Seán Ryan
Question:61 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he intends to take to introduce a more thorough training schedule for driver testers. [21983/06]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 53, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 54 to 60, inclusive, answered orally.
Driving Tests.
My Department, with the assistance of external consultants, has recently concluded a major review of the training provided to driver testers. This review suggested changes in the structure and delivery of the training of recruit driver testers.
The amended training course has been implemented and was used in the training last February and March of the 7 staff redeployed from the Department of Agriculture and Food. The new course will also be used in the forthcoming training of the 11 new testers, which is due to commence in June.
The position will be reviewed again when this training is completed and a revised programme is also expected to be introduced once the current backlog is close to elimination. This is addition to the ongoing training received by all staff in my Department, including driver testers, in response to general performance development and management needs.
Rail Network.
Michael Noonan
Question:62 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport when he will make a decision to commence work on the western rail corridor; if he remains confident that phase one of this project will be opened by 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/06]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:84 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to reach a decision on Iarnród Éireann’s submission on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21967/06]
Seán Crowe
Question:111 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to bring forward the completion date of the western rail corridor; if he has had meetings in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21905/06]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:131 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the western rail corridor; if he has received requests in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21909/06]
Pat Breen
Question:277 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if an application has been made to the European Union for EU funding for the re-opening of the western rail corridor; and if such an application has been made, the decision which has been forthcoming in respect of same. [21584/06]
Pat Breen
Question:282 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he has applied for structural or cohesion funds for phase one of the Western Rail Corridor project; the funding which is available for projects of this kind; if he has not applied for funding when he expects to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21754/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 84, 111, 131, 277 and 282 together.
As a central component of Transport 21, the Western Rail Corridor will be re-opened. In this context Iarnród Éireann has submitted to my Department detailed business proposals relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (re-opening of the Athenry to Tuam section). These proposals have been assessed by my Department and I will be reporting on them to Government in the very near future.
The question of whether to make an application for Structural Fund aid under the 2007 — 2013 round of EU Funding will be considered in the context of the new Structural Fund Regulations.
As part of the phased reopening of the Western Rail Corridor, Transport 21 provides for the reinstatement of the line between Ennis and Claremorris and the preservation of the remaining alignment as far as Collooney.
Subject to Railway order approvals the expected completion date of the Ennis to Athenry section is 2008 with work expected to commence this year while the Athenry to Tuam section is expected to be completed in 2011.
Public Transport.
Michael Ring
Question:63 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the conditions which prevail on many commuter trains; if he has requested Irish Rail to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21953/06]
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that demand for rail travel on Iarnród Éireann's commuter routes is currently increasing at between 5% and 10% per annum. In response to this rise in demand for services a significant increase in rail capacity and frequency has been provided on commuter rail services in recent years.
For example, total passenger capacity of the fleet has increased on the DART service from 14,000 to nearly 27,000 and on suburban rail services in Dublin area from approximately 7,000 to over 26,000 over the period 2000-2005.
Total capacity will be increased further by a number of development projects provided for under Transport 21 including: — The Kildare Route Project, involving the four-tracking of a critical section of the Kildare line between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch, which will allow separation of long distance and commuter services and improve speed and capacity for commuter, regional and intercity services. 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, — The introduction of 67 new carriages into service this year on the Dublin-Cork line will increase service frequency by year-end to an hourly service. Capacity will increase in line with that. — The introduction of 150 railcars into service over the period 2007/2008 on the remainder of the intercity routes will allow the redeployment of commuter railcars to the busiest commuter routes. — The construction of the new Docklands railway station which will allow for an increase in services on the Western line and also cater for services on the proposed Dunboyne/Navan rail link once that is operational. — The construction of the Cork-Midleton line which will provide a commuter rail service from Mallow to Midleton, through Cork City with an initial frequency of 30 minutes increasing to 15 minutes as demand grows.
These development projects, together with the investment in suburban rail and DART services in recent years in the Dublin area, will result in significant increases in the quantity and quality of commuter and intercity rail services.
Road Safety.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:64 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his preparations for a follow-up strategy to the current road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21958/06]
The Government Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 sets a primary target of a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998 — 2003 period.
Achievement of the target would result in no more than 300 deaths per annum by the end of the period of the Strategy. This is an ambitious target and one that requires the continued commitment to a strategic, integrated approach by all of the road safety agencies. The achievement of progress in the areas of speeding, drink driving and seat belt wearing remains central to the implementation of the Strategy.
My current priority is to get the Road Traffic Bill, 2006 enacted before the Summer recess as it contains some of the final legislative provisions (such as those relating to mandatory alcohol testing and the outsourcing of speed cameras) which underpin the delivery of the current Road Safety Strategy.
The new Road Safety Authority will be responsible for the preparation and submission to me for my approval of the next Road Safety Strategy and this will involve consultation by the Authority with all the relevant stakeholders.
Willie Penrose
Question:65 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the reason there has not yet been a change to maximum heavy goods vehicles height regulations. [21976/06]
There is currently no height limit for goods vehicles. I am currently considering the introduction of a height limit for vehicles taking account of the wide-ranging submissions received arising from the public consultation on the matter last year. I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.
In the event that it is decided to introduce a statutory height restriction for vehicles, it will be necessary to submit the draft Regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other Member States in accordance with the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34).
Industrial Relations.
Michael Noonan
Question:66 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if he shares the view, expressed on 31 May 2006 by an Aer Lingus spokesperson, that a final deal with the trade unions on the flotation of Aer Lingus, will be reached by 10 June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/06]
Ivor Callely
Question:116 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the progress made by Aer Lingus management regarding the mandate to negotiate with the trade unions on a package of measures with the view to resolving issues of concern identified by the unions in relation to the proposed IPO of shares in Aer Lingus; the process in place to allow staff concerns to be addressed; the number of meetings that have taken place; the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21854/06]
Trevor Sargent
Question:130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when a final offer to trade union parties in the Aer Lingus flotation negotiations will be made; if a provision for compulsory redundancies will be included therein; and the deadline which will be set for the acceptance or rejection of same. [21895/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 116 and 130 together.
Following the decision on 4th April this year to proceed with an investment transaction by means of an initial public offering (IPO) of shares in Aer Lingus, I mandated Aer Lingus management to engage with the trade unions on the key concerns of staff in relation to a third party investment transaction which were job security, pensions and potential dilution of the employee shareholding in the company in the context of new shares being issued in the company.
I have been informed by Aer Lingus that since that mandate was given the Chief Executive has met with Impact and SIPTU on 7 occasions and has met with IALPA and the Craft Group of Unions on 6 occasions. Some of these were joint meetings while others were held individually. In addition, I understand that many other meetings have taken place with the trade unions at the level of the HR Department and local line management.
In response to the question raised about whether there will be a provision for compulsory redundancies in any final offer to the trade unions, my understanding is that the company has already tabled proposals in response to concerns about job security. I have been informed by the company that it expects to be in a position to put a final offer to the trade unions on all issues before the end of this week. I believe that it will be possible for both sides to agree a package of measures that will both address the key concerns of staff and facilitate a timely investment transaction for the company in the interests of all concerned.
Rail Network.
David Stanton
Question:67 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to parliamentary questions, if he has received the railway order application in respect of the railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton; if construction is still expected to begin on this project in 2006; and if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21903/06]
I received Iarnród Éireann's application for a Railway Order for the Cork to Midleton Railway line on the 15th of May 2006. I acknowledged it on the 22nd of May 2006. On the 26th of May I directed that a Public Inquiry be held into the application for a Railway Order. I will shortly appoint an inspector to the Public Inquiry under section 42(1) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
Subject to the outcome of the inquiry and the granting of a Railway Order construction of the line is expected to commence at the end of 2006.
Tourism Industry.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:68 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he has had recent discussions with the coach tourism representatives regarding the impact of the new drivers hours rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21063/06]
Officers from my Department have met with representatives from the Irish Tour Operators Association and Coach Tourism and Transport Council to discuss the issues surrounding the new drivers hours Regulations. These new Regulations will come into effect on 11 April 2007.
Road Safety.
Joe Costello
Question:69 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport his views on the banning of unaccompanied driving by holders of provisional licences and the licence categories this will apply to. [21963/06]
Dinny McGinley
Question:70 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport the proposals to reform the existing driving test and the driver licensing system; when such reforms will come into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21929/06]
John Perry
Question:103 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his proposal for graduated driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21943/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 70 and 103 together.
The Road Traffic Bill 2006 contains provisions to enable the reform of the driver licensing regime to discourage long term reliance on provisional licences. The implementation of any such licensing reforms is dependent on the current unacceptable driver testing backlog being cleared.
The Road Safety Authority will be examining the driver licensing and testing system and will make recommendations as to what further reforms might be introduced in the interests of road safety.
I should point out that at present provisional licence holders are generally required to be accompanied by and under the supervision of a person qualified to drive the category of vehicle being driven. The only exception to this is where the driver holds a second provisional licence in respect of a car or is the holder of a provisional licence to drive motorcycles or tractors/work vehicles.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:71 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if there have been impediments to the introduction of the new 30 km/h speed limits in designated areas here; and if his attention has been drawn to the application of this speed limit in any local authority area to date. [21890/06]
The application of a special speed limit at any location in lieu of a default speed limit is a matter for the individual city councils or county councils through the making of special speed limit bye-laws.
I issued guidelines in April 2005 on the application of special speed limits and the local councils, when proposing to apply a special speed limit of 30 km/h, must only do so in accordance with those guidelines. There is no indication of any impediments being encountered in relation to the policy framework contained in the 2004 Act. I do not have details in relation to the application of special speed limits of 30 km/h as they arise across the country.
Employment Rights.
Catherine Murphy
Question:72 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the liability the Government will assume in the event of the sale of Aer Lingus to the workers transferred from Aer Lingus to Team Aer Lingus; the status of the guarantees and assurances given to the workers by the Government at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:161 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if, in the event of the part privatisation of Aer Lingus, the commitment by Government to employees seconded to FLS and then Team Aer Lingus will be carried by both the State and those purchasing the balance; if so, the estimated liability for the earnings and pension shortfall; the way in which it is intended to enforce the workers rights in view of the fact that the Governments share is intended to be a minority shareholding; if Government advisors have addressed this issue in the context of the potential sale of a portion of the company; if so, the advice in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20551/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 161 together.
The arrangements agreed between Aer Lingus and those workers who were transferred to TEAM Aer Lingus was a matter for the company. I understand from the company that those workers who opted to move to the new owner (FLS) waived all their rights in this regard at the time of the sale and those who did not returned to the employment of Aer Lingus and, therefore, have all of the protections afforded to the employees of Aer Lingus.
Public Transport.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:73 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding provided for quality bus corridors in 2006; the information available to his Department on the way in which this is spent; the amount and percentage of such funding drawn down in each of the past five years; the information available to his Department on the total number of bus lane kilometres in greater Dublin; the information available to his Department on the different splits between different QBCs and the number of pinch points for buses on each route; the total percentage of each route where a bus lane exists; if he is satisfied with the level of QBC provision in greater Dublin; and the legislative measures he proposes to speed up bus priority measures. [21968/06]
The development of Quality Bus Corridors in the Greater Dublin Area is funded through the Traffic Management Grants Scheme, administered by the Dublin Transportation Office, and implemented by the local authorities of the Greater Dublin Area through the Quality Bus Network Project Office. This year, I have made almost €38m available for QBC development, of which €24.7m has been allocated so far; details of projects and their costs are set out in Table 1, which is included with the hard copy of this reply.
Details of funding in over the past five years are as follows:
|
Year |
Spend on Bus Priority |
% of Total Traffic Management Grant |
|
€m |
% |
|
|
2005 |
29.543 |
84 |
|
2004 |
27.542 |
79 |
|
2003 |
14.719 |
37 |
|
2002 |
15.065 |
53 |
|
2001 |
23.402 |
70 |
I am informed by the DTO that the current length of Quality Bus Corridors in the Greater Dublin Area comes to 139 km, of which 72.3 km comprises inbound bus lanes and 52.5 km, outbound lanes. There are also a further 20 km of non-QBC corridors with bus priority measures. There are 11 QBCs in operation in the GDA. Table 2 sets out the various details sought by the Deputy and is included with the official hard copy of this reply.
On the issue of pinch points, the annual monitoring exercise undertaken by the DTO shows where bus priority infrastructure continues to require an improvement in performance in terms of protecting bus operations from the effects of traffic congestion. The results of these monitoring exercises are used by the DTO to inform the development of the bus priority scheme programme. I am informed by the DTO that a significant portion of the Quality Bus Network Office's 2006 programme addresses urgent needs such as pinchpoints. The Deputy may care to examine the reports for Winter 2002, 2003 and 2004, whichare available on the DTO website at www.dto.ie/web2006/qbcmon.htm.
I am happy to see the continuing progress on developing a Quality Bus Network in the Greater Dublin Area. There is scope for further progress and therefore, under Transport 21, I have committed to doubling the Quality Bus Network by making €600m available to the Traffic Management Grants scheme over the period 2006 — 2015. I am not aware of any legislative measures being required to speed up bus priority matters.
Road Traffic Offences.
Dan Boyle
Question:74 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport his views on the proposal by the public against road carnage campaign that all drivers involved in road traffic accidents should be automatically breathalysed, or have their blood or urine alcohol levels determined immediately after road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21886/06]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:93 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the lowering of the blood alcohol concentration limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21957/06]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:162 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his proposals in relation to a zero alcohol limit for learner drivers; when such a measure will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21939/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 93 and 162 together.
The position in relation to drivers involved in road accidents and testing for alcohol levels is outlined in the Road Traffic Acts. The Road Traffic Act 1994 makes provision that a member of the Garda Síochána may require a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle to provide a preliminary breath specimen where the vehicle is involved in a road collision. The Road Traffic Acts also provide that a person may be arrested for a drink driving offence without recourse to a preliminary breath test. Those Acts also enable a Garda to require a driver to submit to a roadside breath test where the Garda believes he or she has committed a road traffic offence or where the Garda is of the opinion that he or she has consumed alcohol.
The Road Traffic Bill 2006 will extend the powers of the Gardai to allow them to operate a system of roadside mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints, additional to the existing powers I have described above. I do not propose, however, to alter the legislation to make it mandatory to breathalyse all drivers involved in road accidents.
There may be circumstances, especially in the context of a road collision, where it may not be possible for a member of the Gardaí to require that a person submit to a preliminary breath test. Garda discretion in relation to the use of preliminary roadside tests is an integral and important element of the enforcement provisions relating to the laws applying to drink driving.
The Road Traffic Acts also place an obligation on a person to provide a blood or urine sample in a hospital at the request of a member of the Gardai. This applies where an event occurs involving a vehicle which results in a person being injured, or a person claiming or appearing to have been injured, where the person is admitted to or attends a hospital, and a member of the Gardai is of the opinion that, at the time of the event, the person had consumed an intoxicant. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs or any combination of alcohol and drugs.
With regard to the possibility of lowering the blood alcohol concentration limit generally or introducing a zero alcohol limit for learner drivers, I have asked the CEO designate of the Road Safety Authority to examine these issues in the context of the formulation of the next Road Safety Strategy.
Public Transport.
John Gormley
Question:75 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to extend the Metro to Donabate in view of projected population increase to 30,000 in the area. [21893/06]
Transport 21 includes a provision for a Metro line from the City Centre to Swords via Dublin Airport. This does not include an extension to Donabate, nor was such a link envisaged in the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy "A Platform for Change".
It is intended that the Metro line will terminate north of Swords at Lissenhall. However, there is a major park and ride site planned at the terminus, which will benefit people from Donabate, Portrane and other areas of North Dublin, Meath and Louth travelling to the airport or onwards to the City Centre. It will be possible to park at the terminus and take the Metro line to the airport or onwards to the City Centre. The Park and ride facility at Lissenhall would also include a bus interchange. The Metro journey time from the terminus to the airport will be under 10 minutes. The journey time from the airport to the City Centre will be under 20 minutes.
Road Network.
Emmet Stagg
Question:76 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in preparing legislation to allow for open-road tolling. [21979/06]
The preparatory work on the draft legislation to facilitate open-road tolling is well underway in my Department. I anticipate, subject to Government approval and other priorities on the legislative programme, that this legislation will be published in the Autumn.
National Car Test.
Paul Connaughton
Question:77 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the correspondence received by him from the Competition Authority in relation to the National Car Test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21936/06]
The views of the Competition Authority in relation to the car testing arrangements will be considered carefully by my Department in the context of preparing proposals for Government in due course on the arrangements to apply to the National Car Test post-2009 when the current contractual arrangements will have concluded.
Public Transport.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:78 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the additional buses he has agreed to grant to Dublin Bus in view of the company’s expansion plans contained in its recent network review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21940/06]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:154 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the reasons he has not yet sanctioned the funding for 200 buses requested by Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 154 together.
My Department is currently considering an application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 additional buses to be delivered in 2006 and 2007. The application is being considered in the context of Transport 21, the bus network review completed recently by Dublin Bus and the bus market reform process. I will make a decision on the application having regard to the outcome of my deliberations on the reform of the bus market, which I intend to conclude in the coming weeks.
Gerard Murphy
Question:79 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the proposed installation of GPS systems on Bus Éireann services; when this system will be installed; the cost of same; his views on its introduction on all forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21925/06]
Richard Bruton
Question:94 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the progress made to date in relation to the introduction of real time information on all forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21930/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 94 together.
Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath are both proceeding with the introduction of automatic vehicle location technology.
On 30 April 2006 Bus Éireann announced it is to roll out satellite navigation based automatic vehicle location technology across its entire fleet of 700 vehicles, enabling customers across the country to access real time information on arrivals on the Web — via text message and at bus stations. Bus Eireann have informed me that this development represents an investment of €4.2 million.
Bus Éireann have also informed me that the first phase of the roll-out will commence in September 2006 on selected Expressway services to and from Dublin. Full nationwide roll-out will start in 2007 on all Expressway and Commuter coaches across the country and on city buses in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
In addition in April, Bus Átha Cliath commenced a public procurement for an Automatic Vehicle Location and Control system. This is to be introduced over a 5-year period on a depot-by-depot basis and will also facilitate the introduction of Real Time Passenger Information. Both Irish Rail and Luas already deploy real time information systems.
Further consideration will be given to the future direction of integrated real time information strategy when institutional arrangements, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, are clarified.
School Transport.
Olwyn Enright
Question:80 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport when an audit of school bus safety will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19870/06]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:97 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the situation whereby Bus Éireann carries out its own safety and maintenance works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21933/06]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:122 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a full audit of the condition of all buses in the school fleet, including those hired from the private sector, is carried out in the wake of an unprecedented number of incidents relating to bus accidents in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19882/06]
Olwyn Enright
Question:123 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport if a full safety audit will now be put in place for all school transport vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19835/06]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:160 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the details of the audit carried out by Bus Éireann on the safety and conditions of its fleet; the action he intends to take on foot of this audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21932/06]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:274 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he shares the view that it is not best practice that Bus Éireann carries out its own safety checks and maintenance audits; if so, the measures he intends to enact to alter this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21902/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 97, 122, 123, 160 and 274 together.
In accordance with Directive 96/96/EC relating to compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles, buses are liable to testing when they are 1 year old and every year thereafter. The Directive, in relation to the testing of goods vehicles and buses, is currently transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations 2004. The regulations provide that testing is carried out by testers appointed by city and county councils. The Department specifies the requirements for premises, test equipment and qualifications for testers for appointment as an authorised tester. The items to be tested, the method of testing and the reasons for failure of the test are set down in vehicle testing manuals published by the Department. Supervision of the performance of individual authorised testers is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. A local authority may suspend or terminate an appointment as an authorised tester.
Currently 7 Bus Éireann garages hold appointments from local authorities as authorised testers for the purposes of carrying out compulsory roadworthiness testing. An independent review is currently being 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, to ensure ongoing safety and roadworthiness. This review includes buses used in connection with the school transport scheme. I have requested that the review be completed as soon as possible and that a copy of the report be forwarded to me as soon as it is available. Separately, I have requested the Chief Executive designate of the 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. I understand that the Chief Executive designate has already commenced preparatory work in connection with the review.
Question No. 81 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Traffic Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:82 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the way in which it is proposed, in the context of Transport 21 or otherwise, to resolve the ongoing traffic chaos on the M50 with particular reference to Palmerstown Interchange; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/06]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the M50 road-widening scheme, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. I have no function in relation to the day-to-day operation of these projects.
Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority and in the case of the M50, that authority is Dublin City Council.
Road Safety.
Enda Kenny
Question:83 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his views on recent media reports that members of the Gardaí would be involved in training learner motorcyclists; his further views on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21950/06]
The Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 stated that compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists would be introduced. A working group comprising of motorcycle interests has been considering the appropriate standards that will apply in this area and the standards that instructors must comply with. Overseeing the introduction of such training will be the responsibility of the proposed Road Safety Authority.
Primary legislation is necessary to facilitate the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists and the necessary amendment to the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2004 is contained in the Road Traffic Bill 2006. I do not envisage Gardai being directly involved in the provision of training.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Airport Development Projects.
Billy Timmins
Question:85 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport if he has been informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that it is considering increasing the size of the proposed second terminal at Dublin Airport from its original plan; if so, the level of increase which is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21920/06]
Seymour Crawford
Question:145 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to when work will commence on the second terminal at Dublin Airport; if he has satisfied himself regarding the temporary measures in place at Dublin Airport to allow for increased passenger numbers at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21916/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 145 together.
Following on from a Government decision of 18 May 2005 on capacity at Dublin Airport, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is working towards the provision of additional terminal capacity, and particularly the development of Terminal 2, in line with the timetable envisaged at the time of the Government decision. The actual specifications of the new terminal, with regard to size and design, are currently the subject of discussions with airport users and so I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with that information at this stage.
A number of functional options for the terminal are being evaluated by the DAA at present. This will be followed by design work to allow for a planning application to be submitted to Fingal County Council. The DAA is working towards a target operational date of 2009 for the new terminal.
When making the decision on Terminal Two, the Government approved a triple safeguard to ensure maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness of the new terminal. As part of that safeguard, the specification and cost of the new terminal will be independently verified by consultants appointed by my Department and this work has also been underway for some months.
In the period April to October this year it is expected that more than 15 million passengers will pass through Dublin Airport. This will be a 21% increase over the same period for last year. The DAA has confirmed to me that they are taking all possible and appropriate measures to cope with the increased passenger numbers, given the tightly constrained nature of the existing terminal and related facilities. I am informed that a temporary boarding lounge with eight additional gates has just been opened and a range of measures to improve space and facilities have been put in place in the terminal.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:86 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department intends taking to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emission from the transport sector; and the forecasts for a possible future increase or decrease in greenhouse emissions from the transport sector. [21891/06]
The National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in 2000, sets out Ireland's approach to meeting its Kyoto Protocol target. This document is currently under review in the light of developments at national, European and international levels since its publication.
A study was carried out by ICF Consulting and Byrne Ó Cléirigh to inform the Government how to allocate the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions budget for the period 2008 — 2012. This study developed projections of CO2 emissions for each sector, including transport, up to 2012, based on policies and measures already announced that will directly and indirectly impact Ireland's GHG emissions profile. A copy is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Emissions from transport are projected to increase from 5.16 Mt in 1990 to an annual average of 13.03 Mt in the period 2008 — 2012 taking account of policies and measures published in NCCS (2000). However, the calculation of these projections did not include the impact of Transport 21 on CO2 emissions from transport. Forecasts of the impact of any new measures, such as Transport 21, on greenhouse gas emissions from transport are being considered in the context of the review of the NCCS.
Transport emissions must be considered in the context of the sector's pivotal role in supporting economic prosperity, regional development and social inclusion. Growth in transport emissions is driven by strong transport demand associated with our sustained economic growth. In the context of strong population and household growth, high employment rates and increased passenger and freight movements, reducing or slowing the growth of transport emissions represents a considerable challenge.
In recognition of this challenge, my Department identified sustainability as a key objective in the Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 and is seeking to incorporate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability into the development and delivery of transport policy.
Transport 21 points the way forward. It provides for total capital funding of over €34 billion in transport over the next ten years, and represents a major rebalancing of investment in favour of public transport, which will facilitate modal shift to public transport. It will see public transport capacity in the Greater Dublin Area almost double over the period of this investment programme. A substantial portion of the Dublin suburban rail network will be electrified. It will also see major investment in the national rail network, with improved and more frequent mainline rail services and the development of the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork suburban rail network. There will also be significant investment in regional and local bus services.
Transport 21 also provides funding for a range of sustainable transport initiatives. The purpose of these initiatives is to facilitate the mainstreaming of sustainability criteria into transport investment decision-making and to make cleaner, more environmentally-friendly vehicles available, embracing public transport, the haulage industry and taxis. These initiatives include pilot projects for biofuel and hybrid-electric technologies, and eco-driving. My Department is engaging with the relevant sectors to progress these initiatives.
Emission reductions from the new vehicle fleet can be achieved through vehicle efficiency improvements undertaken by vehicle manufacturers and Ireland supports the EU Voluntary Agreements negotiated between the Commission and the motor industry. My Department has responsibility for implementing EU vehicle standards and ensures that each new vehicle entering into use in Ireland conforms to the relevant standards, including emissions. Complementary to this, optimal vehicle operation enhances fuel efficiency. The National Car Test, which was introduced in 2000, facilitates such improved vehicle standards.
Tackling the impact of transport emissions requires a cross-Departmental approach involving a number of Government Departments. I am determined to ensure that my Department will continue to play its part in ensuring that the transport sector makes its contribution to the important task of achieving Ireland's national greenhouse gas emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol, and to deliver on an increasingly sustainable transport provision.
Rail Network.
Liz McManus
Question:87 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the revision of commuter rail zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21975/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dail Question No. 184 of 25 May 2006. The position remains unchanged.
Traffic Management.
Eamon Ryan
Question:88 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if and when he intends to ratify the Dublin City Council’s proposed heavy goods vehicle strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21884/06]
Preparation and adoption of the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Management Strategy to ensure optimum use of the Dublin Port Tunnel by HGV traffic is a matter in the first instance for Dublin City Council.
My officials and I are consulting with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel. The Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Management Strategy is an important part of this process.
My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding traffic and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway.
Rail Freight.
Richard Bruton
Question:89 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the nature of his discussions with private sector rail freight operators; if he supports the entry of such operators into the market; if so the action he intends to take to encourage such a process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21931/06]
The European Communities (Access to Railway Infrastructure) (Amendment) Regulations, 2005 (S.I. 780 of 2005), transposes Directive 2004/51/EC on the development of the Community's Railways. In line with developments across the EU, these Regulations allow for the opening of the freight market to competition from 1 January 2006, in the case of international freight, and from 1 January 2007 for domestic freight operations. The rail freight industry across the EU is aware of these developments.
No formal applications have been received by my Department for a railway undertaking licence or for track access. In 2005, my Department received a communication from an operator stating their intention to establish themselves as a freight operator. My Department was in touch with the operator, but no formal application has been received to date.
As I have said on a number of occasions, I welcome the development of a liberalised rail freight market and I am open to considering proposals from interested parties on any innovative or new approaches to rail freight which offer value for money, where a real and tangible return on Exchequer investment can be demonstrated.
Parking Regulations.
Tony Gregory
Question:90 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to facilitate the introduction of a residents only parking scheme in areas adjacent to stadia on the occasions of major sporting or concert events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21866/06]
Tony Gregory
Question:271 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to facilitate the introduction of a residents only parking scheme in areas adjacent to stadia on the occasions of major sporting or concert events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21865/06]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:283 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will state where responsibility lies for implementing special one day parking schemes outside of or in addition to the standard parking scheme in operation within a particular area; if it rests with him or with the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21797/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 271 and 283 together.
I am aware of complaints by residents in relation to parking problems on the roads in the environs of stadia on match days and at concert events when a large influx of motorists from outside the area park on residential roads for the duration of the events. Dublin City Council has also contacted my Department in relation to this matter.
My Department is examining the current legislative provisions that are available to road authorities when applying restrictions and prohibitions on the parking of vehicles to ascertain if the existing provisions can accommodate this type of situation.
Public Transport.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:91 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on a recent proposal by Bus Éireann to purchase new buses which are not wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21927/06]
While there has been significant progress in the development of accessible buses for urban, commuter and other local inter-urban services, I am informed that the availability of accessible coaches, mainly for intercity services, has not kept pace with these developments.
My Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005 will be published shortly and it will address the question of accessible coaches in the light of the COST 349 Report. The Report, based on a major 4-year European research project, made recommendations in October 2005 in respect of accessibility matters for coach type vehicles. A number of manufacturers are now beginning to put the recommendations into practice on their vehicles. The COST 349 report follows the contract placed for new buses by Bus Eireann in July 2005.
My Department with assistance from a team under the Public Transport Accessibility Committee (PTAC) including Bus Eireann and the National Disability Authority is monitoring developments in the design and availability of accessible coaches and the outcome of these discussions will determine future procurement policy. I will address the issue of accessible coaches in the context of my Departments' forthcoming sectoral plan under the Disability Act.
Road Safety.
Phil Hogan
Question:92 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in progressing the roll-out of speed cameras nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21914/06]
The Government is pursuing the commitment given in the Road Safety Strategy to introduce a network of privatised speed cameras.
A Working Group chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and representing my Department, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, has carried out an in depth examination into the issue of the engagement of private sector interests in the operation of speed cameras.
The Group's report, which has been presented to the Government, makes a series of recommendations, which include proposals that require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts.
The Government approved the priority drafting of a new Road Traffic Bill in April and the Road Traffic Bill 2006 was published last week. This Bill contains the necessary legislative provisions to provide for the private operation of speed cameras. It is proposed that the Bill will be enacted during the current Dáil session.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has commenced the tendering process to select an operator. This work will run in parallel to my Department's legislative efforts.
Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 74.
Question No. 94 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
John Gormley
Question:95 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport the measures he intends taking to improve safety conditions for cycling in view of the recent death of two cyclists in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21892/06]
The provision of cycle tracks and traffic signal facilities to support cycling at any location is a matter for each road authority. Responsibility in this area rests at local level and I have no power to direct that cycling facilities be provided at any particular location.
A draft of a revised Rules of the Road was published on my Department's website www.transport.ie last week for public consultation. Awareness is being drawn therein to the need for motorists to be aware of the road safety requirements of vulnerable road users including cyclists and also in relation to matters that cyclists must be mindful of. Feedback received from the public consultation process on these aspects will be considered and feed into the shaping of the final version of the Rules of the Road to be published later this year.
I would add that there is a significant provision in Transport 21 for traffic management, including improved facilities for cyclists.
