacity to 1,000 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20236/06]

The management authority of the school in question, Co. Kildare Vocational Education Committee, is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupils. A formal planning application has been lodged with the Local Authority. That Authority has asked for further information, which the Committees' consultants are now in the process of providing.

School Staffing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

307 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when extra teaching staff will be appointed having particular regard to the local demographics at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20237/06]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 187 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which has issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year will be a Principal and 7 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the current staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. They are also available in Circular 0024/2006 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.

The first meeting of the Appeal Board will be held on the 25 May, 2006. Further meetings will be held in July and October, 2006. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 12 May, 24 June and 18 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent Appeal Board.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

308 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20318/06]

To date, ninety-eight (98) officers employed in my Department in Dublin have requested to be registered with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) as officers wishing to remain in Dublin after decentralisation. To date, ten of these officers have been allocated posts by the PAS in other Departments/Offices remaining in Dublin and they have either already transferred out of my Department or will do so shortly.

Richard Bruton

Question:

309 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within her Department or of agencies under her Department will be completed. [20332/06]

The timing of the decentralisation of posts in my Department from Dublin to Athlone and Mullingar will be based on the delivery of accommodation for these posts. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the procurement of property to accommodate decentralising posts. The latest indicative dates for the delivery of office accommodation furnished to my Department by the OPW are 2008 for Athlone and 2009 for Mullingar. My Department is pursuing with the OPW the position relating to accommodation for those agencies under its aegis that are scheduled to decentralise.

Richard Bruton

Question:

310 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under her Department. [20346/06]

Thirty (30) posts of specialist skill are scheduled to be relocated outside Dublin as part of the decentralisation of my Department to Athlone and Mullingar. None of those currently assigned to these posts have volunteered to decentralise with their post. I am arranging to obtain the information relating to the agencies under the aegis of my Department and I will provide this directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

311 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the second level schools in Naas, County Kildare, that are currently full to capacity; her plans to provide extra or alternative space in the near future within the existing school sites or adjacent, or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20352/06]

I am aware that Naas like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a range of significant measures has been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in the area.

At post-primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's Post Primary School, Co. Kildare V.E.C., is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupil places. Additionally, an extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College, which will increase capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís and a further extension at the school is currently in architectural planning.

All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The School Planning Section of my Department will keep the position under review going forward to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in Naas, County Kildare which are full to capacity; the number with spare capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20353/06]

I am aware that Naas like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a range of significant measures has been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in the area.

In the Naas locality, at primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St. Mary's NS and St. Conleth's Naofa. Temporary accommodation has also been approved at Caragh NS, Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh and Scoil Naomh Brighde.

A brand new state of the art sixteen classroom school together with a double autistic unit was also opened last September in Naas town. Another brand new sixteen classroom school is planned for Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh. This project has been approved to commence architectural planning this year.

Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's National School and Two Mile House National School. The long term accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Caragh and the Convent of Mercy are also currently being assessed.

The indications are that, between them, these developments will be sufficient to meet the needs of the area into the future, however, as with all areas experiencing significant population growth, my Department will be keeping the situation under review.

Physical Education Facilities.

Michael Lowry

Question:

313 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools that have received approval for physical education facilities since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20354/06]

The information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. I want to assure the Deputy, however, that my Department fully recognises the crucial role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve sporting facilities and in particular, indoor facilities. As a consequence of increased levels of funding for school accommodation, which this Government has provided since taking up office, major capital projects at both primary and second level schools require the provision of adequate sporting facilities, providing that the site is of sufficient size — or where a new school on a greenfield site is being built. This extends to the provision of both PE halls/GP areas and the provision of hard play areas and where site conditions allow playing pitches. A comprehensive equipment schedule is included in the funding package for such facilities, ranging from table-tennis sets to netball and indoor soccer equipment.

Regarding specific sports equipment grants, my Department has provided in excess of €5.5 million in grant aid to primary schools specifically for this purpose to enable them to provide coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education.

In addition, all primary schools receive an annual Minor Works Grant from my Department and it is open to these school management authorities to use this devolved grant for the purchase of physical education equipment provided it is not required for more urgent works. My Department also considers applications for additional grant aid for such equipment where schools can demonstrate that the minor works grant funding is insufficient for this purpose.