Driving Instruction.
Seán Ryan
Question:96 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to introduce regulations governing the driving instructor sector; the basis for the proposed outsourcing of the regulation of driving instructors; and the way in which he intends to award credit to existing drivers who have already completed training under the driving instructor register. [21995/06]
Proposals developed by my Department for the regulation and quality assurance of driving instruction will involve a test of the competence of individual instructors. A working group comprising representatives of my Department and of instruction interests has formulated the design of the standards that a driving instructor must meet. The standard will set out criteria for entry to the driving instructor profession and the three part exam comprising a written exam, a practical driving test and a test of instructional capability that instructors will have to pass in order to be registered.
Responsibility for implementing the standard of driving instruction and establishing a register of driving instructors will be with the Road Safety Authority. I am considering what arrangements will be put in place to oversee implementation of the standard in the context of the establishment of the Authority. As part of this process the standard referred to above will form the basis for a consultation document to be issued shortly which will set out the requirements that driving instructors will have to comply with in order to be registered.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 80.
Public Transport.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:98 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date on integrated ticketing; the amount expended on this project; the timescale the project is working to; and the interim measure being taken to provide greater compatibility among ticket providers and between modes of transport. [21969/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:159 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent on the introduction of integrated ticketing, including ticket machines, which will be compatible with a future system; when integrated ticketing will apply to all forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21926/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 159 together.
I set out the position in relation to the Integrated Ticketing Project and interim measures being taken in my responses to Parliamentary Questions Numbers 70, 83 & 130 on 3rd May 2006.
The Peer Review of the project has since been completed and a report has been submitted to my Department. My Department is considering this review and a separate independent review completed in April 2006. Both RPA and my Department are keenly aware of the need to ensure compatibility of ticketing equipment amongst transport agencies and I understand that this was also considered by both reviews.
My Department will complete its considerations in the very near future and will immediately make a recommendation to me on the next steps for the project, including associated timelines.
The amount of money drawn down from the Exchequer in relation to the Integrated Ticketing Project from the commencement of the project to end-May 2006 is just under €10 million.
Road Safety.
Liz McManus
Question:99 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements that he has made for the rules of the road booklet to be updated on an ongoing basis in tandem with changes in road traffic law. [21962/06]
My Department has been working on the revision of the Rules of the Road booklet. There has been a very considerable amount of work involved in that many significant changes in the overall area of road traffic law have to be reflected in the revised booklet.
This work is now substantially complete and I am pleased to state that the revised draft Rules of the Road booklet was placed on the Department's website last week for public consultation. Comments on the draft document from the public or interested parties can be made until the end of June. It is anticipated that the new booklet will be finalised and published by the end of the Summer.
The new booklet will be made available for sale. It will also be made available on-line by the new Road Safety Authority to ensure that, in the future, the booklet will provide up-to-date information on changes in traffic law on an ongoing basis.
Róisín Shortall
Question:100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the basis for his decision to seek an exemption in respect of the compulsory wearing of seat belts by children of three years of age or over travelling in a small public service vehicle on a seat, other than a front seat, if no appropriate child restraint is available; if the National Safety Council or Road Safety Authority was consulted in regard to this exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21961/06]
Directive 2003/20/EC relating to the compulsory use of safety belts and child restraint systems in motor vehicles permits Member States to allow a child of any age to travel without a child restraint in the rear of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) if a restraint is not available. In transposing the Directive into national law, this option was availed of because it was considered it would be unreasonable to expect that small public service vehicles would always have the appropriate child restraint available. However, a child of 3 years of age or more who is 135 centimetres or more in height travelling in the rear of a small public service vehicle where a child restraint is not available must use a safety belt.
The Directive, including the aforementioned provisions relating to small public service vehicles, were discussed with the Chief Executive designate of the proposed Road Safety Authority prior to the making of the regulations to transpose the Directive into national law.
Shane McEntee
Question:101 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Roads Authority intends to introduce a higher speed limit on all national dual carriage ways; what this new speed limit will be; when same will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/06]
Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets out the range of special speed limits that may be specified in special speed limit bye-laws by city or county councils for application in lieu of default speed limits.
The 2004 Act introduced a special speed limit of 120 km/h into this range and indicated that it may be applied in respect of a dual carriageway that forms part of a national road that is not a motorway. The 2004 Act stipulates that this special speed limit can only be applied in accordance with guidelines issued by the Minister for Transport.
It is not proposed therefore to apply this special speed limit of 120 km/h to all dual-carriageway roads across the public road network.
I issued guidelines in April 2005 on the application of special speed limits, including specific criteria as to the road and engineering standards and conditions that apply to the application of the special speed limit of 120km/h. A copy of the guidelines are available in the Oireachtaslibrary and on my Department's website www.transport.ie.
Rail Network.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:102 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the use of the Phoenix Park rail tunnel as an interim measure to increase rail capacity into the city centre; if he has had discussions with Irish Rail in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21948/06]
The Phoenix Park Tunnel is an existing railway line connecting Heuston Station with Connolly Station and North Wall Freight Yard. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the line is in good condition and is in regular use for freight services and transfer of rolling stock. The line is also occasionally used for passenger trains for major sporting events at Croke Park e.g. football and hurling All Ireland finals when trains from Cork and Kerry go direct to Connolly Station.
The railway line is not used for commuter services from the South West or as a commuter link between Heuston Station and Connolly Station because it would not be possible to accommodate additional peak train services into Connolly Station. The lines into and out of Connolly Station are already at full capacity and any additional capacity created in the future will be needed to cater for growth on the DART, Northern Suburban and Maynooth lines. Connections between Heuston Station and Connolly Station are provided by LUAS and Dublin Bus services.
Iarnród Éireann regards the Interconnector tunnel as the best option for providing additional cross city capacity. Approval has been granted for design development for the InterConnector alignment and its proposed station locations and layouts. This is expected to be completed in mid 2007.
The new city centre rail station being constructed in the Docklands area will provide additional capacity on the Maynooth line, pending the construction of the proposed Interconnector tunnel.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 69.
Airport Development Projects.
Trevor Sargent
Question:104 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the failure to undertake a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for the second runway proposed for Dublin Airport; and if analysis has been undertaken of the implications of the second runway for vehicular traffic on the M50. [21894/06]
Brendan Howlin
Question:149 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need for another airport in Leinster to act as a counter-balance in terms of environmental concerns, traffic, competition and so on to Dublin Airport. [21989/06]
Gerard Murphy
Question:150 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to plans to develop a third terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21924/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 149 and 150 together.
Proposals in relation to the development of Dublin Airport, including the planning and provision of runway capacity, are in the first instance a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airport and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers.
Accordingly, the issue of cost benefit analysis in relation to the proposed second runway at Dublin Airport is a matter which falls within the responsibility of the management and board of the DAA. The DAA are of course required to comply with the capital appraisal guidelines issued by the Department of Finance.
I understand form the DAA that included in the submission documents for planning permission for the proposed second runway is a detailed economic impact study, supported by an alternatives study, which firmly supports the development of the new runway, having examined other possibilities for providing the required capacity in a cost effective manner.
Infrastructural planning in relation to the environs of Dublin Airport is being co-ordinated by Fingal County Council in conjunction with the DAA and the National Roads Authority. This includes an examination of how future projections of traffic will interact with the M50 motorway and other national and non-national roads in the vicinity of the airport.
I understand that Fingal County Council has included provision for a third terminal at Dublin Airport in its recently published Draft Dublin Airport Masterplan. While a third terminal will not be needed until about 2015, given current passenger traffic forecasts, the Government decided in May 2005 that the current legal and regulatory framework governing Dublin Airport would be examined to identify any changes that may be necessary to facilitate the development of a third terminal. This would ensure that when passenger volumes determine the need for additional capacity beyond that offered by Terminals 1 and 2, the required additional capacity could then be brought on stream.
I have no proposals for the development of another airport in Leinster. Subject to the granting of planning permission, I am confident that the DAA will provide needed capacity through the expansion of existing facilities and infrastructure at Dublin Airport.
Because of its location and the scope that exists there for extensive expansion, I am convinced that Dublin Airport will continue to remain the country's main airport serving the needs not just of the travelling public in the Greater Dublin Area but also, as a core transport asset, serving the needs of the tourism, business and freight sectors nationally. Notwithstanding the greatly welcome increase in traffic at Shannon and Cork airports, and at the regional airports, in recent years, Dublin Airport will remain crucial to the well-being of the national economy. In this regard, passenger traffic through Dublin Airport is forecast to grow from 18.5 million last year to an estimated 30 million by around the middle of the next decade.
I am confident that Dublin Airport has the scope and potential to expand to cater for future growth in air traffic for the foreseeable future.
Public Transport.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:105 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date on both Metro projects. [21971/06]
Ivor Callely
Question:137 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the Metro system in Dublin; the expected timescale for delivery of the Metro system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21853/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 137 together.
Transport 21 includes two Metro lines — Metro North from St. Stephen's Green to the north of Swords, in the vicinity of Lissenhall, to be completed in 2012 and an orbital line, Metro West, linking Tallaght with Ballymun and serving Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown which is scheduled for completion, on a phased basis, by 2014.
I launched a public consultation process by the RPA on the route of Metro North on 28 February 2006. The consultation concerns three potential routes. The views of the public and key stakeholders are being sought on the three routes and the station locations along the three routes, as well as any other options which stakeholders may consider relevant. Arising from the public consultation process, the RPA will decide during the Summer which alignment it proposes to proceed with.
Metro West, when completed will provide a high quality public transport alternative for the increasing number of people travelling along the corridor between Tallaght and Dublin Airport and provide an alternative public transport option to the M50. The proposed route for the Metro West line will connect with the Luas Red Line at Tallaght, the Kildare and Maynooth suburban rail lines, the new Lucan Luas line and with Metro North at Ballymun. It will serve Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown. The RPA have commenced alignment studies for this project.
Rail Network.
Dan Neville
Question:106 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he is confident that the Spencer Dock station will be fully operational by 2007; the progress made to date in developing this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/06]
Iarnród Éireann has informed me that planning permission for the Docklands Station was granted by Dublin City Council on 9th May 2006, with 11 conditions attached. Iarnród Éireann is planning to have the station complete and in operation in Summer 2007.
Public Transport.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:107 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he will integrate new Metro, DART, rail and LUAS lines in view of the distances between many of the stops of different modes as proposed; the person who has overall charge of integrating these new projects with existing transport services and proposed ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21974/06]
At the launch of Transport 21, in November last, and many times since, I indicated that an important feature of the overall rail plans under the programme was the development of an integrated network that would enable passengers to transfer between suburban rail, Luas and DART at a number of interchange stations. All of the relevant rail projects within Transport 21 will provide the optimal level of interchange and the map of the Greater Dublin Area Rail network, that was circulated at the launch, clearly shows the integrated rail network that will be in place by the end of 2015 and gives an indication of where the interchange points are likely to be located.
The definitive location of interchange points involving any new line will be finally determined only when public consultations and statutory planning processes are complete.
A high level of cooperation between the Railway Procurement Agency and Iarnród Éireann is essential in ensuring that adequate interchange facilities are available for passengers.
I have made it clear to the two agencies that they are to develop their projects as part of an integrated network and I know that both are working hard together to find suitable interchange locations for each project that meet their respective operating and technical requirements. In addition, my Department has established a number of mechanisms to ensure that the required level of collaboration is taking place between all of the agencies with responsibility for implementing the projects in Transport 21. For example, my Department has actively encouraged Iarnród Éireann and the RPA to agree a location that provides for high quality and convenient interchange between Metro North and the Maynooth line.
I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly for the establishment of a Dublin Transport Authority, one of whose major functions will be the delivery of Transport 21 for the Greater Dublin Area. The Authority will take all necessary steps to ensure that an integrated rail network is put in place.
Air Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:108 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to a deal on open skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21937/06]
As I have stated in previous Questions the text of a first-phase EU-US Open Skies agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors. It had been expected that the US would have completed the process of changing the ownership and control rules early in 2006 so that a final decision could be taken at the June Transport Council. However, the rule-making process has been extended and the US authorities here indicated that the matter will be concluded in August in time for agreement at the October Transport Council. It is expected that the issue will be resolved at the October Transport Council.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Question:109 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reduce speed limits within the vicinity of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21850/06]
Denis Naughten
Question:110 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide funding to local authorities for speed limit signage within the vicinity of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21851/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.
A new speed limit policy framework is provided in the Road Traffic Act 2004 that gives greater flexibility to city councils and county councils in the application of special speed limits in lieu of a default speed limit.
It is a matter for each council to assess the position in relation to the speed limits that apply on public roads in the vicinity of schools in their area and, where appropriate, to apply a special speed limit or a special periodic speed limit. In addition to putting a new legal framework in place that is operative since 20 January 2005, I issued guidelines in April 2005 on the application of special speed limits including guidance regarding the deployment of periodic speed limits in the vicinity of schools.
The review of speed limits and the application of special speed limits at any location is a matter for the local councils. I have no role in relation to the determination of what speed limit should apply in the vicinity of any individual school premises.
The funding for the provision of traffic signs, including speed limit signs, is a matter for the National Roads Authority in the case of national roads and individual road authorities in the case of non-national roads. Exchequer funding was given to road authorities to support the provision of over 59,000 new metric speed limit signs by 20 January 2005. The 2005 metrication changeover funding was a once-off measure and I have no proposals to provide direct funding for any other traffic signs.
Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:112 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the principle engineering measures that are being pursued to reduce road deaths and injuries in view of the fact that a road safety strategy requires education, engineering and enforcement measures to prove successful. [21888/06]
The major investment in the upgrade of the national roads network (almost €1.5 billion in 2006) is delivering major road safety dividends, for example in that motorways and dual carriageways almost eliminate the possibility of head-on collisions.
Safety is of paramount importance in the design of national roads as new roads, constructed to best practice standards, help to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
All works that involve a permanent change to the existing layout of a national road require a road safety audit. Road safety audit involves the evaluation of new road schemes during design and construction to identify potential hazards that may affect road users; and to agree the appropriate measures to eliminate or mitigate any such hazards. The National Roads Authority incorporated road safety audits into the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges which became the design standard for national roads in 2001.
Light Rail Project.
Róisín Shortall
Question:113 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the business case for providing the BX LUAS line in preference to other mode prioritisation options in Dublin city centre; the traffic and user modelling work upon which the project has been justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/06]
In November 2005 I announced the commencement of public consultation for Line BX the city centre link between the Red and the Green lines of the Luas system. Since then a comprehensive review of the five route options put forward for consideration has been undertaken by RPA and this is now nearing completion.
The route options for Line BX, in common with all other major transport proposals, must be assessed against a broad range of objectives which focus on environmental, economic, safety, accessibility and transport integration themes. Importantly however, Line BX is just the first part of a Luas line from St. Stephen Green north through the city centre to serve Grangegorman, where major investment in a DIT campus facility is planned, and then via the disused Broadstone rail alignment to Liffey Junction where it will permit interchange with the suburban rail services. In the longer term, this route also has the potential to be extended further northwards.
The economic assessment of the project has been conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Finance and as specifically set out in ‘Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector' (February 2005).
Traffic modelling has, I understand, been based on the transport model of the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) which has been further refined by the DTO for the city centre area. A key input to this modelling work has been traffic counts undertaken by RPA to assist in model validation and robustness.
Demand modelling has been based on the RPA demand model and for the economic assessment of the route options, RPA has, I understand, incorporated information provided by Dublin Bus in relation to bus passenger numbers and services so that these can be included in the appraisal.
In this respect the economic appraisal has assessed the impacts on users and non-users of the system. The net effect of the scheme indicates a very positive economic return.
Discussions are ongoing between RPA, Dublin City Council and Dublin Bus and I understand that initiatives are being advanced by the RPA which, if implemented, could offer significant priority for the bus services in the city centre in tandem with the provision of Luas Line BX.
Once the preferred route option for the Line BX scheme is identified an outline business case will be prepared by RPA and submitted to the Department of Transport for review.
Road Accidents.
Brendan Howlin
Question:114 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the input his Department has into the improvement of Garda road collision report data; if better information will be collected on foreign drivers, left-hand drive vehicles, novice drivers and so on; and the reason there is no continuous data available on the number of provisional drivers involved in collisions when such information is collected by Gardaí. [21988/06]
Statistics relating to road accidents are based on information provided by the Garda Siochana, and are currently published by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The most recent report, now entitled "Road Collision Facts", relates to 2004 and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website. Statistics relating to 2005 are not yet fully analysed or authenticated.
The 2004 report refers in particular to the various contributory factors to collisions where such data is available. In that context the Report in respect of 2004 notes that driver error accounted for 88% of all contributory factors in respect of all collisions where such were identified. Pedestrian error was the next most listed factor at 8% with road factors accounting for 2% of all of those listed. The remaining factors listed related to vehicle and environmental factors.
The annual road collision reports provide a significant degree of knowledge that supports and informs the deployment of road safety measures, which are pursued within the planning framework of the multi-annual Road Safety Strategies.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will have a significant input into advancing the road safety agenda in the future. The functions assigned to the Road Safety Authority include a mandate in relation to the collation of all relevant data and statistics.
The new Authority, as part of its remit, will examine what information is currently available and what information is required on road traffic accidents from all the relevant Departments and Agencies, including the Gardai. This may include the extension of the collection of data on matters raised by the Deputy.
Public Transport.
Michael Ring
Question:115 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of proposals he has received from local authorities in relation to the provision of park and ride facilities; the amount of funding allocated for this purpose to date in 2006; if he has satisfied himself in relation to the response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21952/06]
Park and Ride facilities have an important role in making it easier for people to access and transfer to public transport. As the Deputy will be aware, last Summer I approved a Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy for rail-based Park and Ride facilities, which envisages facilities at 22 locations on the existing and proposed rail network within the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
I have made available in 2006, €5 million in capital funding for the development of appropriate Park and Ride projects in the Greater Dublin Area. There will also be capital funding in succeeding years under TRANSPORT 21. These applications will be evaluated according to their business cases, and against the strategic value they offer, as assessed against the DTO strategy.
Funding is also being made available under TRANSPORT 21 for Park and Ride in the regional cities. While no formal applications have yet been received, there have been several expressions of interest which are being followed up.
Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Road Safety.
Joe Sherlock
Question:118 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce regulations for compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists; when he will introduce regulations on the compulsory display of L-plates on motorcycles; and when he will reach a decision on the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists. [21981/06]
A working group, including motorcycle interests, has been considering the appropriate standards that will apply to compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists. Overseeing the introduction of such training will be the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Primary legislation is necessary to facilitate the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists and appropriate provision is being made in the Road Traffic Bill 2006.
It is also my intention that a requirement that motorcyclists with provisional licences must display L-plates will be introduced. The necessary regulatory provisions are currently under consideration having regard to the need for amendments to the Road Traffic Acts in the light of a recent Supreme Court decision which found that primary legislation underpinning regulations to transpose EU Directives must, notwithstanding any powers already contained in the legislation, contain a power to make regulations for the purpose of transposing EU Directives. Appropriate provision is contained in the Road Traffic Bill 2006 to deal with the Supreme Court decision.
In relation to the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists the Road Safety Authority has requested that the issue of allowing motorcyclists use bus lanes be considered and there will be discussions between the RSA and my Department on the matter.
Aer Lingus.
Gay Mitchell
Question:119 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has set out a date for the flotation of Aer Lingus; if he remains committed to such a flotation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21934/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has finalised his plans for the future development of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21826/06]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:157 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the partial sale of Aer Lingus; and the timescale now envisaged. [21970/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 125 and 157 together.
In May 2005, the Government agreed to the State reducing its shareholding in Aer Lingus whilst retaining a significant stake. The Government mandated myself and the Minister for Finance to appoint advisors to advise on the nature, scale and timing of an investment transaction and to revert to the Government with proposals for the implementation of the proposed transaction.
In accordance with that mandate, following consideration of the report prepared by our advisors, the Minister for Finance and I agreed proposals for the implementation of an investment transaction and those proposals were noted by the Government at its meeting on 4 April 2006. The transaction will take place by means of an initial public offering of shares in Aer Lingus. The transaction will be implemented as soon as possible taking into account market conditions and the regulatory requirements that need to be fulfilled before the IPO can take place.
Road Network.
Damien English
Question:120 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to when the Dublin Port Tunnel will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21955/06]
Jack Wall
Question:155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Dublin Port Tunnel to fully open to traffic; and the regulations he will introduce to facilitate traffic management in and around the tunnel, particularly in relation to lane use. [21978/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 155 together.
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned, in this case, Dublin City Council.
I understand that the civil engineering work within the tunnels has now been largely completed and that the main focus of work has shifted to the installation of the mechanical and electrical systems which make up the safety and control features of the project. I understand from Dublin City Council and the NRA that the main construction and installation work in the Tunnel is expected to be completed in June, with the Tunnel opening to traffic in September. However, the exact opening date will be contingent on satisfactory completion of the testing and commissioning of the tunnel's operational and safety features, including the training of operational and emergency staff.
Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority in the area. In this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Tunnel, including lane use, are matters for Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA).
My officials and I are consulting with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council and the NRA, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Tunnel. My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding road signage and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway.
Rail Freight.
Brian O'Shea
Question:121 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to produce a policy on rail freight subsidisation. [21991/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to transfer a greater amount of freight traffic to the railways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21877/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 292 together.
The Strategic Rail Review, commissioned by my Department, contained a comprehensive examination of the rail freight business and its realistic potential to support economic development and contribute to sustainable development.
Iarnród Éireann, in responding to the challenges contained in the Review, developed a business plan with regard to freight. The company's goal is to return the rail freight business to profitability. To help achieve this turnaround, Iarnród Éireann withdrew from loss-making groupage, palletised and single container rail transport in the recent past. However, Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present.
Since 1999, Iarnród Éireann has invested over 1.5 billion euro in rebuilding the railways, with Government and EU support for the investment programme. This has delivered improvements in new trains, upgraded infrastructure and customer facilities. While such investment has primarily focused on improving passenger services, the investment in improving rail infrastructure also has a direct beneficial impact on freight activities.
Iarnród Éireann has made progress in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, including mineral ore and pulpwood. For example Iarnród Éireann has: — increased the trainload pulpwood business by modifying surplus wagons and providing additional services for Coillte between the West of Ireland and the South East; — recently altered rail schedules and is currently providing three additional trains per week for Tara Mines with a potential to carry an extra 85,000 tonnes of lead and zinc between Navan and Dublin Port per annum, — modified surplus platform wagons to provide a trainload service for containers between Ballina and Waterford Port.
I have introduced the European Communities (Access to Railway Infrastructure) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 780 of 2005), implementing EU Directive 2004/51 on the development of the Community's Railways. These Regulations open the freight market to competition from both domestic and foreign operators, from 1 January 2006 in the case of international freight, and from 1 January 2007 in the case of domestic freight operations.
I should add that Iarnród Éireann has undertaken extensive engagement with industry and transporters around the country to try and identify long-term sustainable business opportunities. They have had genuine difficulty in identifying business opportunities that offer reasonable volumes of business on a regular basis. It is not feasible to run trains with one or two containers and Iarnród Eireann has not identified sufficient business to group a number of separate activities together to form a viable trainload. Most Irish industry is focused on ‘just in time' transport and as our road network continues to expand and improve across the country, the role of rail freight becomes more problematic because all rail journeys involve road movements at each end of the logistics chain. Furthermore, in Ireland distances are short. The experience across Europe is no different. Rail freight activities are most economic where distances are long, where there are large volumes to be transported and where the freight to be carried is not time sensitive.
I am open to any views on how we can expand rail freight but the business environment is such that I have not seen any real opportunities identified. The market for rail freight will be fully liberalised in a matter of months and if there were opportunities I would welcome expressions of interest. The question of providing capital funding for sidings is often mentioned as a stimulus to rail freight but again no firm proposals have been received.
It remains my priority that any additional Exchequer subvention should focus on expanding passenger services to meet the continuing unmet demand for such services, in seeking to address the adverse social and economic impacts caused by traffic congestion.
Questions Nos. 122 and 123 answered with Question No. 80.
Pension Provisions.
Pat Breen
Question:124 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the proposals to deal with the deficiency in the pension funds of Aer Lingus and Team Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21918/06]
In the context of the planned initial public offering (IPO) of shares in Aer Lingus, I have said that the Minister for Finance and I are open to considering the question of the company using part of the proceeds from issuing new shares to address the funding position in the company's pension scheme in the context of an overall solution involving increased employer and employee contributions going forward. Any money raised by Aer Lingus in this manner would be used to address its own portion of the scheme. I have mandated Aer Lingus management to engage with the trade unions to address the key concerns of staff in relation to a third party investment, including pensions and that process is currently underway.
Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
Proposed Legislation.
Mary Upton
Question:126 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to introduce whistleblowing legislation for the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21992/06]
Section 54 of the Railway Safety Act 2005 provides for staff of a railway undertaking or a person working under contract of services with a railway undertaking to inform the Railway Safety Commission of any information relevant to an investigation of a railway incident or of any risk to the railway in terms of its staff and passengers arising from the operations of the undertaking. The Act also provides that the member of staff cannot be disciplined or disadvantaged in any way following the provision of such information.
Directive 2003/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2003 on occurrence reporting in civil aviation includes an option for Member States to develop a confidential reporting system. Work is under way to transpose this Directive into Irish law. I have no further proposals at present in relation to whistleblowing legislation.
Road Safety.
Joe Costello
Question:127 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to ensure that a representative of young people sits on the board of the Road Safety Authority. [21964/06]
The individuals that I have appointed to the interim board of the Road Safety Authority have a wide variety of skills, experience and professional commitment whom I am confident will represent the concerns of all sectors in society. Advisory panels, comprising of a broad range of road safety stakeholders, whose function will be to advise the Board on policy, its implementation and impact will also be established.
Public Transport.
Eamon Ryan
Question:128 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport further to the recent announcement by Dublin Bus to run five of their tour buses on 5 per cent plant oil and 95 per cent conventional diesel mix, the plans which exist for the introduction of similar measures to the remainder of the Dublin Bus fleet and other bus fleets. [21885/06]
Dublin Bus has advised me that the company is in the process of evaluating a trial of bio-diesel and until this trial is complete and a full evaluation takes place, no further decision regarding the extension of the trial will be made.
Road Safety.
Simon Coveney
Question:129 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the reason the recommendation of the Metricification Review Group that the speed limit on all non-national roads should be 50 km/h, and which according to his Department would as a result reduce the speed limit on roads where 60 per cent of fatal crashes are taking place, (details supplied) has not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21956/06]
The Report of the Working Group on the Review of Speed Limits contained a recommendation that a default speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) be introduced for non-national roads. I can confirm that this recommendation was taken on board in the new speed limit structures contained in the Road Traffic Act 2004. From 20 January 2005 a default speed limit of 80 km/h (replacing the previous limit of 60 mph) applies to rural regional and local roads.
Question No. 130 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Rail Network.
Dan Boyle
Question:132 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if the North Esk rail freight yard will remain connected to the rail network following the forthcoming end to Diagio keg traffic on the line and the re-signalling of the Cork Cobh line. [21887/06]
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.
Road Traffic Offences.
Willie Penrose
Question:133 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the progress on reaching an agreement with the Northern Ireland authorities on the mutual recognition of penalty points. [21980/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ No 17441/06 on Tuesday 9 May 2006.
As I indicated at that time, Northern Ireland has the lead role for transport matters in the British Irish Council, and the authorities in that jurisdiction are taking the lead in considering this issue. Officials are examining the issues and will, I understand, report back in the next few weeks. However at that point further consideration regarding feasibility will be necessary.
Great Southern Hotels Group.
Bernard Allen
Question:134 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to the sale of the Great Southern Hotels; when it is anticipated that this deal will be finalised; if he has the power to decide where the proceeds of this sale will go; if so, his decision in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21922/06]
As I have stated previously in this House, decisions in relation to the sale of the Great Southern Hotels (GSH) are matters for the Boards of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and the GSH and I have no function in relation to them.
GSH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the DAA and I understand that any proceeds of the sale, net of all applicable liabilities and costs and after repayment of capital invested by DAA, will accrue to the company and not to the State. The application or re-investment of any such proceeds will be a matter for the board of DAA to determine in the context of its commercial mandate under the State Airports Act 2004.
The hotels were advertised for sale by public tender on 17 May 2006 and the closing date for receipt of tenders is 7 July 2006. It is expected that the sale process will conclude in 2006.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 59.
Road Network.
Damien English
Question:136 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been taken on the future method of tolling to be applied on the M50; the details of this proposal; when same will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21954/06]
At the outset, I should explain that the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
In January of this year, the National Roads Authority decided to replace the West-link toll by a single point barrier-free toll in 2008.
The planning permission granted for the M50 upgrade requires that a scheme of specific demand management measures for the motorway corridor be published no later than three years after completion of the upgrade, which is anticipated to be in 2010. For this reason, the barrier free tolling arrangements will need to be adaptable to meet the medium to long term needs that arise. Comprehensive research and analysis is being undertaken by the NRA and will continue in the coming years in order to address the post 2010 situation.
The NRA will bring forward specific proposals for the single-point free-flow toll arrangement for consideration later this year. Independent consultants have been engaged by the NRA to advise on the technology aspect of free-flow tolling.
Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 105.
Taxi Regulations.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:138 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in commencing Section 36 (1) of the 2003 Taxi Regulation Act. [21965/06]
Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, as amended by section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, provides for a system of automatic mandatory disqualification from applying for or holding a small public service vehicle driver or vehicle licence in respect of persons who have been convicted of certain specified offences. These include the offences of murder, manslaughter and various sexual, drug trafficking and other offences.
As a first step in giving full effect to the provisions of section 36 as amended, I have recently made an order commencing subsections 2(A), 3, 3(A) and 4 of the section. This has been done in consultation with the Commission for Taxi Regulation, An Garda Siochana, the Courts Service, my Department and the Office of the Attorney General.
The measures in these subsections give existing licence holders or licence applicants who have been convicted of specified offences an appropriate period to apply to the Courts to be allowed to apply for a licence under such terms and conditions as the court may direct. I would urge any person in this category to regularise their position. I expect to make later in the year the necessary order to commence the provisions of the section in full.
Road Traffic Offences.
Pat Breen
Question:139 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the arrangement to allow the Gardaí to confiscate the driving licenses of UK drivers in the event of such driver committing road traffic offences will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21919/06]
The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999 requires that the driving licence of a person disqualified from driving be delivered to the Court within 5 days of the coming into operation of the Court order. This applies to Irish driving licences and driving licences from other jurisdictions.
National Car Test.
Seymour Crawford
Question:140 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he has published the review of the National Car Test; if not, the reason thereof; when reform of the National Car Test will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21917/06]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:165 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the review of the National Car Test; and if he intends introducing a statutory watch-dog for NCT. [21986/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 165 together.
I expect to make a decision shortly in relation to the recommendations contained in the report on the outcome of the mid-term review of the national car testing service conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for my Department. As soon as I have made that decision I will publish the PwC report on my Department's website.
My Department monitors the performance of National Car Testing Service Limited to ensure that it delivers the service in accordance with the contract requirements. To assist the Department in that function, a Supervision Services Contractor (a consortium involving PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association with engineering, financial, legal, IT and operational expertise) has been engaged and is working to an agreed programme for the Department. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 the Road Safety Authority will be assigned responsibility for vehicle testing matters, which would include oversight arrangements in relation to the car testing service.
Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Industrial Relations.
Gay Mitchell
Question:142 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of times he has met with the Aer Lingus trade unions to deal with their issues in relation to the proposed partial sale of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21935/06]
Prior to the Government decision in May last year to reduce its shareholding in Aer Lingus to facilitate equity investment in the company whilst retaining a significant stake, I had consulted with the trade unions on the future ownership structure and funding requirements of the company as is required under the terms of Sustaining Progress.
Since then, and prior to the decision in April this year concerning the basis on which an investment transaction is to take place, I met with a delegation of the Aer Lingus trade unions and officials from Congress on three separate occasions, in June 2005 and on 2 March and 3 April this year.
State Airports.
Jerry Cowley
Question:143 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether Knock International Airport is one of Ireland’s international airports; his further views on an investment programme for Knock International Airport which will provide increased levels of service to the area as a whole and also increase tourism in the region and encourage economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/06]
My Department assists Ireland West Airport Knock through a range of financial support mechanisms. Since 2000, the airport has received in the region of €6.5 million in operational and capital support directly from the Exchequer. This ongoing support has greatly assisted the airport to maintain viable operations and to grow its business, particularly on UK routes operated by low-cost air operators, and I understand the airport is constantly seeking to expand its range of services.
My Department will continue to assist Ireland West Airport Knock, in line with the relevant EU Guidelines on financing of airports and Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines.
A total of 100 million Euro will be available for investment in development and safety related infrastructure in all regional airports under the Transport 21 framework. As well as the continuation of grant assistance for essential safety and security capital expenditure under the NDP, Ireland West Airport Knock will also be eligible for capital expenditure grants where demand for additional air services can be demonstrated and where an economic case can be made to justify increased investment. My Department has now produced a draft of this scheme, which it believes is fully compliant with the relevant EU guidelines and I expect to be in a position to announce details shortly. Meanwhile, for the sake of legal certainty, this proposed scheme has been formally notified to the EU Commission for clearance under the EU Guidelines already mentioned. In anticipation of this clearance, my Department is considering a number of projects which are intended to enable the developing Airport to comply with international standards to meet future passenger demand.
In addition to the proposed new capital grants programme, a new scheme for subvention of airport operations, to the extent that these cannot otherwise be financed from airport revenues, is currently being developed in line with the EU Guidelines and will be launched shortly.
My Department also supports regional air access through the Essential Air Service Programme, by providing financial compensation to air carriers on PSO routes, such as Knock-Dublin, where carriers would not be prepared to operate on a commercial basis.
Road Safety.
Dinny McGinley
Question:144 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Transport his views on the introduction of road safety leaflets in each workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21928/06]
The National Safety Council (NSC) is the agency mandated with responsibility for road safety advertising and education.
In addition to media advertising, the Council has published road safety leaflets that are also available in several languages. These leaflets have been distributed widely through newspapers that are in circulation in this country and throughout the relevant communities. The leaflets can be downloaded free of charge by any individual or employer from the website (www.nsc.ie) should they wish to make them available for general circulation at their workplace. The leaflets are also available to the Gardai for distribution as they see fit.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 85.
Road Traffic Offences.
Mary Upton
Question:146 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he has reached a conclusion on the proposal made to him by the Dublin cycling campaign on 23 February 2006 in relation to the repeal of the requirement for cyclists to use a mandatory cycle lane where one is provided. [21993/06]
No conclusion has yet been reached on this matter. From 3 April 2006 it is a penalty point offence to drive a vehicle on or along a mandatory cycle track during the hours of operation of the track. The scheduling of this offence under a Road Traffic Act 2002 to be a penalty point offence was to enforce compliance with road traffic law and provide an increased level of safety for cyclists required to use that type of cycle track.
Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:148 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport if all public transport vehicles and public service vehicles must have a fire extinguisher; if so, the manner in which this requirement is enforced; the penalties enforced for breach of such a regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/06]
Large public service vehicles are required under Article 79(1) of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to carry a fire extinguisher.
The annual roadworthiness test on these vehicles includes a check that the fire extinguisher is fitted, fully charged and secure.
The penalties for non-compliance with this requirement are a fine not exceeding €800 in the case of a first offence, a fine not exceeding €1,500 in the case of a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of €1,500 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both in the case of a third or subsequent offence in a period of 12 consecutive months. Enforcement of road traffic regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Questions Nos. 149 and 150 answered with Question No. 104.
Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Vehicle Regulations.
Joan Burton
Question:152 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to introduce regulations under Article 8 of EU Directive 2005/66/EC to curb the sale of bull bars sold as separate technical units. [21994/06]
My Department is considering how best to implement control of the sale and use of component bull-bars pursuant to Directive 2005/66/EC.
Road Traffic Offences.
Joe Sherlock
Question:153 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he will activate the penalty point category of driving unaccompanied on a provisional licence other than a second provisional licence. [21982/06]
Where a person does not fulfil the conditions attaching to a provisional licence the offence is driving without a licence which is one of the offences in the First Schedule to the Road Traffic Act, 2002. It is proposed in the Road Traffic Bill, 2006 to amend the penalty points attaching to such an offence. The commencement of this provision will be considered in due course following enactment of the Bill.
Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 78.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Driving Tests.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:156 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the deadline for the upgrade of software for driving test applications in Ballina; his estimate for the final cost of this upgrade; the amount of funding set aside for the project; the amount so far drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21960/06]
The existing system is adequate for the needs of RSA over the next 18 months to two years. Some limited improvements will be made to the system over the next 12 months to make it more efficient. However, in relation to the future needs of the RSA, detailed planning is required by them to scope their IT requirements. The information requested by the Deputy on the upcoming project to completely refurbish or replace the driver testing application system is not therefore available at this time.
Question No. 157 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
Road Traffic Offences.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:158 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he proposes to legislate in order that fixed charge penalties may be applied to non-resident non-national drivers in foreign registered vehicles. [21966/06]
Róisín Shortall
Question:272 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps he intends to take to ensure that fixed charge penalties may be applied to foreign drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21897/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 272 together.
I am conscious that enforcing penalties on non-resident non national drivers raises many legal, organisational and procedural issues which make it very difficult for any one State to enforce such penalties. For that reason, my Department is pursuing this question at the European, British/Irish and north/south levels where mutual recognition and cross border enforcement possibilities are being considered.
Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
Question No. 160 answered with QuestionNo. 80.
Question No. 161 answered with QuestionNo. 72.
Question No. 162 answered with QuestionNo. 74.
National Development Plan.
Dan Neville
Question:163 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Department of Finance in relation to the under spend on public transport and other transport infrastructure on the Border Midland Western region in relation to that promised under the existing National Development Plan; his proposals in relation to the way in which shortfalls can be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/06]
My Department is the Managing Authority for the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) and in that capacity chair the Monetary Committee on which the Department of Finance and other relevant agencies are represented. The Programme provides for a total capital investment of some €26 billion in key capital investment areas including national roads and public transport over the seven year period from the start of 2000 to the end of 2006. The Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme is the largest multi-infrastructural investment programme in the history of the State, accounting for almost 50% of total investment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
The total volume of investment originally envisaged for the BMW Region under the ESIOP was some €7 billion for the period 2000-2005. Annual spend in the BMW Region under the ESIOP has been rising progressively. In the year 2000 the spend in the region was €641 million. In the year 2005 the spend in the region had almost doubled to €1.12 billion. In cumulative terms expenditure in the region in the period 2000 to 2005 inclusive came to €5.4 billion. This represents 92% of the original forecast for the period of €5.9 billion, a very creditable performance over a period of 6 years.
Cumulative expenditure in the BMW Region in the case of national roads at €1.6 billion and in the area of public transport at € 283 million respectively represent 76 % and 63% of target. As regards national roads, there has been a significant ramping up of construction activity and related expenditure in the last few years. This momentum is being maintained.
The reason for the slow start in spending in the case of national road projects in the BMW Region is that in the early years of the Programme a smaller number of major projects were under construction or ready for construction in the region. To assist in advancing projects to construction as rapidly as possible, increased funding was provided for the planning and design of projects. Through the help of this funding there has been a sharp increase in the number and size of road projects brought forward to construction in the region. This is reflected in a record level of spend in 2005 of € 416 million, and in 2006 expenditure is expected to top this at €431 million. Substantial national road investment in the region will continue under Transport 21.
The BMW Region will see significant progress on public transport under Transport 21. For example it provides for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis. Iarnrod Eireann has submitted to my Department business cases relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (reopening of the Athenry to Tuam section) and I will be taking my proposals on the matter to Government very shortly. The introduction of the intercity railcars which are currently on order will also permit the improvement of mainline rail services from Dublin to the region.
It should also be noted that, during this period, the BMW Region benefited from track renewal, resignalling, rolling stock acquisition and station redevelopment across the rail network which has contributed to the improvement of services for intercity customers.
Road Safety.
Jack Wall
Question:164 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the change to regulations he proposes in relation to the roadworthiness testing of buses, and in particular to address the practice of self-regulation in certain sectors. [21985/06]
I have requested the Chief Executive designate of the 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 authorised testers carrying out roadworthiness tests on their own vehicles will be examined.
Question No. 165 answered with QuestionNo. 140.
Public Transport.
Enda Kenny
Question:166 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the measures he has taken to date in 2006 to introduce competition into the Dublin bus market; the number of meetings which have taken place in 2006 on this issue; the main obstacles to opening up the Dublin bus market; when same will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21951/06]
I have given a public commitment to modernizing the regulatory framework governing public transport and the provision of bus services by both public and private operators, not just in Dublin, but nationally. In particular, at the launch of Transport 21, I said that I was convinced that we need a new approach to transport in the Greater Dublin Area, delivered through a single authority with the power to ensure joined-up thinking and delivery across all transport modes.
In advancing the regulatory agenda, a range of meetings have taken place with the key stakeholders including the CIE Companies, the Unions and representatives of private bus operators. These discussions form part of a process of engagement that will facilitate and inform the determination of the appropriate structure for the new framework and supporting legislation.
This process is also being informed by the work of the Establishment Team which was appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I have now received the report of the team. A draft Memorandum for Government is currently the subject of consultations with other Minister's and will be submitted to Government in the near future.
I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform and further market opening in the context of the institutional structures recommended by the team. I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.
Driving Licences.
Emmet Stagg
Question:167 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in introducing a credit card type driving licence. [21984/06]
In June 2003 a notice requesting the submission of tenders to supply a plastic card licence was published in the EU Official Journal. A number of developments took place following receipt of tenders and the proposals were reviewed in the light of these developments. These developments included the publication of a draft EU Directive on driving licences in October 2003 proposing the issuing of new licences in plastic card format only and allowing the introduction of an optional microchip on the driving licence. There have also been developments concerning anti-fraud protection measures and possible developments ineGovernment.
Having considered these matters it was decided not to proceed with the tender invitation of 16 June, 2003. I do not propose to issue a revised tender in the short term as some issues remain to be determined at EU level, including the specification of the microchip.
Question No. 168 answered with QuestionNo. 59.
State Honours System.
Finian McGrath
Question:169 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach his views on introducing an awards system or an honour system for people who make a valuable contribution to society; and if he will work with all Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas on this matter. [21653/06]
The issue of a State honours system has been mooted many times in the past but there has never been all party support to sustain its development. In September 1999, I wrote to the main Opposition Party Leaders enclosing a discussion paper. It was the first time a serious attempt had been made to outline the broad shape of such a scheme. I made it clear that I was completely open to any views which other parties might wish to put forward, including in particular views on the central question as to whether or not a scheme was desirable.
It was evident at the time that there was not the cross party support required to introduce a scheme. It has always been my view that a national honours system would require all party consensus if it were to proceed. Consequently, I did not pursue the matter further. I am prepared to engage again with other parties if all of them are now ready to proceed to devise a suitable honours system.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.
Joe Costello
Question:170 Mr. Costello asked the Taoiseach the reasons for granting a further extension to the MacEntee Commission of Investigation into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21764/06]
On 26 April 2005, the Government appointed Mr. Patrick MacEntee S.C. as Sole Member of a Commission of Investigation to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. This was in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which considered the Barron Report on the Dublin/Monaghan Bombings.
At the end of May, Mr. MacEntee informed me that more time was required to complete the Inquiry in order to pursue a new line of investigation which has arisen. He therefore requested a further extension of the timeframe until 31 July 2006. He also provided me with a further fourth interim report, as required by the legislation. I have published that report and have placed a copy in the Oireachtas Library.
It is clear from this fourth Interim Report that Mr. MacEntee requires more time to pursue specific inquiries as there remain important opportunities to advance the investigation that might otherwise be lost. It is for this reason that I have granted the additional extension.
Departmental Staff.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:171 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach in respect of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, when the last round of recruitment took place; the numbers who applied for posts; the number who were short-listed; the number who qualified for appointment; the number who accepted positions; the number who have started working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21806/06]
In November 2005, the Public Appointments Service advertised the post of Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade II. Forty four applied for the posts, one subsequently withdrew and three did not meet the minimum qualifications. Twenty one were short-listed and completed a written test. Sixteen qualified for the interview stage but five of those did not attend for interview. Of the eleven presenting for interview, three were qualified by the Interview Board for appointment. Since then, one has accepted a position and will take up duty on 26 June, one has declined an offer of appointment and another is currently considering the offer of appointment.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:172 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding available from her Department for a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 towards the costs involved in providing a much needed service; if she has reviewed the position; if she proposes to do so before preparing her budgetary submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21666/06]
Funding for all health services has been provided as part of the HSE's overall vote for health and social services in 2006. Decisions concerning the allocation of resources for specific services such as that specified by the Deputy are a matter for the HSE. 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.
Infectious Diseases.
Mary Upton
Question:173 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her understanding of the powers that exist to restrict the free movement of people out of and into Ireland in the event of a serious outbreak of avian flu in view of the paragraph on travel restrictions on page 19 of the European Union’s Final Report on A Pandemic Influenza Exercise for the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21725/06]
There are no restrictions on travel to or from areas experiencing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in birds, including countries which have reported associated cases of human infection.
I presume, however, that the question relates to a human influenza pandemic. The World Health Organisation does not recommend the closing of international borders at any pandemic phase. A recent academic review of strategies for mitigating an influenza pandemic published in Nature magazine found that border restrictions and/or internal travel restrictions are unlikely to delay spread by more than 2-3 weeks unless more than 99% effective.
The report to which the Deputy refers goes on to recommend that "The Commission should, on behalf of Member States, investigate and clarify the international regulations during an international infectious disease outbreak. Regulations regarding restrictions on travel, airport closure and border control should be explained in the light of the Schengen Convention and the International Health Regulations. There needs to be further discussion to clarify the impact of border closure, specifically the movement of drugs and vaccines when borders are closed. Such measures require further discussion by the European Commission and Member States." The Commission has indicated that it will arrange workshops on issues such as border controls and quarantine.
Issues relating to the implementation of the International Health Regulations are currently being examined by my Department and the Health Service Executive. Officials of my Department and the HSE are also in ongoing contact with officials in Northern Ireland regarding cross-border issues. In addition, my Department has established a Standing Inter-Departmental Committee on Public Health Emergency Planning to consider issues which go beyond the health aspects of an influenza pandemic including border controls and suspension of travel.
State Claims Agency.
Seymour Crawford
Question:174 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the person who directed the State Claims Agency to instigate proceedings to obstruct or delay the inquest into the death of a person (details supplied); if the State will make every effort to help the family of this person in their effort to have an open and transparent inquest into the persons death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21796/06]
In February 2004, Frances Sheridan died after being discharged from the Accident and Emergency Department of Cavan General Hospital. Last December an Inquest was held into her death, presided over by the acting coroner for County Cavan. Following the hearing of the Inquest, the jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes.
In January, solicitors representing the family wrote to the Attorney General requesting that he direct a fresh Inquest pursuant to his statutory power under the Coroners Act 1962. It is understood that the acting coroner also wrote to the Office of the Attorney General with comments on this request. In April, the Attorney General, directed that the acting coroner hold a new Inquest.
Under the National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Functions) Order 2003, the management of claims alleging clinical negligence against the Health Service Executive is a function of the State Claims Agency. Nobody directs the State Claims Agency in this respect. As part of the overall management of clinical negligence claims, the State Claims Agency also provides legal representation at Coroners’ Inquests for the HSE and individual practitioners employed by the Executive.
On learning of the intention to hold a new Inquest, the solicitors appointed by the State Claims Agency wrote to the acting coroner indicating their concern as to whether it was appropriate that she should conduct the new Inquest. At no stage was it suggested that there is or might be any actual bias on the part of the acting coroner. Rather, the concern was that there would be a reasonable apprehension in the light of the acting coroner's previous involvement in the case, that she might be biased. It was suggested that, in the circumstances, the most appropriate course was for the acting coroner to allow the new Inquest to be conducted by an alternative coroner. The acting coroner declined the suggestion and confirmed her intention to open the Inquest on 31 May. Subsequently, the acting coroner informed the family that the Inquest would not go ahead on 31 May but, instead, she would hear legal submissions only. This was communicated to the HSE and the State Claims Agency on 30 May last.
I am advised that neither the State Claims Agency nor the HSE sought to obstruct the Inquest or make any attempt to prevent it. The Agency and the HSE fully accept the Attorney General's decision to direct a fresh Inquest.
Health Services.
Tony Gregory
Question:175 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if provision is made that three chiropody treatments per year are available free under the medical card scheme; if so, if the €10 additional charge by some chiropodists is fraudulent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21546/06]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.
I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service; and this process is well underway.
James Breen
Question:176 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the opening hours of a centre (details supplied) which currently opens two days a week to five days a week in view of the increased population in the Kilmaley catchment area of County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21548/06]
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.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:177 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and location of positive emission tomography scanners here; her plans to make more of these machines available to areas outside Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21550/06]
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.
John McGuinness
Question:178 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a response to an application for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21551/06]
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.
John McGuinness
Question:179 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, further to a previous parliamentary question, an appeal lodged for improved subvention payments will be expedited and a response given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21552/06]
My Department has been advised that a reply was issued on the 18th May 2006 by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to Question No. 256 of 25 April2006.
The issue of an appeal relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:180 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the home care service in view of the fact that they applied for this almost nine weeks ago and were told that it would take up to four weeks for their application to be processed. [21580/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:181 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given an appointment at University College Hospital, Galway. [21581/06]
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.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:182 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) who has applied for medical certification for the purpose of Section 92 of the Finance Act 1989 and the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 to ensure that this appeal is successful for this severely handicapped person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21590/06]
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.
Pat Breen
Question:183 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare was refused home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21591/06]
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.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Brian O'Shea
Question:184 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on locating a pharmacy within a health centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21610/06]
On foot of the recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group, my Department has commenced drafting new pharmacy legislation in two pharmacy Bills. The first Bill is to deal with fitness to practice provisions for pharmacists, the removal of the prohibition — the ‘derogation' — on non-Irish graduates being supervising pharmacists in pharmacies less than 3 years old, and a stronger statutory basis for the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
The second Bill will address the regulation of pharmacy and pharmacy services, including the definition of pharmacy services and of a community pharmacy, enhanced provisions for the inspection of pharmacies, and the provision for regulation of pharmacies for matters such as physical conditions, standards, record keeping and promotional activities. It is also proposed to deal with general provisions relating to community pharmacy contracts for services, as well as the remaining recommendations of the Pharmacy Review Group.
The Government accepted the Review Group recommendation that there should be no beneficial ownership or business interest of any kind between prescribing and dispensing and, in regard to multi-GP practices with adjacent pharmacies, that contracted pharmacies and general practices should occupy discrete premises, with separate entrances. I have agreed to consider the potential conflict of interest issues arising from the development of health centres with adjacent contracted pharmacies and this issue will be addressed in the second Bill in the light of that examination. In the interim, my Department has advised the Health Service Executive to take due care in assessing pharmacy contract applications so that any commercial relationship between a pharmacy contractor and a health centre will not affect the proper provision of services as required under clauses 21, 22(3), 22(4) and 23 of the pharmacy contract, dealing with ownership of pharmacies and beneficial interest. I have also written to the Medical Council in relation to this issue.
The Deputy will note that the location of services is a land use planning issue and therefore a matter for the relevant planning authority. I am not in a position to dictate the location of privately funded and owned pharmacies or GP practices, nor to restrict the awarding of State pharmacy contracts based on location.
Medical Cards.
John McGuinness
Question:185 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who wishes to undergo in vitro fertilisation treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21611/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:186 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a bed in Dún Laoghaire Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21613/06]
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.
Tom Hayes
Question:187 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a family (details supplied) are to lose their home help allocation from 2 June 2006; and the number of people in South Tipperary who are to lose their home help allocation or have their home help hours reduced within the next three months. [21620/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Brian O'Shea
Question:188 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to appoint a second pain consultant to Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21621/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Paul McGrath
Question:189 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 9 May 2006, when it is expected that a clinic (details supplied) in Kilkenny will complete the tender process with regard to its facility to accept public patients in view of the fact that it is in a position to accept such patients pending her Department’s agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21622/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Allowances.
Jerry Cowley
Question:190 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused mobility allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21643/06]
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:191 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in relation to their query. [21650/06]
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.
Joe Higgins
Question:192 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has a medical card was charged €60 for a bone density x-ray at the Mater Hospital. [21661/06]
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.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:193 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position on an application for funding from her Department or the Health Service Executive in regard to the running costs of a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in order that they can provide a full 100 percent service to those in need of the service and not as at present where two out of every five calls are not answered due to lack of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21665/06]
Funding for all health services has been provided as part of the HSE's overall vote for health and social services in 2006. Decisions concerning the allocation of resources for specific services such as that specified by the Deputy are a matter for the HSE. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Michael Noonan
Question:194 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will include pneumococcal meningitis vaccination in the childhood immunisations schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21676/06]
The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard.
Health Services.
Mildred Fox
Question:195 Ms Fox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no routine developmental checks being carried out in north Wicklow, due to shortage of staff; if her attention has further been drawn to the importance of these developmental checks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21681/06]
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.
Dan Neville
Question:196 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 178 of 8 February 2005 and 167 of 13 April 2005, the Health Service Executive has referred the document to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21703/06]
As the review document referred to by the Deputy was not submitted to my Department, I have no comment to make on the matter.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Disabled Drivers.
Michael Lowry
Question:197 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a motorised transport for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the application process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21716/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Michael Lowry
Question:198 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the length of time involved in processing an application from date of lodgement to date when a final decision issues to the applicants of motorised transport grants in north Tipperary; the way in which this duration compares with applications in each other Health Service Executive region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21717/06]
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.
Brian O'Shea
Question:199 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements which have been made by her Department to provide for public patients having radiotherapy treatment at a clinic (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21720/06]
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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Disabled Drivers.
John McGuinness
Question:200 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will approve a motorised transport grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite the matter. [21721/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Jack Wall
Question:201 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive their appointment for a scan examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21724/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:202 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a home care package for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this matter has been ongoing; and when this matter will be finalised. [21738/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:203 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the minorities here are getting a semblance of a health service in view of the fact that the life expectancy of Travellers is so low and the mortality rate so high; her views on whether inequality in relation to healthcare for the travelling community here has been addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21749/06]
Travellers' health status is a cause of concern and the provision of health services for Travellers has long been a matter of priority for my Department in partnership with the HSE. Additional funding of over €11m (which includes an additional €2m in 2006) has been allocated by my Department for Traveller health services since 1997. Structures have been put in place to ensure the effective delivery of services. Traveller Health Units operate in each HSE area and the units comprise of representatives from HSE management and Traveller representatives. These units work in partnership with local Traveller organisations and the Travelling community while at central policy level the Traveller Health Advisory Committee which comprises Department and HSE staff and representatives from the Traveller organisations advise me on policy in relation to Traveller health.
There has been no national study on Travellers health since 1987. My priority for 2006 is the commissioning of new research into the health status of Travellers which will provide a framework for policy development and practice in relation to this vulnerable group. The proposed Travellers All Ireland Health Study will be the first study of Travellers health status and health needs that involves all Travellers living in Ireland, North and South. It is jointly supported by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland. The purpose of the research will be to examine the health status of Travellers, to assess the impact of the health services currently being provided and to identify the factors which influence mortality and health status.
Medical Cards.
Tony Gregory
Question:204 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is sanctioned for a medical card but does not receive it for several months and incurs medical expenses during the interim, will those receipted expenses be reimbursed. [21757/06]
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.
Denis Naughten
Question:205 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of home care support packages allocated to County Leitrim in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21758/06]
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.
Denis Naughten
Question:206 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the roll-out of the 2000 extra homecare support packages announced in Budget 2006; the date these packages will be rolled out nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21759/06]
The Tánaiste has allocated €30 million for the provision of Home Care Packages in 2006, and a further €25 million for the Scheme in 2007. At the beginning of 2006 there were approximately 1,100 Home Care Packages in place and the 2006 Budget allocation will provide an additional 2,000 extra Home Care Packages in 2006, to be introduced on a phased basis, with the majority of the packages to be commenced in the second half of 2006. The HSE has advised that 249 new home care packages were commenced in the first quarter of 2006.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:207 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action her Department is taking to highlight the issues that surrounded ME Syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21760/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
John Gormley
Question:208 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of children diagnosed with autism ten years ago and the number at present; the reason for this increase; the action her Department is taking to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21769/06]
The National Intellectual Disability Database was established in 1995 to ensure that information is available to enable the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive and the voluntary agencies in Ireland to provide appropriate services designed to meet the changing needs of people with intellectual disability and those with autism and their families. The objective is to obtain information on every individual known to have an intellectual disability and/or autism and assessed as being in receipt of, or in need of an appropriate service. However, the Database does not give specific information in relation to the number of people with autism, as information pertaining to clinical diagnosis is specifically excluded. These information systems are being examined in the light of the requirements under the Disability Act 2005.
The Health Act, 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. The Deputy's question in relation to the numbers of children diagnosed with autism over the past ten years relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Executive under the Act. 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.
I am advised that the Health Service Executive provide a continuum of service provision for children with autism including Family Support Services and Pre-School Assistant Services, specialised multi-disciplinary teams where required, residential services, respite and other services. This continuum of services is based on assessed need and prioritised in a manner which is consistent with available resources. The Health Service Executive states that the provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004, when implemented, will facilitate the provision of health related supports in the school setting where these are deemed to be necessary for young people to achieve their educational outcome.
Under the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009, which is part of the National Disability Strategy, additional funding amounting to €51.5m is being provided by the Government in 2006 to meet costs associated with the provision of certain specific high profile disability services. In relation to services for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism, this includes: 255 new residential places; 85 new respite places; 535 new day places and the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability/autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
In addition to the services mentioned above, further additional funding of €22.5m is also being provided in 2006 to enhance the multi-disciplinary support services for children and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and those with autism and to address core underfunding and core staffing issues in services for people with disabilities provided by the voluntary sector. This additional funding is in line with the Government's commitment to enhance multi-disciplinary support services for people with disabilities and increase the capacity of the health services to deliver on the various legislative provisions contained in the National Disability Strategy.
Capital funding amounting to €45m has also been provided in 2006 to support additional places in services for persons with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or autism.
Health Services.
John Gormley
Question:209 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has carried out studies regarding the impact of immigration on the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21770/06]
The Department of Health and Children has not carried out studies into the impact of immigration on the health service, inter alia because it is not currently possible to identify recent immigrants in routine health information systems. The Department of Health and Children has led out on a pilot project on the feasibility of collecting ethnicity information from routine systems such as Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) and maternity (perinatal) systems. This is currently being completed and written up.
While the project itself relates to ethnicity rather than immigration, the information gained from the use of an ethnic identifier will help to establish baseline data on services for minority communities and will be applied towards identification of needs, measurement of uptake of services and evaluation of outcomes.
Hospital Services.
John Gormley
Question:210 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to date to ensure that a person (details supplied) will be transferred to Dublin; if a person has been in communication with her Department on numerous occasions; the reason she has not treated this case with the urgency it deserves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21772/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:211 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the Teamwork Report on the review of acute hospital services in the north east; when she intends to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21774/06]
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
The HSE commissioned Teamwork Management Services to undertake a review of acute hospital services in the North East. I understand that the review, which commenced in March 2006, has recently been completed and that the report has been considered by the Board of the HSE. I have been briefed on the contents of the report. The manner and timing of the publication of the report is a matter for the Executive.
Medical Cards.
Richard Bruton
Question:212 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason chiropody is excluded from medical card cover; the cost of extending the medical card to cover this service; and if she will introduce a plan to extend such cover. [21794/06]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services and this process is well underway.
My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.
Health Service Staff.
Gerard Murphy
Question:213 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Cork did not receive reimbursement of fees in the same manner in which reimbursement was made to nurses in South Infirmary Hospital. [21802/06]
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 the matter investigated and have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
James Breen
Question:214 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the immediate improvements which will take place at Ennis General Hospital; if they will include the installation of a cat scanning facility; if the €20.8 million allocated for use on the upgrade of the hospital will be spent in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21803/06]
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 considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Accommodation.
John McGuinness
Question:215 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a bed will be made available at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the urgency of the case; her views on the delay in responding to this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21804/06]
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.
Pat Carey
Question:216 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the range of financial and other assistance and remunerations available to general practitioners from her Department, other Departments and associated agencies; the increases in such assistances and remunerations since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21818/06]
The Deputy's question relates primarily 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.
I understand that arrangements are also in place under the auspices of other Departments, whereby general practitioners are paid in respect of the provision of certain services. The remuneration arrangements involved are a matter in the first instance for the Ministers concerned.
Jack Wall
Question:217 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to assist with travel expenses to a speech clinic at the Midland General Hospital, Portlaoise, in view of the fact that there is no ambulance service available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21819/06]
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.
Grant Applications.