The position in relation to PE facilities in primary schools generally is that the PE curriculum has been designed on the basis that facilities in schools may vary. Many primary schools have a general purpose room and practically all schools have outdoor play areas which are used for teaching different aspects of the physical education programme. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

Applications for the provision of PE or sports facilities in existing schools are considered in the context of all other applications on hand for capital investment e.g. applications for new schools; refurbishment projects; extensions; new sites; remediation programmes and so on. This will be done in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Lowry

Question:

314 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 483 of 16 May 2006, if she will confirm where the school is ranked on the building programme; and if the school is at eighth position. [20355/06]

As the Deputy will be aware, school building projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need using published criteria. The project to which the Deputy refers has been assigned a B and 4 rating and its progress will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

315 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20368/06]

There have been 15 assignments of volunteers made to the existing decentralised offices of my Department. Ten such assignments have been made to Athlone and five have been made to Tullamore. All of these assignees are serving civil servants and all of them transferred in their existing grades.

As regards the decentralisation posts from Dublin to Mullingar 29 officers willing to relocate with their posts have been assigned. Eight (8) of these officers are new recruits.

As regards the decentralisation of extra posts under the new decentralisation programme to Athlone 22 officers willing to relocate with their posts have been assigned. Five (5) of these officers are new recruits.

Departmental Inquiries.

Finian McGrath

Question:

316 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will establish an inquiry into the case of a person (details supplied). [20091/06]

The individual concerned was retired, by the President, on the advice of the Government with effect from a date in June, 1969. The retirement was effected pursuant to Section 47(2) of the Defence Act, 1954 and Paragraph 18(1)(f) of Defence Force Regulations A.15, which provide that an officer may be retired "in the interests of the service". The Deputy will appreciate that a decision to retire an officer "in the interests of the service" is only taken for the most compelling reasons. The Government advice to the President was on grounds of security. I am satisfied that the matter was handled in an entirely appropriate and proper manner in 1969 and that the decision taken then was taken only after very detailed and due consideration.

The individual initiated proceedings in the High Court in November 1998 in relation to the circumstances of his retirement some 29 years earlier. The High Court found in favour of the State in June 1999 on grounds of inordinate delay in the bringing of the proceedings. The individual appealed to the Supreme Court in September 1999. The Supreme Court refused the appeal in January 2001.

In early July 2002, arising from a newspaper feature article on the case, published on 29th June 2002, the then Minister requested the Judge Advocate General to examine and to review the case with regard to the following terms of reference:- "To enquire into the circumstances surrounding the retirement of (the individual referred to) by means of a complete review of all relevant documentation held by the Department of Defence and by the Defence Forces, and to have full access to any civil or military personnel for the purposes of their providing explanation in relation to any apparent gaps or ambiguities in the documentation and to report to the Minister with her conclusions and recommendations".

These terms of reference were subsequently enlarged by the then Minister at the request of the Judge Advocate General to provide that the Judge Advocate General was "...to be entitled, within the Terms of Reference, and the manner of the Inquiry contemplated, to take such representation in writing from any party whom she considers to be appropriate".

The Judge Advocate General, a civilian barrister, carried out a detailed examination and review of all the historical documentation relating to the decision to retire the individual concerned, by reference to the entirety of both the civil and military files in the matter. Her report was submitted to the then Minister in mid September, 2002 and was published in October, 2002.

In December 2002 the individual applied to the High Court for an order quashing this report by the Judge Advocate General. The High Court found in favour of the applicant for reasons enumerated in the text of the High Court judgement. It should be emphasised, however, that the High Court judgement in the matter of the report of the Judge Advocate General specifically related to the actual procedures utilized by the Judge Advocate General in the course of her review and examination of this matter in 2002 and to the release by the Department of Defence of certain documents to the individual only after completion of the report. The substantive issue, namely the Government decision in 1969 to recommend the retirement of this individual from the Defence Forces by the President, remains entirely unaffected by the judgement of the High Court, a point specifically emphasised within the text of the judgement itself.

The position now is that the individual in question has had access to these documents relating to his retirement since 14 November, 2002 when his legal representatives attended the Department and were given copies of all the relevant records held in my Department. In the circumstances, particularly the considerable passage of time, I do not propose to take any further action in relation to this matter.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

317 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20319/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

318 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20333/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

319 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20347/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

320 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20369/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 to 320, inclusive, together.

The Government Decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of all of my Department's Dublin based civil service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and the transfer of 300 Defence Forces Headquarters staff to the Curragh. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. A total of 385 personnel, of which 60 are from within the Department, have opted to move to Newbridge. As there are more volunteers among serving civil servants at all grade levels to transfer to my Department it is not envisaged that there will be any recruitment or transfers on promotion. An additional thirteen staff from outside my Department have been assigned to this Department for the purpose of relocating to Newbridge. Twenty-four members of staff who opted not to move to Newbridge have volunteered to transfer to other Government Departments that have units that are proposed for decentralisation, and some have already moved to their new Departments. One hundred and fifty personnel have opted to remain in Dublin, and to date, eight of these have been reassigned, with a further number to be assigned over the coming months. There are two non-general service posts in my Department and one of the officers concerned has opted to transfer to Newbridge. The Office of Public Works is in the process of acquiring a site for the new Departmental Headquarters in Newbridge.