Pat Breen
Question:218 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 26 April 2006 when an application for subvention will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21838/06]
The Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has informed my Department that they are in the process of drafting a response to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 26 April 2006.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Brian O'Shea
Question:219 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to coordinate and streamline transport for people with disabilities to ensure universal provision based on reasonable need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21839/06]
Under the Disability Act, 2005, one of the Departments required to produce Sectoral Plans is the Department of Transport. I understand that the Department of Transport has now issued a draft of its Sectoral Plan for public consultation, and this Draft Plan sets out measures to improve accessibility of transport for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments across a wide range of areas, including rail, bus and taxi. Insofar as the Deputy's question may relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, these 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.
John McGuinness
Question:220 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card instead of a general practitioner only card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the financial circumstances of their case and the hardship being experienced. [21840/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Brian O'Shea
Question:221 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to enhance the respite provision for people with disabilities that require constant care in the Waterford constituency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21841/06]
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.
Brian O'Shea
Question:222 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the guidelines her Department has in regard to the appropriate respite provision for people with disabilities requiring constant care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21842/06]
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.
Brian O'Shea
Question:223 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the guidelines her Department has in regard to the assessment of the level of support required by individual carers providing full-time care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21843/06]
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 again 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 as a matter of urgency.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Brian O'Shea
Question:224 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to allow retired nurses to be employed as support workers for persons with disabilities who have full-time carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21844/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Brian O'Shea
Question:225 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to re-introduce the old people living alone scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21845/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Arthur Morgan
Question:226 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the promised CT scanner will be functional at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk; the grade of scanner which her Department intends to provide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21846/06]
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.
Decentralisation Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:227 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will re-examine the decentralisation plans in order to facilitate staff who do not want to move and lose their promotion opportunities. [21655/06]
I am satisfied that promotion practices in the public service are being managed in a way which balances the achievement of the decentralisation programme in an efficient manner with the needs of staff remaining in Dublin.
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 1st 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 inter-departmental 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.
Tax Code.
Enda Kenny
Question:228 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance his plans to increase the exemption from stamp duty for first-time buyers nationally or in the Dublin area and the amount; when it will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21685/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the 2005 Budget introduced a stamp duty relieving measure for first-time house purchasers who are owner-occupiers of second-hand houses by increasing the stamp duty exemption threshold for such purchasers from €190,500 to €317,500 and by having reduced rates for house values up to €635,000. Any further changes to the stamp duty regime are a matter for the Budget.
Communications Masts.
Tony Gregory
Question:229 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the new additional mobile phone mast at the Bridewell Garda Station, Dublin 7; if same will be used for Garda purposes; the private commercial services for which it will be used; if consideration was given to its close proximity to a children’s playground and to a residential flats complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21778/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works have granted licences to three mobile phone companies to install telecommunications equipment on the mast at the Bridewell Garda Station. For structural reasons it was necessary to replace the original mast with a new mast. The Garda telecommunications equipment has been relocated to the new mast and the three mobile phone operators also have equipment installed thereon. The original mast has been removed from the site.
Under the terms of their licence agreement with the Commissioners, the mobile phone operators are obliged to install and operate all equipment within current standards and E.U. regulations and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
In addition, the Commissioners' Consultants monitor all such developments on behalf of the Commissioners to ensure compliance with the regulations is achieved from the outset and is continuous during the term of the licence agreement.
Decentralisation Programme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:230 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if contracts have been signed in order to provide the necessary accommodation to decentralise 50 Revenue staff to Listowel, County Kerry; if not, when they will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21571/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that suitable accommodation has been located for the Revenue Commissioners in Listowel.
Contracts will be signed when the Commissioners have agreed rental and fitout terms.
Departmental Offices.
Michael Ring
Question:231 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for employment received in respect of the summer employment with the Revenue Commissioners in County Mayo, advertised recently. [21579/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 300 applications were received in respect of summer employment with the Revenue Commissioners in County Mayo.
Tax Collection.
Paul Kehoe
Question:232 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a tax refund has not been awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and when he expects a decision to be made on the matter. [21619/06]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a refund has been processed on behalf of the taxpayer and issued on 6 June 2006. The delay in issuing the refund was due to a technical difficulty which has since been resolved.
Decentralisation Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:233 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants who will be decentralised to locations within County Dublin or the City of Dublin; the number of employees of State agencies who will be decentralised to locations within County Dublin or the City of Dublin; the percentage in each case of the total number of jobs to be decentralised that this comprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21658/06]
The relocation of civil or public servants within Dublin city or county is not part of this Government's Decentralisation programme.
The aim of the programme as announced in Budget, 2004 is to move civil and public service posts to locations outside of Dublin. This is still the case.
Richard Bruton
Question:234 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who are relocating from Dublin in respect of the decentralising staff listed in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 23 May 2006 as already moved and of those likely to move by end 2006 or early 2007, who are relocating; and the number relocating from places outside of Dublin. [21659/06]
My Department is not in a position to predict how many Dublin based staff will be in the tranche of 1,000 as Departments must make assignment in accordance with the protocols agreed with the unions. Hence the ultimate breakdown of staff moving will be determined by the priority position of staff on the CAF, nos. of offers accepted, the nos. offered places under the 2-10 trawls, etc.
However, as an indication of the overall percentage of Dublin based assignments to date, over 58% of the 1500 assignees at end April 2006 are Dublin based.
The Deputy has made reference to data given in a previous PQ response. The following table which was furnished in that reply has now been updated to reflect the position with Dublin based assignments.
|
Location |
Organisation |
Number of staff |
Number of Dublin Based |
|
Sligo |
Social and Family Affairs |
18 |
18 |
|
Portlaoise |
Agriculture and Food |
115 |
85 |
|
Thurles |
Garda HQ (part of) |
32 |
9 |
|
Tipperary Town |
Private Security Authority (Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) |
12 |
6 |
|
Na Forbacha |
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
5 |
4 |
|
Clifden |
Pobal |
16 |
1 |
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:235 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking to obtain a suitable house for their family has to pay stamp duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21726/06]
Stamp duty is a duty on the transfer of title to property. It has been in existence in some form for many years and has not in general hindered persons moving, trading up or trading down.
Stamp duty is a significant contributor to the Exchequer which permits Government spending on public services such as health and education. Stamp duty receipts also allow for a broader tax base than would otherwise be possible.
Stamp duty is chargeable at progressive rates on the purchase of residential properties exceeding €127,000. However in the case of first time owner occupying buyers of second-hand property, stamp duty only arises on property exceeding €317,500. In the case of new houses, all owner-occupiers are exempt from stamp duty where the property does not exceed 125 square metres. Where the property exceeds 125 square metres, stamp duty is only charged on either the value of the site or 25% of the value of the property, whichever is greater.
In addition, Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) is available at source in respect of interest paid on monies borrowed for the purchase, maintenance, repair or improvement of that taxpayer's main residence, including second-hand houses. Furthermore, owner-occupiers can avail of the exemption from Capital Gains Tax on any gain arising from the sale of their principal private residence.
Communications Masts.
Seán Haughey
Question:236 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if there are one or two masts with telecommunications equipment installed by mobile phone companies at Coolock Garda Station, Dublin 5; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local residents had no notice of the erection of a new mast at this location and that work on same was disruptive; if he will revoke those licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21817/06]
There are currently two masts at the Coolock Garda Station; one of the masts is the original mast and the other is the replacement. The original mast will be removed, within the next four weeks, when relocation of the telecommunication equipment to the replacement mast is complete.
The replacement mast has been erected under the exempted development provisions contained in Class 31, Part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
The Commissioners of Public Works have granted licences to three mobile phone companies to install telecommunications equipment on the mast at Coolock Garda Station.
Under the terms of the licence agreement with the Commissioners, the mobile phone operators are obliged to install and operate equipment within current standards and E.U. regulations and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). While the mobile phone operators adhere to the terms and conditions of the licences, the licence agreements will remain in operation and will not be revoked.
Telecommunications Services.
Peter Power
Question:237 Mr. P. Power asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when broadband will be provided to the townlands of Pallasgreen and Old Pallas, County Limerick. [21615/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
My Department administers a group broadband scheme which delivers broadband to many underserved areas. Under this scheme a project was approved for the Cappamore area of Co. Limerick and this service is now operational. The areas of Pallasgreen and Old Pallas fall within the catchment area of this project.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.
Harbours and Piers.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:238 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a slipway will be provided at Blackwater Pier, Sneem, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21660/06]
Blackwater Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. In January 2006 Kerry County Council submitted a proposal to the Department for a preliminary study at Blackwater Pier. There is no funding available for Blackwater Pier in 2006. The question of providing funding in 2007 will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities.
Fisheries Protection.
Pat Carey
Question:239 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to illegal net fishing of coarse fish on the canals in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21699/06]
Primary responsibility for the management of canals rests with Waterways Ireland, which is a North/South Implementation Body established under the British-Irish Agreement Acts, and operates under the aegis of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Enforcement of regulations for the protection and conservation of fish stocks rests with the Regional Fisheries Boards and I have no function in relation to the matter.
Alternative Energy Projects.
David Stanton
Question:240 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funding available to enable research to be carried out into sustainable and renewable generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21753/06]
The Renewable Energy Research Development and Demonstration Programme under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is overseen and implemented by Sustainable Energy Ireland with the objective of: accelerating the development and deployment in the Irish marketplace of competitive renewable energy products, processes and systems; providing support for solutions that enable technical and other barriers to market uptake and/or modal switching to be overcome; establishing, where necessary, and strengthening, where possible, a national capacity to access, develop and apply international class RD&D in a way that can best meet specific Irish needs on a continuing basis; facilitating and providing guidance to policy makers.
To the end May 2006, a total of €10.5m has been committed to 79 grant projects in biomass, ocean, wind, solar and hydro energy and a range of commissioned public-good studies. Research in this latter area includes topics such as resource, economic and technical market studies. Research and development aimed at the integration of renewable energy resources into the electricity infrastructure and market is one of the key priorities under the present programme. The establishment of the Energy Research Council and related Energy RTDI exchequer funding for 2006 and forward years will significantly enhance the National Energy RTDI agenda including renewable technologies.
Regional Fisheries Boards.
Enda Kenny
Question:241 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the allocation of moneys for each regional fisheries board for each of the past five years; the percentage allocated to salary, pensions and administrative work; the actual budget available for management, development, protection and improvement of inland fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/06]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection, development and improvement of inland fisheries rests with the regional fisheries boards. Funding is allocated directly to each fisheries board from the vote of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
These funds are applied by the fisheries boards towards their statutory functions of conservation, management, development, protection improvement of Inland fisheries in each of the regions according to their needs. The fisheries boards also generate their own resources from revenue streams such as sale of licences, permits etc, and these funds are reinvested in the execution of their functions. Their ability to generate revenues varies in accordance with their operations. The following tables, as supplied by each individual board, indicate the budget and allocation of moneys for the period 2001-2005.
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,929,090 |
2,002,933 |
1,794,792 |
1,913,614 |
1,847,040 |
|
External |
671,201 |
498,913 |
384,901 |
221,621 |
345,488 |
|
Total |
3,600,291 |
2,501,846 |
2,179,693 |
2,135,235 |
2,192,528 |
|
Salaries |
1,721,804 |
1,483,621 |
1,345,408 |
1,417,898 |
1,360,239 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
58.7% |
74% |
74.9% |
74% |
73.6% |
|
As a percentage of total |
47.8% |
59.3% |
61.7% |
66.4% |
62% |
|
Pensions |
127,632 |
117,767 |
112,096 |
98,551 |
92,384 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
4.3% |
5.9% |
6.2% |
5.1% |
5% |
|
As a percentage of total |
3.5% |
4.7% |
5.1% |
4.6% |
4.2% |
|
Admin Expend |
403,989 |
407,449 |
377,487 |
436,903 |
408,334 |
|
Other Expend |
1,346,866 |
493,009 |
344,702 |
181,883 |
331,571 |
Source of Data: SWRFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,596,823 |
2,059,450 |
1,949,439 |
2,207,030 |
2,131,927 |
|
External |
374,292 |
755,920 |
297,819 |
261,102 |
386,994 |
|
Total |
2,971,115 |
2,815,370 |
2,247,258 |
2,468,132 |
2,518,921 |
|
Salaries |
1,870,009 |
1,674,139 |
1,540,511 |
1,799,590 |
1,572,985 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
72% |
81% |
79% |
82% |
74% |
|
As a percentage of total |
63% |
59% |
69% |
73% |
62% |
|
Pensions |
162,297 |
78,326 |
131,977 |
102,128 |
90,614 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
6% |
4% |
7% |
5% |
4% |
|
As a percentage of total |
5% |
3% |
6% |
4% |
3.6% |
|
Admin Expend |
582,512 |
666,840 |
506,649 |
547,979 |
631,665 |
|
Other Expend |
356,297 |
396,065 |
68,121 |
18,435 |
223,656 |
Source of Data: NRFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,420,810 |
1,917,801 |
1,752,603 |
1,913,614 |
1,776,285 |
|
External |
367,463 |
488,691 |
315,620 |
221,621 |
209,320 |
|
Total |
2,788,273 |
2,406,492 |
2,068,223 |
2,135,235 |
1,985,605 |
|
Salaries |
1,441,476 |
1,316,505 |
1,274,913 |
1,262,244 |
1,184,643 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
60% |
69% |
73% |
66% |
67% |
|
As a percentage of total |
52% |
55% |
62% |
59% |
60% |
|
Pensions |
102,761 |
160,542 |
75,908 |
98,096 |
72,541 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
4% |
8% |
4% |
5% |
4% |
|
As a percentage of total |
4% |
7% |
4% |
5% |
4% |
|
Admin Expend |
498,245 |
353,229 |
314,511 |
553,266 |
353,916 |
|
Other Expend |
745,791 |
576,216 |
420,891 |
221,629 |
374,505 |
Source of Data: SRFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,940,469 |
2,434,750 |
2,422,462 |
2,664,688 |
3,056,002 |
|
External |
665,996 |
430,434 |
403,519 |
297,411 |
346,083 |
|
Total |
3,606,435 |
2,865,184 |
2,825,981 |
2,962,099 |
3,402,085 |
|
Salaries |
1,982,125 |
1,794,163 |
1,645,051 |
1,678,526 |
1,614,188 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
54.96% |
62.62% |
58.21% |
56.67% |
46.54% |
|
As a percentage of total |
67.41% |
73.69% |
67.91% |
62.99% |
51.81% |
|
Pensions |
125,097 |
88,119 |
211,615 |
181,043 |
87,283 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
3.47% |
3.08% |
7.49% |
6.11% |
2.57% |
|
As a percentage of total |
4.25% |
3.62% |
8.74% |
6.79% |
2.86% |
|
Admin Expend |
461,967 |
366,437 |
408,702 |
503,017 |
341,612 |
|
Other Expend |
1,037,246 |
616,465 |
560,613 |
599,513 |
1,389,923 |
Source of Data: ShRFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
3,296,166 |
2,739,274 |
2,609,353 |
2,687,663 |
2,878,782 |
|
External |
1,089,210 |
979,023 |
1,211,687 |
991,216 |
1,005,772 |
|
Total |
4,385,376 |
3,718,297 |
3,821,040 |
3,678,879 |
3,884,554 |
|
Salaries |
2,435,063 |
2,289,531 |
2,239,881 |
2,321,761 |
2,158,335 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
74% |
84% |
86% |
86% |
75% |
|
As a percentage of total |
56% |
62% |
59% |
63% |
56% |
|
Pensions |
157,313 |
154,583 |
307,445 |
186,271 |
84,169 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
5% |
6% |
12% |
7% |
3% |
|
As a percentage of total |
4% |
4% |
8% |
5% |
2% |
|
Admin Expend |
473,052 |
463,775 |
454,312 |
444,117 |
390,607 |
|
Other Expend |
591,711 |
492,483 |
509,629 |
548,613 |
1,045,409 |
Source of Data: WRFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,822,034 |
2,065,216 |
1,854,389 |
2,286,528 |
2,163,960 |
|
External |
520,798 |
518,286 |
285,730 |
248,210 |
251,135 |
|
Total |
3,342,832 |
2,583,502 |
2,140,119 |
2,534,738 |
2,415,095 |
|
Salaries |
1,922,804 |
1,743,829 |
1,599,235 |
1,596,836 |
1,474,406 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
68% |
84% |
86% |
70% |
68% |
|
As a percentage of total |
58% |
67% |
75% |
63% |
61% |
|
Pensions |
270,422 |
63,291 |
59,072 |
86,002 |
46,048 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
10% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
2% |
|
As a percentage of total |
8% |
2% |
3% |
3% |
2% |
|
Admin Expend |
309,795 |
282,272 |
252,572 |
346,668 |
318,747 |
|
Other Expend |
839,811 |
494,110 |
229,240 |
505,232 |
575,894 |
Source of Data: ERFB
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|
|
Exchequer |
2,811,223 |
2,126,665 |
1,947,490 |
2,245,267 |
2,233,871 |
|
External |
872,494 |
764,739 |
567,220 |
407,792 |
422,340 |
|
Total |
3,683,717 |
2,891,404 |
2,514,710 |
2,653,059 |
2,656,211 |
|
Salaries |
2,089,779 |
1,887,809 |
1,675,100 |
1,668,018 |
1,552,755 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
74% |
89% |
86% |
74% |
70% |
|
As a percentage of total |
57% |
65% |
67% |
63% |
58% |
|
Pensions |
80,767 |
78,146 |
73,051 |
55,829 |
48,403 |
|
As a percentage of exchequer funding |
3% |
4% |
4% |
2% |
2% |
|
As a percentage of total |
2% |
3% |
3% |
2% |
2% |
|
Admin Expend |
338,636 |
361,719 |
317,902 |
304,202 |
190,434 |
|
Operations Expend |
402,057 |
367,561 |
339,331 |
449,427 |
343,869 |
Source: NWRFB.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Enda Kenny
Question:242 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of support that exists for domestic wind turbines and geothermal pumps as an incentive to provide alternative energy methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21790/06]
The level of funding provided in the Greener Homes grant aid package for geothermal heat technologies is a follows:
|
Technology |
Grant Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Heat Pump — Horizontal Ground Collector |
4,300 |
|
Heat Pump — Vertical Collector |
6,500 |
|
Heat Pump — Water (well) to Water |
4,300 |
|
Heat Pump — Air Source |
4,000 |
The focus of the domestic grants scheme is on renewable energy for heating purposes with the specific objective of developing a sustainable market for renewable heat technologies. Wind is supported on a community and commercial scale through other mechanisms.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a study on the metering options for Small Scale Renewable electricity and Combined Heat & Power Generation (CHP) in Ireland. The study identified a number of areas which require further analysis including the ability of such processes to secure adequate payment for their exports; connection standards and processes for smaller generators, and the implications of the single electricity market for small-scale electricity generation. SEI is commissioning work to address these issues in 2006 and this will inform further policy decisions in relation to domestic wind turbines.
Broadcasting Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:243 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the service technologies being tested as part of the digital terrestrial television; if high definition television is being tried out as part of the DTT pilot roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21809/06]
The Department has been examining future strategy for DTT roll-out and a DTT pilot is now under way, with infrastructure rollout to be completed by autumn 2006. The trial is planned to continue over a two-year time frame and will provide the opportunity for technical testing of both existing and new broadcast services.
During the pilot, the Department will plan and organise various user trials and demonstration transmissions aimed at showing the capability and usefulness of the DTT infrastructure. At a television service level, a move to DTT will allow for the provision of more channels and services to citizens and may also create possibilities for additional private sector investment and product offerings. A process is currently under way to determine what types of technologies will be included in the trial. The options being considered encompass a range of technologies, including high definition television.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:244 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is estimated that approximately 32 per cent of households here avail of analogue services as their sole means of receiving television broadcasts; if each television in a household will need to be converted to digital after analogue switch-off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21810/06]
Surveys by the Commission for Communications Regulation indicate that approximately 32% of Irish households currently receive free-to-air analogue services. Subscription digital television services are provided to about 42% of Irish television households, across both satellite and cable/MMDS.
My Department's core broadcasting policy objectives include seeking to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form, on a universal and free-to-air basis. In effect, this objective seeks a roll-out of digital terrestrial television (DTT), while the analogue terrestrial network continues to function for a period. My Department is developing a DTT pilot and as proposals for a national DTT rollout emerge, I will outline my intentions regarding possible dates for a switch-off of analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasts. Analogue switch-off planning will require extensive co-ordination between a range of stakeholders and a significant amount of public information provision. It will be important to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all aspects of a future analogue switch-off, such as issues around reception equipment replacement. Viewers who switch to digital terrestrial reception will be required to obtain a set-top box.
Harbours and Piers.
Brian O'Shea
Question:245 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has for the future development of Dunmore East Harbour; the State investment in the harbour since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21828/06]
In November 2000 KPMG Consulting undertook a comprehensive technical and socio-economic review of the infrastructure requirements at Dunmore East in association with Posford Duvivier on behalf of the Department. The review concluded that there was a significant need for development at the harbour. The main shortcomings identified in the review were the limited draft at the mouth of the harbour, the limited extent of the outer breakwater, the limited berthage and situation difficulties.
In 2003 Kirk McClure and Morton were appointed by the Department to carry out the preliminary design and an environmental impact assessment for a harbour development project at Dunmore East. They noted that the existing harbour at Dunmore East is currently too small to cater for the number and size of fishing vessels using it. This leads to congestion problems at busy periods when larger vessels can be berthed up to four abreast along the East Pier. During the summer months smaller vessels can be berthed up to nine abreast along the pontoons at the southern end of the West Wharf. In addition, there is increased demand for sheltered mooring facilities for leisure craft in Dunmore East. The present harbour set-up doesn't permit development of this type and therefore is restricting development of the port and its facilities.
Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for the harbour, a planning application for a harbour development together with an environmental impact statement were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005.
The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at €50 million. In 2006, €300,000 is provided for further design and €300,000 for site investigation to progress the development. A cost benefit analysis will also be carried out this year. A decision on funding of this project will be made in due course in accordance with the guidelines for Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector taking into account the amount of funding made available for fishery harbours and overall national priorities.
Details of funding provided to Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre since 1997 are as follows:
|
Waterford |
Project |
£ |
|
Dunmore East — 1997 |
Harbour works |
301,138.70 |
|
Dunmore East — 1999 |
Rehabilitation of quay structure, including remedial works to South Pier walls and East Pier stability investigation, safety, hygiene and preventative maintenance works, Shandon cliff stabilisation study, resurfacing of harbour entrance, minor works |
457,397.75 |
|
Dunmore East — 2000 |
Cliff stabilisation works Phase 1 and 2, resurfacing of harbour entrance road, foul berth rehabilitation and East Pier investigation, safety and maintenance works |
509,426.54 |
|
Dunmore East — 2001 |
Shannon Cliff Face Stabilisation and minor works |
650,292.90 |
|
Dunmore East — 2002 |
Safety and Maintenance, surfacing, Dock Road/Island Cliff stabilisation Shannon Cliff stabilisation, security cameras, maintenance dredging |
582,603.90 |
|
Dunmore East — 2003 |
Safety and Maintenance, Cliff stabilisation Dock Road/Island security cameras, road surfacing, engage consultants |
602,240.37 |
|
Dunmore East — 2004 |
Safety and Maintenance, Harbour development, Security infrastructure |
909,257.64 |
|
Dunmore East — 2005 |
Safety and Maintenance and minor works |
541,907.89 |
|
Total |
4,554,265.69 |
Northern Ireland Issues.
Finian McGrath
Question:246 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will highlight and support the contribution made by the community sector in relation to peace, democracy, reconciliation and inclusion in the north and south of Ireland; and if he will actively support these groups. [21654/06]
At this decisive period in the peace process, as we focus on the challenge of getting a fully functioning Assembly and Executive up and running, it is important to underline the valuable work being done on the ground by countless dedicated individuals from the community and voluntary sectors to foster good community relations and build peace and reconciliation. Without reconciliation, there can be no lasting political stability. The work of these community groups and organisations is therefore of critical importance to the peace process, and serves to underpin and support wider political efforts to reach agreement.
The Government gave a solemn commitment in the Good Friday Agreement to actively promote and develop respect, reconciliation and mutual understanding between the different traditions on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Following this, in 1999, the Reconciliation Fund in my Department was increased almost eight fold and currently stands at €2.7 million per annum. During that period, over €18 million has been awarded from the Fund to more than 540 organisations involved in cross-community and cross-border reconciliation and outreach projects.
On 29 May 2006, as further tangible evidence of the Government's support for this vital work, I announced grant aid from the Reconciliation Fund of over €1 million to some 60 community groups and organisations engaged in peace and reconciliation activities. The following evening I hosted a reception a t which many of these groups were represented. It was an important opportunity for me to meet with the groups, to hear their stories at first hand and, most importantly, on behalf of the Government to acknowledge and express my appreciation for their dedicated and determined efforts to promote good relations and provide positive leadership within their communities.
I assured them of the Government's continued support for the broad spectrum of peace and reconciliation work I assured them of the Government's continued support for the broad spectrum of peace and reconciliation work being undertaken by community groups throughout this island, as we continue our efforts towards the full implementation of the Agreement and the realisation of a shared future where the legitimate rights of each individual and each community are respected and cherished.
Departmental Programmes.
Billy Timmins
Question:247 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to persons (details supplied); if there is funding available from his Department to assist with this trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21561/06]
I am aware of the very worthwhile development activities carried out by Habitat for Humanity throughout the world. Last year, Irish Aid supported Habitat for Humanity volunteer-related projects in Honduras and Zambia. No request for support has been received, to date, for a Habitat for Humanity project in Nicaragua.
Irish Aid has recently initiated a number of programmes to facilitate and harness the great interest among the Irish public in overseas development volunteering. In this context, we are open to receiving applications for development project support, including volunteering activities, under the recently established Civil Society Fund, the full details of which are available on the Irish Aid website (irishaid.gov.ie). I have arranged for my officials to forward to you the Civil Society Fund application form and relevant background documentation.
Overseas Development Aid.
Seán Haughey
Question:248 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Irish aid will be made available to a person (details supplied) to alleviate dire poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21692/06]
I am very much aware and appreciative of the development work carried out by Irish missionaries in some of the poorest countries in the world. In this context, Irish Aid provides significant funding annually to the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS), which in turn administers project and personnel funding schemes for Catholic missionaries worldwide. This ensures that development programmes are planned, prioritised and managed by the missionaries themselves. The funding allocation for the IMRS has increased to €14 million for 2006 compared to €12 million in 2005.
Applications for support of a development project should be made to the IMRS through the representative in Ireland of the community making the application, in this case, the Divine Word Missionaries, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
Humanitarian Relief.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:249 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking in relation to the plight of those affected by the recent disaster in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21713/06]
An earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, struck one of Indonesia's largest cities, Yogyakarta, on the island of Java in the early morning of Saturday, 27 May 2006. Casualty figures are estimated to be in excess of 6,000 deaths, with over 20,000 injured and 200,000 left homeless. Immediate needs have been identified for emergency shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, sanitation and food.
As Minister with responsibility for Ireland's programme of development co-operation, I have been closely following the situation since the earthquake. Ireland was one of the first donors to respond to this disaster. Within hours of the earthquake I pledged €500,000 towards the relief effort. The European Commission has to date allocated €3 million.
The emergency response is being led and co-ordinated by the Government of Indonesia through the provincial Governments of Yogyakarta and Central Java. This national response is being supported by UN Agencies, the Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The UN issued an Emergency Response Plan on Friday, 2 June, which outlines immediate needs and requirements. Ireland's funding has been disbursed to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) which is co-ordinating the response on the provision of emergency shelter. The IFRC, through the Indonesian Red Cross Society, is also providing assistance in the health service, water and sanitation and food sectors.
Human Rights Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:250 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the new human rights watch report on Kosovo, which describes the criminal justice system as a crisis in which there is rampant impunity for crime, particularly hate crimes; the implications these findings have for the future status of Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21715/06]
I am aware of the report on the criminal justice system in Kosovo published by the Human Rights Watch NGO on 30 May 2006. As the Deputy is aware, the report, which looks primarily at the criminal justice response to the March 2004 violence in Kosovo, identifies general shortcomings in policing and the judiciary in Kosovo. The report is also critical of the effectiveness of the various international agencies tasked with overseeing the criminal justice system.
Ireland and our EU partners have been aware for some considerable time that there are shortcomings in the rule of law in Kosovo. The failure to bring to justice many of those responsible for the March 2004 violence was already a cause for concern. In his comprehensive review of the situation in Kosovo, prepared at the request of the UN Secretary General, and published in October last year, Ambassador Kai Eide of Norway was frank in his critical assessment of the situation. He reported that the rule of law in Kosovo is hampered by a lack of ability and readiness to enforce legislation at all levels, and recommended that a transfer of competencies to the Kosovo police and judiciary would require a firm oversight, intervention and sanctioning policy, as well as the continued presence of international police and judges with executive powers in sensitive areas.
Correcting the shortcomings identified by Ambassador Eide will be a particular priority for the international community. In that context, I welcome the Human Rights Watch Report as a valuable contribution to the consideration that I and my EU colleagues will be giving to the approach that we should adopt to this problem.
Visa Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:251 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will grant a visa to a person (details supplied) who is the holder of a valid work permit and has secured employment in County Mayo, in view of the fact that this person was granted a visa previously but could not travel as their passport was lost;. [21836/06]
As the Deputy indicated, this person reported his previous passport and Irish visa lost. My Department is not aware of any new application for an Irish visa being made by the applicant.
Visa applications made in Pakistan are lodged by applicants with the Honorary Consul in Karachi and are normally referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for decision. I am informed that no record has been found in that Department of a current visa application in this case.
Sports Capital Programme.
Jack Wall
Question:252 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 Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21773/06]
Applications for funding under the 2006 Sports Capital programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme and I announced yesterday details of the provisional grant allocations for local projects.
The application referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful this year and a letter advising the organisation together with a copy of the assessment carried out on the application will issue in the near future. It is of course open to the organisation to apply for next year's programme, which I plan to announce later in the year.
Sports Funding.
Paul Connaughton
Question:253 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to an application by a club (details supplied) in County Galway for funding to finance a project; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the club caters for hundreds of boys and girls of all ages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21825/06]
Applications for funding under the 2006 Sports Capital programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme and I announced yesterday details of the provisional grant allocations for local projects.
The application referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful this year and a letter advising the organisation together with a copy of the assessment carried out on the application will issue in the near future. It is of course open to the organisation, which has previously been allocated €48,888 under the Sports Capital Programme, to apply for next year's programme, which I plan to announce later in the year.