Archaeological Sites.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

321 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will advise the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that a proposed development project (details supplied) in County Cork will destroy the historical and heritage nature of an area. [20242/06]

Under planning legislation, special provisions apply to development consisting of prisons or other places of detention. Article 87 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 requires the State authority to publish notice of any such proposed development. Article 88 requires inter alia that where proposed development would involve the carrying out of works which would materially affect the character of a protected structure, a proposed protected structure, notice of such development shall be sent to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A State authority must furthermore, in deciding whether a proposed development is to be carried out, have regard to any submissions or observations made by a planning authority or by any other person or body in accordance with Part 9 of the 2001 Regulations. An Article 87 notice has not yet been published in relation to any proposed development at Spike Island, County Cork.

Three monuments, two associated with the military fortification and garrison and one related to the early monastic site, of which no visible overground remains survive, are currently listed for Spike Island, County Cork in the statutory Record of Monuments and Places established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. Section 12 also requires that any person proposing to carry out, or to cause or to permit the carrying out of any work at or in relation to such monuments, shall give notice in writing to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of the proposal and shall not, except in the case of urgent necessity and with ministerial consent, commence the work for a period of two months after having given the notice.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

John Cregan

Question:

322 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made in relation to the Patrickswell sewerage scheme in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20074/06]

The Adare/ Patrickswell Sewerage Scheme is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007.

My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's contract documents for the scheme. Once the contract documents are approved by the Department, the Council will be in a position to invite tenders for the construction phase.

Sean Fleming

Question:

323 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sewerage and waste system for an area (details supplied) in County Galway. [20075/06]

The Oughterard Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to start construction in 2007.

Further consideration will be given to Galway County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme on receipt of the additional information my Department requested from the Council last month.

Sean Fleming

Question:

324 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details regarding the establishment of a group water scheme for an area (details supplied) in County Laois. [20076/06]

I understand that grants were paid by my Department in respect of Killeaney — Kilbrickley Group Water Scheme, Co. Laois, which was constructed in 1974 to serve 13 houses. My Department is arranging for recovery of the papers from the archives and will communicate further with the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

325 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding local authority housing applications from residents here without citizenship; if they are excluded from consideration for local authority housing unless and until they seek and secure Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20077/06]

In accordance with guidelines issued by my Department in 2003 two categories of non EU nationals have a right to apply and be assessed for local authority housing: those who have been granted refugee status and those who have been granted leave to remain in the State. Any other non EU national residing in Ireland must first secure citizenship or refugee status or permission to remain in the State in order to be eligible to apply for local authority housing.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

326 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines in respect of wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/06]

Following extensive public consultation on draft guidelines, I intend shortly to publish revised Planning Guidelines for Wind Energy Development, which will assist planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in determining the siting of future wind farm developments. The Guidelines will assist planning authorities to identify areas where there is significant wind energy potential and to map these in the development plan so as to provide clarity for the public, developers and the planning authority. The Guidelines will encourage planning authorities to favour the grant of planning permission in those areas, subject to compliance with siting and design criteria.

The Guidelines also provide advice on issues to consider during the planning application process and cover other environmental aspects, such as impacts on the built and natural heritage.

The new Guidelines will substantially improve on the existing ones issued in 1996. I expect them to play a major role in fulfilling the potential of wind power, and consequently to make a significant contribution to the achievement of our Kyoto targets.

Radon Gas Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

327 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 4 May 2006, if all public buildings in County Kildare have been checked for radon gas levels; if all required action arising therefrom has been taken; if his attention has been drawn to any such building in respect of which remedial action is still outstanding; if particular action is required by his Department to ensure that higher than national reference levels of radon gas are detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20122/06]

According to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) Co. Kildare is not considered to be a high radon area HRA, with the exception of very small area in the south of the county. In this regard it is a matter for the public authorities concerned to consider whether testing for radon is required in their buildings.

To date the RPII has carried out radon measurements in 20 workplaces in Co. Kildare at the voluntary initiative of the employers concerned. None of the workplaces measured had radon concentration levels above 400 Bq/m3 which is the National Reference level for workplaces, above which radon remediation works should be considered. Further radon measurements in workplaces in County Kildare will have been carried out by qualified operators other than RPII.

Schools in Kildare were measured as part of a nationwide survey undertaken in the period 1998 to 2001 by the RPII at the request of the Department of Education and Science. Of the 126 schools measured, 24 had radon levels above the National Reference level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) in at least one room. The Department of Education and Science has, I understand, already provided funding for remedial measures in all schools affected.

The Government has, over the years, largely through the RPII, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon. The RPII has been encouraging householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

In June 1997, my Department introduced upgraded building regulations which required all new buildings, including new houses, which commenced construction on or after 1 July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004, my Department published an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that the 1997 radon protection measures are carried out more effectively.

In addition, my Department and the RPII have produced brochures and a booklet on radon which provide information on the risks associated with radon and on remediation solutions available.

As is clear from the above, considerable resources are being expended by Government on promoting public awareness of radon. Government efforts and resources, together with the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders and employers so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

328 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to facilitate full purchase of affordable houses by those on the shared ownership scheme in such a way that a claw back will not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/06]

Houses sold under the various affordable housing schemes at a discount from market value contain a clawback provision, in order to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes. In the case of affordable dwellings provided under shared ownership arrangements and at a discount from market value, a person wishing to buy out the local authority's share must in accordance with section 10(3)(a)(i) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, refund an amount equal to the original discount received.

The terms and conditions of the various affordable housing schemes are kept under review in my Department to ensure that they are operating efficiently and effectively and in an equitable manner. There are a number of relevant examinations under way at present in this area during which all elements of the schemes, including the application of the clawback to shared ownership housing, will be addressed.

Local Authority Staff.

Dan Boyle

Question:

329 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department encourages the operation of part-time summer period employment, particularly with the availability of students, in all local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the local authorities which operate such a scheme; and if restrictions on recruitment apply to the operation of these schemes. [20167/06]

The employment of staff is a matter for each local authority. It is open to the authorities to provide short-term summer employment for students. Such employment could meet relevant requirements of the local government sector, as well as offering work experience of benefit to the students concerned. The cost of any such summer employment is met from the individual authorities' own resources and from other income received including general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund.

Specific information on short-time summer employment for students in each local authority is not collated in my Department.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

330 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who have opted to remain in Dublin who have been reassigned from decentralising offices; and the numbers who remain to be assigned. [20320/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

332 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the posts of specialist skill which are planned for removal under the decentralisation move; and the number of those who have indicated a willingness to move their posts within units of and agencies under his Department. [20348/06]

Richard Bruton

Question:

333 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who have been assigned to each of the decentralised locations; the number of those who are new recruits; and the number moving on promotion. [20370/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 332 and 333 together.

The assignments that have taken place to date for each of my Department's four locations identified for decentralisation are set out in the following table:

Wexford

Kilkenny

Waterford

New Ross

Total posts to be decentralised

249

62

225

125

Total staff assigned to date

52

24

12

10

of which are new recruits

18

14

8

5

of which are assigned on promotion

5

8

2

5

The position relating to the assignment of professional/technical staff under the decentralisation programme is as follows:

Wexford

Kilkenny

Waterford

New Ross

Total Professional/Technical posts to be decentralised

16

15

69

34

Total Professional/Technical staff assigned to date

3

2

6

1

62 members of staff have opted for redeployment under the centrally agreed protocols for the redeployment of staff opting to remain Dublin. One person has been redeployed to date under these arrangements and my Department has reached agreement on the redeployment of a further two members of staff. 3 staff in the National Building Agency and 23 staff in the Local Government Computer Services Board have applied for decentralisation with their agencies to Wexford and Drogheda respectively.

Richard Bruton

Question:

331 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date on which it is expected that each of the decentralisation moves within his Department or of agencies under his Department will be completed. [20334/06]

The decentralisation programme involves the relocation of my Department's operations to four locations in the South East viz, Wexford, Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny. It is expected that the Department's offices in Wexford will be completed in the third quarter of 2008. Indicative construction dates for the remaining locations are Kilkenny — end 2008, New Ross in early 2009 and Waterford mid 2009.

Two agencies under the aegis of my Department are also included in the decentralisation programme. The Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) is due to move to Drogheda while the National Building Agency (NBA) will be relocating to Wexford. Accommodation in both these areas is currently being sought as part of the over all decentralisation programme.

Once office accommodation becomes available in each location, it is expected that staff and operations will move as soon as possible thereafter.

Questions Nos. 332 and 333 answered with Question No. 330.
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