State Aid Rules.
Enda Kenny
Question:254 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the impact of the change in State aid rules to be introduced by the EU from 2007 for businesses within the greater Dublin area and south eastern region; if he is considering additional measures to assist companies adopt to this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21586/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:255 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason in terms of proposed changes to EU State Aid Rules regulating assistance given to start-up enterprises, the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Tipperary South have been selected to be included in the regulations which will apply to counties in the Border Midland Western region; the person who has responsibility for making this geographical designation; the criteria which were used to decide this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21587/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
On 21 December 2005, the European Commission adopted new Regional Aid Guidelines for 2007-2013. The Regional Aid Guidelines govern the areas in which Member States may grant regional aid, more commonly known as investment aid. Investment aid is intended to promote the economic development of certain disadvantaged areas within the European Union in order to redress regional disparities. The Guidelines specify rules for the selection of regions which are eligible for regional aid and define the maximum permitted levels of this aid. In line with EU cohesion policy and European Council requests for less and better targeted state aid, the new Guidelines re-focus regional aid on the most deprived regions of the enlarged Union.
Under Ireland's current Regional Aid Map, which defines the areas where regional aid may be granted until the end of 2006, all parts of the country currently qualify for some level of aid. Given Ireland's economic performance since the current Regional Aid Map was approved by the European Commission in 1999, it was to be expected that our scope to designate areas for regional aid for 2007-2013 would be significantly reduced. Nevertheless, Ireland has secured entitlement under the new Guidelines to maintain regional aid qualification for areas accounting for 50% of the country's population for the period 2007-2013.
In accordance with the Guidelines, the Border Midlands and West Region (26.5% of national population) will be classified as an "economic development region" and will continue to qualify for regional aid throughout 2007-2013 on a phasing-out basis. Ireland will be permitted to designate a further 23.5% of population to qualify for regional aid for 2007-2013. The South East sub-region (Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Tipperary South) alone automatically qualifies for designation on the basis of unemployment criteria specified in the Guidelines, i.e. sub-regions with unemployment higher than 115% of the national average.
The remaining areas which may qualify for designation for 2007-2013 within the permitted population threshold must meet the strict requirement in the Guidelines that they are relatively more in need of economic development than other areas on the basis of recognised economic indicators. These areas will be entitled to regional aid for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) only. The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly was consulted by my Department in relation to this designation. The Assembly accepted the findings of an independent report which it commissioned, from the National Institute for Spatial and Regional Analysis, at NUI Maynooth, and proposed that the remaining areas to be designated for 2007-2013 should be Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Kerry. The Assembly also proposed that these areas, in addition to Cork, should, in line with the Guidelines, be designated for a transitional period of two years (2007-2008) during which they can also receive State aid for large firms. To ensure that the most deserving regions are designated in line with the Guidelines, Member States have to submit their proposals for designation to the European Commission for approval. The Government recently approved the Assembly's proposals, which Ireland will shortly notify to the European Commission. Details of the Regional Aid Map for 2007-2013 will be published following approval by the Commission.
In practice, therefore, all parts of Ireland, with the exception of Dublin and the Mid-East Region, will be proposed for designation in new Regional Aid Map, with varying aid rates related to their level of economic development. The regional aid rates currently available in Dublin and the Mid East are already lower than those in all other regions of Ireland. As Dublin and the Mid East continue to enjoy a more favourable economic situation, they cannot qualify for designation, within the permitted population threshold, ahead of other regions.
Any area no longer entitled to regional aid, such as the greater Dublin area, will continue to qualify for other forms of State aid, including SME Aid, Aid for Research and Development, Training Aid, Employment Aid and Aid for Environmental Protection, which are available in all areas. The greater Dublin area has now attained sufficient critical mass in terms of population, its skills base, infrastructure, enterprise base and economic activity that it can attract and sustain large business investment independent of grant support.
Employment Action Plan.
Denis Naughten
Question:256 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the western region’s share of total employment in firms assisted by State enterprise agencies has fallen over the past ten years; the way in which he intends to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21566/06]
The Western Region consists of the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. The following tabular statement shows that total permanent employment in agency-assisted companies in the Western region has risen from 22,455 in 1996 to 28,778 in 2005. This represents a marginal increase from 9.1% to 9.6% of total agency supported employment in the region.
Support for job creation and investment in individual counties and regions is a day-to-day operational matter for the development agencies as part of their responsibility under the Industrial Development Acts. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies I am precluded under the Industrial Developments Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
The pursuit of the national goal of balanced and sustainable regional development is also an important goal for my Department and the agencies under its remit. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for this goal wherein the focus is on the Gateway and Hub locations throughout the State. I have been assured by the agencies that they are endeavouring to attract new investment, encourage the start-up of new businesses, grow existing businesses and develop the labour market in the Western region. The agencies offer supports to prospective and existing employers ranging from mentoring, training and development programmes to research and development grants. I am confident that the policies being pursued by the agencies together with the commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of investment and employment for the region.
|
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
All Agency Assisted Jobs |
246,356 |
262,335 |
276,806 |
293,420 |
317,173 |
313,681 |
304,821 |
296,507 |
295,493 |
298,372 |
|
Western Region |
22,455 |
24,246 |
26,208 |
26,577 |
29,087 |
29,161 |
27,260 |
27,311 |
27,590 |
28,778 |
|
Percentage Share of Employment |
9.1 |
9.2 |
9.5 |
9.1 |
9.2 |
9.3 |
8.9 |
9.2 |
9.3 |
9.6 |
(Source: BIS)
Job Creation.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:257 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he continues to monitor the employment creation needs of Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21711/06]
The issue of job creation is a day-to-day operational matter for the industrial development agencies and relevant County Enterprise Boards, and not one in which I have a direct role.
IDA Ireland informs me that it continues to market South County Dublin, including Tallaght and its environs, as a potential location for new foreign direct investment (FDI), in order to secure new investment and additional jobs for the region.
IDA Ireland's strategy for the Dublin area is to attract and expand major FDI projects, moving up the value chain. South County Dublin is well equipped to compete with other areas for potential foreign direct investment, with superb infrastructural facilities at Citywest and Grangecastle, and a third level Institute of Technology at Tallaght.
Sectors such as Lifesciences, including pharmaceuticals, provide high value employment. In 2005 the Japanese pharmaceuticals company Takeda Chemical Industries completed construction of its facility at Grangecastle, Clondalkin. Greencastle is within easy commuting distance of Tallaght, and the plant will employ over sixty people upon completion. This is a significant and important investment from a leading company in Japan, and will highlight Ireland as a key location for other such Japanese investors in the future. Also in Grangecastle, the pharmaceutical company Wyeth Biopharma has established the world's largest biopharma campus facility investing €1.8 billion. Wyeth currently employs over 1100 highly skilled people and will eventually employ 1,300 at the facility in Grangecastle.
I am also informed by IDA Ireland that planning permission has been approved for an advance integrated circuit manufacturing and research facility at Grangecastle. This will be an invaluable tool for the future marketing of Grangecastle as a potential source of high quality and large scale employment for the population of South County Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland works with companies in its portfolio to assist them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets. The Agency is encouraging companies to adopt new technologies to add value to their products and services. Since the beginning of 2003 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €8.046m and made payments of €6.79m in support of development projects for indigenous companies in South County Dublin.
Enterprise Ireland is also actively involved with the provision of infrastructure to facilitate business development and employment. The agency has provided funding for the development of Community Enterprise Centres in South Dublin such as Brookfield, Bolbrook and Killinarden. These centres provide incubation space for start-ups and micro enterprises, and also provide ancillary services such as training, mentoring and customised courses to address the needs of the local clients.
Also Enterprise Ireland supports the development of business incubation workspace as part of its on-going commitment to fostering links between colleges and industry, and has approved €2.54m in capital support as well as €0.157m in support of a Centre Manager for the development of incubation space at the Tallaght Institute of Technology. It is anticipated that graduates from the college or members of research teams based in the college will be to the forefront in using the centre, and in creating new jobs, particularly in the high tech sectors. The Centre is expected to be in operation in 2007.
Enterprise Ireland has also approved €1.22m to provide a Centre of Excellence in the Institute of Technology Tallaght in relation to the development of microsensor devices for clinical analysis, leading to high level multi-disciplinary research collaboration between ITT Dublin and the medical device/diagnostic industry.
The South Dublin County Enterprise Board (CEB) is pro-actively involved in the development of indigenous enterprise in the south Dublin area, which includes the Tallaght region. The CEB provides a source of support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. During 2005, south Dublin CEB approved a total of €384,500 in grant assistance to 14 projects, which resulted in the creation of 18 net jobs in CEB assisted companies throughout the region.
Departmental Schemes.
Billy Timmins
Question:258 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application for a grant was made by Bray Community Enterprise Ltd under the Community Enterprise Centre 2006 Scheme to assist in the establishment of an Enterprise Centre at Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21781/06]
The administration of the Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) scheme is a day-to-day matter for Enterprise Ireland, and not one in which I am directly involved.
Enterprise Ireland advertised the 2006 CEC scheme in a public call for proposals in the national press on 19 and 20 January 2006. The closing date for receipt of applications was 27 April 2006. The Scheme is a competitive one and all applications are currently being assessed in accordance with criteria for the scheme.
I understand that there was no application under the 2006 scheme from a Community Group in Bray.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:259 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people currently in receipt of carer’s allowance; the number of those recipients who provide full time care to two people; and her plans to introduce an additional payment for people who are providing full time care to three or more people. [21555/06]
At present there are 25,788 people in receipt of carer's allowance, of which 2,788 provide full time care to two people. There are a further 1,042 people in receipt of carer's benefit at present and 103 of those are providing care to two people.
In Budget 2006, I provided for a significant increase in the rates of carer's allowance and carer's benefit. From January this year, the rate of carer's allowance increased to €180 per week where the person is caring for one person and €270 per week where the person is caring for two people. Recipients of carer's allowance aged 66 or over receive an additional increase of €20 or €30 per week, respectively. Similarly, the rate of carer's benefit increased to €180.70 per week where the person is caring for one person and €271.10 where the person is caring for two people.
Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200. In recognition of the particular challenges which are faced by those carers who are providing care for three or more people, the respite care grant is paid in respect of each of their care recipients. In addition, from June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their income.
All support schemes for carers will be kept under review and further possible improvements will be considered in a budgetary context.
Michael Ring
Question:260 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused invalidity pension in view of the fact that the person has a serious form of epilepsy; if a copy of the report by the medical adviser or assessor will be provided in this case; the further reason his Department overruled the medical evidence supplied by the person; and his Department’s views on whether a person with uncontrollable epilepsy is capable of work. [21595/06]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of disability benefit. He applied for invalidity pension on 14 March 2006 and that claim was disallowed on 25 May 2006.
The principal conditions for entitlement to invalidity pension are that a person must satisfy both medical eligibility criteria and social insurance conditions. The person concerned currently satisfies the social insurance conditions but not the medical condition. The medical criteria for Invalidity Pension are that at the date of his claim a person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months or be determined by my Department to be incapable of work for life.
In order to assess the suitability of the person concerned on medical grounds, the medical evidence submitted in support of his invalidity pension claim was examined by a Medical Assessor of my Department on 19 April 2006 who concluded that a medical examination should be arranged. The examination took place on 23 May 2006. The Medical Assessor gave the opinion that the person concerned was not permanently incapable of work. The Medical Assessor advised that he was likely to be incapable of work for a period of six months. The claim was subsequently refused by a Deciding Officer. The applicant has a right of review by the Deciding Officer and right of appeal to the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
With regard to my Department's view on whether a person with epilepsy may be capable of work, it is possible for a person with epilepsy to work depending on the circumstances of the particular case. In this case the person concerned was deemed following his medical assessment to be currently unfit for work by reason of his epilepsy, which is currently difficult to control. His incapacity was deemed to be temporary and subject to review in six months. Considering the variety of anticonvulsant medication currently available, it is reasonable to assume that an adequate degree of control might be attained in that time period and that the person's fitness for suitable employment could then be reviewed.
When conducting an examination, the Medical Assessor does not dispute the existence of a cause of incapacity but assesses the degree to which the illness will satisfy the eligibility criteria for invalidity pension. In this case, the person concerned was deemed not to have satisfied the medical qualifying criteria for Invalidity Pension.
A copy of the report by the Medical Assessor can be issued if requested by the customer with signed authorisation for release. This request should be forwarded to The Medical Review and Assessment Section, Department of Social and Family Affairs, 157-164 Townsend Street, Dublin 2.
Gerard Murphy
Question:261 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if full-time students can sign on for unemployment during the summer months as part-time jobs are not available, in particular, in rural areas and the Government has abolished the student summer scheme. [21617/06]
In general, a student undergoing a full-time course of study, instruction or training is disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance. This disqualification also extends to the holiday periods, including the summer holidays.
An exception is made in the case of mature students i.e. persons over age 23 years on or before 1 January in the year in which the course of study commences. Such students may qualify for unemployment assistance during the summer months subject to satisfying the conditions of entitlement to the scheme.
Students who have been working on a part-time basis may have built up sufficient PRSI contributions to enable them to claim unemployment benefit during the summer vacation period. Subject to satisfying the normal conditions for receipt of payment, a part-time worker is entitled to unemployment benefit provided he or she is fully unemployed for at least 3 days in any period of 6 consecutive days.
Question No. 262 withdrawn.
Social Welfare Code.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:263 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the schedule being allowed in respect of his proposals for supporting lone parents; if he will report on consultations he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21719/06]
The major Government discussion paper, ‘Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents' which I launched in March this year, addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by many such families and their children.
The report puts forward 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.
The Government has asked the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to draw up an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations of the discussion paper, including those related to childcare, education, training and activation measures and work on this has already commenced in consultation with the Departments and agencies concerned.
As a follow-up to the publication of the discussion paper, I hosted a National Consultative Forum on 27 April 2006. This Forum was attended by social partners, representatives of organisations dealing with lone parents and the unemployed, representatives of Government departments and State agencies who will be responsible for the implementation of the proposals in the discussion paper and members of the Oireachtas, including the Deputy. At the Forum, I heard the views of each organisation on the proposals including their comments on the proposed parental allowance and invited them to make a formal written submission setting out those views. I also briefed the Oireachtas Committee on Social Affairs and debated the issue in the Seanad.
The Government will listen closely to the views expressed and will give very serious consideration to them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are fully workable and equitable, it will be my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in the course of this year.
Family Support Services.
Seán Haughey
Question:264 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of a grant scheme administered by his Department for the construction of a family resource centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21822/06]
Under the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme, which is administered by the Family Support Agency, funding of €200,000 for capital projects was made available in 2005. This was increased to €300,000 in 2006. Capital funding is only available to those centres already included in the Programme as approved Family Research Centres.
There is a commitment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 to fund 100 Family Resource Centres by the end of 2006. There are currently 91 centres in receipt of core funding in the Programme. A further 9 centres have approval to join the Programme and are currently working with their Regional Support Agencies. As this brings the overall number to the 100 centres to which the Agency is committed, I regret that applications for inclusion into the current Programme cannot be considered at present.
The programme is currently being reviewed. If expansion of the Programme is included as part of the next National Development Plan 2007-2013 the Agency will then consider applications for inclusion.
There is no official application form for groups wishing to apply for inclusion in the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. I am arranging to have information on the selection of Projects and the "Criteria for inclusion in the Programme" forwarded to the Deputy for his information.
Social Welfare Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:265 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has to abolish the means test for carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21858/06]
Brian O'Shea
Question:266 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has to suspend the rule that a person cannot be in receipt of two social welfare payments in the case of those in receipt of carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21859/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
In line with other social assistance schemes, a means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. This means test has been eased significantly over the years, most notably with the introduction of the disregards of spouses' earnings. Following Budget 2006, since April, a couple with two children can earn up to €32, 925 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The same couple will be able to earn up to €54, 400 and receive the minimum rate of carer's allowance as well as free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant.
Complete abolition of the means test for carer's allowance would cost an estimated €140 million in a full year. The view of some support organisations is that if this level of resources were available, it would be more beneficial to carers if it were invested in further increases to carers allowance and in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role, such as additional respite care facilities, more home helps, public health nurses and other such services.
In Budget 2006, I provided for a significant increase in the rate of carer's allowance. From January this year, the rate of carer's allowance increased to €200 per week for carers aged 66 years and over.
In addition, from June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their income. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding unemployment assistance and benefit, are entitled to this payment subject to meeting the full time care condition. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers especially in relation to respite. Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200 from this month.
The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support and, as a general rule, only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. This ensures that resources are not used to make two income support payments to any one person. Persons qualifying for two social welfare payments always receive the higher payment to which they are entitled.
According to Census 2002 there are over 48,000 people providing personal care for over 4 hours per day. Over 26,600 of these are in receipt of either carer's allowance or carer's benefit. It is likely that a proportion of the balance is in receipt of another social welfare payment. Such a person who is providing full time care and attention to a person who requires such care may be eligible for carer's allowance which in some cases may be paid at a higher rate than their current payment. I would strongly urge any person in this position to make enquiries with my Department.
I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. Those recommendations involving additional expenditure can only be considered in a budgetary context.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John McGuinness
Question:267 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; and if a decision will be expedited. [21861/06]
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.
Supplementary welfare allowance is subject to a means test. Rent supplements are normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances, less €13. This €13 represents the minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 towards their rent because applicants are required, having regard to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their rent.
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned has been refused a rent supplement on the grounds that she is in a position to pay the rent from her own resources. It is open to the person concerned to appeal the decision given to the designated appeals officer within the Health Service Executive.
Departmental Schemes.
Pat Carey
Question:268 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the range of financial and other assistance and remunerations available to general practitioners from his Department, other Departments and associated agencies; the increases in such assistances and remunerations since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22404/06]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs pays medical certifiers, who are in the main GPs and hospital interns, to provide medical certificates and reports for the purposes of its illness, disability and carer schemes. There are approximately 6,500 registered medical certifiers, some 3,000 of whom are active at any one time. The fees for medical certificates and reports are negotiated with the Irish Medical Organisation, generally for a three-year period. The latest agreement expired in July 2004 and is currently being renegotiated. In the meantime, payment continues at the previously agreed rates. Payments are made quarterly: February-April, May-July, August-October and November-January.
The increase in total payments is attributable to several factors, primarily the increase in the insured population and the introduction of new schemes such as disability allowance, carers' benefit etc.
Table A shows the fees payable for the years 1997 to date, while Table B shows the number of medical certificates and reports, and the total value of these payments for the years in question, except for the year 1997 for which the relevant information is no longer available.
|
Year |
Fee per medical certificate |
Fee per medical report |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1997-98* |
1.84 |
2.92 |
|
1998-99 |
4.44 |
22.86 |
|
1999-2000 |
4.76 |
24.13 |
|
2000-01 |
5.08 |
25.39 |
|
2001-02 |
6.35 |
31.74 |
|
2002-03 |
7.24 |
38.09 |
|
2003-06 |
8.25 |
44.44 |
*Prior to 1998 a capitation system was in place and, in addition, different rates were payable in respect of rural and urban areas. Accordingly, the rates quoted above are the estimated average that was payable to certifiers. These rates had not been reviewed since 1985. In 1998 they were increased in line with an Arbitrator's award and a fee per item system of payment was introduced with effect from May of that year.
|
Year |
Certificates |
Reports |
Total Payments* |
|
€ |
|||
|
1997 |
Not available |
Not available |
— |
|
1998 |
Not available |
Not available |
3,602,612 |
|
1999 |
1,990,297 |
51,594 |
8,024,542 |
|
2000 |
2,080,140 |
54,776 |
9,114,182 |
|
2001 |
2,117,773 |
50,573 |
9,491,772 |
|
2002 |
2,349,951 |
59,072 |
18,092,746 |
|
2003 |
2,506,307 |
51,268 |
21,617,517 |
|
2004 |
2,703,908 |
55,065 |
24,754,328 |
|
2005 |
2,527,950 |
60,752 |
23,555,404 |
|
2006 |
1,355,014 |
31,647 |
12,420,257 |
*Yearly totals are the cumulative totals of the February, May, August and November quarterly payments. The February payment is for November, December and January. The May payment is for February, March and April. The August payment is for May, June and July. The November payment is for August, September and October. The 2006 payment shows the total for the February and May quarterly payments.
Rail Network.
Pat Breen
Question:269 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if the Government will apply for EU Structural and Cohesion Funds to fund the Western Rail Corridor project; if so, the amount of funding being sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21697/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 62 of today, 7th June 2006, which deals with the Deputy's question.
Driving Tests.
Bernard Allen
Question:270 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the communication his Department has had with a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding driving tests; and the reason he has not responded to this person’s communications. [21755/06]
The person concerned has undergone five driving tests as follows — 2 March 2004, 5 October 2004, 9 December 2004, 13 December 2005 and 29 March 2006.
He applied for a further driving test on 12 May, 2006 enclosing a letter from a potential employer. His application was placed on a cancellation list and he will be called once a cancellation date becomes available.
There has been considerable correspondence with the applicant. The last written correspondence was on 20 April, 2006 and a written reply issued to him on 24 April, 2006. In addition to written correspondence, the Department has a record of 29 telephone conversations with him since October 2004. The indications are that there were numerous other calls that were not recorded. The individual concerned has also been in contact with my Private Office.
The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999 provide that an applicant for a driving licence must produce a Certificate of Competency when applying for the licence. In order to obtain the Certificate of Competency it is necessary for an individual to sit and pass a driving test. As this is a statutory requirement, no exception can be made under any circumstances.
At a time when staff are under considerable pressure given the existing backlog, a very significant amount of official time has been taken up in responding to the needs of this applicant. I am assured that he has always been, and continues to be, dealt with in a courteous and professional manner.
Question No. 271 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 272 answered with QuestionNo. 158.
Airport Development Projects.
Eamon Ryan
Question:273 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to grant the necessary legislative approval for the DAA scheme to resolve the pension deficit problem; and the terms he has set out for the granting of same. [21899/06]
The Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998 and the State Airports Act 2004 provides that the DAA can establish new pension schemes for its own employees and pensioners. The introduction of any new scheme would require my approval following consultation with the Minister for Finance.
Discussions are ongoing with DAA in relation to future pension arrangements. Decisions on the appropriate future pension arrangements will be made in the light of the outcome of these discussions.
As decisions on any future pension arrangements will not be made until the discussions with the DAA have concluded no commitment can, therefore, be given in relation to the establishment of a new Dublin Airport Authority scheme or the type of scheme involved.
Question No. 274 answered with QuestionNo. 80.
Rail Accidents.
Tony Gregory
Question:275 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if, in the context of his responsibility for railway safety, he will obtain a report from Iarnród Éireann detailing trespass incidents on their rail lines; and the number of prosecutions taken. [21547/06]
I have no function in this matter. Trespass incidents are a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that prosecutions relating to such incidents number between twenty and twenty-five a year.
Driving Tests.
John Perry
Question:276 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on a driving test for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21568/06]
A driving test will be arranged for the person concerned in due course.
Question No. 277 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
School Transport.
Shane McEntee
Question:278 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Transport when a report by Bus Éireann into a recent incident involving a school bus at Clonmellon, County Meath will be completed; and if its conclusions will be published. [21588/06]
I am advised by Bus Eireann that the company has investigated this incident and is satisfied that the relevant procedures were observed.
Public Transport.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:279 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of cities and towns nationwide which have an urban public transport bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21597/06]
Urban public transport bus services are provided by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and/or licensed private operators in all the major cities and towns including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Drogheda, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Navan, Dundalk, Balbriggan and Athlone. In addition, my Department has licensed a number of private operators to provide urban public bus services in other towns. As the information is not to hand in the time available, it will be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming days.
Insurance Costs.
Barry Andrews
Question:280 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to plans to have the cost of motorcycle insurance here reduced; and if not, the reason for same. [21601/06]
I have no direct responsibility in relation to the setting of motorcycle insurance premiums. I am, however, aware from the Central Statistics Office Consumer Price Index that motorcycle insurance premia have not increased over the period February 2004 to April 2006, the latest date for which published data is available.
Search and Rescue Service.
James Breen
Question:281 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the provision of a new building for the Doolin coastguard and rescue service; if he will progress this as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21696/06]
I have indicated to the Deputy in response to similar questions that I regard the provision of a new station house for the Doolin Coastal Unit as a very high priority. The negotiations with a landowner about a site, also previously referred to, are still taking place and are at an advanced stage.
I prefer not to elaborate upon these negotiations in public at this time but can only reiterate what I have said, namely, that as soon as a suitable site has been acquired my Department's objective is to proceed as quickly as possible to develop the station house.
Question No. 282 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Question No. 283 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Driving Tests.
Róisín Shortall
Question:284 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of supervised driving tests conducted in the last year for which figures are available. [21862/06]
The number of supervised driving tests conducted in 2005 was 824.
Question No. 285 answered with QuestionNo. 60.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:286 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the vehicular traffic capacity on streets in towns and villages throughout the country has been reduced by means of road or footpath realignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21871/06]
My Department has responsibility for national roads only. National roads make up only about 5% of the total roads network in Ireland. The development and improvements in the national road network (particularly the construction of numerous bypasses) over recent years has had a very positive impact on many towns and villages throughout the country.
The remaining 95% of the road network are non-national roads, which fall under the remit of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the anticipated income likely to derive from various toll roads on the basis of predicted traffic volumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21872/06]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws, and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000).
The NRA has been asked to forward the information sought to the Deputy.
Rail Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage the use of commuter rail transport from Enfield, Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey and Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin in County Kildare with particular reference to the need to provide extra parking facilities at the rail stations concerned or an upgrading shuttle bus service in lieu thereof; if same can be achieved at the present time or in the context of Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21873/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to extra parking facilities to be available and operational at Leixlip, Maynooth, Hazelhatch, Sallins, Kilcock and other rail stations throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21876/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 291 together.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it is currently developing a prioritised car park development programme which will take due account of a strategy drawn up by the DTO for the development of rail-based park and ride facilities. The provision of car parking facilities at rail stations in Leixlip, Hazelhatch, Sallins, Kilcock, Enfield, Confey, Maynooth, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and other rail stations throughout Co. Kildare will be considered in that context.
Also as part of the Kildare Route Project Iarnród Éireann propose to provide car parking facilities at the new stations proposed as part of the upgrading of the route i.e. Adamstown, Kishogue, Fonthill Road and Parkwest.
In relation to the provision of shuttle bus services, to rail stations, the company informs me that such services are currently provided at Sallins for Naas and Hazelhatch for Celbridge, along with a number of feeder buses to DART stations in the Dublin area. Other opportunities for bus shuttle and feeder services to railway stations will be considered by Iarnród Éireann on a case by case basis.
Public Transport.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the likely steps he or his Department have taken to ensure the availability of seatbelts in the public transport fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21874/06]
At present, buses having a design gross weight not exceeding 3,500 kilograms first registered since 1 January 1992 require to be fitted with safety belts, in which case, safety belts are required for the driver and each forward facing front seat passenger. Following the adoption of a number of directives relating to safety belts and restraint systems in motor vehicles by the Council and European Parliament on 7 September 2005, it will be mandatory for all new buses (other than buses used in stage-stop services, e.g. Bus Átha Cliath services) entering into service from 20 October 2007 to be fitted with safety belts in accordance with the technical specifications laid down in these directives. There are no requirements under the directives for safety belts to be retrofitted in existing vehicles. The Directives were transposed into Irish law by means of the European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicles Entry Into Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and the European Communities (Motor Vehicles Type-Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 as regards type approval and entry into service of vehicles.
Rail Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken or proposes to take to reduce overcrowding on commuter trains, on all routes in the County Kildare region; if he is satisfied that full health and safety standards and requirements are being met at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21875/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply today to PQ 21953.06 regarding improvements on commuter rail services.
Iarnród Éireann's commuter train services are operated with modern diesel commuter railcars designed and constructed to current safety standards. These standards provide for safe operation under fully laden rush hour conditions with all seating and standing capacity occupied.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the issue of crowding is one of discomfort and inconvenience rather than a safety concern and this view is in line with consensus in the railway industry worldwide.
Question No. 291 answered with QuestionNo. 288.
Question No. 292 answered with QuestionNo. 121.
Public Transport.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:293 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage the use of buses; if it is intended to take particular initiatives to make travel by bus more attractive, such as more conveniently located bus stops, bus shelters, increased frequency of services or other means to encourage passengers towards the use of this particular mode of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/06]
The bus network will continue to provide a very significant element of the public transport system for the foreseeable future. In the Greater Dublin Area alone, Dublin Bus carried nearly 150 million passengers in 2005, representing around 75% of all passenger journeys on public transport. The bus also provides the most effective and flexible means of responding quickly to the demand for additional public transport capacity.
Under Transport 21, there will continue to be a requirement for a significant expansion of the capacity of the bus network given the flexibility, penetration and connectivity offered by buses throughout the country. Significant funding under the programme is being allocated for this purpose. In the case of Dublin, there will be a greater focus on the development of orbital, feeder and local services integrating the city and complementing the rail network. Under Transport 21, funding is also provided for bus priority measures in all cities and for an expanded Rural Transport Initiative. Other measures in support of the bus include upgrading of bus stops and bus shelters to improve accessibility.
Irish Language.
Michael Ring
Question:294 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is any possibility of getting the Gaeltacht extended to an area of County Mayo from Tourmakeady (details supplied); and if there is a review of Gaeltacht areas proposed with a view to extending the existing boundaries. [21567/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, a linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht, which commenced in April 2004, is scheduled for completion later this year. This important study — which is being conducted on behalf of my Department by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Ireland, Galway, in conjunction with the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, University of Ireland, Maynooth — is examining Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht as a basis: for strengthening the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area; and for a review of the official Gaeltacht boundaries.
As I have already outlined in the House, all of the findings and proposals emerging from the study, including the issue of the Gaeltacht boundaries, will receive careful and considered examination on its presentation to my Department. Any proposals that may emerge on foot of that examination will be put before Government in due course.
Community Development.
Jack Wall
Question:295 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available for a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 towards their running costs in providing a much needed national service to the community from any of the available grant sections of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21664/06]
The group referred to in the Deputy's question will receive core funding of €189,700 in 2006 as a specialist support agency through the Community Development Programme. This funding covers salaries and basic running costs.
National Lottery Funding.
Enda Kenny
Question:296 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for capital lottery funding received by county for the past five years; the number of successful applications per county for the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21807/06]
My Department does not provide any capital lottery funding and has not done so in the past.
Community Development.
Paul Connaughton
Question:297 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway for a CLÁR primary school outdoor play facilities grant 2006; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this is one of three schools in the parish, the other two are designated as being in the CLÁR area and have benefited already; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this school urgently needs the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21808/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy is included in the recently extended CLÁR areas.
As I have previously outlined, the measures that are currently open to the extended CLÁR areas are as follows: LIS Roads; Flashing Amber Safety Lights at Schools; Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes; Group Water Schemes; CLÁR Water Conservation Measure; Village and Countryside Enhancement Scheme; Bi-lingual Signage Scheme; Gaeltacht Grants top-up; Single to Three phase Electricity Conversion; Community Initiatives of a Capital Nature; and Coastal and Harbour Development.
Further announcements will be made in due course on the expansion of other measures to the new areas, including the CLÁR School Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:298 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of payment which will be paid to REP scheme farmers to compensate them for actions now required that are not covered by the REP scheme payment as a result of the additional management requirements introduced for the Owenduff, Nephin Beg area of County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21814/06]
All hill sheep farmers in REPS are paid in accordance with their REPS contracts. The REP scheme Terms and Conditions provide that REPS farmers must comply fully with Commonage Framework Plan requirements and consequently no further REPS payments are due for destocking.
Because of a European Court of Justice judgment, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is introducing additional management requirements in the Owenduff/Nephin Beg complex. While the question of additional payment to REPS farmers for actions over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I have recently met representatives of the farmers concerned and I undertook to convey their concerns to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Michael Ring
Question:299 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is anything available for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo from the national reserve to increase their entitlements. [21569/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category B.
Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.
A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
Joe Walsh
Question:300 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if full payment of the single farm payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21572/06]
The person named submitted a Single Payment Scheme application on 6 May 2005. He established 17.58 entitlements but only declared 14.47 eligible hectares on the application form. On 1 December 2005 payment, therefore, issued in the amount of €5,140.37 in respect of 14.47 entitlements.
On 9 March 2006 the person named made an application under the consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. This application was processed on 4 April 2006 and the 17.58 entitlements were consolidated to 14.47 entitlements. A supplementary payment in the amount of €1,104.76 in respect of the 14.47 consolidated entitlements issued on 7 April 2006.
Michael Ring
Question:301 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to slaughter premium for cattle that were slaughtered in 2002. [21594/06]
The records of the animals slaughtered from the herd number of the person named under the 2002 Slaughter Premium Scheme are being examined with a view to identifying those that may be eligible for payment. Eligibility under the 2002 Slaughter Premium Scheme and the other Livestock Schemes required, inter alia, that the animals concerned comply with the relevant identification and registration requirements. It is intended that the person named will be notified shortly as to what payment, if any, may be due in respect of the 2002 Slaughter Premium Scheme.
Direct Payment Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Question:302 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the title and number of farm aid schemes which have been subsumed into the single farm payment; the number of staff within her Department who worked directly on the administration of each former scheme during the last year of its existence; the number of staff who are employed in administering the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21612/06]
The Single Payment Scheme, which was introduced on 1 January 2005, replaced the following Schemes: Special Beef Premium (1st Age, 2nd Age and Bull), Suckler Cow Premium, Ewe Premium, Supplementary Ewe Premium (Rural World), Slaughter Premium, Extensification Premium, Arable Aid Scheme and the National Envelope Top-Ups relating to Ewe Premium, Dry Heifer, Calved Heifer and Slaughtered Heifers. Prior to the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme, some 740 of my Department's staff were directly involved in administering the Livestock Premia Schemes and the Arable Aid Scheme. Currently, there are some 520 staff directly involved in the implementation and the administration of the Single Payment Scheme and the various other Direct Payment Schemes, which are still in place. Surplus staff are being redeployed to other Departments as they become available and this process will continue as necessary.
The implementation and the administration of the Single Payment Scheme include the processing and payment of applications. To date, my Department has paid €1.170 billion approximately to almost 127,000 farmers under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. In addition, the various implementing measures administered by my Department include the processing of applications in respect of the National Reserve, Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances, New Entrants, Inheritance/Gift, Consolidation and transfers by way of Private Contract Clause (sale or lease). As part of the on-going implementation programme for 2006, it is necessary to incorporate in the Single Payment Scheme entitlements for the third tranche of the Dairy Premium, amounting to €60 million, to over 23,000 farmers. The Dairy Premium Scheme, which was introduced in 2004, was decoupled with effect from 2005. In addition, the sugar beet compensation arising from the Reform of the Sugar Sector be included in the Single Payment entitlements of approximately 3,800 sugar beet growers in 2006.
As part of the on-going operation of the Scheme it will be necessary for my Department to administer the transfer of entitlements by way of sale, lease, rental agreement, gift or inheritance. To date my Department has to process approximately 5,000 transfers in respect of the 2006 Scheme-Year. It is also necessary to carry out the required number of farm inspections laid down by the relevant EU Regulations in relation to the regulatory requirements in respect of eligibility and Cross Compliance. The staff involved also deal with processing of payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Payments amounting to €234 million have been made to over 101,000 applicants in respect of the 2005 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. These officials also undertake the processing of applications for payment under the Energy and Protein Crops Schemes.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:303 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason land in County Mayo is not being allowed for inclusion in the REP scheme application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that it is privately owned commonage. [21631/06]
My Department concluded that the holding of the person named was artificially enlarged to facilitate the drawing down of increased REPS payments. A detailed explanation for this decision was given to the applicant in May 2005 and he was advised of his right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. I understand that he has not exercised that right. A copy of the letter of May 2005 was sent to the person named on 1 June 2006. His original holding has been approved for payment, which will issue within the next ten days.
Grant Payments.
Tom Hayes
Question:304 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary can expect payment of the 2005 decoupled dairy premium. [21632/06]
An application under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 13 May 2005. Payment of €9,271.15, in respect of the standard entitlements established was issued on 1 December 2005. Following clarification received from the applicant's Milk Purchaser, the 2005 decoupled Dairy Premium is being processed and payment of €5,154.75 will issue shortly.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Paul Connaughton
Question:305 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason REP scheme farmers who have land committed to the Bord Gáis pipeline in the Caherlistrane/Belclare area of north Galway could be financially penalised due to the fact that they did not declare the area involved on their area aid forms despite such land returning to its original state only months after the pipeline is laid and covered over; if there will be retrospective penalties; if such areas of land will be deducted for REP scheme payment for one year or for the duration of the REP scheme plan; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the farmers involved were unaware that they would have to declare such areas on their area aid forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21691/06]
In July 2002, procedures were put in place dealing with gas pipeline developments on REPS farms. The land area given over to the development must be excluded from payment for the remaining period of the REPS contract but no reimbursement of aid already paid is required. When the development is completed and lands revert back to the holding the area shall either be re-incorporated into the existing REPS plan as land not eligible for payment or, alternatively, the existing REPS contract may be transformed into a new five year contract from the next following anniversary date to include all the land for payment. For the purposes of payment under the EU Single Payment Scheme, applicants are required to declare all their eligible land that is available to them for a continuous 10-month period.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:306 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their full payment under the 2005 single payment scheme, including payment on all lands they had leased. [21729/06]
The person named established 21.65 entitlements during the 2000-2002 Single Payment Scheme reference period. In order to utilise all of these entitlements, and therefore receive full payment, the person named would have had to declare 21.65 eligible hectares on his 2005 Single Payment Scheme application. The person named declared 16.68 hectares and was therefore fully paid in respect of 16.68 entitlements. My Department is in contact with the person named with a view to clarification of the issue of leased lands.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Liam Aylward
Question:307 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the rate of pension being paid under the early retirement scheme from farming to those who joined the scheme when it was introduced initially; and her views on awarding them a substantial increase. [21739/06]
Liam Aylward
Question:308 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans within her Department to review the rate of pension being paid under the early retirement from farming scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21740/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 308 together.
The rate of pension payable under the 1994 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming is the maximum amount of €12,075 per annum provided for by the EU Council Regulation under which the Scheme was introduced. There is no provision in the Regulation for increases in the rate of pension by indexation or otherwise. When the current (2000-2006) Early Retirement Scheme was being negotiated, my Department proposed that the rate of payment should increase annually up to the maximum provided for in the Regulation, which is €15,000. However the European Commission rejected this for legal reasons and a fixed rate of €13,515 per annum was then approved. Any change to this rate would require an amendment to the CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006.
Grant Payments.
David Stanton
Question:309 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review an application, for entitlements from the national reserve, from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision on the appeal will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21741/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category B. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and-or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. A formal letter setting out my Department's decision issued to the person named and my Department's records indicate that an appeal was submitted by the person named on 2 June 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.
John Perry
Question:310 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo for suckler cow quota from the national reserve will be proessed; the reason for the delay with payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21756/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under Category B and Category C. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and-or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. Category C caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into a re-structuring scheme between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 and who converted to a farming sector for which a direct payment under the Livestock and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable in respect of the years 2000 to 2002. It should be noted that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial. A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
Michael Ring
Question:311 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will get a decision on their application for entitlements from the national reserve scheme. [21785/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category C. Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
Sugar Beet Industry.
Brendan Howlin
Question:312 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an adequate compensation package is available to sugar beet farmers forced out of beet production; the measures she has taken to provide for farmers affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21788/06]
The substantial compensation package negotiated in the context of reform of the EU sugar regime is worth over €310m to Irish stakeholders. There are three elements to the compensation package. The first element is the compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be incorporated in the existing Single Payment Scheme and will be payable from this year, is worth approximately €123m to Irish beet growers over the next seven years. The second element of the compensation package is the restructuring aid covering the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this would be worth up to €145m. This aid is subject to the submission by the processor of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry, following consultations with the beet growers. The reform agreement provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors. That percentage may be increased by Member States after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured. In that context, my Department has recently issued an open call for submissions which will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon International Economic Consultants who have been appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring fund. A final decision on the percentage will be made in due course having regard to this advice and following the adoption in the near future of the Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring. The third element of the package is the diversification aid, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case, which would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme.
Pension Provisions.
Barry Andrews
Question:313 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to change pension legislation affecting entitlement for separated and divorced persons who have been dependent on their spouses’ pensions while married and face a future without full pension entitlement now that they are no longer with their spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21600/06]
I assume the Deputy is referring to occupational pensions and not to the pensions schemes administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The existing legislation as contained in the Family Law Act 1995 and the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 enable the courts to make a range of orders for ancillary relief in judicial separation or divorce proceedings. Such relief may include where appropriate the making of a pension adjustment order allocating some or all of a pension of one spouse to the other. As regards separation agreements between the parties, the provisions of the Acts relating to pension adjustments do not apply and I intend to address this issue in a forthcoming Family Law Bill.
Security of the Elderly.
Richard Bruton
Question:314 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a proposal to introduce a licensing system for the installers of house alarms; his views on whether this will put undue expense and difficulty on older people on low incomes who need access to such protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21793/06]
The Private Security Authority was established under the Private Security Services Act 2004 as a statutory independent body to regulate and licence the Irish private security industry. Installation of all types of security equipment is one of the services for which licences will ultimately be required. I am informed that the PSA has already commenced issuing licences to contractors installing intruder alarms. It will become mandatory for contractors who install intruder alarms to be licensed from 1 August 2006. The Authority also plans to licence individual employees in this sector. The overriding consideration is to provide for a sound regulatory environment for the private security industry. This was the main reason why I brought forward the Private Security Services Act 2004. Regulation of the industry is a matter of public interest, not just in the context of promoting consumer confidence but also in raising and maintaining standards in the industry. The industry itself supports regulation and has actively campaigned for it for many years. The provision of a regulatory environment will understandably lead to cost implications. However, both the industry and consumers will benefit from the rise in standards and the provision of higher quality services that regulation of the industry will bring.
Refugee Status.
Billy Timmins
Question:315 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for family reunification for persons (details supplied); if same will be dealt with as speedily as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21562/06]
The refugee in question made an application for family reunification in January 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. When this investigation is completed, the Commissioner will prepare and forward a report to my Department. The application will then be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
Visa Applications.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:316 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made for a person (details supplied) on their application for a visa under the EU Treaty of Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21565/06]
The visa in respect of the person concerned has recently been approved, and the notification issued. The notification was issued to the most recent address on record which is in Belgium.
Departmental Staff.
Michael Ring
Question:317 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have applied for the PULSE jobs in Castlebar, advertised recently. [21574/06]
The Public Appointments Service has advised that it has received 2,044 applications under the recently advertised competition for Clerical Officer posts in the Garda Information Services Centre in Castlebar.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:318 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when two applications for naturalisation (details supplied) in County Mayo will be processed. [21575/06]
In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 247 on 29 March 2006, I informed the Deputy that in the case of the two persons in question, they did not have the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to reside in the State for the period June 2003 to December 2003 and consequently, did not have the necessary reckonable residency prior to the date of their applications.
I have noted from the Deputy's letter of 7 April 2006 that one of the persons experienced delays in having his passport renewed which in turn led to a delay in having a work permit issued to him. However, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, is quite specific as to how residency is reckoned for the purposes of naturalisation and does not provide for reasons such as those put forward for the couple not having permission to remain in the State for the period June to December 2003 to be taken into account.
I understand that the couple now meet the residency requirements and that application forms have recently been sent to them to enable them to make new applications under their existing reference numbers. If they submit the particular application forms that were sent to them they will not have to wait the full processing time again and it will be possible to finalise their applications in a matter of months.
Visa Applications.
Tom Hayes
Question:319 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a holiday visa will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [21582/06]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office on 6th June, 2006 and is awaiting examination by a Visa Officer. A decision in respect of this application will issue in the coming weeks.
Garda Deployment.
Joe Costello
Question:320 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in Cabra Garda Station in the last ten years; the number of these that are attached to Áras an Uachtaráin; the number of these that are Community Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21589/06]
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 30 April 2006 was 12,408. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,706 (or 16%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the serving strength of the Force is to receive a significant additional boost with the attestation of approximately 275 new members tomorrow (8 June).
I have been further informed that the personnel strength of Cabra Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997-2005, inclusively, and as at 6 June, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Date |
Strength |
|
1997 |
82 |
|
1998 |
76 |
|
1999 |
80 |
|
2000 |
83 |
|
2001 |
76 |
|
2002 |
76 |
|
2003 |
65 |
|
2004 |
63 |
|
2005 |
69 |
|
6/06/2006 |
71 |
The overall decrease in Garda numbers in Cabra Garda Station, as shown in the table above, reflects the fact that the District "K" Headquarters in Dublin Metropolitan Region West moved from Cabra Garda Station to Blanchardstown Garda Station during the period in question.
Garda management state that the number of Community Gardaí attached to Cabra Garda Station as at 6 June, 2006 was 6 (all ranks).
Garda management further state that for security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel on duty in any particular area at any given time. Accordingly, the information requested in relation to the number of Gardaí attached to Áras an Uachtaráin is not available. However, I have been informed that personnel strengths at Cabra Station are calculated to include the security requirements at Áras An Uachtaráin and routine day-to-day policing matters.
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. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, with a further 275 newly attested Gardaí to 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 Cabra Garda Station will be given the fullest consideration.
Garda Complaints Procedures.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:321 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of complaints that have been handled or are currently being handled by the existing complaints procedures once the Garda Ombudsman Commission has begun its work; if such cases will be debarred from consideration by the Garda Ombudsman Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21607/06]
Section 111 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for transitional provisions in relation to complaints made under the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act 1986 following commencement of the relevant provisions of the 2005 Act.
Where an investigation into a complaint made under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act 1986 has commenced but has not been completed when the Garda Ombudsman Commission begins receiving complaints, that complaint will be investigated by the Garda Complaints Board.
Where an investigation into a complaint made under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act 1986 has not commenced when the Garda Ombudsman Commission begins receiving complaints, that complaint will be investigated by the Garda Ombudsman Commission.
Admissibility of complaints is governed by section 87 of the 2005 Act. On receiving a complaint directly from a complainant or receiving a copy or record of a complaint from the Garda Commissioner or a member of the Garda Síochána, the Ombudsman Commission shall determine whether or not the complaint is admissible.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:322 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be dealt with. [21614/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation by the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in September 2005.
Officials in Citizenship Section are currently processing applications for naturalisation received in the first half of 2004 and, at the present time, there are approximately 5,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. As things stand at present, it is likely that the application of the person in question will be finalised in late 2007 or early 2008.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
Michael Ring
Question:323 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved Irish Citizenship on the basis of his marriage here. [21623/06]
A declaration accepting Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship, which was lodged by the person referred to by the Deputy on 24 November 2005, was examined recently by officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department.
It was deemed necessary to seek clarification in relation to one of the documents submitted by the person concerned in support of his application. A letter issued to the individual in question in this regard on 31 May 2005.
When the issue raised by my officials has been dealt with, it should be possible to finalise consideration of the declaration and issue a certificate of citizenship.
Public Order Offences.
Tony Gregory
Question:324 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda authorities regarding anti-social activities associated with the Smithfield horse fair in Dublin 7; if the Gardaí have recommendations on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21624/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of some complaints in relation to the event in question.
I am further informed that local Garda management have an operational plan in place for each of the horse fairs held in the Smithfield area and are generally satisfied with the current policing of these events. I understand that local Garda management are in regular contact with the local authority about issues arising from the holding of the fair.
Tony Gregory
Question:325 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints received to date in 2006 by the Gardaí at the Bridewell Garda Station, Dublin 7 regarding a licensed premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if the Gardaí are concerned at the nature of these complaints; the action the Gardaí are taking; if objections will be lodged to the renewal of the license; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21625/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of one complaint in 2006 in relation to the premises referred to.
The complaint has been investigated by the Gardaí who have established that as a result of the behaviour complained of annoyance and nuisance had been caused to the residents in the locality.
Local Garda management has brought this complaint to the attention of the management of the premises referred to, who have undertaken to address this matter with their patrons. Local Garda management is satisfied that the premises does not present a major concern and there are no grounds, at present, to object to the renewal of its licence.
I am further informed that attention is paid to the locality by Garda foot and mobile patrols and the premises is the subject of regular inspections by the Garda authorities.
Visa Applications.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:326 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of applications for a visitor visa (details supplied); if the visas have been refused and, if so, the reason for the refusal; and when the applicants can expect to receive a response. [21626/06]
The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in July, 2004. The decision to refuse the applications was made in September, 2004.
The Visa Officer was unable to establish, based on the evidence supplied, that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visa, or that the applicants had sufficient obligations to return to their country of origin. There was no evidence of finances provided with the application.
The applications were examined subsequently by a Visa Appeals Officer who decided on the basis of the documentation and information provided, that the original decision to refuse the visas should be upheld. The applicants were advised of the decision on 18th October, 2004. It is open to the applicants to make fresh applications.
Gangland Murders.
Finian McGrath
Question:327 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase Garda activity on the ground to deal with gangland murders on the north side of Dublin. [21651/06]
The Deputy will appreciate that policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda authorities. However, I am, of course, in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner in order to keep the measures and resources for tackling serious crime under continuing review. The Government's top policing priority for 2006 is to continue to target organised crime, including drug trafficking, and the gun culture associated with it. This is being implemented through deployment by the Garda authorities of specialist units and the use of targeted operations to tackle specific criminal activities.
All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by An Garda Síochána.
While the term "gangland murders" tends to be widely used in the media in referring to the nature of certain unlawful killings and speculation in this respect is understandable, this does not correspond to the manner in which An Garda Síochána classifies crime or particular offences. Caution is necessary in ascribing particular motives to any particular incident as, potentially, this might jeopardise the procedures which need to be followed for the proper investigation and prosecution of offences.
"Operation Anvil" commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on 17 May, 2005 and is ongoing. It is focused on targeting active criminals and their associates by preventing and disrupting criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static check points by uniform, mobile and foot patrols supported by armed plain clothes patrols. I am informed by the Garda authorities that this operation, which is running in conjunction with regular policing, is proving to be very successful in disrupting the criminal activities of a number of key criminal gangs and families and has resulted in a number of high profile arrests. All areas of the city are covered by "Operation Anvil", with specific locations and individuals being targeted for additional Garda attention. Since the commencement of the operation, 43 arrests have been made in connection with murder investigations and 424 firearms have been seized.
Also, in November last year, the Garda Commissioner augmented the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation by an additional 55 Garda members to address the problem of gangland activity. Enforcement by the unit has resulted in a number of arrests, seizure of firearms and the disruption of criminal activities.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:328 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the number of community Gardaí in 2006. [21652/06]
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 30 April 2006 was 12,408. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,706 (or 16%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the serving strength of the Force is to receive a significant additional boost with the attestation of approximately 275 new members tomorrow (8 June).
I am further informed that the numbers and locations of Gardaí allocated to Community Policing Duties as at the 31st March 2006 was as set out hereunder:
|
Station |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
Kevin Street |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Kilmainham |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Pearse Street |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Donnybrook |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Irishtown |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Store Street |
1 |
2 |
22 |
|
Bridewell (D) |
0 |
2 |
13 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
0 |
2 |
11 |
|
Mountjoy |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Santry |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
Whitehall |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Ballymun |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
Raheny |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Clontarf |
0 |
1 |
5 |
|
Howth |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Coolock |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
Swords |
0 |
1 |
10 |
|
Malahide |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Dalkey |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cabinteely |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Kill-O-Grange |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Bray |
0 |
1 |
13 |
|
Shankill |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
Greystones |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Blackrock |
0 |
2 |
5 |
|
Dundrum |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Stepaside |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Crumlin |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Sundrive Road |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
1 |
19 |
|
Rathfarnham |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Rathmines |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Terenure |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Cabra |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Finglas |
0 |
1 |
9 |
|
Blanchardstown |
0 |
2 |
15 |
|
Lucan |
0 |
1 |
5 |
|
Leixlip |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Ronanstown |
0 |
1 |
11 |
|
Ballyfermot |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
Clondalkin |
0 |
1 |
9 |
|
Rathcoole |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
2 |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisokane |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dolla |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Toomevara |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Terryglass |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Ballingarry |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cloughjordan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Anglesea Street |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
Barrack Street |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Blackrock |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Bridewell (C) |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Watercourse Road |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mayfield |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mallow Road |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Togher |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Bishopstown |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Douglas |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Carrigaline |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Gurranbraher |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Ballincollig |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Fermoy |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Mallow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Tralee |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Henry Street |
0 |
2 |
11 |
|
Mary Street |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Mayorstone |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Roxboro Road |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
Letterkenny |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Galway |
0 |
1 |
10 |
|
Salthill |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Athlone |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mullingar |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Ashbourne |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Drogheda |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Dundalk |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Navan |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Balbriggan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Naas |
0 |
0 |
3 |
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. This includes the allocation of personnel to Community Garda Units. 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 Community Garda Units throughout the country will be given the fullest consideration.
Ground Rents Abolition.
Richard Bruton
Question:329 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government will introduce legislation to ban the practice of ground rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21693/06]
The position is that section 2 of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 1978 prevents the creation of new leases reserving ground rents on dwellings with effect from 16 May 1978.
More recently, issues relating to the creation of fee farm grants have been considered by my Department and the Law Reform Commission in the context of a joint project to reform and modernise our land and conveyancing laws. The July 2005 Report entitled ‘Reform and Modernisation of Land Law and Conveyancing Law' [LRC 74 — 2005] contains a proposal to prohibit the future creation of fee farm grants at law or in equity.
I am pleased to say that the Government has recently approved my proposals for a comprehensive Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill which will give effect to reform recommendations contained in that Report. The Bill, which will be published shortly, will contain a proposal to prohibit fee farm grants in future. Following enactment of this provision, any attempt to grant a fee farm grant will result in the grantee obtaining the fee simple discharged from any obligation relating to payment of ground rent.
Garda Deployment.
Michael Ring
Question:330 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional Gardaí will be allocated to a town (details supplied) in County Mayo for the summer months, as the population of that town trebles for that period. [21694/06]
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 30 April 2006 was 12,408. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 1,706 (or 16%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the serving strength of the Force is to receive a significant additional boost with the attestation of approximately 275 new members tomorrow (8 June).
I have been further informed that the personnel strength of Westport Garda Station as at 31 December, 1997 was 21 (all ranks). The personnel strength of Westport Garda Station as at 6 June, 2006 was 25 Gardaí (all ranks). This includes one Garda allocated to Westport Garda Station in conjunction with the last allocation of Probationer Gardaí on 16 March, 2006, and represents an increase of 4 (or 19%) in the number of Gardaí stationed in Westport Garda Station during that period. In addition, a further one (1) Garda will be allocated to Westport Garda Station in conjunction with the next allocation of Probationer Gardaí on 9 June.
Garda Management state that this will lead to an additional two Gardaí being available for duty in Westport this summer in comparison with the same period in 2005.
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. The first group of newly attested Gardaí under the accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, with a further 275 newly attested Gardaí to 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 Westport Garda Station will be given the fullest consideration.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Michael Ring
Question:331 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if applications have been submitted by local authorities (details supplied) in County Mayo requesting funding for the provision of closed circuit television cameras; and the funding which has been provided for County Mayo in relation to this matter. [21695/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlebar is one of the 17 locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme that remains to be completed.
I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of Garda CCTV systems and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector. My Department is currently in consultation with the Department of Finance with a view to proceeding as quickly as possible with the procurement process to contract the project managers and outsourced service providers for the development, installation and management of these CCTV systems.
My intention is to have a Garda CCTV system operating in Castlebar and in the other 16 locations at the earliest opportunity, subject to compliance with relevant procurement legislation and procedures.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that an application for a Garda CCTV system in Ballina has been received by the CCTV Advisory Committee. This application is currently under consideration by the Committee. No application has been received for a Garda CCTV system in Westport.
As the Deputy may be aware I launched the Community Based CCTV Scheme on 15 June 2005 in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Ballina (CCTV Steering Committee) and Kiltimagh (IRD) both submitted proposals for Stage 1 (pre-development) funding under this Scheme. No other applications were received from local authorities, towns or communities in Co. Mayo.
Following thorough assessments of their applications, I approved a pre-development grant of €5,000 in respect of Ballina (CCTV Steering Committee's) application, I understand that Ballina Town Council formed part of this Committee. Kiltimagh's (IRD) application for funding was deemed not to reach a high enough standard to be granted funding at this stage.
It is intended to invite a new round of applications for funding under this Scheme in the coming months, and it is, of course, open to any local authority or other group in Co. Mayo to submit an application for funding at that stage.
Traveller Accommodation.
Billy Timmins
Question:332 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has received a complaint regarding an illegal encampment (detail supplied) in County Wicklow; the action which was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21722/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of an encampment of travellers at the location referred to. Attempts by An Garda Síochána to initiate proceedings for obstruction under the Road Traffic Acts have been hampered by the families rotating their presence at the location. However, it is open to the local authority to apply for an injunction. Vehicles parked illegally have been issued with fixed charge penalty notices. The provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act do not apply as the location is a public road.
Child Protection.
Finian McGrath
Question:333 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to rectify the protection of children here following the recent High Court ruling. [21728/06]
On 23 May 2006, the Supreme Court in the case between C.C. and Ireland, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions declared that section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1935 was inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution in that it did not provide a person charged with an offence under that provision with a defence of honest mistake as to age. Section 1(1) criminalised carnally knowing a girl under 15 years of age. On 1 June 2006, I published a Bill which provides such a defence for any person charged with engaging in or attempting to engage in a sexual act with a child under 15 years of age or a child under 17 years of age. A "sexual act" is defined in the Bill as (i) an act, between persons who are not married, consisting of sexual intercourse or buggery or (ii) an act described in section 3(1) or 4(1) of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990. The Bill passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad and was signed into law by the President on 2 June 2006.
Billy Timmins
Question:334 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he received representations or submissions from any group, seeking an amendment to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1935 to include the concept of reasonable mistake, as outlined in a Law Reform Commission Report of 1990; the persons who made the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21743/06]
Since my appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in 2002, neither the Department nor I have received any representations or submissions from any group to include the defence of reasonable mistake in the 1935 Act. The only representations or submissions which it has been possible to find in my Department which argued for the introduction of a defence of reasonable mistake as to age were in the context of the views invited from the public to the issues addressed in the Discussion Paper on the Law on Sexual Offences published by my Department in 1998. The Discussion Paper quoted the Law Reform Commission's recommendation that a defence of mistake as to age should be introduced on the ground that "Irish law in this area was unduly harsh and wholly out of step with the law in other jurisdictions". No mention was made in the LRC Report or elsewhere that there might be a constitutionality question mark over the strict liability offences of carnal knowledge of girls under 15 and 17 years of age. And the Report acknowledged that it had been argued with force that persons who have sexual intercourse with young girls should be careful first to ascertain their age and, if in any doubt to abstain from intercourse, and that changing the law could transform girls from being witnesses into exhibits if the defence were admitted.
The issue of mistake as to age elicited no great interest from the public. Of the responses, less than one in ten agreed with the Law Reform Commission on that issue. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform sponsored about 7 important pieces of legislation since 1990 which in the main offered greater protection to children against sexual abuse through the criminal law. The introduction of a mistake as to age defence would have lessened the protection afforded by the criminal law to children against such abuse and as such would have run counter to policy adopted in this regard by successive governments. In the absence of a finding that a defence of mistake was a constitutional necessity there was no compelling reason why this should have been done and no Government, either before of after 1990, was prepared to change the long standing policy on mistake as to age.
Citizenship Applications.
James Breen
Question:335 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite a residency application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21752/06]
The person in question arrived in the State on 6 November 1999. He made an application for asylum on 9 November 1999 which was refused on 7 November 2001. A subsequent Appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal was refused on 28 March 2002. A notification of proposal to deport from the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, together with the refusal to grant a declaration of refugee status issued on 1 May 2002. Representations were received in relation to the proposal to deport and were considered prior to the signing of the Deportation Order on 8 August 2003. The person in question was deported from the State on 8 February 2004. He subsequently married an Irish national outside the State on 2 December 2005.
An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national and the revocation of the Deportation Order was received from the person in question in February 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. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. It has always been the case that non EU nationals could not enter employment pending the outcome of an application for residency, unless, of course they have a valid work permit. Applications for a work permit should be made on behalf of a non EU national by an employer to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Brendan Howlin
Question:336 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made for a residency permit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [21761/06]
An application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question in September 2005. An acknowledgement of receipt of the application was issued on 4 October 2005. 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. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.
Immigration Policy.
John Gormley
Question:337 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has carried out studies regarding the impact of immigration on the role of the Garda and the legal system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/06]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not conducted any studies regarding the impact of immigration on the role of the Gardaí and the legal system nor are there plans to undertake such studies in the near future. The Deputy will be aware of the amendments made to the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988-2004 to facilitate the recruitment to An Garda Síochána of members from different ethnic communities living in Ireland. I am of the view that such recruitment is desirable in principle so that membership of the Force reflects as far as possible the composition of Irish society today.
Ministerial Correspondence.
Finian McGrath
Question:338 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or his Department had knowledge of the A case; and the action he will take in relation to this matter. [21776/06]
As the Tánaiste has told this house, on 29 November 2002 my Department was informed in writing by the Chief State Solicitor's Office of an application seeking judicial review to challenge certain provisions of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1935 — the "C.C." proceedings. An official promptly phoned the Chief State Solicitor's Office to ascertain whether they needed any response from the Department in relation to the application. The answer was in the negative. In January 2003, the Chief State Solicitor's Office repeated its undertaking to advise the Department of any development in the proceedings. No further communication was received in my Department from the Chief State Solicitor's Office or any other source concerning the "C.C." proceedings. Neither I nor my Department were notified of the hearing or outcome of the High Court case, which the State won, or the subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court. In response to the Supreme Court decision of 23 May 2006, I published the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006 on 1 June 2006. It passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad and was signed into law by the President on the following day.
Visa Applications.
Willie Penrose
Question:339 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that an application for a visitor’s visa has been received from a person (details supplied); if he will take steps to have same expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21779/06]
The application in question was received in Bangkok on 18th May, 2006 and referred to the Embassy of Ireland, Kuala Lumpur for consideration. A decision in respect of this application will issue shortly.
Citizenship Applications.
Phil Hogan
Question:340 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of an application (details supplied) for residency; and if he will make a decision on the matter. [21795/06]
The reference number supplied by the Deputy in the details accompanying his Question refers to an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to. The application in question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in May 2004. Officials in Citizenship Section are currently processing applications received in the first half of 2004 and it is likely that processing of the application of the person in question will commence very shortly. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
Paul Connaughton
Question:341 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of a visa application for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21820/06]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 15th April, 2005. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 12th July, 2005. An appeal against the initial refusal decision was received on 18th August, 2005. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 20th September, 2005. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be facilitated; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:342 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application under humanitarian leave to remain here in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21847/06]
The persons concerned arrived in the State on 4 May, 2004 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the first named person was informed by letter dated 30 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of them. The second named person was informed by letter dated 17 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before orders are made or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned. These persons' case files, 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 files to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:343 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 2 January, 2000 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 18 May, 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. This person's wife was granted permission to remain on 21 October, 1999 on the basis of her parentage of an Irish born child.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:344 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application to remain here in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21849/06]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 18 May, 2006.
Departmental Bodies.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:345 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures that were undertaken for the appointment of the person to head the new Garda inspectorate; if an interview process took place as part of the selection procedure; the membership of the interview panel; if any person from outside the jurisdiction was part of the interview panel or was used to advise on the appointment; the names and positions of such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21855/06]
I want to assure the Deputy that an impeccable "due process" approach was taken to filling this position. Following the enactment of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in July 2005, the Secretary General of my Department requested the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to advise on the most appropriate recruitment process to source the best possible candidates for the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. The PAS proposed using a private sector partner with experience in international recruitment and selection. Following a restricted procurement process and receipt of sanction from the Department of Finance the PAS engaged PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as an Executive Search partner to assist them in a global search of common law jurisdictions to source suitable candidates. As the position of Chief Inspector is the key position in the new organisation it was decided to recruit that person first. A Search Committee was engaged to advise PAS/PWC on the search process. The Search Committee included retired Assistant Garda Commissioner Tony Hickey, Sir Dan Crompton, retired Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police Constabulary and former member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC), and Kevin Murphy former Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. The Search Committee and PWC produced a short-list of potential candidates.
A Selection Committee chaired by Dr. Eddie Molloy, Management Consultant and consisting of Sir Ronnie Flanagan (Head of HMIC), Ms Isolde Goggin, Commissioner for Communications Regulation, and Mr. Sean Aylward, Secretary General, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, was established to assess the short-list and select candidates for interview. The Selection Committee interviewed 6 candidates of whom 3 were short-listed as being successful in the competitive process for selection. Ms. Kathleen O'Toole was the interviewee who scored highest in the selection process. On the 16th May, 2006 the Government approved the appointment of Ms. O'Toole to be the Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. The positions of the other two members of the Inspectorate, who will report to the Chief Inspector, have been advertised separately by PAS. The Chief Inspector will be involved in the recruitment and selection of the other two members. This process has again involved a search and selection process organised by PAS/PWC. I will bring proposals to Government for the appointment of these two other members in due course.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:346 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures that were undertaken for the appointment of each member of the Garda Ombudsman Commission; if an interview process took place for each appointment to the Commission; the membership of the interview panel; if any person from outside the jurisdiction was part of the interview panel or was used to advise on the appointments; the names and positions of such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21856/06]
The procedures for the appointment of members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are set out in section 65 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides that they are to be appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government and the passage of resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas. On 12 December 2005, I made an order under the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 establishing the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. On 13 December 2005 the Government nominated the following persons for appointment by the President to be members of the Ombudsman Commission: Mr. Justice Kevin Haugh to be chairperson, Ms Carmel Foley and Mr. Conor Brady. Subsequently, resolutions were passed by each House of the Oireachtas, as required by the Act, recommending their appointment, and they were appointed by the President on 10 February 2006. No interview process was undertaken for appointment to the Commission. In making the nominations the Government, as required by the Act, satisfied itself that the nominees had the appropriate experience, qualifications, training and expertise for appointment to the Ombudsman Commission.
Departmental Staff.
Pat Carey
Question:347 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the range of financial and other assistance and remunerations available to general practitioners from his Department, other Departments and associated agencies; the increases in such assistances and remunerations since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/06]
I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service currently employs 18 General Practitioners — 3 full-time and 15 part-time — as Prison Doctors in its 14 institutions nationwide. The current remuneration based on a 39 hour week is €119,646 per annum at 1 December, 2004. In addition an on call allowance of €5,202 per annum is paid.
While the figures for 1997 are not readily available, the corresponding remuneration figures at 1 July, 1998 and later dates are as follows: 1 July, 1998 — £41,441 per annum — £2,727 on call allowance; 1 April, 2001 — £45,717 per annum — £3,008 on call allowance; 1 October, 2001 — £48,231 (€61,241) per annum — £3,174 (€4,030) on call allowance; 1 July, 2004 — €117,300 per annum — €5,100 on call allowance; 1 December, 2004 — €119,646 per annum — €5,202 on call allowance.
In relation to the Gardaí, the Garda authorities have informed me that An Garda Síochána do not directly employ any general practitioners. However, payments are made for services rendered and these rates are regularly reviewed in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation, on behalf of the general practitioners, and my Department.
School Staffing.
Seán Ardagh
Question:348 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allocate the teacher requested by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 due to the conditions and concerns that pertain in this case. [21570/06]
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its time-table and subject options having regard to pupils needs within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.
The rules for allocating teaching resources provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions.
An application for curricular concessions was received from the school in question and an additional allocation of 1.18 wholetime equivalent teacher posts was granted.
An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation — the closing date for such appeals was 12th May 2006. The school in question did not submit an appeal.
Youth Services.
Joe Costello
Question:349 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that sufficient youth workers can be recruited to enable a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to provide services to children and young people in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21585/06]
The City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) administers grant aid to youth clubs and youth organisations in the Dublin area on behalf of the Youth Affairs Section of my Department. The CDYSB can be contacted directly for information on grants available (details of all grants offered by CDYSB are available on its recently launched Website — www.cdysb.ie).
The Youth Affairs Section of my Department also provides support for a number of schemes and initiatives designed to ensure the provision of non-formal educational opportunities for young people throughout the country. This consists mainly of grant-aid assistance for national and major regional youth organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme, special youth work projects for disadvantaged young people and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund which targets those young people most at risk from substance misuse.
I will continue to make every effort to ensure that adequate funding continues to be made available for the support, development and expansion of the valuable services and programmes provided by the youth work sector in Ireland.
Capitation Grants.
Barry Andrews
Question:350 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if capitation grants to primary schools will be increased to reflect the recent increase in energy prices. [21592/06]
Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.
Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €133.58 with effect from 1st January, 2005 and has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1st January, 2006 bringing the standard rate to €145.58. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.
The latest increase in the level of capitation grant is a clear demonstration of my commitment to improve the financial position of primary schools. The question of increasing the rate of grant in the future will be considered as part of the normal Estimates process in the context of available resources and priorities within the education sector.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Barry Andrews
Question:351 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the high pupil/teacher ratio in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and her plans to alleviate same. [21593/06]
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 and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year is outlined in Primary Circular 23/06 which issued to all primary schools recently.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a Principal and nine mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 240 pupils at 30th September, 2004. The school also has one Permanent Learning support post and three Temporary Learning support posts.
The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2006/2007 school year will remain at a Principal and nine mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 240 pupils at 30th September, 2005.
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. 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. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and the smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
Schools Building Projects.
Paudge Connolly
Question:352 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has noted the concern of the parents association of a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; her views on whether the road crossing through the school has health and safety implications; if she will expedite the sale of the west campus to defray the cost of a single campus extension; the action she proposes to advance the project to design stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21618/06]
An application for an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria and is being considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006 — 2010.
The sale of the west campus by the school authority is understood by my Department to be contingent on the completion of the proposed extension and its disposal will be considered when the planned extension is completed.
School Accommodation.
Olwyn Enright
Question:353 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the planning which is in place to ensure sufficient second level places in schools in Swords, County Dublin; the discussions, she has had with the management of the school following the queueing over days by parents; the number attending each of the second level schools in Swords; the application numbers for September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21634/06]
Seán Ryan
Question:369 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on existing applications within her Department from a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will respond to same. [21700/06]
Seán Ryan
Question:370 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the demand from parents in the Swords catchment area for their children to be educated at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin, she will initiate discussions with the school authority with a view to extending the school and therefore increasing its capacity. [21702/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 353, 369 and 370 together.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department have not been made aware of any shortage of places in post-primary provision in Swords.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places. This may result in pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Swords is an area of population growth and while there may be a demand in future years for additional provision at postprimary level, the Department is satisfied that, between them, the four existing postprimary schools have adequate provision to cater for current demand.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department are carrying out a review of educational needs in the North Dublin/East Meath/South Louth area (including Swords) by way of a Draft Area Development Plan. The need for additional future post primary provision in Swords is being considered in this context.
The Draft Plan is nearing completion and will be published shortly. Following this, a public consultation process will be conducted by the Commission on School Accommodation. The process will culminate in a final Area Development Plan which will provide a blueprint for educational infrastructure in the area for the next decade including the need or otherwise to provide additional post primary school provision in Swords.
The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with my Department for Major Capital funding. The application, which is for ancillary accommodation and not to increase the capacity of the school, has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria which have been agreed with the education partners and will be considered in the context of the overall educational plan for the Swords area.
Olwyn Enright
Question:354 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans which are in place to increase the number of places in national schools in Skerries, Balbriggan and Lusk, County Dublin, in view of the increasing populations in these villages and towns; if she is satisfied that the places needed in September 2006 will be sufficient to accommodate the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21635/06]
I am aware that there is extensive housing development and population increase in the Skerries, Balbriggan and Lusk areas of Fingal County and that this has led to increased demand for school places.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department have already approved the provision of additional classroom accommodation for primary schools in Balbriggan, Skerries and Lusk to cater for additional teaching appointments for September 2006.
A new 16 classroom school for Balbriggan Educate Together was recently announced to progress to architectural planning.
In September, 2005, I announced the provision of a new 1,000 pupil post primary school for Balbriggan.
This will be delivered by way of a Public Private Partnership under the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2005-2009.
Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department are carrying out a review of educational needs in the North Dublin/East Meath/South Louth area (including the areas mentioned by the Deputy) by way of a Draft Area Development Plan. The need for additional future primary and post primary provision in these areas is being considered in this context.
The Draft Plan is nearing completion and will be published shortly. Following this, a public consultation process will be conducted by the Commission on School Accommodation. The process will culminate in a final Area Development Plan which will provide a blueprint for educational infrastructure in the area for the next decade including the need to provide additional school provision in Balbriggan, Lusk and Skerries.
Vocational Education Committees.
Brian O'Shea
Question:355 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if further to her letter of 20 December 2005 and a parliamentary question of 13 December 2005 she will address all the queries posed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21636/06]
The appointment of permanent teachers in a Vocational Education Committee is a matter for the relevant VEC subject to agreed procedures. The queries to which the Deputy refers are currently under consideration and my Department will contact the individual concerned directly.
Paul McGrath
Question:356 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department purchased a property at Montbard, France, which was originally bought by Westmeath vocational educational committee; the price which was paid at the time for the property; and the cost of works and materials carried out to this property. [21637/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:357 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the expenditure by Westmeath vocational educational committee on a property at Montbard, France, in particular the cost of running FÁS and Youthreach programmes for the duration of the tenancy by Westmeath VEC. [21638/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:358 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the selling price of the Westmeath vocational educational committee property at Montbard, France; and the date on which this sale was finalised. [21639/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:359 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures which were undertaken to sell the Westmeath vocational educational committee property at Montbard, France; and if an auctioneer was engaged to sell the property or if it was sold by public auction. [21640/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:360 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and duration of visits by Departmental personnel to the Montbard Project in France; and the costs associated with each visit. [21641/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 to 360, inclusive, together.
My Department never acquired ownership of the Montbard property. It was purchased by the VEC in 1994 to be used as part of the VEC's Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and Youthreach programmes. The purchase price was approximately €100,000 (£80,000). In addition to the purchase price, the VEC spent €260,000 on a number of items in connection with Montbard.
The property was sold by public auction on 22nd March 2006. The closing details of the sale have yet to be received. The selling price was €87,000.00.
The procedures undertaken to sell the property were as follows. The Department of Education and Science asked the Commissioners of Public Works to dispose of the property.
The first endeavours of the Office of Public Works to appoint a Local Estate Agent to deal with the disposal were unsuccessful. A firm of solicitors was employed to appoint an Auctioneer/Local Notary familiar with the area to dispose of the property.
An auction was initially scheduled on 15th December 2003, but there were no bidders. It was later sold by public auction on 22nd March 2006. The project was never visited by personnel of my Department.
School Absenteeism.
John Gormley
Question:361 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures she is taking to stop parents taking their children out of school in term time due to the fact that holidays are cheaper; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government has started a campaign to deal with the problem; the extent of the problem here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21642/06]
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to participate fully in education. I take a very serious view of children being absent from school during term time.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 ensures the right of every child in the state to receive an education and places a legal responsibility on parents and guardians to ensure that their child attends school or otherwise receives an education. Parents have a critical role to play to ensure that their children are in receipt of the best possible education. The Act outlines the duties and responsibilities of parents and schools in relation to school attendance.
The National Educational Welfare Board was established under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Deputy will be glad to know that the NEWB has in fact already run an information campaign to all parents highlighting the importance of their child not missing school. In an ongoing effort the issue of school attendance is highlighted by the Board in its media briefings and publications. It has also established a Lo-call helpline to offer general advice for parents on this issue. The NEWB also produces reports on school attendance nationally.
Special Educational Needs.
Finian McGrath
Question:362 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students at third level colleges with an intellectual disability. [21648/06]
Data is not currently being collected on participation by students with an intellectual disability on courses in third level institutions. I have been advised by the National Access Office of the HEA, on the basis of advice from AHEAD (the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) and third level disability personnel, that the numbers of students from this group are very small. Some students are participating on dedicated courses for students with an intellectual disability being provided by research centres of higher education institutions. For example, 20 students are participating on recently established Certificate in Contemporary Living course being provided by the National Institute for Intellectual Disability in TCD. Also there are 34 students participating on Certificate in Citizenship and Advocacy being provided by the Centre for Disability Studies in UCD which has seen 40 graduates since 2003. Other students with an intellectual disability are known to be participating in FETAC accredited courses in both higher and further education institutions, for example foundation certificate and apprenticeship programmes in the Institute of Technology sector.
The National Office is currently working with higher education institutions on the development of new mechanisms for improving data collection on all students with a disability in higher education, including better systems of monitoring participation by students with an intellectual disability in the higher education sector. A survey conducted by AHEAD in 2004 indicates that participation generally by students with a disability in higher education has improved significantly over the last decade. In 2004 students with a disability represented 2.4% (over 2,700 students) of undergraduates in higher education institutions, compared to a participation rate of only 0.6% (or 460 students) in 1994. A substantial proportion of this rise in participation is accounted for by increased participation or identification of students with specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) who form over 52% of students with a disability. Other categories are: 16% of students who have a mobility disability; 5% who are blind or visually impaired; 7% who are deaf or hard of hearing; 8% who have mental health difficulties; 12% who have other disabilities.
Student Support Schemes.
Joe Higgins
Question:363 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason grants are not made available for persons who wish to take up part-time third level degree courses, particularly parents of young children for whom a part time course is their only option. [21668/06]
Part-time courses are not approved courses under the terms of the Maintenance Grant Schemes. Any extension of the student support schemes to part-time studies would have significant cost implications. I have no plans at present to extend the grant 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.
School Accommodation.
Enda Kenny
Question:364 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available to secondary schools for the building of drama or performing arts facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21686/06]
My Department's planning guidelines for new post-primary school buildings allows for the provision of an 80m² music/drama room for schools that offer music as a subject on the school curriculum. The guidelines also allow for the provision of fixed and loose furniture and demountable staging. In addition my Department provides grant aid for the purchase of music instruments and equipment. Where an application is made for major capital improvement works by the management authorities of an existing school, it is the policy of my Department to assess the overall future accommodation needs of the school for inclusion in the accommodation brief.
School Management.
Enda Kenny
Question:365 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the average annual cost of insurance incurred by both primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas; the breakdown of these costs on a school by school basis; the details of assistance provided by her Department in meeting such costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21687/06]
My Department does not collect data on the insurance costs in schools as it is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools to arrange insurance cover on school property and against public liability. My Department does however provide funding to primary and secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. There have been significant improvements in the level of funding provided to primary and post-primary schools. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €133.58 with effect from 1 January, 2005 and has been further increased by €12 per pupil with effect from 1 January, 2006 bringing the standard rate to €145.58. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level since 1997.
At second level, the standard per capita grant, which stood at €256 per pupil in the school year 2001/02, has been increased by a further €12 to €298 per pupil from January, 2006. Under the School Services Support Fund initiative secondary schools will also benefit from further significant increases. The grant that was increased for secondary schools from €131 per pupil to €145 per pupil in January, 2005, has been increased by a further €14 per pupil to €159 per pupil from January, 2006. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. A secondary school with 500 pupils now receives annual grants of up to €270,000 towards general expenses and support services as against annual grants of up to €237,000 in 2002. These significant increases in the funding of primary and post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
School Enrolments.
Enda Kenny
Question:366 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children attending primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas who were born outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21688/06]
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of primary schools is not available in my Department. However, 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. The percentage of children attending secondary schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas who were born outside the state is as follows: Dublin 2: 1.3% Dublin 4: 8.3% Dublin 6: 5.1% Dublin 8: 10.9%
These figures are based on details of "Country of Origin" as provided to individual schools by the parents of the students concerned.
Languages Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:367 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children attending primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas who do not have English as a first language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21689/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
School Enrolments.
Enda Kenny
Question:368 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the average waiting period for admission to each of the primary and secondary schools in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21690/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not held in my Department. Details of enrolments at both primary and post primary level are kept by school authorities.
Questions Nos. 369 and 370 answered with Question No. 353.
Education Centre Network.
Michael Lowry
Question:371 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for not granting full-time status to a centre (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if she will reconsider her decision; the measures needed to ensure that the centre may obtain full-time status in the future in the event that she will not reconsider her decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21706/06]
The part-time Education Centre covered by the Deputy's question is part of a network of twenty one full-time and nine part-time Education Centres which are located throughout the Country. Education Centres provide professional development and support for teachers and the wider education community through meeting locally researched and identified teacher and school community needs. They also provide this professional development and support through involvement in national in-service programmes, involving either curricular reform or support on specific issues such as special needs.
I am satisfied that the existing Education Centre network, as it is currently constituted, is sufficient to meet the professional development needs of teachers and, accordingly, I have no plans to expand the Network at this time. I will, however, continue to keep the position under review, particularly in light of emerging needs. Finally, I understand that officials in the Teacher Education Section of my Department, who are charged with the management and administration of all matters relating to the Education Centre Network, have arranged to meet with the Management Committee at the Centre in the coming weeks to discuss any outstanding matters of concern.
School Enrolments.
Emmet Stagg
Question:372 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a policy within vocational educational committee schools whereby pupils will not be admitted to second level where they were previously at second level in England without the production of a report from the previous school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21707/06]
There is no sector-wide policy such as that referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand that the particular school in question has, as part of it's admissions policy, a requirement that reports from the applicants previous school be supplied. If there is a difficulty with meeting this requirement then the parents should discuss this with the Principal of the school. The selection and enrolment of pupils in second-level schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision in the relevant Vocational Educational Committee and/or to the Secretary General of my Department. The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The parents of the children referred to by the Deputy have already been in contact with the Educational Welfare Officer for the area and he has indicated to my Department that he will continue to assist the family in every possible way.
Special Educational Needs.
Emmet Stagg
Question:373 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is anything in law to prevent a child going from fifth class in a national school to first year in a secondary school, thereby missing sixth class, in view of the fact that the secondary school has special facilities for educating children with Asperger’s syndrome. [21708/06]
I wish to assure the Deputy that I am most anxious that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive an education appropriate to their needs. It is in recognition of this that my Department currently provides the following facilities for the education of children with autism at primary level: 160 Special Classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools; 15 pre-school classes; 5 Special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome; 12 Stand-Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education has been established and there are approximately 71 Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO) employed by the Council who have been deployed on a nationwide basis, with at least one SENO being deployed in each county. Each SENO is responsible for the primary and second level schools in their area. The establishment of the NCSE will greatly enhance the provision of services to children with special educational needs and the local service delivery aspect of the Council's operation through the SENOs will provide a focal point of contact for parents/guardians and schools and will, I am confident, result in a much improved service for all. It is open to parents to contact their local SENO regarding their child's special educational needs. Contact details for the relevant SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
The Primary School curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year. The allocation of a child to a particular class in a school is a matter for the authorities of the school and the child's parents. A decision to allocate a child to a class out of normal sequence may be made by the school following detailed consultation with the parents and following careful consideration of the educational and social needs of the child. However, it should also be noted that the following conditions are set down in the "Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools", regarding the criteria for the recognition of pupils at second level. "A recognised pupil means a pupil 1. who is not less than 12 years of age on the first day of January of the school year 2. who, as a rule, has completed a full course of primary education and 3. who is following an approved course."
If any part of the criteria for entry to post-primary school is not met, e.g. that a full 8 year primary cycle is not completed, the matter would be referred to the Inspectorate for investigation and recommendation. Issues which would be considered by the Inspectorate would include the age of the pupil, the circumstances on which the decision was made to allow the pupil to skip a class out of sequence at primary level and the social development of the pupil.
Schools Recognition.
Liam Twomey
Question:374 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science when the review of recognition of a secondary school (details supplied) in County Wexford will be completed; when they can start enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21710/06]
Authorities from the proposed school to which the Deputy refers has been informed by my Department that a review of educational provision in the area concerned is being carried out by the School Planning Section of my Department. The application in question is being considered in this context. As soon as the review is completed contact will be made again directly with the applicant.
Schools Building Projects.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:375 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made a decision with regard to the application of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick for inclusion in band 1.1 of the primary school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21730/06]
The Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy have submitted a request for a revision of the current band rating for its proposed project. The documentation received from the school is under consideration in the School Planning Section of my Department and as soon as a decision is reached, my Department will advise the school's management authority of the decision.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:376 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will sanction an extension to a school (details supplied) in Limerick to include science laboratories, art and technology rooms and classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21731/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:377 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of primary school class sizes for each county showing in each case the number of pupils in classes of 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39 and 40 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21732/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table set out asfollows.
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.
As you know 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. The Deputy will be aware that the number of children in large classes has been reduced dramatically by this Government. Furthermore, what really puts the decrease in large classes 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.
|
Class Size Range |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
County |
0-9 |
10-19 |
20-24 |
25-29 |
30-34 |
35-39 |
40 & Over |
TOTAL |
|
CARLOW |
8 |
462 |
1,353 |
2,270 |
1,304 |
142 |
0 |
5,539 |
|
CAVAN |
32 |
1,282 |
2,199 |
2,334 |
1,552 |
285 |
0 |
7,684 |
|
CLARE |
150 |
1,740 |
3,242 |
3,504 |
2,476 |
640 |
41 |
11,793 |
|
CORK CITY |
60 |
2,930 |
3,324 |
4,193 |
2,754 |
286 |
0 |
13,547 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
192 |
3,769 |
8,166 |
13,401 |
9,592 |
1,792 |
44 |
36,956 |
|
DONEGAL |
154 |
2,789 |
4,904 |
5,914 |
3,300 |
185 |
0 |
17,246 |
|
DUBLIN BELGARD |
0 |
3,501 |
5,796 |
10,541 |
6,495 |
245 |
0 |
26,578 |
|
DUBLIN CITY |
56 |
8,811 |
10,000 |
13,346 |
8,133 |
360 |
0 |
40,706 |
|
DUBLIN FINGAL |
0 |
1,251 |
3,122 |
10,775 |
9,021 |
322 |
0 |
24,491 |
|
DUN- LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN |
16 |
1,318 |
2,433 |
6,188 |
5,374 |
427 |
81 |
15,837 |
|
GALWAY CITY |
9 |
1,094 |
1,165 |
2,066 |
1,366 |
35 |
0 |
5,735 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY |
292 |
3,979 |
4,987 |
5,073 |
2,830 |
214 |
40 |
17,415 |
|
KERRY |
105 |
2,252 |
4,161 |
4,969 |
2,898 |
70 |
0 |
14,455 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
990 |
3,761 |
10,437 |
6,351 |
531 |
0 |
22,070 |
|
KILKENNY |
9 |
1,248 |
2,126 |
3,332 |
2,383 |
176 |
0 |
9,274 |
|
LAOIS |
26 |
816 |
1,641 |
3,169 |
1,466 |
72 |
0 |
7,190 |
|
LEITRIM |
32 |
819 |
861 |
953 |
160 |
146 |
0 |
2,971 |
|
LIMERICK CITY |
27 |
1,249 |
1,491 |
1,973 |
1,392 |
106 |
0 |
6,238 |
|
LIMERICK COUNTY |
104 |
1,719 |
3,371 |
5,184 |
2,758 |
212 |
0 |
13,348 |
|
LONGFORD |
80 |
699 |
997 |
1,292 |
471 |
71 |
0 |
3,610 |
|
LOUTH |
0 |
1,097 |
2,967 |
5,260 |
3,731 |
282 |
0 |
13,337 |
|
MAYO |
228 |
3,264 |
3,654 |
4,204 |
1,654 |
186 |
0 |
13,190 |
|
MEATH |
24 |
1,201 |
3,586 |
7,827 |
5,220 |
757 |
0 |
18,615 |
|
MONAGHAN |
52 |
926 |
1,785 |
2,126 |
1,139 |
214 |
0 |
6,242 |
|
OFFALY |
25 |
1,000 |
2,413 |
3,516 |
1,684 |
0 |
0 |
8,638 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
138 |
1,622 |
1,867 |
1,685 |
721 |
148 |
40 |
6,221 |
|
SLIGO |
49 |
1,226 |
2,133 |
1,911 |
975 |
143 |
0 |
6,437 |
|
TIPPERARY N.R. |
21 |
1,131 |
2,612 |
2,515 |
913 |
106 |
41 |
7,339 |
|
TIPPERARY S.R. |
30 |
1,397 |
3,273 |
2,882 |
1,358 |
284 |
0 |
9,224 |
|
WATERFORD CITY |
0 |
342 |
1,272 |
2,668 |
1,021 |
72 |
0 |
5,375 |
|
WATERFORD COUNTY |
9 |
863 |
1,723 |
2,771 |
1,109 |
248 |
0 |
6,723 |
|
WESTMEATH |
40 |
1,004 |
2,416 |
3,352 |
2,282 |
144 |
0 |
9,238 |
|
WEXFORD |
27 |
1,449 |
3,797 |
5,922 |
3,503 |
497 |
0 |
15,195 |
|
WICKLOW |
25 |
1,336 |
3,065 |
4,621 |
4,222 |
465 |
0 |
13,734 |
|
TOTAL: |
2,020 |
60,576 |
105,663 |
162,174 |
101,608 |
9,863 |
287 |
442,191 |
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:378 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of the schools which have not yet supplied information to her Department on class size, by way of annual return forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21733/06]
I am glad to inform the Deputy that as of 6 June 2006 all National Schools have returned their Annual Primary Census Form for the school-year 2005/2006.
Higher Education Grants.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:379 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will supply the information requested in Parliamentary Question Nos. 583 of 14 February 2006, 520 of 4 April 2006 and 495 of 23 May 2006; the socio-economic background in tabular form, of recipients of third level grants for the academic years 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21734/06]
Information provided to date to the Student Support Unit of my Department regarding the socio-economic background of third level grant recipients is currently being verified with the Awarding Authorities. I expect that this process will be at an advanced stage by the end of next week, Friday 16th June. My Department will forward to the Deputy the information that is available within my Department as of that date.
Special Educational Needs.
David Stanton
Question:380 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in establishing a centre (details supplied) in County Armagh; the amount expended on the project to date; when she expects the centre to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21742/06]
My Department and the Department for Education in Northern Ireland are engaged in the development of the Middletown Centre for Autism in County Armagh. The purchase of the Middletown property to house the Centre was jointly funded and work has just been completed on the development of a campus masterplan to refurbish the property. The Centre will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Four key services will be provided by the Centre: a learning support service (on a residential basis), an educational assessment service, a training and advisory service, and an autism research and information service.
Officials from both Departments are working closely on this project and this interaction between the two Departments will continue over the coming months with a view to ensuring that the Centre becomes operational as quickly as possible. To date my Department has spent in the region of €2.6 million which is inclusive of the purchase price.
School Accommodation.
Liz McManus
Question:381 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of assurances that a decision on the future of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow would be made some weeks ago, she will provide a timeframe for a final decision on the application by the school for national school status with Educate Together; her views on whether the delay in a decision on the future of the school is regrettable resulting in existing and prospective parents being forced to seek alternative places for their children in September 2006; her further views on whether this will add to an already over crowded school situation in the area; her further views on whether it is unacceptable that a rejection of this application will result in there being no option of a multi-denominational education for children in the west Wicklow area; the provision which will be in place for these parents for September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21744/06]
A decision will be made on the application to establish a new Educate Together school in West Wicklow within days. 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 the area, 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 has just carried out a review and further analysis of key data in relation to the population projections for the area. I have now received his report on the matter which I am considering. 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 I expect to make my decision known within days.
Teaching Qualifications.
Mary Upton
Question:382 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will extend the time available to a person (details supplied) in order to complete satisfactorily their Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21745/06]
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, Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge (SCG), in order to become fully recognised as mainstream class teachers, learning support teachers, and home/school/community/liaison teachers. They must also provide certification that they have resided in the Gaeltacht while attending an approved three-week course or its aggregated equivalent.
As an exceptional measure, this five-year period was extended to seven years for those candidates who held provisional recognition prior to April 2004. In relation to requests from individuals for further extensions to their period of provisional recognition, such requests are considered by my Department on a case by case basis. Where it is considered that individuals requesting extensions to their period of provisional recognition have made significant progress in attempting to pass the SCG an extension may be considered.
In the case referred to by the Deputy the person in question was granted a five-year period of provisional recognition from 1st September 1999 to 31st August 2004. This initial period was further extended to 31st August, 2006. Despite the granting of this already extended period of provisional recognition this person has not presented for any SCG examination. In light of the foregoing a further extension of this person's period of provisional recognition is not warranted. I would point out that the withdrawal of provisional recognition does not in any way preclude the person in question from continuing to study for and sit the SCG. The person in question will also retain her restricted recognition to teach in special classes in mainstream national schools and certain special schools.
Mary Upton
Question:383 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures necessary to enable a person (details supplied) who is currently pursuing their Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge with provisional recognition in order that they might access a career break. [21750/06]
Teachers in national schools are generalists rather than subject specialists and must be qualified to teach the range of primary school subjects to children aged 4 to 12 years. Accordingly, applicants must satisfy the Department of Education and Science that they are competent to teach the Irish language and to teach the range of primary school curricular subjects through the medium of Irish before being granted full recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools.
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. These teachers are remunerated in the same manner as fully qualified teachers during this period.
Holders of provisional recognition must pass the written, aural and oral parts of an examination in the Irish language "An Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge" (SCG) in order to be granted full recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools. In addition, they must provide certification that they have resided in the Gaeltacht while attending an approved three-week course.
Details of the career break scheme for primary teachers are set out in Department Circular 10/03 which issued to all schools in March, 2003. In order to be eligible for a career break, a primary teacher must be permanent and have satisfactorily completed probation. As the requirement with regard to probation has not been met in this case, the person referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for a career break.
Third Level Fees.
Seán Crowe
Question:384 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the alternative arrangements the Government will introduce, in view of the decision by the British Government to introduce fees in the six counties, in assisting students in this jurisdiction attending third level institutions in the six counties who may be forced to opt out due to the expense involved; if there has been north-south cooperation on this issue; and if the Government or relevant Department have met with their British counterparts regarding the introduction of these fees. [21775/06]
Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved third-level courses in the State. There are no plans to extend this initiative to cover third level institutions in Northern Ireland.
Under my Department's Higher Education Grant Schemes, maintenance grants are available to eligible students pursuing approved undergraduate courses in other EU Member States, including Northern Ireland. In general, approved courses are those pursued in a third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. However the payment of undergraduate tuition fees under these schemes does not extend to approved courses outside the State and there are no plans to change this position at present.
It is understood however that students attending Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland and who are ordinarily resident in a Member State of the European Union will be eligible for a fee loan from the Northern Ireland Authorities up to the amount charged by the Higher Education Institution. Further clarification can be sought by the individual from Department of Employment and Learning in the Northern Ireland. Their e-mail address is studentfinance@delni.gov.uk.
Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 also provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states.
Special Educational Needs.
Finian McGrath
Question:385 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied); and if she will work with the family on this matter. [21777/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is now operational. A specific function of the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and schools.
My officials have liaised with the NCSE in relation to the child referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that they have not received any application for assistance with the application in question. It is open to the parent(s) to contact the relevant SENO who can assist in accessing an appropriate educational placement for the child. Contact details for the relevant SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
Schools Building Projects.
Billy Timmins
Question:386 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for grant aid for major capital works by a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow and a letter from her Department of 26 April 2006 as there is no timeframe given in this letter; if she will sanction the works to go ahead as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21783/06]
An application for major capital funding was received from the school authority to which the deputy refers. Officials in the School Planning Section of my Department have assessed the long-term needs of the school and have recommend the provision of an extension to the school to cater for an overall accommodation need of Principal + 8 mainstream assistants. The school authority was notified of this recommendation by letter dated 26 April, 2006. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2006 onwards.
School Accommodation.
Michael Ring
Question:387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide funding for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the assessment of the school’s likely long term accommodation needs has been finalised; and if so, the details of same. [21784/06]
As advised to the Deputy recently, the school authority has submitted an application to my Department for additional accommodation to include additional classrooms and ancillary accommodation.
The process of assessing the school's likely long term projected staffing in order to determine the school's accommodation needs into the future is nearing completion. When this has been finalised, a decision will be taken on how best to meet the school's current and future accommodation needs.
The building project required to address the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernization Programme 2006 — 2010.
Computerisation Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:388 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and location of each school, primary and second level that do not have broadband access as of 1 May 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21791/06]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department is engaged in the roll-out of broadband internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry following the establishment of a three year€18m joint Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Fund to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, email, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A broadband support service has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network.
Following a public tendering process, contracts were finalised by June 2005 with six companies for the provision of local access connectivity to 3,925 schools (namely BT Ireland, Smart, Digiweb, Irish Broadband, Lastmile and HSData) and with Eircom for the provision of a broadband router at school level where appropriate. Roll out of the local connectivity and router installation commenced in June 2005. The installation process has two stages starting with the local broadband connectivity installation (involving DSL, Satellite or Wireless technology) followed by the installation of a high-speed router and circuit and acceptance testing. A school must then confirm that it has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place and it must indicate which content filtering option it requires prior to the activation of the schools' connectivity via the Schools National Broadband Network.
As of 1st May 2006, 3,579 schools have had their local connectivity installed and of these 3,374 have had their router capability installed and tested. The number of schools that had confirmed their AUP status and selected their content filtering option was 2,779. Progress is being made all the time and the Deputy may be interested to know that on the 2nd June 3,054 schools had confirmed their AUP status and selected their content filtering option. A list of the schools that had yet to have their local connectivity installed or their router capability installed or their AUP status confirmed is being forwarded directly to the Deputy. It should be noted that some of these schools will have their own independent broadband connectivity.
I should also mention that a further 74 schools have had broadband access provided under the Hermes and Advanced Deployment programmes.
Departmental Records.
Arthur Morgan
Question:389 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students from County Louth who are attending third level institutions in the Six Counties; and the number of students from County Louth who are attending third level institutions here. [21798/06]
The most up to date figures available to my Department show that in the 2003/04 academic year, a total of 3132 students from Louth were enrolled in full-time third level courses in the Republic. Figures available to my Department show that in the 2004/05 academic year 83 students from Louth were enrolled in Northern Irish Universities.
Special Educational Needs.
Dan Neville
Question:390 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made in increasing the number of National Education Psychological Service psychologists available in the Limerick region. [21811/06]
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. 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 (Counties Limerick, Clare, Tipperary North Riding). I would stress that all schools not currently served by NEPS can avail of the SCPA.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Dan Neville
Question:391 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for reducing class sizes in the next academic year for the 4,400 primary students in Limerick City and County who are in classes of 30 or more. [21812/06]
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.
As you know 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.
A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools, including schools in Limerick, 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. 170 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2005/06 school year, compared to 105 in 2004/05. 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 23.9.
Nonetheless, some schools do have classes with more than 30 children in them. However, as the Deputy will be aware from previous replies, the number of children in Limerick in classes of 30 or more has been dramatically reduced in both Limerick city and county, and indeed has been almost halved in the county under this Government.
This progress is also reflected at a national level, where the number of children in classes of 30 or more has steadily decreased in recent years. 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.
Departmental Staff.
Paul Connaughton
Question:392 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to another year’s career break on top of the five years they will have completed by 2 July 2006 in view of the fact that they propose to return to college to study for a degree; if her attention has been drawn to the financial hardship that same will have on their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21813/06]
The person referred to by the Deputy was granted a career break for a period of six months from 2 July 2001 for the purpose of rearing her children. Her career break was subsequently extended at six monthly intervals at her request up to the maximum period of five years permitted under the terms of Department of Finance circular 18/98 concerning career breaks. Under the terms of the circular the total period of special leave without pay cannot exceed five years and as such it is not open to me to extend her break by a further year. She will be eligible for a second career break when she serves for a period equal to the total duration of her initial break (5 years).
In accordance with the terms of her career break she is due to return to the next appropriate vacancy arising, following the end of her career break on 1 July 2006. My Department will be in contact with her as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.
Bullying in Schools.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:393 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 25 May 2006 the reason no mechanism exists whereby incidents of school bullying are recorded for reference to her Department; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of parents who are anxious that all incidents be reported, and that modern methods of bullying such as the internet, mobile phones, text messaging, be monitored; if her further attention has been drawn to the need for her Department to familiarise itself with both the extent of the problem and the methods used; the way in which her Department expects to become au fait with the problem; her proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21830/06]
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 already in place to support schools in this area.
Disruptive Students.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:394 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the Department guidelines regarding restraining an unruly or violent child in primary school and the way in which they would be applied to a six year old child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21831/06]
My Department has currently no guidelines in relation to restraining unruly or violent children in primary schools. Should the Deputy provide my Department with specific details in relation to the case referred to, I will arrange to have the matter looked into.
Special Educational Needs.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:395 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if all special needs assistants receive specific training in techniques of restraint and containment of pupils in primary school to prevent them from injuring themselves or others or from destroying school property; and, if so, if she will describe the extent of that training. [21832/06]
Special Needs Assistants are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with special educational needs in an educational context. They may be appointed to a special school or a mainstream school in situations where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils.
The use of restraint techniques and containment for pupils with special educational needs is carried out within the context of a school's policies and procedures, as outlined in the school's Code of Behaviour. In such cases, the restraint techniques and containment are referred to as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). As the great majority of pupils who are allocated Special Needs Assistants do not present with difficulties that constitute a danger to either themselves or others, most Special Needs Assistants do not need training in TCI. However, arrangements are made to provide this training once a need for it has been identified by a particular school.
The Special Education Support Service (SESS), which my Department established in September of 2003 to provide training for teachers of pupils with special educational needs, has received applications for funding to support whole-school staff training in TCI. Special Needs Assistants may attend this training if the Principal and the Board of Management of the school consider that their inclusion is appropriate. It is important to note that the SESS continues to highlight that SNAs work at all times under the direction of the class teacher.
To date, SESS has funded 8 schools for this type of training in the context of whole-staff training. In total, these schools comprise 88 teachers and 110 SNAs. This summer, SESS will fund 18 whole-staff training courses on TCI delivered by a number of providers. Again, the attendance of the SNAs at these courses is a matter for the Principal and the Board of Management of the schools in question.
Disruptive Students.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:396 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is appropriate that the Gardaí would be called for a six year old child who threw a chair, without injuring anyone, in a school; her views on if it is appropriate that four adults pinned a six year old boy to the floor of a principal’s office until the Gardaí or his parents could arrive at the primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21833/06]
My Department has not been made aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy. Should the Deputy provide more specific details on the case referred to, my Department would be happy to examine the matter.
Local Authority Funding.
Martin Ferris
Question:397 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding for playgrounds applied for by Kerry County Council will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22078/06]
Willie Penrose
Question:412 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding given to each local authority here for the provision of play areas in their jurisdiction; the amount that will be allocated to Westmeath County Council in 2006 for the provision of such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21780/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 412 together.
Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland, with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. As part of the implementation of this policy, my Department provided over €2 million in grant aid to County and City Councils in respect of 32 new or refurbished playground projects under the Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme 2004. In 2005, a further €2 million was allocated to local authorities for the development of playground facilities, in particular to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment. Details of these grants are set out in the following Table. I expect to announce details of further funding for such facilities in 2006 in the near future.
|
Local Authority |
2004 |
2005 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
Cavan County Council |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
Clare County Council |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
Cork County Council |
42,000 |
60,000 |
|
Donegal County Council |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
84,000 |
60,000 |
|
Fingal County Council |
140,000 |
60,000 |
|
Galway County Council |
100,000 |
60,000 |
|
Kerry County Council |
80,000 |
60,000 |
|
Kildare County Council |
72,000 |
60,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
60,000 |
|
|
Laois County Council |
65,000 |
60,000 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
41,000 |
60,000 |
|
Limerick County Council |
60,000 |
|
|
Longford County Council |
49,000 |
60,000 |
|
Louth County Council |
72,000 |
60,000 |
|
Mayo County Council |
60,000 |
60,000 |
|
Meath County Council |
50,000 |
60,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
17,000 |
60,000 |
|
Offaly County Council |
70,000 |
60,000 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
90,000 |
60,000 |
|
Sligo County Council |
54,000 |
60,000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
115,000 |
60,000 |
|
Tipperary (North) County Council |
47,000 |
60,000 |
|
Tipperary (South) County Council |
63,000 |
60,000 |
|
Waterford County Council |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
40,000 |
60,000 |
|
Wexford County Council |
45,000 |
60,000 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
57,000 |
60,000 |
|
Cork City Council |
70,000 |
60,000 |
|
Dublin City Council |
88,000 |
60,000 |
|
Galway City Council |
64,000 |
60,000 |
|
Limerick City Council |
89,000 |
60,000 |
|
Waterford City Council |
80,000 |
60,000 |
|
Total |
2,074,000 |
2,040,000 |
Local Authority Housing.
Seán Ardagh
Question:398 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will issue a certificate of reasonable cost in relation to the property of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of the conditions and circumstances that pertain in this case. [21559/06]
Mary Upton
Question:413 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 631 of 30 May 2006, the procedure a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 should follow in order to appeal the refusal by his Department to issue a certificate of reasonable cost. [21792/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 413 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 631 of 30 May 2006. The position is unchanged. A Certificate of Reasonable Cost cannot issue in this case, as contrary to a condition of the scheme, the floor area exceeds the maximum limit of 125 square metres. An appeal, together with supporting documentation, may be made to my Department and the particular circumstances of the case will be considered by a senior official of the Department.
Departmental Properties.
Michael Ring
Question:399 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the tenders for construction have gone out; when construction is expected to begin; and when the centre will open. [21560/06]
Some €3.81 million has been allocated by my Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the construction of a new Visitor Centre to serve Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo, and a site has been acquired in the village of Ballycroy.
Planning permission had been obtained by the Office of Public Works for the construction of the Centre. As it was not possible to proceed with the access envisaged in the original planning application, a revised planning application for an alternative site entrance through my Department's lands was recently submitted to Mayo County Council. The Office of Public Works have completed the pre-qualification process for the tendering of building, mechanical and electrical works and are in a position to advance the tendering process assuming a favourable decision on the revised planning application.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Billy Timmins
Question:400 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to housing for people with disabilities as the 2006 report from the National and Social Development Office highlights that people with disabilities are far less likely to have a job than other people of working age (details supplied); if he will recognise the low income and amend the housing policy in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21563/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Eligibility for the affordable housing schemes is open to persons in need of housing and whose income in the previous tax year satisfies an income test. The administration of the schemes is a matter for individual local authorities and they must assess each application on its merits having regard, inter alia, to the ability of applicants to manage their repayments. They must satisfy themselves that the financial commitment being entered into would not put undue pressure on the applicant and their family over the lifetime of the loan.
Applicants for affordable housing with disabilities should not encounter any particular problems if they can satisfy the local authority that they can make the necessary repayments. In addition, where the household income was below €28,000 in the previous tax year, a subsidy of between €1,050 and €2,550 is available to assist with the repayments. This applies equally to persons with disabilities. It is also open to persons with disabilities who do not qualify for assistance from the affordable housing schemes to seek assistance through the range of social housing measures operated by housing authorities.
Local Authority Housing.
Arthur Morgan
Question:401 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 23 November 2006 the reason Kerry County Council are still charging tenants attempting to purchase their rural cottage homes under the tenant purchase scheme, the market value of their homes inclusive of the site cost despite the fact that the site was provided free to the county council by the tenant at the time of construction. [21576/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
On 28 November 2005, my Department wrote to each local authority (Circular Letter HPSS 7/2005) reminding them that Article 2(2)(b) of the Housing (Sale of Houses) Regulations, 1995 provides that, where the site of a dwelling has been provided to a housing authority for a nominal sum the sale price should be reduced accordingly for the tenant purchaser. Authorities were requested to review the tenant purchase schemes adopted by them to ensure that this requirement was being fully applied. If any case is discovered where the Regulations have not been fully applied in the manner as set out, the Council should be advised.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
John McGuinness
Question:402 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has approved funding for the upgrade of the water supply at Goresbridge, County Kilkenny; if a sewerage scheme has been approved or funded for this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21609/06]
The Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown Water Supply Scheme is approved for construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €4 million. The Freshford/Johnstown/Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme is also included in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €3.2 million. In both cases, my Department is awaiting the submission of Preliminary Reports by Kilkenny County Council.
Dan Neville
Question:403 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the water and sewerage schemes funded in 2006 by his Department in County Limerick. [21649/06]
Details of the major water and sewerage schemes in County Limerick that have been approved for funding by my Department are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005 — 2007, which is available in the Oireachtas Library. In addition, I have approved an allocation of €11.65 million for County Limerick under the 2006 Rural Water Programme. This is a devolved programme and details of the schemes to be funded in 2006 may appropriately be sought from Limerick County Council.
Nuclear Plants.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:404 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement concerning the decision of the European Court of Justice finding that Ireland broke European Union law by taking a case to a United Nations tribunal in an effort to get Britain to close the Sellafield nuclear fuel plant rather than to the European Courts; the costs incurred by this decision; if he will take a case to the European Courts; and the expected cost of such proposed action. [21683/06]
In 2001, the Government instituted legal proceedings against the United Kingdom before the arbitral tribunal provided for under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The dispute concerned the MOX plant at Sellafield, the international transfer of radioactive substances and the protection of the marine environment of the Irish Sea. Both the United Kingdom and Ireland are parties to the Convention. The advice available to the Government, based on the state of Community and international Law at the time, indicated that the most appropriate avenue for the litigation of the issues raised for Ireland by the continued operation of Sellafield was through the dispute resolution procedures provided under the Convention.
The European Commission contended that the dispute in question came within the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and that it should not be open to Ireland to take proceedings under UNCLOS procedures in a matter of Community competence. The Commission initiated legal proceedings in the ECJ against Ireland on these issues. In the case before the ECJ the Swedish Government intervened in support of Ireland while the Commission was supported by the United Kingdom.
The Court issued its Judgment on 30 May which, inter alia, declared that Ireland, by instituting proceedings against the UK under UNCLOS, failed to fulfil its obligations under Community law and ordered that Ireland pay the Commission’s costs. These costs remain to be quantified and claimed by the Commission.
A consequence of the Judgment is that, as between EU member states, resolution of disputes in relation to a wide range of international agreements, particularly in the environmental field, comes within the jurisdiction of the ECJ. In this, the Judgment represents a significant development in Community law and may present member states, such as Ireland, with new mechanisms for holding other member states to account in relation to their transboundary obligations towards the environment. These issues will be examined in detail by Ireland's international legal team, led by the Attorney General, before further decisions are taken, in consultation with the Government, on Ireland's future legal strategy in this case.
I welcome the ECJ Judgment as it clarifies the Court's role as a potentially forceful and cohesive protector of Europe's environmental heritage. I have made it clear that the Irish Government will expect both the ECJ and the Commission to embrace fully their new responsibilities in this regard.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Dan Neville
Question:405 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a water supply scheme (details supplied) in County Limerick. [21684/06]
The Limerick County Trunk Water Mains Schemes to serve Croom and Patrickswell are approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005 — 2007 at estimated costs of €5.67 million and €3.15 million, respectively.
My Department is awaiting submission by Limerick County Council of Detailed Design and Contract Documents for the Croom project. The Council's Contract Documents and Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the Patrickswell scheme will be further considered by the Department on receipt of the additional information requested from the Council in October 2005.
Housing Policy.
Catherine Murphy
Question:406 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, due to the continuing price increases in the housing market, the stock of social and affordable housing units available to local authorities through the provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 is being threatened as local authorities can no longer justify or afford to spend the prices negotiated by developers; if there are plans to introduce measures which will ensure that local authorities are not priced out of the housing market by private sector buyers in order that the availability of social and affordable housing is not compromised by rising house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21701/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Part V is an important and growing supply mechanism for increasing our stock of social and affordable homes. The manner in which local authorities avail of Part V arrangements for the provision of such housing is determined by them based on the social and affordable housing needs identified in their housing strategies. Where units are being transferred, the method of calculating their cost to the local authority is set out in legislation. While my Department has not refused to sanction houses which are to be transferred to a local authority in accordance with an agreement under Part V, it would be concerned to ensure that any such agreement represents value for money.
In some instances a local authority may agree to use a mixture of the options available to secure a Part V agreement. In the particular instance referred to in the Question, this involved a combination of a transfer of a lesser number of units together with a financial contribution. This allows the authority to reduce further the sale price of the units to meet the financial requirements of the applicants on its affordable housing list. Agreements of this nature should ensure the delivery of social and affordable units at affordable costs, notwithstanding any further increases in house prices.
I am confident that Part V will play an increasing role in the delivery of social and affordable housing in the future. However, it is not intended that Part V should be the only mechanism for the provision of social and affordable housing. The main local authority housing construction programme, together with the voluntary and co-operative construction programme and the various affordable programmes, continue to be the major contributors to the national social rented and affordable housing stock.
Election Management System.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:407 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to deal with the challenge of the voting register; if he will bring forward proposals in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/06]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. I recently announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at assisting registration authorities improve the Register. The measures include the use of Census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register. Related to this, I am prepared to make increased, ring fenced financial resources available to local authorities this year to update the Register; the details involved are being examined at present. An early start will be made to the local authority Register campaign for 2007/8 and there will also be an intensive information campaign.
My Department has issued updated and consolidated Guidance to ensure that all local authorities work to the same template. The Guidance tells local authorities to make maximum use of databases available to them to crosscheck the Register. New IT based arrangements to delete deceased persons from the Register have also been put in place. My Department is now working with a group of local authority managers and senior officials to put in place an enhanced programme for improving the next Register. This would include ensuring that each household is visited and provided with forms and information at least twice, if necessary. In the event that this process does not satisfactorily register the household, it is proposed that written notification would then be given cautioning of the danger of being omitted from the Register.
I consider that there should be a broad political consensus on these issues. For this reason, I recently met the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Local Government and had a detailed discussion regarding the Register. I will continue to keep issues regarding the Register under close review.
Housing Grants.
Michael Ring
Question:408 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant for first time buyers or for people building their first home, since the removal of the first time buyer grant; the help or grant aid he will give to people who are trying to get on property ladder for the first time. [21735/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The new house grant scheme was terminated in 2003 to concentrate housing programmes on areas of greatest impact and social need. It is not proposed to reintroduce the grant. However, through overall increases in supply, and increasing output under various affordable housing initiatives, the Government are seeking to improve access to home ownership for first time buyers. These targeted measures, in particular, assist low income purchasers. This is a better means of improving the affordability of house purchase and using available resources effectively, than a general first time buyer grant which would over time become absorbed into the house price. Other general measures are in place through the tax system to assist first time buyers, such as stamp duty concessions and mortgage interest relief. The Government will continue to prioritise effective action to maintain current high levels of supply in the housing market and in particular, will accelerate measures to assist those who cannot access affordable housing without assistance.
Departmental Correspondence.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:409 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and content of circular letters issued by him to local authorities; the response received to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21736/06]
In 2003 my Department, in conjunction with the Local Government Computer Services Board, developed an electronic cataloguing system called Sharepoint, which allows for the issuing and recording of all circular letters issued to local authorities. At this stage the system contains approximately 1,100 circular letters issued to local authorities on a range of issues relating to the Department's business predominantly dealing with housing, local government and roads. The purpose of the circulars is to provide advice and support to local authorities in the task of implementing the Department's policies or to compile and/or coordinate information regarding aspects of local authority operations.
Legislative Programme.
Billy Timmins
Question:410 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to an association (details supplied) who have requested an urgent meeting with him to discuss the new legislation that is currently being processed; if he will meet with the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21746/06]
On 30 May, I announced my intention to proceed with implementation of the majority recommendations of the Working Group which was set up to review the management of dog breeding establishments. This decision followed the conclusion of an extensive public consultation process on the matter. The Dog Breeders Association were represented on the Working Group and have had many opportunities to make their views known to me. Now that the public consultation process has concluded, I have no proposals to have further meetings with any interest groups on the matter.
Road Network.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:411 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date in the provision of funding by his Department for the Drogheda Northern Cross Route; if requests for funding were received from Louth local authorities, Drogheda Port Company and any other body or organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21747/06]
The provision and improvement of non-national roads in County Louth is a matter for Louth County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. In March 2005, Louth County Council submitted an outline proposal to my Department in relation to a Drogheda Northern Cross Port Access Route. That document identified a number of possible sources of funding but provided no details. The Council was asked in May 2005 to submit an indicative breakdown of the likely funding from the different sources and that information is awaited in my Department.
In August 2005, my Department sought applications from road authorities for funding under the 2006 EU Co-Financed Specific Improvements Grant Scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is a matter for road authorities. Louth County Council submitted a number of applications but these did not include an application for funding for the Drogheda Northern Cross Port Access Route. My Department will again be seeking applications under the EU Co-Financed Specific Improvements Grant Scheme later this year and it will be open to Louth County Council to submit an application for consideration for funding under this scheme in 2007.
Question No. 412 answered with QuestionNo. 397.
Question No. 413 answered with QuestionNo. 398.
Local Government Elections.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:414 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allow grade four staff who may be serving as senior assistant librarians to stand for election or be co-opted as members of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/06]
The provisions governing local authority membership and local authority employment are set out in section 13 and 161 of the Local Government Act 2001. Under section 13 of the Act, a person employed by a local authority who is not the holder of a class, description or grade of employment designated by order under section 161 is disqualified from being elected or co-opted to, or from being a member of, a local authority.
For the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004, designated employments are employments whose maximum remuneration does not exceed the maximum remuneration for the post of Clerical Officer (Grade 3) in a local authority. As the post of Senior Library Assistant (Grade IV) is not a designated employment under section 161, the holder of such a post is ineligible for membership of a local authority. There are no proposals to alter this position.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:415 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which have a metering service in place for non-domestic water charges; the local authorities that plan to introduce them; the charges in place or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/06]
Michael Ring
Question:416 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a directive has been set by his Department for local authorities with regard to non-domestic water charges, standing water charges and charges for the installation, maintenance and reading of water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.
The Government's water pricing policy framework requires the full recovery of water services costs from the non domestic sector based on metered use. Sanitary authorities have for many years metered non-domestic use to a varying extent with some 78,000 customers metered at the end of 2005. Authorities are currently advancing implementation of their metering programme and I expect that the non-domestic sector will be substantially metered by the end of 2006.
My Department has provided guidance to sanitary authorities in order to assist water pricing policy implementation including non-domestic metering. In this regard, guidance notes on metering were issued in August 2004 which set out general principles and processes for the advancement of non-domestic metering. It is however a matter for each sanitary authority to set the appropriate level of charges for non-domestic users of water services subject to the policy of full recovery of actual costs.
Commonage Framework Plans.
Michael Ring
Question:417 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce additional benefits for actions over and above the requirements of the commonage framework plans, following the European Court of Justice judgement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/06]
Overgrazing has led to environmental problems, particularly loss of vegetation and soil erosion in commonages throughout the country, including the Nephin Beg range and this is subject to a continuing infringement case against Ireland in the European Court of Justice.
Payments to farmers for destocking under Commonage Framework Plans were introduced from end of 1998 as an attempt to aid vegetation recovery in these areas. Initially, it was agreed that the commonage framework plans did not have to be implemented in full. A recent monitoring survey in this area, carried out as part of an intended wider monitoring of commonages, has shown that, apart from some small areas, there has not been satisfactory recovery of the habitat vegetation. Accordingly, it is now a requirement that the commonage framework plans be implemented in full.
It has also proved necessary to amend the requirements for the Owenduff/Nephin commonage by providing that it should be destocked completely for five months of the year: November/December, and mid-February to mid-May. Further monitoring will, of course, be carried out to check the rate of recovery. The costs of these changes will be individually assessed and appropriate compensation will issue through the National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme. The Department of Agriculture and Food are currently assessing the levels of compensation for farmers covered by the REPS scheme in this area.
No actions, over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans have to date been requested by my Department in respect of any other designated area or commonage. Accordingly, the matter of additional benefits has not arisen outside of the Owenduff/Nephin Beg area.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Joe Sherlock
Question:418 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Cork. [21816/06]
The Doneraile Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at an estimated cost of €2.53m. The approval incorporates Exchequer funding at the Serviced Land Initiative rate of 40% for sewer extensions to Skaghardgannon and Brough Cross. It is, accordingly, open to Cork County Council to advance these extensions as part of the collection system contract which, I understand, is currently in progress.
Air Pollution.
Trevor Sargent
Question:419 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the powers available to local authorities to prevent the burning of plastics in domestic fireplaces; and if he plans to introduce legislation in this area. [21834/06]
Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, the occupier of any premises is prohibited from causing or permitting an emission in such a quantity or manner as to be a nuisance. The Act provides local authorities with powers to prevent or limit air pollution and penalties include fines and/or imprisonment upon conviction.
The Waste Management Act 1996 places a general duty of care on the holder of waste not to hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Local authorities are empowered to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused by the holding or disposal of waste, and mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of any such activity. Implementation is a matter for each local authority having regard to the circumstances in its functional area.
Housing Grants.
Brian O'Shea
Question:420 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the review of the disabled person’s grant; if he expects to publish it before the summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21835/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Following the outcome of the review of the implementation of the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes, proposals for the future operation of the schemes are being prepared in my Department. I hope to be in a position to announce these shortly.
Local Authority Funding.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:421 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department directly or indirectly fund various local authorities throughout the country; the extent to which funding has been affected by funds accruing to such local authorities from parking fees, levies, fines or other such charges; if the fees are a substitute for funding from his Department or vice versa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21880/06]
My Department provides capital and current funding for local authorities for a wide range of schemes and programmes. The funding amounted to some €2.9 billion in 2005. Generally, this funding is independent of local authority fees and charges and such income is not a substitute for funding from my Department.